| Mato Mato no Mi | |
|---|---|
| Name | Mato Mato no Mi |
| Japanese | マトマトの実 |
| Translation | Target-Target Fruit |
| Type | Paramecia |
| User | Kaku (former), Blueno (brief mention), CP9 (organization) |
| First appearance | One Piece manga chapter 300 |
| Creator | Eiichiro Oda |
Mato Mato no Mi
The Mato Mato no Mi (Japanese: マトマトの実, "Target-Target Fruit") is a fictional Devil Fruit from the manga and anime series One Piece by Eiichiro Oda. It grants the user the supernatural ability to lock onto and track targets, a power that significantly enhances assassination, surveillance, and combat tactics within the world of the Grand Line. The fruit is notable for its association with members of the secretive government agency CP9 and for its tactical implications in several pivotal arcs.
The Mato Mato no Mi is classified as a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit that alters the user's body and grants an external ability rather than elemental control. Created by Eiichiro Oda, it first appears during the Enies Lobby arc and becomes part of the wider narrative exploring World Government operatives and covert operations. Unlike some fruits that change physiology, the Mato Mato no Mi functions through a sensory augmentation: it creates an invisible "lock" on chosen targets, enabling pin-point attacks and remote guidance of projectiles. This capability played a role in illustrating the strategic depth and discipline of organizations such as CP9 and the Galley-La Company incident indirectly.
The primary ability of the Mato Mato no Mi is target acquisition and persistent target-locking. The user can select an individual or object and maintain an invisible marker visible only to them; projectiles or strikes aimed with intent toward the marker will curve or home in on the locked target. This enables attacks to ignore ordinary miss-aim and allows use of otherwise imprecise weapons with deadly accuracy. The power works at range and is not limited by direct line-of-sight once a lock is established, though environmental factors in Skypiea-like scenarios, Calm Belt, or dense obstacles may hinder practical use.
Mechanically, the fruit does not grant direct offensive strength—users still rely on physical prowess, weapons like swords or firearms, and techniques such as Rokushiki augmentations. The Mato Mato no Mi synergizes with skills like Soru for speed, Geppo for aerial positioning, and disciplined marksmanship. The fruit's limitations include potential vulnerability to countermeasures from users of fruits like the Soru Soru no Mi or techniques exploiting sensory deception, and it is countered by absolute immobilization or Haki-based observation that can reveal intent and negate surprise. The fruit does not inherently enable mind control, teleportation, or immunity to physical harm.
The most prominent canonical user is Kaku, a former member of CP9 who later appears in non-government roles. Kaku's use of the Mato Mato no Mi demonstrated how the fruit complements a highly trained operative: combining target-locking with expert swordsmanship and Rokushiki techniques, he could execute complex offensive patterns. Within the wider narrative, members of CP9 such as Rob Lucci and Kalifa serve as contextual peers whose abilities and equipment highlight the tactical niche the Mato Mato no Mi fills.
Non-canonical and supplementary materials (artbook annotations, databooks) sometimes list other potential or hypothesized users, which underscores the fruit's desirability among assassin-like operatives and military units such as Cipher Pol. The association of the fruit with Cipher Pol reflects the World Government's emphasis on stability and control, seeking fruits that increase precision in operations crucial for national cohesion.
The Mato Mato no Mi debuts during the Enies Lobby arc (manga chapter 300), where its effects are displayed in encounters involving the Straw Hats, Franky, and members of CP9. Scenes showing Kaku using the fruit against protagonists illustrate the strategic challenge it poses to non-powered fighters and the need for coordination and counterstrategy. Later references in databooks and fan-discussed timelines connect the fruit to broader stories involving Water 7 and the secret programs of the World Government.
In animated adaptations by Toei Animation, the Mato Mato no Mi's visual depiction emphasizes the invisible lock with cinematography and targeting effects, informing viewers about its homing properties. The fruit is also referenced in video game adaptations such as titles by Bandai Namco Entertainment where mechanics emulate its targeting trait, allowing playable characters to simulate homing attacks under certain conditions.
Within the One Piece fandom and among critics, the Mato Mato no Mi is often cited as an example of a fruit whose power is conceptually simple but strategically potent. Commentators note how the fruit reinforces themes of discipline, order, and the regulated force employed by institutions like the World Government and Cipher Pol. Its portrayal influenced debates on fairness in combat balance, especially compared with more flamboyant abilities like the Gomu Gomu no Mi or Hie Hie no Mi.
Merchandise, fan art, and discussions on forums and strategy guides have kept interest in the Mato Mato no Mi alive. Analysts at outlets covering manga and anime frequently reference its role when assessing the Enies Lobby arc's depiction of state power and the interplay between individual freedom and institutional order—recurring themes central to One Piece. The fruit remains a concise illustration of how modest supernatural effects can have outsized narrative and tactical importance.
Category:Devil Fruits Category:One Piece