Why G5 Isn't a Retcon
The concept of the Rubber-Rubber Fruit may be related to an ancient Native American myth about aliens. Specifically, what are known as "Star People". They came from another part of space, and they had sewn seeds throughout the cosmos bearing their image. See below.
History. The tribe was descended from the ancient Rubber Tree People of the Central American jungle. According to ancient myth, the Sky Spirits from above created the first Rubber People in their own image and led the way to a sacred land where they would live for eternity.
The "Sky Spirits" are actually aliens we call "Star People". They have highly evolved bodies that are extremely flexible and resilient at the same time.
The Rubber-Rubber Fruit basically embodies this concept, and the myth of Sun God Nika supports the distinction between the first Rubber People and the Gods who created them. In this case, it's as though Luffy was a Rubber Person and then he became one of the Sky Spirits (a God).
This may have been implied since its inception. So, the entire encompassing concept was already clear.
After evolving long enough, the Star People are supposed to come back and meet us, but they won't come until we're ready for it - or they may forsake us and never come at all. That's how it is. We are supposed to evolve and become like them. Luffy has basically done that by awakening the fruit.
I don't think the concept of a Rubber Human came from nowhere. It's almost certainly tied to this myth.
Concerning indigenous people, this also relates to "shamanism" stuff. The Rubber People were also known as Shapeshifters! It's like one of their most important abilities.
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