18 Years Ago, Eiichiro Oda Already Revealed How Imu Can Be Defeated In One Piece

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This article contains spoilers from One Piece’s Elbaf Arc.

The final arc of One Piece is heavily featuring Saint Imu Nerona, who is established as the most powerful character in the series. Recent events shown by the author, particularly during the God Valley flashback, have reinforced Imu’s position as the strongest person in the world. Right now, Imu appears to be unstoppable. Considering even Rocks D. Xebec couldn’t defeat them, it’s unlikely any current pirate has a chance.

In One Piece, even seemingly weak abilities can overcome strong ones, often in surprising ways. This is largely due to how Devil Fruit powers interact, whether or not Haki is involved. While Imu appears unbeatable right now, their powers actually have a weakness, and the author, Oda, hinted at it 18 years ago. Unfortunately, some of Oda’s details don’t always translate perfectly, but the solution to defeating Imu was revealed a long time ago.

Oda Revealed The Counter To Imu’s Powers 18 Years Ago

Eighteen years ago, a pivotal battle in One Piece introduced one of the series’ most iconic villains. Taking place in chapters 440 and 441, the fight pitted Portgas D. Ace, son of Gol D. Roger, against Marshall D. Teach, son of Rocks D. Xebec. During this clash, the author revealed the incredibly powerful Yami Yami no Mi, allowing Blackbeard to negate Ace’s Mera Mera no Mi abilities. However, there’s a notable difference between the original Japanese version of these chapters and the English translation.

That’s right—my Devil Fruit ability is actually quite weak! —Blackbeard, One Piece, Chapter 441

The English translation of Teach’s statement about his power makes it sound like it can absorb the abilities of Devil Fruits. However, the original Japanese actually says his power, the Yami Yami no Mi, can absorb the power of the Devil itself. Considering Imu is heavily implied to be the Devil in the world of One Piece, this suggests Oda planned a future fight between Blackbeard and Imu, where Blackbeard’s fruit will be able to negate Imu’s powers.

Blackbeard Can Nullify Imu’s Devil Powers

Imu’s abilities seem to stem from dark, demonic forces, something Eiichiro Oda hinted at throughout the One Piece story. Imu not only wields this power but also appears to grant it to others, as evidenced by their ability to form ‘Demonic Contracts.’ Therefore, the idea that Imu is a devil figure within the One Piece world isn’t shocking. What’s truly fascinating is that Oda actually foreshadowed Imu’s weakness 18 years ago, and the key to defeating them lies with a specific Devil Fruit.

I will be back to this place, right here! — Rocks D. Xebec to Imu

Rocks was searching for two specific Devil Fruits, and he thought one of them was hidden in Elbaf. He planned for Harald to consume one, and he intended to eat the other himself. It turns out these were the Yami Yami no Mi, which Rocks wanted, and the Nika fruit, which he wanted Harald to have.

Blackbeard Vs Imu Is Coming In One Piece

For 18 years, the creator of One Piece, Eiichiro Oda, has been carefully building towards a huge showdown: a fight between Blackbeard and Imu. Now, Marijoa is under attack and on fire, signaling that this battle is about to begin. Fans will finally see the full extent of Blackbeard’s incredible power.

One Piece will have a break next week, and a new chapter (Chapter 1166) will be released on November 23, 2025. Fans can read it for free on Manga Plus.

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2025-11-13 15:36