Imu from One Piece: A Surprising Twist on Nefertari Theories

In recent times, one of the most intriguing characters in Eiichiro Oda’s acclaimed One Piece series is undoubtedly Imu. This mysterious figure, who occupies the Empty Throne, has captivated the imaginations of fans ever since their debut. The fascination surrounding Imu has intensified due to the character’s actions and influence within the story as it has evolved.

An intriguing theory that has surfaced among the One Piece community is the suggestion that Imu is actually Nefertari D. Lili. More precisely, it is proposed that Imu embodies the essence and consciousness of Lili. While this interpretation holds merit, another perspective might more accurately reflect Imu’s motives and philosophical outlook as understood by fans today.

Imu’s True Identity: Lili’s Daughter Rather Than Nefertari D. Lili

Instead of being a direct incarnation of Nefertari D. Lili, segments of the One Piece fandom now lean towards the theory that Imu is actually the daughter of Lili. A significant piece of evidence supporting this theory lies in the connections drawn between Imu and the character Donquixote Doflamingo.

The most striking similarity is in how both Imu and Doflamingo wield influence and power through formidable allies. Just as Doflamingo is backed by his loyal executives in the Donquixote Family, Imu is upheld by the powerful Gorosei. Oda enhances this comparison visually in two panels, positioning Imu and Doflamingo in similar contexts alongside their respective supporters.

Furthermore, according to current fan understanding, Lili renounced her status as a Celestial Dragon, akin to Doflamingo’s father, Homing, who also cast aside the title. This is suggested by the absence of the 20th sword from the collection before the Empty Throne, which would have symbolized Lili’s lineage.

However, a representative sword for the Nefertari family does exist, situated in the Room of Flowers that Imu frequently visits. This narrative also mirrors Doflamingo’s arc; like Doflamingo, Imu may have had to eliminate a parent who discarded the Celestial Dragon status to pursue power, with Imu ultimately succeeding in reclaiming that status, unlike Doflamingo, whose ambitions were limited to ruling Dressrosa.

Imu’s apparent immortality serves as another parallel to Doflamingo, who sought the Op-Op Fruit to achieve eternal youth through the Perpetual Youth Surgery. While Doflamingo’s efforts fell short, Imu appears to have triumphed in this area, further aligning the two characters. Furthermore, there are subtle hints, such as the Mother Flame’s assault on Lulusia Kingdom featuring 16 distinct beams, a noteworthy coincidence with Doflamingo’s own “16 holy bullets.”

Another potential connection might be with Sugar, a member of the Doflamingo Pirates, characterized as a child eternally frozen in youth due to her Hobby-Hobby Fruit abilities. With her design featuring a crown and the power to transform humans into her puppets, there are undeniable resemblances to Imu, who also wears a crown and exhibits control over subjects on a global scale.

Concluding Thoughts

The occupant of the Empty Throne may have betrayed their own mother to gain such power (Image via Toei Animation)

While this theory remains speculative, the argument for Imu being the daughter of Nefertari D. Lili is compelling and coherent. The strong parallels drawn to Doflamingo, who is deeply intertwined with the mysteries of Mariejois and Celestial Dragons, bolster this theory significantly. Fans are hopeful that Imu’s true identity will be unveiled as the series moves through its concluding saga.

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