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WhileOne Piece, at its core, is a fantasy adventure, strangely modern technology, or at the very least technological equivalents, exists in the world. Even outside the impressive technology of Vegapunk, while characters often fight with swords and simple firearms from the actual pirate era, they also possess technology that can imitate the effects of things like modern telephones, cellphones, cameras, television, and more. However, strangely enough, even forOne Piece, this technology was discovered, rather than being invented.
The Transponder Snails, or the Den Den Mushi, are a strange species of creatures that inhabit theOne Pieceworld, simulating modern digital technology. Although little is known about how the snails ended up as both pets and tools of the characters of the series, they are still a massive part ofOne Piecein general, often acting as devices to keep the plot moving forward. Due to this, in many ways, these Transponder Snails are the unsung heroes, doing so much forthe inhabitants of the Blue Planet, without getting much in return.
What Are One Piece’s Transponder Snails?
Strange Creatures That Simulate Audio And Visual Technology
In the world ofOne Piece, Transponder Snails are living creatures that have the capacity to simulate the effects of modern-day technology. For example, the most common form of Transponder Snail allows users to communicate with others as long as they possess another snail, almost exactly like a phone. On top of transmitting audio, similarly, other Transponder Snails can transmit video, something that was demonstrated extensivelyduring the Paramount War.
Purupuru… - A Transponder Snail’s ringing noise
Although these snails simulate certain facets of technology, they are completely natural beings that possess strange innate abilities. Transponder Snails have the ability to engage in telepathic communication with any other Transponder Snail, creating a network betweenOne Piece’smost influential characters. Additionally, these snails have the ability to flawlessly replicate the voices that they hear, as well as portray the emotions of the person on the other end.
Transponder Snails Are Living Creatures With Strange Powers
They Live And Die Like Any Other Living Thing
However, although they simulate technology, the Transponder Snails are living things. This means that, though it isn’t shown often, these snails need to be fed and have a sort of symbiotic relationship with their owners, providing communication in exchange for food. Additionally, these snails have been shown to have the capability of getting sick or even being knocked out bythings like Conqueror’s Haki. Additionally, the snails can die and can be released into nature where they can reacclimate with the natural world.
Another strange property of the Transponder Snails surrounds their behavior. These snails, strangely enough, start to replicate their owners, taking on their physical characteristics. For example,the Warlord of the Sea, Doflamingo’s, Transponder Snail sports his iconic frills and sunglasses. Depending on the type of snail, they can grow to be as large as a common house cat, or small enough to fit in a pocket. Additionally, when not in use, the Transponder Snails seem to spend most of their time sleeping, waiting until they become active again.
What Are The Types Of Transponder Snails?
They Range From Versatile To Strangely Niche
So far,One Piecehas shown a fair number of Transponder Snail types. Outside the common variety, like whatthe Straw Hat Crewowns, for audio-based snails, there are Baby Transponder Snails, a smaller, portable version, Black Transponder Snails, which can wiretap other snails, White Transponder Snails, which can counter wiretaps, Horned Transponder Snails, which can jam signals, and Earpiece Transponder Snails, which are self-explanatory. For visual Transponder Snails, there are Camekos and Prokos, which can capture and display video footage respectively, Projector Transponder Snails, which act as real-life projectors, and Surveillance Transponder Snails, which record video of certain areas.
The thing attatched on your wrist is a Black Transponder Snail. - A Marine
Outside of these, there are special Transponder Snails, like the Golden and Silver Transponder Snails, which are tasked with signalingOne Piece’sBuster Calls. Additionally, there are other niche Transponder Snails in theOne Pieceuniverse that have limited uses and screen time in the series so far. In the end, these snails are an interesting element of the story ofOne Piece, helping the world feel more connected, without making the fantastical adventure feel too modern overall.
One Piece
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One Piece is a Japanese manga written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda. The series follows protagonist Monkey D. Luffy and his Straw Hat Pirate crew as they explore the Grand Line to find the King of the Pirates' ultimate treasure, the One Piece, in order to become the next king. The manga’s popularity helped it spin off into a larger media franchise, including an anime with more than 1,000 episodes.
