Chapter 1180 of the One Piece manga, released on April 20, 2026, significantly expanded on the powers within the One Piece world. This chapter featured the first appearance of the World Government’s leader, Nerona Imu, on the surface world in centuries. Imu, who is also the story’s main villain, traveled to Elbaph with the intention of destroying the threats posed by Nika and Nidhoggr, and revealed some of their abilities in the process.
Nerona Imu possesses the Akuma no Mi, a powerful and mysterious ability in the One Piece world. This fruit grants him many powers, but his ability called Omen (also known as Maki) is particularly interesting. Many fans believe Omen could be crucial for Roronoa Zoro to achieve his next level of strength and obtain a Black Blade, or Kokuto.
Nerona Imu’s Omen Power Could Hold The Key To The Blackening Of Swords In One Piece
In the world of One Piece, Black Blades are exceptionally rare and powerful swords. Only two have been shown so far. The first introduced was Yoru, the sword of Dracule Mihawk, widely known as the World’s Strongest Swordsman. Yoru is one of the twelve Supreme Grade Swords and first appeared in Chapter 49, becoming a significant part of the series’ sword mythology.
Omen is my military might! — Nerona Imu, One Piece Chapter 1181
In One Piece chapter 448, the legendary sword Shusui, a lost treasure of Wano Country, was introduced. This black blade was originally wielded by the zombie Ryuma before being passed on to Roronoa Zoro, who later returned it to Wano and received Enma as its replacement. Aside from Shusui and Enma, no other black blades have appeared in the One Piece world. However, recent events in the Elbaph arc have revealed a power – Nerona Imu’s Omen – that could potentially allow Zoro to darken his swords in the upcoming Final Saga.
Why Omen Is Required To Forge A Kokuto
In chapters 1180 and 1181 of One Piece, Imu used a powerful ability called Omen while fighting Zoro, Sanji, Hajarudin, and Loki. The World Government’s leader describes Omen as inherent in all living things – a natural strength – but very few can actually access it. It seems that Devil Fruit powers can unlock Omen. Because Omen is Imu’s source of power, it can be given to others. We see hints of this in the past: Rocks likely received a significant power boost through Domi Reversal, probably using Omen, and Harald gained power through the Deep Sea Covenant, which also appears to be a form of Omen. Imu can directly grant Omen to others, as demonstrated in chapter 1180 when he empowered both Sommers and Killingham.
Those who possess Omen wield a special dark energy. The origin of the name ‘Omen’ provides insight into its power. The word ‘Omen’ is similar to ‘Maki’ in Japanese, and both share a connection with ‘Haki’ – a spiritual energy found in the world of One Piece. While Haki is a naturally occurring spiritual power within all living things, Maki represents demonic energy, which is only accessible by succumbing to or making a pact with a devil. Essentially, both energies exist within everyone, but they are awakened through different means.
Interestingly, all weapons created by Nerona Imu using the power of Omen are entirely black. This was even true for Dorry and Brogy after their Domi Reverse, as their blades turned black, demonstrating the demonic power of Maki within them. This demonic energy might be the key to obtaining a black blade in the world of One Piece. It’s possible to get one by defeating someone filled with this energy, or by learning to imbue a weapon with it yourself. Therefore, Zoro’s future battles – first against St. Sommers in Elbaph, and later against the Five Elders or Imu’s allies – are incredibly important in this regard.
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How Mihawk and Ryuma Received Black Blade Yoru and Shusui Respectively
If creating a black blade requires someone like Omen or Maki, it’s strange that Ryuma and Mihawk both possess them. Considering the many incredibly strong swordsmen in One Piece – like Rocks, Roger, and Shanks – none of them wielded a black blade. It’s odd that individuals who might even be less powerful, like Mihawk, were able to obtain one.
The secret to the black blades lies in how they’re created. In One Piece chapter 937, Onimaru revealed that Ryuma’s blade became black through years of fighting. While we don’t know how Mihawk obtained his, chapter 1181 heavily suggests a link between Mihawk, Nerona Imu, and a mysterious power called Omen. It’s very likely that Mihawk once killed someone imbued with Omen’s power, which is what permanently blackened his blade, before he went his own way and broke ties with Imu.
Ryuma is famous for defeating a dragon at the Flower Capital, but that’s just one of the many incredible stories about his skill with a sword. After he passed away, his sword, Shusui, became a treasured national artifact. — Gyukimaru, One Piece Chapter 937
Legend says Ryuma defeated a massive dragon in Wano Country long ago. If that dragon was infused with the power of Omen, it could explain why Ryuma’s sword, Shusui, turned black and became incredibly strong. Following this idea, Zoro would need to defeat an enemy empowered by Omen, or learn to harness Omen’s power himself – perhaps using his Asura technique – to darken his swords. Eventually, Zoro will strengthen his blades, and doing so will bring him closer to surpassing Dracule Mihawk and becoming the world’s greatest swordsman.
The newest One Piece chapters are all available to read on Manga Plus.
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2026-05-08 19:12