In the vast world of anime and manga, unique power systems are a staple, often defining the very essence of a series. From the intricacies of Nen in Hunter x Hunter to the diverse Stands of Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, these systems provide the framework for epic battles and character growth. However, sometimes, a series introduces a concept that is seemingly so weak or unconventional that it defies expectations, leading to surprisingly powerful results. One such example is the series Bogus Skill «Fruitmaster», where the protagonist, Light, initially receives a seemingly useless ability that turns out to be incredibly overpowered.
The World of Skill Fruits
The premise of Bogus Skill «Fruitmaster» is set in a world where individuals gain special abilities by consuming Skill Fruits. These fruits are not like ordinary fruit; they are the source of unique powers that shape a person’s destiny. In this world, eating a skill fruit is a coming-of-age ritual that determines one’s path in life. The abilities granted by these fruits range from combat skills to more mundane talents, making each fruit a potential game changer. However, there’s a strict rule: consuming a second skill fruit is fatal. This rule creates a tense environment where everyone is locked into the ability they receive during their ritual. This limitation is the foundation for the series and is what makes Light’s skill so special.
The “Useless” Fruitmaster Skill
The protagonist, Light, dreams of becoming the greatest adventurer. During his coming-of-age ritual, he eats a skill fruit, hoping for a powerful combat-oriented ability. Unfortunately, he receives the “Fruitmaster” skill, an ability that seems entirely useless for combat. The Fruitmaster skill is initially depicted as a skill for growing and cultivating fruit, essentially making Light a farmer rather than an adventurer. This skill is considered a “bogus skill” because it does not contribute to combat. This creates a significant gap between Light and his childhood friend Rena, who receives the highly coveted “Sword Saint” skill and quickly rises to S-rank.
This initial setback is a common trope in anime and manga, where the protagonist starts with a seemingly weak ability. However, these humble beginnings often pave the way for significant growth and the unveiling of hidden potential. Light, seemingly stuck with a useless skill, spends his days farming and training with a sword, but the dream of becoming a powerful adventurer remains. This is reminiscent of other anime series where characters initially receive unconventional or seemingly weak powers, only to later discover their true potential, such as the characters who gain powers by consuming things.
The Twist: Unlimited Skill Fruit Consumption
The turning point in the story occurs when Light accidentally consumes a second skill fruit. Instead of dying, as is the established rule of the world, Light survives and discovers the true nature of his Fruitmaster skill. He learns that he can consume an unlimited number of skill fruits without suffering any ill effects, effectively nullifying the poison of the fruit. This discovery shatters the established norms of the series and completely changes Light’s trajectory. With this newfound ability, he can now gain a new power with every fruit he consumes, which transforms his seemingly useless skill into an overpowered ability. This ability allows him to gain various abilities, from elemental powers to enhanced physical abilities, making him a formidable opponent.
This concept of unlimited skill acquisition is a unique twist on traditional power systems in anime. Instead of being limited to a single ability, Light has the potential to accumulate a vast array of skills, making him incredibly versatile and adaptable. This approach to power progression is similar to Rimuru Tempest in That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, whose “Predator” skill allows him to absorb other entities and gain their powers. Both series explore the concept of a protagonist gaining powers through consumption, whether it’s slimes or skill fruits.
The Impact of Fruitmaster
The Fruitmaster skill is far from useless. It transforms Light into a character with endless potential. This unexpected turn of events leads to exciting possibilities. As Light consumes more skill fruits, he steadily gains new skills, growing stronger with every fruit. His ability to acquire skills is not limited to combat skills alone; it can range from enhancing his physical abilities to gaining unique elemental powers. This progression allows Light to learn and grow in ways that other adventurers in his world cannot.
The ability to eat unlimited skill fruits is an absurdly overpowered ability, but it also fits well within the overall theme of the show, which is subverting common tropes. The power scaling in Bogus Skill «Fruitmaster» is driven by Light’s unique ability. Each new skill he gains makes him more powerful and helps him develop as a character. He can strategically choose which powers to obtain, making his ability far more versatile than most others in his world.
Unconventional Abilities in Anime
Light’s Fruitmaster ability is not the only example of unconventional powers found in anime. Many characters possess abilities that defy expectations, often leading to unexpected and humorous situations. For instance, characters like Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo from Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo, who uses his nose hair as a weapon, and other characters with weird superpowers showcase the diversity of powers in the anime world. Similarly, the unique power system in Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure revolves around Stands, which are physical manifestations of an individual’s fighting spirit, demonstrating how unconventional powers can be incorporated in action-packed series. The idea of a skill being tied to an individual’s fighting spirit is similar to the Nen system in Hunter X Hunter, which can manifest in a variety of different abilities.
There are also many examples of anime characters who gain powers by eating things. From Monkey D. Luffy in One Piece, who gained his rubber-like abilities from eating a Devil Fruit, to characters who gain power by consuming other creatures, the concept of consumption as a means of gaining power is common in anime. Arifureta features a protagonist who gains powers by ingesting monsters, and characters like Yuji Itadori from Jujutsu Kaisen gained power by consuming a cursed object. These examples highlight how unique and unconventional abilities are explored within the anime medium.
A People-First Approach
The story of Light and his Fruitmaster skill is more than just a tale about overpowered abilities; it is a story about defying expectations, overcoming limitations, and achieving one’s dreams. The anime takes a people-first approach by making a character with a seemingly “bogus” skill the protagonist and allowing that character to grow and become incredibly powerful. The series focuses on the journey of an underdog, which resonates with audiences and provides a refreshing take on the fantasy genre. Bogus Skill «Fruitmaster» shows that true strength does not always come from conventional means and that a seemingly useless skill can become a character’s greatest asset.
In a world saturated with similar stories, Bogus Skill «Fruitmaster» offers a unique and engaging narrative by presenting the idea of a character who can learn and acquire new skills infinitely. This subversion of the rules of the power system and focus on the underdog is a breath of fresh air. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most unconventional paths can lead to the most extraordinary destinations.
