Imu is the enigmatic ruler in the world of One Piece, seated upon the Empty Throne, a place shrouded in taboos.
One Piece is famous for its array of mysterious characters, from Shanks to Mihawk and Dragon. Yet, the identity of the world’s ruler stands out as the most perplexing enigma in the entire series.
The foundation of the World Government was intended to forge a realm where equality reigns.
The Empty Throne symbolizes peace and equality among nations, with the belief that no one—neither the Gorosei—can occupy it. Here’s what we currently understand about Imu, the sovereign of the One Piece universe.
The Mythological Reference Behind the Mysterious Ruler
In Norse mythology, Imu is the name of the Jotunn, often juxtaposed with gods and other supernatural entities such as dwarfs and elves. The Jotunn reside in realms outside the dominion of gods and humans.
In Germanic myth, Jotunn refers to beings with supernatural traits. Imu, adorned with a crown featuring four sharp, towering spikes, dons an exceedingly long robe that cascades upon the ground.
Although Imu possesses a humanoid silhouette, the oddly proportioned hands raise questions regarding their height. The unusual proportions suggest that Imu is likely not an average human.
Imu Carries a Weapon in One Piece
In spite of Imu’s high status, they wield an ordinary saber. Although it hasn’t been used in combat, it has served to sever bounty posters and photographs.
Imu exhibits a tranquil demeanor while handling butterflies in the Room of Flowers, yet this calm contrasts with the ruthless destruction of their targets’ images in the next moment.
Imu Targets Four Characters in One Piece
Monkey D. Luffy, Shirahoshi, Nefertari Vivi, and Marshal D. Teach are drastically different from one another. Yet, they share a commonality: they have all captured Imu’s interest. However, Imu’s intentions toward each differ.
Imu expresses hostility towards Luffy, Shirahoshi, and Blackbeard by annihilating their images. Conversely, Princess Vivi’s picture is held in close proximity. It appears that Imu seeks something from all four. They possess the posters or photos of their targets while poised before a colossal straw hat.
Imu Is Likely Immortal and One of the Rulers from 800 Years Ago
In One Piece chapter 1086, Ivankov hypothesizes that Imu’s full name could be Saint Imu of House Nerona, one of the rulers from the twenty allied nations. Ivankov divulges a book to Sabo, referencing an ability that could bestow eternal youth, likely the Op-Op Fruit, known for such power.
Ivankov posits that this devil fruit must have been used by someone in the past. Moreover, Nefertari Cobra highlights that one of the twenty rulers shared the same name as the world’s sovereign. Given how the Gorosei refer to Imu as the “world’s creator,”it is evident that Imu played an integral role in the World Government’s formation.
Imu Has the Power to Control the Lives of Gorosei
The Gorosei exhibit instant regeneration and remain ageless. In flashbacks from Ohara (20 years ago) and God Valley (38 years ago), the five appear unchanged. Their transformations also hint at a demonic nature, with limited knowledge about their summoning abilities.
While Saturn appeared fearful of Luffy’s unprecedented powers, Luffy couldn’t inflict lasting harm on him. In stark contrast, Imu ruthlessly eliminated Saturn from a distance, being in Mariejois while Saturn was aboard a ship near Egghead.
Imu demonstrated profound power, able to telepathically contact Saturn and evidently drain his life force, leaving only bones behind. This astonishing display of power elevates Imu’s threat level above any character seen in the series thus far.
The One Piece manga is progressing towards the Elbaf Arc.
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