For centuries, the world has believed in a fundamental lie: that no single person rules over all. The Empty Throne, the symbolic seat of shared power among nations, was meant to remain forever vacant. But behind this carefully maintained façade sits Imu, the true and absolute sovereign of the World Government a secret so closely guarded that even the Five Elders, publicly recognized as the government's highest authority, serve at their command.
Imu's existence remained unknown to the world until Revolutionary Army officer Sabo discovered them during the most recent Levely. What followed would set in motion events that threaten to reshape the entire world: the acquisition of Dr. Vegapunk's Mother Flame, the annihilation of the Lulusia Kingdom, and a full-scale invasion of Elbaph an assault in which Imu personally participated.
A Figure Shrouded in Mystery
Despite their immense power and influence, Imu remains an enigma. They have only been shown in silhouette, with even their gender remaining unconfirmed. What is known is that they possess a humanoid form of average size, with distinctive sharp, almond-shaped eyes featuring red irises, each containing a thin ring around the pupil. Their attire befits their station: a crown with four incredibly tall, sharp spikes and an extremely long robe that trails far behind them across the floor.
Absolute Authority
As the occupant of the Empty Throne, Imu wields unparalleled political power. They command the Five Elders directly and hold the sole authority to revoke an Elder's title and appoint replacements as demonstrated when they stripped Jaygarcia Saturn of his position and promoted Figarland Garling in his place. Imu also commands the Knights of God, an elite force of powerful Celestial Dragon warriors, and it is from Imu that many of the Elders' and Knights' abilities originate.
Combat Abilities Beyond Comprehension
Imu's individual strength ranks among the most formidable in the world. When the notorious pirate Rocks D. Xebec who had just killed a Marine Admiral confronted Imu in the Room of Flowers 56 years ago, he acknowledged there was nothing he could do against the ruler.
During the God Valley Incident 38 years ago, Imu (while possessing Saturn's body) faced Rocks, several of his subordinates who would become Emperors of the Sea, Gol D. Roger, and Monkey D. Garp simultaneously. Despite being attacked by some of the strongest fighters in history all using Supreme King Haki Imu regenerated without visible injury and quickly subdued Rocks, turning him against his own allies.
More recently, during the invasion of Elbaph, Imu's arrival was expected to hasten the subjugation of the island of giants. Using their demonic powers, they swiftly subdued the legendary Giant Warrior Pirates, including captains Dorry and Brogy, transforming them into demons under their control.
The Ancient Weapon
Perhaps most terrifying is Imu's possession of one of the Ancient Weapons, powered by the Mother Flame. This sky-borne weapon can completely annihilate an entire island within seconds a capability horrifically demonstrated when it erased the Lulusia Kingdom from existence, with the World Government declaring that the nation "never existed."
Demonic Transformation and Powers
Imu possesses the ability to transform into a demon resembling classical depictions of Satan. This transformation is massive, rivaling the size of the Five Elders' Mythical Zoan forms. While transformed, Imu gains bat-like wings, a pointed tail, and a long pitchfork trident. The tail serves as a devastating piercing weapon capable of impaling even Logia users like Sabo. When fully transformed, Imu can consume fire attacks without harm.
The Mystical Arsenal
Imu can summon a levitating grimoire with a pentagram on its cover, from which they manifest dark substances that transform into various weapons. These weapons are powerful enough to severely injure giants like Brogy. Through mastery of the Abyss, Imu creates magic circles on the ground and in thin air that can summon weapons and transport individuals.
Immortality and Regeneration
Imu appears to be truly immortal, with regeneration capabilities far exceeding those of their subordinates. When simultaneously attacked by Rocks, Roger, Garp, Whitebeard, Big Mom, and Kaidou all using Supreme King Haki-infused attacks Imu regenerated instantly without visible injury.
The Covenant System
One of Imu's most insidious abilities is the power to perform supernatural "Covenants" on others, granting them powers while completely subjecting them to the ruler's will.
Three Stages of Covenant
Imu invokes three levels of Covenant to the Five Elders and Knights of God:
- Shallows Covenant - The basic level
- Depths Covenant - Grants immortality and Abyss powers, but recipients cannot defy Imu's orders
- Abyssal Covenant - The highest level, with only 13 people possessing Depths or Abyssal Covenants at any time
Through these Covenants, Imu can communicate telepathically with recipients and even possess their bodies completely, retaining full access to their original powers while also using the host's abilities.
The Demon Covenant
Most terrifying is the "Demon Covenant" (A Kuwaru), which transforms targets into demons against their will. Using techniques like Domi Reversi, Imu can quickly convert powerful enemies into mindless, violent allies with immortal bodies and greatly enhanced strength. These demons completely lose their personalities and free will, becoming entirely subject to Imu's commands.
However, Covenants come at a cost to Imu as well. When Knight of God Harald was killed by Loki despite his immortality, Imu experienced pain and refused to send more Knights to Elbaph.
Haki Mastery
Supreme King Haki
Imu is among the rare few capable of wielding Supreme King Haki. While possessing Gunko's body, they unleashed waves of Haki resembling black lightning across a vast area, incapacitating multiple giants throughout Elbaph. This display shocked even veteran fighters, with Loki describing it as "preposterous."
Observation Haki
Imu's Observation Haki is remarkably refined. During the God Valley Incident, they sensed Rocks' wife and infant son fleeing through the forest. More impressively, Imu identified Joy Boy's Supreme King Haki when it was unleashed on Egghead while they were physically in Mary Geoise.
A History Spanning Centuries
Most of Imu's past remains shrouded in mystery, but evidence suggests they may have lived since the Void Century as Nerona Imu, one of the First Twenty founders of the World Government. This theory is supported by their familiarity with Nefertari D. Lili, recognition of Joy Boy's Haki, and knowledge of Davy D. Jones all figures from 800 years ago.
The God Valley Incident
During the God Valley Incident 38 years ago, Imu descended to the island and possessed Saturn's body. After being confronted by Rocks whom Imu addressed as "Davy Jones" and struck by multiple legendary fighters, Imu used the Demon Covenant to transform Rocks against his will. Despite Rocks' resistance, Imu completed the transformation and issued a devastating command: kill his own family and eliminate anyone who interfered.
Though Bartholomew Kuma managed to save Rocks' wife and son, Imu assumed the job was complete and departed, issuing orders that "God Valley never existed."
The Failed Elbaph Strategy
Fourteen years ago, Imu granted King Harald of Elbaph membership in the Knights of God, eventually invoking the Depths Covenant on him. Imu ordered Harald to install an Abyss on Elbaph and prepare the giant population as an army for the World Government. When Harald objected, Imu threatened to enforce obedience through the Covenant.
However, Harald was killed by his son Loki, teaching Imu a harsh lesson: Elbaph was "completely incompatible" with the World Government and could not be carelessly incorporated into its forces.
The Levely Revelations
During the most recent Levely, Imu's secrets began to unravel. When King Cobra of Arabasta questioned the Five Elders about the "D" and Nefertari Lili's missing documentation, Imu entered the Empty Throne room and sat upon it. They revealed that the Will of D. was the moniker of the government's ancient enemy and explained Lili's role in scattering the Poneglyphs "the worst possible outcome for the World Government."
When Cobra revealed that Lili carried the "D" in her name, Imu impaled him with their devil tail. Sabo, who witnessed the exchange, attempted to attack but escaped with knowledge of Imu's existence knowledge that would nearly cost him his life when Imu ordered the destruction of Lulusia Kingdom, where Sabo had fled.
The Current Crisis
Following Vegapunk's broadcast about the Void Century and the rising seas, Imu's fury reached new heights when Emet used Joy Boy's stored Supreme King Haki to force the Five Elders back to Mary Geoise. Imu fell to their knees screaming, cursing Joy Boy's name.
In response to the Egghead Incident, Imu executed Saturn for his failures and promoted Figarland Garling to replace him. Now, with the invasion of Elbaph underway and the island's declaration of war against the World Government, Imu has taken direct action possessing Knight Manmayer Gunko's body and personally leading the subjugation effort.
The War to Come
Imu has made their intentions clear: to bring the Great War to a decisive conclusion and shatter Elbaph's spirit. As the overarching antagonist of the series, Imu represents the culmination of 800 years of hidden tyranny, standing as the final obstacle to whatever truth lies within the Void Century and the One Piece itself.
With their demonic powers, Ancient Weapon, immortality, and army of Covenant-bound subordinates, Imu remains the greatest threat to the freedom of the world a threat that has operated in the shadows for centuries but can hide no longer.
