Eiichiro Oda Might Have Already Revealed Imu’s True Identity and it Had Been Staring Right at Us All Along

SUMMARY

• One Piece anime episode 1118 has finally revealed Imu's voice, giving fans another clue at his mysterious character.
• However, his identity is still one of the biggest secret in the One Piece narrative.
• According to a One Piece theory, Eiichiro Oda has already given a few hints at Imu's identity that connects it to Nefertari D. Lili.

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One Piece anime episode 1118 has finally revealed the secret Supreme Leader of the world, Imu, who has been ruling through the World Government for the longest time. While Imu has made his first official appearance in front of another character in the One Piece anime, he is still shrouded in mystery as the anime doesn’t reveal his true identity.

Imu from One Piece | Credit: Toei Animation

Fans have been confused by Imu’s identity for the longest time. His status as the final antagonist of One Piece makes his character interesting, and thus, fans desperately want to know what he looks like. Only Eiichiro Oda knows who Imu truly is, but fans still try to find out his identity using the different mysteries and foreshadowed moments Oda has planted regarding Imu.

One such theory explains that Imu is actually possessing Lili and is using her body. This theory stems from the swords that have been planted on the grounds of the Empty Throne by the Kings of the twenty founding kingdoms.

The Mystery of Imu’s Identity in One Piece

Although the mysterious character of Imu was first revealed during the Levely Arc, his existence is kept secret within the government and from the world to maintain the deceit of no singular ruler, ruling the One Piece world. He is probably the only major character in One Piece who has made the least amount of appearances in the story.

However, as the Straw Hats are moving towards the final saga of the series, Oda is slowly revealing more details about Imu’s character. He recently gave fans a glimpse of his powers during the aftermath of the Egghead Island arc in the manga. Even the anime has finally introduced his voice in the recently released episode.

Imu in One Piece | Credit: Viz Media

Thus, fans can expect that the upcoming narrative will surely give more insight into Imu’s character. There is a chance that Oda could very well introduce him once again during the Elbaf arc, as it is the next phase of the finale saga of One Piece.

One Piece Theory Reveals Imu’s Identity

According to a theory posted by @writingpanini on X, Imu has been possessing Nefertari D. Lili’s body. The theory states that Imu has a striking resemblance to Lili. Also, his obsession with Lili supports the assumption even further. Plus, Ivankov has stated in the past that Imu was alive during the era of Joy Boy and Lili.

Imu with Lili’s sword | Credit: Toei Animation

However, the biggest hint about Imu being in Lili’s body comes from the fact that the ground of the Empty Throne contains the swords of 19 founding Kingdoms. The only sword missing is Lili’s, as she refused to become a Celestial Dragon, and her sword was seen with Imu in the Flower of Chambers.

The theory also states that Lili’s origin comes from the Bible, where Lilith (referencing Lili) turned into a demonic figure. Eiichiro Oda could have very well used this reference to hint at Lili’s transformation into Imu. While the theory is interesting, fans will have to wait for further development in One Piece to find out the true identity of Imu.

One Piece is available to watch on Crunchyroll.

Written by Tarun Kohli

Articles Published: 1615

Konichiwa! With a Master's Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and a 2-year experience in Digital media writing, I am on my way to becoming one of the biggest anime content writers in my country. My passion for writing and Anime has helped me connect with Fandomwire, and share my love and experience with the world.