One Piece: How Imu Holds Multiple Devil Fruit Abilities, Explained

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

Summary

Imu’s immortality has been confirmed, and they have been alive for 800 years
Imu has access to multiple devil fruit powers and can grant them to others
Imu’s ability to hold multiple devil fruits is tied to their status as an immortal Earth God

As a diehard fan, I can’t help but be thrilled about the impending Final Act of the epic tale known as “One Piece”. It’s no wonder that Oda is delving even deeper into the grand mysteries that shroud this world, including the true face behind the World Government’s puppet master, Imu. So far, all we’ve glimpsed are tantalizing hints about Imu and their enigmatic powers.

Gradually, without a doubt, the secrets of Oda will be unveiled piece by piece. It’s common knowledge that one of the greatest enigmas surrounding Imu is their extraordinary powers, which appear to encompass several Devil Fruit abilities and the liberty to bestow these on their fellow Celestial Dragons. Although the truth about this isn’t completely clear yet, Oda has already given us some clues.

Imu’s Immortality Has Been Confirmed

Imu Has Been Alive For 800 Years
Imu Cannot Die

One indisputable detail about Imu, as confirmed by Oda, is that they possess immortality. Given this trait, it’s reasonable to assume that Imu emerged during the time of the Void Century, making them an ancient artifact from the Second World in the One Piece universe. Born a ruler of the Nerona Family, it seems likely that they governed a specific territory. As the advancements of the Ancient Kingdom began causing problems, Imu allied with 19 other monarchs to collectively launch an attack on the Ancient Kingdom.

There was one with the name of Saint Nerona Imu long ago. — Ivankov

Consequentially, a devastating war lasting 100 years ensued, during which the three ancient artifacts were deployed, ultimately leading to the annihilation of the world. Over this prolonged conflict, sea levels surged by an astonishing 200 meters, causing vast portions of the planet to submerge completely. Simultaneously, Joy Boy perished and the Ancient Kingdom collapsed. This cataclysmic event paved the way for a brand new global political structure, where the monarchs united formed the World Government. Intriguingly, Imu ascended to become the hidden ruler of the world, even prompting the Five Elders to pay their respects to him.

After that point, it’s been confirmed that Imu is still living, and more recently, Ivankov posited a theory suggesting that Imu underwent the Perennial Youth Treatment to explain their extraordinary lifespan. This hypothesis seems closely related to their primary abilities.

Imu Has Access To Multiple Powers

Imu Can Grant Devil Fruit Abilities

In the Egghead arc of One Piece, fans learned about Imu’s primary Devil Fruit power. This revelation occurred when Sabo reached Momoiro Island and shared his version of events with Dragon and the other commanders. During a flashback, it became apparent that all the Elders had powerful transformations, but Imu’s was the most dangerous among them.

From my perspective, it appears that the nature of Imu’s powers remains undisclosed at this time. However, considering the naming pattern of The Five Elders across celestial bodies within our solar system – Luffy on the Sun-like planet, Garling on the Moon-like planet – the only celestial body Imu could symbolize is Earth, orbiting the Blue Star. Given this context, it seems highly probable that Imu possesses divine powers.

Please have mercy, Lord Imu. Joy Boy’s powers are too wicked! — Saturn

It’s plausible that Imu possesses divine attributes akin to the Earth Deity, yet wielding the might of the Devil itself. This could account for his superior standing among others. Furthermore, this hypothesis also sheds light on why Imu has the ability to bestow Devil Fruit powers upon others. For example, Imu granted the Five Elders their powers, as demonstrated when they took away Saturn’s immortality and ended his life. Additionally, it’s believed that Imu utilized the power of the Aro Aro no Mi, a fruit associated with none other than Gunko.

Why Imu Can Hold Many Devil Fruits

Imu Is An Immortal God

In a different phrasing: As both the Earth deity and the embodiment of evil (Imu), one might expect him to have access to Devil Fruit abilities. However, typically, such beings aren’t capable of wielding multiple powers at once. Yet, considering Imu’s immortality, possibly stemming from the Ope Ope no Mi, it seems plausible that he doesn’t succumb to death and can instead grant and utilize various powers.

As a fervent admirer, I can’t help but marvel at the enigmatic abilities of Imu. While the specifics of how they wield these powers remain shrouded in mystery, it’s undeniably connected to their Earth God prowess and their unique immortality – a trait that allows them to withstand holding multiple powers without succumbing to death.

You can access “One Piece” for reading through Viz Media. Fans can read it officially and without charge on both Shonen Jump and Manga Plus applications. Mark your calendars, as the next chapter of “One Piece,” One Piece 1143, is due out on March 23, 2025.

2025-03-21 23:34