One Piece: Imu’s Covenants And Their Powers, Explained

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This post contains spoilers for One Piece.

Imu is the most powerful leader of the World Government. They come from the Nerona family, one of the twenty nations that joined forces to destroy the Ancient Kingdom, fearing its power. Imu not only watched the kingdom fall but also founded the World Government as it exists today.

It would have been nearly impossible to accomplish all of this alone, particularly considering the Ancient Kingdom possessed technology far beyond its era. This suggests Imu and their supporters were incredibly powerful. After the kingdom fell, Imu forced the other leaders to pledge loyalty, effectively becoming the world’s ruler. Realizing they needed strong allies to carry out their plans, Imu likely created the Covenants as a way to secure powerful servants.

What Are Covenants In One Piece?

Covenants Were Introduced In The Elbaf Arc

Image by Viz Media

I’ve learned that Covenants are unique agreements made by Imu with select individuals. It seems those most devoted to Imu are chosen for these – it’s considered a sign of loyalty. What’s really interesting is that these agreements aren’t just symbolic; they actually grant special powers. However, these abilities come with a significant price. Before I get into the details of that cost, I need to explain the different types of Covenants that exist.

There are four types of Covenants:

  1. Shallows Covenant
  2. Depths Covenant
  3. Abyssal Covenant
  4. Demon Covenant

The Demon Covenant is the strangest of the four covenants. Instead of a typical agreement, it uses a powerful technique called Domi Reversi. Imu has used this technique to transform enemies into loyal demons who will obey any command. We’ve seen this happen with Dorry and Brogy during the Elbaf arc, where Imu turned them into demons to cause destruction. Davy D. Xebec was also affected during the God Valley Incident, becoming a subservient demon. In return for this transformation and immense power, the Demon Covenant also grants immortality. Unlike the other covenants, there’s no negotiation – individuals are immediately and involuntarily turned into mindless demons.

Image by Viz Media

I’ve been observing Imu and their system of ‘Covenants,’ and it’s quite fascinating. Though the Demon Covenant exists, Imu seems to favor the other three. The first level, the Shallow Covenant, is given to people called Devoted Blades – individuals who likely fight for the World Government. I learned Harald received this Covenant during a private meeting with the Five Elders. What’s particularly concerning is that the Shallow Covenant effectively prevents anyone close to Imu from defying their orders. The next step up is the Depths Covenant, reserved for members of the Holy Knights. This one is different; it not only ensures absolute obedience, regardless of distance, but it also grants the recipient new powers. It’s a clear escalation in control and ability.

Finally, there’s the Abyssal Covenant. Being the last of the three, I suspect it offers incredible power. Those who receive it gain immense physical strength and can heal from almost any injury. What’s more, they become immortal and stop aging altogether. The Five Elders have stated that only thirteen people are selected for either the Depths or Abyssal Covenants. I believe the Holy Knights are likely given the Depths Covenant, while the Five Elders themselves receive the Abyssal Covenant. It’s also possible the Supreme Commander of the Holy Knights is one of the chosen few with the Abyssal Covenant.

The Covenants Make Their Users Extremely Strong

They Are Shortcuts To Becoming Strong

As mentioned before, three out of the four Covenants dramatically increase a user’s power. For instance, when Davy D. Xebec transformed into a demon, his physical strength became so immense that it took the combined force of Monkey D. Garp and Gol D. Roger to contain him. Xebec’s Conqueror’s Haki also grew stronger, and neither Garp nor Roger could break through his defenses. The fight seemed endless, so Roger proposed they combine their Haki into a single, devastating attack. With no other options, Garp agreed. Fortunately, the risky maneuver worked, and they defeated Xebec, who then reverted to his human form. This outcome suggests that it is possible to save someone who transforms into a demon, but it requires an incredible amount of power and effort.

Image via Toei Animation.

The Demon Covenant offers a quick way to become incredibly powerful, but it’s not the best option. The Depths and Abyssal Covenants are better because they don’t transform the user into a demon. Those who receive the Depths or Abyssal Covenant keep their minds and can think strategically, rather than acting impulsively. We saw an example of this power in the Egghead arc of One Piece, with the Five Elders demonstrating its capabilities.

The Five Elders caused widespread destruction on the island, and the Straw Hats would have been defeated if not for the power of Joyboy’s Haki. During the Elbaf arc, Oda revealed more characters possessing the Depths and Abyssal Covenants. Characters like Shepherd Sommers, Gunko, Shamrock, and Killingham all have these Covenants, explaining their incredible strength.

The Covenants Are Imu’s Weakness

Imu is vulnerable whenever they grant a Covenant to someone. After Loki killed Harald, Imu explained to the Five Elders that performing a Covenant comes at a personal cost – it weakens them. This suggests that each time Imu uses a Covenant, their fighting ability is reduced. Because Harald received the Depths Covenant, it will be important to watch if the same happens with the Demon Covenant. If it does, defeating Dorry and Brogy might significantly weaken Imu.

Seems like there’s more than one of you with Supreme King Haki. —Scopper Gaban

I’m so hyped about what’s happening in Elbaf! Gaban revealed something huge – Conqueror’s Haki can actually stop regeneration, which means it’s a key to winning fights! Right now, we’ve got four people there who can use it: Luffy, Gaban, Zoro, and Loki. Zoro’s still a little rough around the edges with his Haki, but you know Oda will give him a boost – it’d be a disaster if the Straw Hats had to retreat again! While everyone else will definitely contribute, it’s pretty clear these four are going to be the main focus of the battle.

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2026-02-07 17:36