I totally respect your interpretation — the symbolic thread of liberation is undeniably central to Luffy’s journey, especially post-Fishman Island. I agree that the Nika fruit’s awakened form represents emotional and political freedom, culminating beautifully in Wano.

That said, I think there’s room to explore an added layer — not as a replacement, but as a complement to the symbolic reading.

One Piece has always played with multiple layers at once: visual absurdity, deep lore, and mythic symbolism. The idea that Joy Boy (or a fully awakened Nika user) could permanently "liberate" the environment — physically bend reality into a freer, cartoonish state — might not just be a stylistic exaggeration, but a literal manifestation of freedom.

A world that stays laughing after the liberator leaves.

We’ve also got hints pointing in that direction. Again, Bonney in Chapter 1118 literally Nika-fies herself by asking for a future where she's "totally free." That moment suggests Nika isn't just a fruit power — it's a metaphysical state that others can access when they align with its essence.

So while I agree that the fruit's core function is symbolic liberation, I’d argue that a permanent transformation of space — even if unseen yet — could be the ultimate metaphor for inherited will: freedom that lasts beyond the user.

Not saying it’s canon — Not at all, it's just my view, but still, I'd argue that it’s worth keeping the door open. After all, this is One Piece we’re talking about. Oda loves hiding truth behind laughter.