Warning: This article contains spoilers from the Elbaf Arc of One Piece.
In-Depth Summary
- Nico Robin unveils the Harley mural, providing insights into Imu’s enigmatic powers throughout the history of the One Piece world.
- It is suggested that Imu may have harnessed the Earth God’s abilities during the Second World, achieving immortality.
- Imu exhibits unique Devil Fruit abilities, possesses the capability to grant powers to others, and commands Ancient Weapons.
Table of Contents
- Understanding the Harley’s Implications about Imu’s Powers
- Could Imu’s Ability Be Linked to the Earth God?
- Imu’s Diverse Devil Fruit Abilities
The Elbaf arc of One Piece has officially commenced, marking an exhilarating chapter in the final saga of the story. Following the captivating Egghead arc, Elbaf has amplified the intrigue with rich lore regarding the Giants and legends surrounding the Sun God Nika. This arc not only features compelling antagonists who challenge Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates but also teases significant developments for characters like Imu. Insights into Imu’s powers have recently come to light thanks to the ancient mural presented in One Piece Chapter 1138.
Exploring the Harley’s Hints about Imu’s Powers
- Nico Robin provides a narrative of the Harley to the audience.
- The narrative hints at the extent of Imu’s powers.
The unveiling of the Harley stands out as a pivotal moment in One Piece. This narrative element is monumental; Oda is essentially unfolding the entire history of the One Piece world to the fans. Given that much of One Piece revolves around uncovering lost history, the Harley serves as a crucial element in piecing together the narrative. The Giants of Elbaf initially referenced the Harley, and its significance became even clearer when Nico Robin narrated its contents at the Owl’s Library. The Harley states:
“It’s said that our world has been destroyed twice in the past already.” — Jarul
Understanding the First World
During this era, flames consumed the land as humans succumbed to their base desires, igniting a forbidden connection to the Sun. The enslaved populace prayed, leading to the Sun God’s descent. Furious, the Earth God, together with the infernal serpent, wrapped the world in death and darkness—never to meet again.
Insights into the Second World
From the void, the Forest God unleashed demons while the Sun merely spread war’s flames. The citizens, each bearing dreams of the half-moon and full-moon, attacked the Sun, thereby becoming Gods themselves. In response, the enraged Sea God acted fiercely—never to meet again.
Evolving into the Third World
Amid chaos lies emptiness. Memories of the promised day echoed, as the fragmented moon spoke. The Sun God danced and laughed, ushering the world closer to its end. There is hope; the sun will rise again, and perhaps this time, true connections will form.
By examining the Harley, fans learn that the One Piece world has seen three distinct epochs. Not only the First and Second Worlds exist, but also an era preceding the Void Century, during which the original Sun God Nika made his presence known. The chaos erupted as humanity discovered the power of Morheflame, which brought warfare and slavery in its wake. The desperate slaves invoked Nika’s name, leading to his emergence. However, the Earth God’s wrath ultimately led to destruction.
Many fans theorize that Imu may symbolize the Earth God. While this idea holds some merit, it is essential to note that Imu could not have existed during the First World. Furthermore, historical indicators suggest that Devil Fruits emerged during the Second World; therefore, Imu was likely not involved in any powers of the First World.
In the Second World, Imu’s presence is undeniable. Evidence points to their identity as Saint Nerona, one of the twenty kings who fought against the Ancient Kingdom. The implication of Imu’s immortality connects to possessing the Ope Ope no Mi, as mentioned by Ivankov during the Egghead arc.
Could Imu’s Abilities Be Tied to the Earth God?
Interpreting the Nature of the Earth God’s Power
While the Earth God’s fury during the First World may have been symbolic, its legacy may still persist. The origins of Devil Fruits are inherently connected to the aspirations and dreams of people. As per Vegapunk, what individuals believe can manifest into reality, presenting alternative evolutionary paths.
This context implies that the Earth God, even if mythological, could have given rise to genuine powers. Should the tales of the Earth God hold merit, it stands to reason that Imu might have absorbed the Earth God’s abilities when Devil Fruits first materialized during the Second World.
“The Earth God raged, and with the Serpent of Hellfire, shrouded the world in death and darkness.” — Harley
Furthermore, it is known that Imu gained immortality through the Perennial Youth Surgery, potentially undergone by the doctor themselves, allowing them to wield the Earth God’s power.
Imu’s Diverse Range of Devil Fruit Abilities
Defining Imu: Beyond a Regular Devil Fruit User
Imu’s capabilities far exceed those of a conventional Devil Fruit user. Their transformations defy typical patterns, highlighting the unique existence of Yokai within the world of One Piece. Imu demonstrates the ability to create bizarre summoning circles reminiscent of alchemy, manipulating demonic forces. They can even endow others, such as the Elders, with demonic powers and control significant weapons, as seen with Shamrock’s sword. Imu’s capacity to assign Devil Fruit powers—hinted at through Gunko’s Aro Aro no Mi—suggests a deep connection to these abilities.
Imu stands as the Earth God, with the power to bestow abilities upon others and even exercise dominion over one of the Ancient Weapons. The nature of this true Godlike ability remains a mystery, yet it promises to be deadly, and fans eagerly anticipate witnessing Imu’s full potential in the unfolding Final Saga.
Fans can follow the adventures in One Piece through official channels such as Viz Media. The series is also available for free on the Shonen Jump and Manga Plus apps. The next chapter, One Piece 1140, is set for release on February 23, 2025.
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