The Elbaf arc in One Piece has significantly deepened the mystery surrounding the Void Century, introducing powerful figures from that era, most notably Saint Nerona Imu, the King of the World and founder of the World Government. Eiichiro Oda has also fleshed out the Nerona clan – a once-ruling family who allied with nineteen others to oppose the Ancient Kingdom. We can expect to learn even more about the Nerona clan as the final story arc unfolds.
How Eiichiro Oda Unveiled The First Member Of The Nerona Clan From The 100-Year Void
Within the world of One Piece, the Nerona family is a known entity. Emporio Ivankov first revealed their name after Sabo showed him and Dragon the true face of Imu. Ivankov explained that the Nerona were among the original twenty families who established the World Government, and they pledged their commitment to equality before the Empty Throne. Since then, little else has been said about them. It’s likely that the Nerona family still holds significant power and influence among the Celestial Dragons.
Chapter 1179 of One Piece finally revealed the first member of the Nerona family: Saint Nerona Imu, who is the King of the World and the story’s main villain. The Nerona family had only been hinted at before, but this reveal adds significant depth to the lore surrounding the Void Century and sets the stage for the upcoming, epic conflict between Joy Boy and Imu.
Assessing The Rise Of Saint Imu To The Empty Throne
The Nerona family was a significant power during the Void Century, known for opposing the Ancient Kingdom and contributing to its downfall. However, their rise to power and how Imu specifically became the ruler of the world remains unclear. While the Nerona were among the original twenty kings and pledged to be equals with the others, they shouldn’t be more powerful than other Celestial Dragon families. Despite this, Imu somehow managed to achieve the position of King of the World.
Imu’s long life is the key to understanding how this was possible. Unlike the other original twenty kings who all eventually died, Imu likely survived thanks to a special surgery that granted eternal youth, made possible by the Ope Ope no Mi. Furthermore, Imu was the first to eat a Devil Fruit – the very one from which all other Devil Fruit abilities originated. This unique position gave Imu significant power and prestige, explaining how he ultimately became the World King.
Breaking Down The Major Clans That Defeated Joy Boy And The Ancient Kingdom
The Nerona family is just one of twenty groups that allied to oppose the Ancient Kingdom. Over time, Oda has revealed that these other groups also played a role in dismantling this once-powerful and prosperous kingdom, which formerly held great influence throughout the One Piece world.
Saint Imu, it’s absolutely critical that you go to the lower world immediately! – Saint Shepherd Ju Peter, Chapter 1179
Eiichiro Oda has revealed several families with ties to the Celestial Dragons, starting with the Nefertari family during the Arabasta Arc. Interestingly, they chose to remain in the world rather than live in the Holy Land of Marijoa. Besides the Nefertari, the Donquixote family is still recognized as a Celestial Dragon lineage. Other families include the Satchels, Rimoshifu, Ethanbaron, Marcus, Topman, Shepherd, Jaygarcia, and Manmeyer families, among others. As the story progresses, Oda will reveal more about these families, who allied together 800 years ago to defeat and ultimately destroy the ancient kingdom.
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Why More Nerona Clan Members Could Show Up In The Future
Currently, Imu is the only member of the Nerona clan that we know of, but it’s likely there are others. Eiichiro Oda will probably explain more about this group and its connection to the Celestial Dragons later on, but for now, no other members have been introduced.
There’s still a chance that Dracule Mihawk could be a member, as his name actually means “son of the devil.” Many fans believe Mihawk is somehow connected to Imu, and it would be exciting to see if that connection is revealed later in the story.
One Piece chapter 1180 will be available to read on Manga Plus on April 19, 2026, at 11 a.m. EST.
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2026-04-11 13:06