One Piece Film: RED may have provided some Imu lore and setup without fans ever realizing

The most successful film in the One Piece series is One Piece Film: RED, which tells the story of Uta, the adoptive daughter of Shanks. Uta’s desire to recreate the world stemmed from feeling abandoned by her friends.

Despite their best efforts, Uta’s summoning of the Ancient Demon King, Tot Musica, could not be prevented. Tot Musica would have put everyone to sleep and taken them to a void where they would not feel any sorrow. However, thanks to the teamwork of Monkey D Luffy and Shanks, Tot Musica was ultimately defeated. Tragically, Uta lost her life in the process.

Surprisingly, there are multiple similarities between Imu and Uta, as both of them worked independently and adorned crowns. Additionally, the Tot Musica could be seen as a parallel to a well-known tune in the series, symbolizing the Supreme Leader of the World Government.

Notice: This article may contain spoilers from the One Piece manga series.

Exploring the Link between Imu and Uta in One Piece

Uta as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

The Straw Hat Pirates journeyed to the island of Elegia in One Piece Film: RED to attend a concert featuring the renowned singer Uta. As they arrived at the venue, Luffy made the unexpected discovery that Uta was actually the daughter of Shanks, with whom he used to play during their childhood.

Upon their reunion, Uta’s behavior towards Luffy became increasingly suspicious, but the atmosphere prevented the Straw Hats from intervening. As the concert came to a close, Uta utilized her Sing-Sing Paramecia devil fruit to transport everyone’s minds into a realm known as Uta World.

Tot Musica as seen in the film (Image via Toei Animation)

There, she called upon Tot Musica, the spirit of an ancient Demon King who had been sealed on the island. The Demon King devoured her soul and prevented anyone from leaving Uta World.

Thankfully, Shanks arrived just in time to save the day. Usopp, known in the Uta World, and Yasopp, known outside, worked together to signal their leaders to attack Tot Muscia from both sides. With a powerful strike from Gear 5 Luffy and Shanks, Tot Muscia was defeated and the day was saved. However, Uta suffered serious injuries in the battle. The Red Hair Pirates quickly retrieved Uta and departed.

As depicted in the movie, the plot revolved around the tragic Uta, who wished to spare others from the same loneliness she experienced. However, Shanks left her behind in order to protect her from being hunted down as a wanted pirate. Additionally, although Uta’s role was minor, her character shares similarities with one of the main adversaries in One Piece, Imu, which may have gone unnoticed by many fans.

Uta as seen in the film (Image via Toei Animation)

Despite being a solitary singer, Uta was determined to establish a new era and held onto her throne. Imu possessed similar qualities and ambitions, as evidenced by the Supreme Leader’s efforts to eliminate the Pirate Era. However, the most striking similarity between them could be attributed to their connection with Tot Musica.

“Binks’ Sake is widely recognized as the most renowned tune from the series. It was often sung by shipwrights and sailors while out at sea. Despite its explicit theme of death, the song offers a sense of hope and liberation for the future.”

Brook singing Binks' sake, as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation) — Brook singing Binks’ sake, as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Similarly, Ado’s Tot Musica is a song that delves into the theme of despair and reflects on the destruction of a new era. The concluding lines of both tracks succinctly capture the essence of their lyrics, which can be summarized as:

“United, we’re fightin’, bring ’em down with our song of ruin”(Tot Musica)

“so spread your tale from dawn ’til dusk upon these foamy seas.”(Binks’ Sake)

Imu as seen in the One Piece anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Upon examining the lyrics of Binks’ Sake, it is possible that the song is referencing JoyBoy, whose actions, as explained in Vegapunk’s speech, involved entrusting the fate of the new era, including ancient weapons, to future generations after his passing.

On the contrary, Tot Musica serves as a clear embodiment of Imu’s persona, known for causing destruction to islands and striving to put an end to the Pirate era. Therefore, it is plausible that One Piece Film: RED provided a significant hint regarding Imu’s identity, and Uta’s character may have drawn inspiration from Imu with minor alterations.