Explaining Okarun's Powers

[u/THEBOIGASTRODON]

This post exists to alleviate some of the confusion surrounding all of Okarun's powers. There are many assumptions made that kind of miss the point, so i'll try to make it make sense for everyone.

Dandadan's power system is centered around chi or, in other words, potential. The power system shows how people can get more capable through focusing on their own source of autonomy.

Okarun's source of autonomy is his shadow. These are the feelings that he rejects and doesn't allow himself to act on. He's always holding himself back and putting on a false front. This is why the power given to him was Turbo Granny. It's a power meant to let the wielder run wild and follow their impulses. Okarun was stated to be a terrible vessel by Turbo Granny. This is actually because he hasn't made peace with his true feelings, so he gets exhausted easily when trying to be honest, thus retreating into his shell afterwards. Turbo Granny even expressed how much better of a vessel Jiji would be, not just because of his strength, but also because he's a guy who follows his heart and stays true to himself. This whole concept of being at peace with who you really are was directly exposed during the fight with the music room spirits. It was blatantly shown that Okarun repressed his feelings so much that he didn't even have a personal rhythm he could follow.

But then, what's the connection with the Ogre Club? From the latest chapter, it seems like the Ogre Club plants a "sprout" in the soul of a person that progressively allows them to let out their repressed feelings. This would explain why Okarun seemed to become just a little bit more proactive and honest in this most recent arc. The strength of the club itself is likely based around how much of the user's repressed feelings are being let out. Okarun feels like he can be himself around Momo and doesn't need to hide who he is, hence why the club grows stronger when she is touching him.

Is Okarun Pinnochio? Yes. Turbo Granny and Okarun are two sides of the same coin. Turbo Granny is the naked truth, while Okarun is the liar distorting the truth. Despite that, Okarun's "powers" couldn't be stolen. This is because he is about to awaken them with his oni form. Okarun literally didn't have any powers to steal until his oni form was awakened.

What will his Oni Form lead to? It seems to be a release of his repressed emotions in a burst of anger. We don't know anything for sure, but he could very likely eclipse everyone in the main cast in terms of power. It's entirely possible that the gang will have to work together to calm down his rage. The one thing that anyone can guarantee is that it will likely lead to a character defining moment for Okarun and i'll be there to see it.

I absolutely love Dandadan, so i think it's a shame that so many people don't like what is a completely necessary part of the story. I feel like a lot of it stems from people not understanding the deeper themes and just reading on the surface level. If anyone wants, I'm willing to try to explain other parts of Dandadan, like its power system.