Imu, the most enigmatic character in the One Piece manga, lies at the heart of the mysteries surrounding the World Government. Recently introduced as the true King of the World, his existence is a secret jealously guarded by the Council of the Five Elders. But recent events, such as the disappearance of the Cobra King and Sabo during the Reverie, hint at his influence...
Who really is Imu and what is his ultimate goal? Why does he seem particularly interested in Luffy? Discover everything we know about this fascinating character who might just be the key to all of One Piece’s mysteries!
Imu’s First Appearance
Imu makes his debut in chapter 906 of the One Piece manga, The Holy Land of Mariejois, during the Reverie arc. In a secret room within Pangea Castle, a mysterious figure is discovered sitting on the Empty Throne—the supreme seat of the World Government, which is meant to remain unoccupied. Only his silhouette is visible, clad in a black robe and a tall, pointed crown that completely obscures his face. From this shadow, two glowing red eyes emerge, lending an even more ominous air to the King of the World.
Opposite him stand the Five Elders, who were until now considered the highest authority of the World Government. Yet before Imu, the Gorosei show complete submission, kneeling before the throne. They even address him with the honorific title “Your Majesty.” This demonstrates that Imu is hierarchically superior to them and appears to be the true absolute master of the organization… even if his existence was shrouded in secrecy.
This scene reveals a new tier of power within the World Government. Who is this secret sovereign really? What are his objectives? What role will he play in the story? These mysteries fuel readers’ curiosity and promise stunning revelations for the future of the series.
What Are Imu’s Objectives?
Imu operates in the shadows to maintain a global balance that is, in reality, nothing more than a system of oppression. His goal is to keep peoples divided and under control, ensuring they never question the authority of the World Government and the Celestial Dragons. To achieve this, Imu makes sure that conflicts and threats continue to arise in every corner of the world.
- Pirates, whether they are mere scallywags or powerful Emperors, are tolerated—or even encouraged—because they sow chaos, driving the populace to turn to the Navy and the Government for protection.
- The Shichibukai (the Seven Warlords of the Sea) served as another tool of division, being bloodthirsty pirates legitimized to better control their peers.
- Even within the World Government, Imu fans rivalries—for instance, between Cipher Pol operatives and the Navy’s admirals.
As long as people remain afraid and distrustful of one another, they will not unite. It is this fear that Imu cultivates, as it guarantees the longevity of his absolute reign. Any threat to this status quo—such as the nations of Blanc or Ohara and their knowledge of the Forgotten Century—is ruthlessly eliminated.
Imu’s power rests on a fractured world kept in ignorance. That is why he fears above all the D Clan, bearers of the Will of D, for they have the power to awaken consciences and rally peoples toward freedom.
Theories on Imu’s Identity
Imu Might Be a Celestial Dragon from the Forgotten Century
- Imu is part of the 20 founding royal families that established the World Government 800 years ago, which makes him an original Celestial Dragon.
- His status as a Celestial Dragon would explain his absolute power over the World Government and his position above the Five Elders.
- Imu is said to have defeated Joyboy and the Ancient Kingdom to establish his reign. Since then, he has strived to erase all traces of that past and to suppress those who get too close (the D Clan, Ohara, etc.).
Imu Might Be the Former Ruler of Skypiea
- Several elements link Imu to Skypiea: the parallels between Imu and Ener and the Vearth statue, which is said to resemble him.
- Imu is believed to have been the first ruler of Skypiea before descending to Earth to establish the World Government. He is also credited with instituting the system of god in Skypiea.
Imu Might Be Connected to the Ancient Kingdom or to Joy Boy
- Imu and Joyboy were acquainted and possibly even friends before falling into conflict during the Forgotten Century.
- Imu is said to have defeated Joyboy and the Ancient Kingdom to establish his reign. Since then, he has worked to erase every trace of that past and to suppress those who approach it (the D Clan, Ohara, etc.).
- Another possibility is that Imu was in love with Lili, but she chose Joyboy instead, sparking Imu’s jealousy and hatred towards them.
Imu Might Be Nefertari Lily, the Queen of Alabasta 800 Years Ago
- The recent revelation regarding the queen of Alabasta, Lily Nefertari, from 800 years ago has led to speculation that she and Imu might be one and the same.
- Lily is said to have attained immortality, perhaps thanks to the Ope Ope no Mi, and transformed into Imu. Her androgynous appearance and silhouette bear resemblances to both Lily and Vivi.
However, several elements contradict this theory: Why would Lily have left a compromising letter if she wanted to erase her existence? Why doesn’t Imu use the information about Pluton in Alabasta if she is Lily? Could it be that Imu took possession of Lily’s body through the power of the Ope Ope no Mi?
Imu’s origins remain mysterious, but it is clear that he is linked to the Forgotten Century and the founding of the World Government. Numerous theories abound, but one thing is certain: Imu is the key to unraveling the secrets of the past, and he will be the ultimate antagonist of Monkey D. Luffy.
Imu’s Presumed Powers
Although Imu’s exact abilities remain shrouded in mystery, several theories circulate regarding the nature of his powers:
- Imu is believed to have eaten a powerful Mythical Zoan-type Devil Fruit, perhaps a Dragon model, granting him colossal strength and the ability to lift islands.
- He is also thought to possess an immensely potent Observation Haki that allows him to see into the future and monitor the entire world, much like Ener did with his fruit and mantra.
- Imu is said to have the power to command the oceans and the elements, perhaps linked to the ancient weapon Uranus. This would enable him to engulf entire islands and nullify the powers of Devil Fruits.
- There is a theory that Imu attained immortality through the ultimate operation of the Ope Ope no Mi performed by a previous user. This is the most popular explanation for Imu’s longevity. Some even go so far as to suggest that it was Imu himself who orchestrated the massacre of Flevance in order to seize that Devil Fruit and its powers.
But in the absence of official confirmation, Imu’s true abilities remain one of One Piece’s greatest mysteries!
Towards the Final Showdown with Luffy
Everything points to Imu being the main antagonist of One Piece, the ultimate foil to Monkey D. Luffy. While the young straw-hat pirate embodies the ideals of freedom and unity, Imu represents oppression and absolute control. Their final confrontation seems inevitable and will decide the fate of the One Piece world.
Imu has already identified Luffy as a major threat to be eliminated, going so far as to tear up his wanted poster along with those of Marshall D. Teach (Blackbeard) and Shirahoshi. Conversely, Vivi’s poster remains untouched, suggesting that she might be Imu’s next target. This hints at an upcoming conflict in which all of Luffy’s allies, the Revolutionaries, and the members bearing the “D” initial will have to unite. And you—how do you see Imu evolving throughout the chapters?