Article summary:
The world believes that the World Government is a democracy led by the Council of Kings. That is a lie. At the top of Mariejois, on the "Empty Throne," sits one person: Imu-sama (or Im). Probably immortal, secret ruler, and wielder of terrifying power, he is the final antagonist of the series.
Since his silent appearance, theories have been flying. Is he a god? A demon? A woman? Thanks to Sabo's revelations during the Reverie and Ivankov's information, the mask is beginning to fall in 2026. Let's analyze everything we know about the "King of the World."
The red eye that has watched over history for 800 years.
Saint Nerona Imu: The Immortal of the Void Century
Ivankov revealed a crucial detail: among the 20 founding kings of the World Government, there was a king from the Nerona family named Imu. It is highly likely that the current Imu is this same person, having survived since the Void Century.
How? The leading theory is based on the eternal youth operation performed with the Ope Ope no Mi (Law's current fruit). Someone may have sacrificed themselves 800 years ago to make Imu immortal. To understand what is at stake with this power, read our article: The Secret of Law's Fruit.
Imu does not age, allowing him to manipulate history, erase lights (such as Lulusia), and command the 5 Elders (Gorosei) like mere servants.
A Terrifying Power: Demon or Fruit?
During Sabo's infiltration of Mariejois (see: How Did Sabo Survive?), we saw Imu transform. A monstrous silhouette capable of swallowing fire and attacking with shadow arrows.
As with the Gorosei, this does not appear to be a classic Devil Fruit, but rather a more ancient power, perhaps connected to the very origin of the Devil Fruits or to a real demonic entity ("Yokai").
Imu also possesses the Ancient Weapon Uranus, allowing him to annihilate islands from the sky.
Support the Revolutionary Army against this monster with our collection dedicated to Sabo and Dragon.
The Sworn Enemy of Joy Boy and the "D."
Imu seems obsessed with one thing: preventing the return of Joy Boy. He keeps a giant straw hat frozen in a cold room in Mariejois, like a trophy or a reminder of his former rival.
Imu's hatred is directed specifically toward:
- Luffy (the new Joy Boy).
- Blackbeard (the unpredictable one).
- Shirahoshi (Poseidon).
- Vivi (Lili's descendant, the "traitor" among the 20 kings).
This thousand-year conflict between Imu and the D. clan will soon reach its conclusion.
Conclusion: The Fall of the God?
Imu is the final obstacle on the path to freedom. For the world to change, he must fall. Luffy is not yet aware of his existence, but their confrontation is inevitable.
To understand the organization he leads, visit our pillar page on the hierarchy of the World Government or explore the mysteries on our page dedicated to secrets.
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