The First King to Sit on the Throne
When Imu first appeared sitting on the throne in Mariejois, he occupied the throne that was supposed to be empty, thereby upending the political balance that had persisted throughout the entire story. This scene, in which even the five elderly sages kneel before him, officially revealed that the royal hierarchy in the One Piece universe ultimately serves a single individual.
The Five Elderly Sages Obey His Commands
The members of the Gorosei, typically portrayed as the world's highest authority, literally kneel before Imu. They not only obey his words but also immediately carry out his silent gestures and unspoken demands. This is one of the most striking proofs that Imu possesses not just symbolic but true absolute power.
The Destruction of the Lulusia Kingdom
Imu's ability to completely annihilate the Lulusia Kingdom with a decision as simple as pressing a button demonstrates that the weapons he possesses are not merely mythological but possess mass destruction capabilities. This event also sparked theories that the ancient weapon “Uranus” might be in Imu's possession.
Not Even a Shadow of a Human
In the scene where Imu first appears as a silhouette, his eye structure, the shape of his hat, and the contours of his body lacked human characteristics. The circular oddity in his pupils and his massive silhouette raised the possibility that he is either superhuman or an entirely different species.
Connection to the Massive Hat
The massive “crown-like” hat found in the frozen room beneath Mariejois may be directly connected to Imu's past. This hat could represent a royal title from centuries ago, and the “empty throne” myth may have been created around this symbol over time.
Joy Boy's Enemy?
Clues about the dark history of the Void Century suggest that Imu had a direct conflict with Joy Boy. The opposing ideologies of these two figures—one advocating freedom and equality, the other totalitarian control—could explain why Imu has kept his existence hidden for centuries.
Shocking Theories About His Age
Theories that Imu has been alive since the Void Century are not mere rumors; his knowledge of information from Joy Boy's era and ancient symbols suggests he may possess an immortal-like ability. This makes him a rare figure who both knows the past and controls the present.
The Reversal of His Name: “Umi” and Its Meaning
The fact that the name “Imu” spells ‘Umi’ (meaning “sea”) when written backwards in Japanese could create a dark contrast to the theme of freedom represented by the sea and oceans in the One Piece universe. While the sea symbolizes freedom, Imu could be the force suppressing that freedom.
Shanks' Secret Connection
Shanks being one of the few people allowed to meet Gorosei directly has led some fans to speculate that he may have an indirect or direct connection to Imu. Especially the scene where he says, “I want to talk about a certain person,” suggests that there may be another level of connection that could influence Imu’s decisions.
Imu’s Silence Is No Coincidence
The fact that Imu has not uttered a single word to date may be intended to turn the character's identity into a metaphor for his existence. This silent figure who makes all the decisions symbolizes how control is exercised through silence.
His Knowledge of the Void Century
Imu's detailed knowledge of ancient times cannot be explained solely by his long life. While even the Poneglyph texts remain unsolved, Imu's knowledge of Joy Boy, Uranus, and other ancient beings suggests that he was either a witness or an active participant in that era.
Evidence That He Deliberately Erased History
The World Government's 800-year-long deliberate efforts to erase history—the Ohara massacre, the destruction of Lulusia, the Poneglyph ban—all lead back to a single source: Imu. These censorship policies show that Imu has been secretly exerting massive control to prevent certain secrets from being revealed.
Special Interest in Vivi
Among the torn posters in the flower garden of Mariejois, Vivi's photo remains untouched, suggesting that Imu has a special connection with her. This connection strengthens theories that Vivi is either a “threat” from the royal lineage or the bearer of another inheritance.
The True Power Over Nations
In the One Piece world, scenes showing that the decision-making mechanisms of all countries are merely formalities while kings gather at Reverie reveal that Imu's authority actually controls a global puppet theater. It is implied that no country is truly independent and that all exist within the boundaries drawn by Imu.
The True Owner of One Piece
According to some theories, the treasure known as “One Piece” is actually a power or body of knowledge that was taken from Imu. If this is true, the only person who could possess One Piece is the one who lost it centuries ago. This would make Imu the true final enemy standing against Luffy.
Connection to Ancient Weapons
Lulusia's destruction occurred through a beam of light from the sky. This is a supernatural attack that can only be explained by Uranus. However, considering that Pluto and Poseidon still possess active potential, it is clear that Imu possesses at least one of these weapons and is planning to control the others.
Connection to the Giant Dragon Symbol
The massive dragon symbols found in the sacred areas beneath Mariejois are said to represent kings who connected with the sky in some legends. These figures may symbolize either Imu's origin or the divine status he has bestowed upon himself.
Seemingly Belonging to No Race
Imu, who has never been identified as belonging to any race (human, giant, Tenryuubito, Mink, etc.), is a complete outsider in the One Piece world. His silhouette resembles both a human and an alien being, fueling speculation that he may have come from another era or dimension.
A Power That Rules Without Taking Initiative
Imu rarely takes center stage; instead, he commands or implies actions. In this sense, he is not a force that wields power but one that directs it toward others. His leadership stems not from physical action but from his ability to exert total control and manipulation.
The Symbolic Lie of the Empty Throne
The concept of the “Empty Throne” is a sacred lie representing the equality and unity of all nations. Imu has been sitting on this throne for centuries, hiding behind this lie. In reality, the throne is not empty; it is simply filled in an invisible way. This is proof of a system that serves not the people but a single entity behind the scenes.
The Mystery in Imu's Eyes
When Imu was first shown, his eyes featured circular, interlocking rings. This detail was not seen in Tenryuubitolar or any other character. The eye structure could signify both superiority and another form of existence; perhaps Imu possesses a completely different consciousness.
Paying Respect to the Giant Altar
Leaving flowers at the “Giant Hat” hidden in Mariejois suggests that Imu still respects a person or symbol that once existed. This scene may indicate that he is experiencing an internal conflict with the past and trying not to forget certain things.
Absolute Silence Surrounding Imu's Existence
Neither the Tenryuubito nor the Celestial Dragons mention Imu. This proves that his existence is only known to a certain class and level of knowledge. Thus, Imu is not a legend; he is an almost deified, unreachable shadow authority.
Opposed to D's Will
The chaotic, freedom-loving, and anti-order nature of characters bearing the letter “D” directly conflicts with Imu's systematic, oppressive, and absolute understanding of order. Therefore, Imu is the living embodiment of why the “D” lineage has been systematically targeted for elimination for centuries.
If the True World Order Is Destroyed, Imu Will Also Perish
The balance in the One Piece universe—the Tenryuubito, Celestial Dragons, Gorosei, and Royal Family—is actually a structure that preserves Imu's existence. If this structure collapses, Imu's power will not only be symbolic but will physically collapse as well. This is why it acts ruthlessly and destructively against rebellions.
Could Be the Secret Key to the Finale
According to many theories, the true meaning of One Piece lies in uncovering the past or an alternative future hidden by Imu. This elevates Luffy’s journey beyond simply becoming the “pirate king.” In reality, Luffy’s mission is to erase an absolute authority like Imu from history.
Against an Ideology That Sees All Races as Equal
The suppression of Fish-Man Island, the destruction of Ohara, the exile of the Shandians… All point to the same idea: Imu opposes the unity of different races on the basis of equality. His world is built on hierarchy and nobility; therefore, differences are not seen as threats but as elements that must be eliminated.
Possessing a Power Far Beyond Technology
Imu, who can use a weapon that even Vegapunk cannot understand with a single command, may not just control technology. The fact that this power is directly connected to an ancient energy suggests that he is not only in touch with science but also with ancient “supernatural knowledge.”
Can Physically Suppress Willpower
After the destruction of the Lulusia Kingdom, not only the space but also the memories of the people were erased. This suggests that Imu possesses a ability that controls not only the physical realm but also memory and knowledge. In a sense, Imu is a god-like figure who shapes “reality.”
Imu's Death Means the Rewriting of History
Imu's demise will not only mark the end of a character but also the end of all lies in the One Piece universe. With his disappearance, the empty throne will truly remain vacant, and the world will finally gain the freedom to determine its own destiny.