Imu, Instead of Joy Boy, Will Deliver the Long-Awaited Flashback for One Piece Fans

One of the most eagerly awaited moments in Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece series is undoubtedly the upcoming flashback set during the enigmatic Void Century. This anticipation has only grown stronger following the Egghead Arc, where fans were introduced to the illustrious figure of Joy Boy—if only briefly, through a shadowy depiction.

Currently, many fans believe that this Void Century flashback might center around Joy Boy’s viewpoint or reflect specifically on his character. However, there is a compelling argument suggesting that Imu may actually serve as the central figure in this long-awaited narrative exploration of the Void Century.

Note: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.

The Void Century flashback in One Piece is best narrated through Imu

To support this theory, it’s crucial to consider the premise that Imu was once part of Joy Boy’s crew. A key piece of evidence pointing to this is Imu’s reaction when Joy Boy unleashed his Conqueror’s Haki. Their response indicated an intimate familiarity with Joy Boy, implying a deeper connection. This was further underscored when Imu reacted with fury toward Saint Jaygarcia Saturn, specifically for Joy Boy’s disruptive actions.

This connection may also clarify Imu’s apparent knowledge of Nefertari D. Lili’s influence on the dissemination of the Poneglyphs. It is plausible that both Imu and Lili were integral members of Joy Boy’s crew, as both stem from the First Twenty families. While Imu chose to betray Joy Boy and prevent his message from reaching others, Lili opted to forsake her lineage to ensure that Joy Boy’s message endured.

Considering these factors, it seems likely that Imu will take center stage in the Void Century flashback. This focus would not only deepen our understanding of Imu’s character but also illuminate the complexities of their relationship with Joy Boy. Since Imu has a more significant presence in the current story, their perspective could provide insights that would otherwise remain hidden from fans.

Shifting the spotlight to Imu would also enhance understanding of events following Joy Boy’s demise. Even if Joy Boy were to be the primary focus of the flashback and subsequently removed, highlighting Imu would ensure the narrative remains cohesive and continuous, avoiding disjointed storytelling.

Furthermore, centering the flashback on Imu would facilitate the exploration of the intricacies surrounding the formation of the World Government and its subsequent events. If Joy Boy were the sole focus, it could be contended that the details post his death are extraneous or inadequately justified.

Additionally, the core significance of the Void Century flashback may not revolve around Joy Boy himself, but rather his crucial role in shaping the events that have led to the present-day world. Observing these developments through Imu’s lens would significantly enrich the narrative context relating to the World Government, the Gorosei, and more.

Conclusion

Imu is the logical choice to anchor One Piece's Void Century flashback (Image via Toei Animation) — Imu is the logical choice to anchor One Piece’s Void Century flashback (Image via Toei Animation)

While speculation remains regarding Imu’s potential role as the focal point for the Void Century flashback, this perspective seems the most logical. This approach would provide fans with vital context regarding the decisions that shaped the world within the series. Moreover, concentrating on Imu would deliver a comprehensive and cohesive view of the Void Century and its subsequent ramifications.

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