The long-hidden ruler of the world has finally shown their face. One Piece fans have waited nearly a decade to see Imu clearly. The release of Chapter 1179 gave everyone the first full look at the mysterious figure sitting on the Empty Throne. But this reveal did more than show a new character design. It opened the door to a massive idea that many fans are now talking about. Could Imu be the very source of all Devil Fruits? Could this shadow ruler actually be the “Origin of Everything” in the One Piece world?
The Full Appearance of Imu Finally Arrives in Chapter 1179
The official release of One Piece Chapter 1179, titled “The Incarnation of Nerona Imu,” has changed the game. After years of seeing only glowing eyes under a hood, readers can now see the true ruler of the World Government. Imu appears as a tall, powerful male figure with long white hair and tanned skin. He has large black wings, a devil-like tail, and long S-shaped horns that look similar to Kaido and the ancient giants. His body carries white circular tattoos, including a striking eye design on his right hand and left side of his face.
The chapter also shows Imu standing atop Aurust Castle in Elbaf. When he appears, black clouds with eyes surround him. These are not the normal swirling patterns seen with awakened Zoan users. These clouds have actual eyes staring out, which many fans have compared to biblical angels. The sheer power of his Conqueror’s Haki causes trees and houses around him to come alive with laughing faces, bending reality itself.
The Theory That Connects Imu to Every Devil Fruit
One of the most talked-about fan theories suggests that Imu is not just another villain. This theory proposes that Imu is the “God of Land” who created the Devil Fruit curse. The logic behind this idea comes from a basic fact about Devil Fruits. Anyone who eats one loses the ability to swim in the sea. The theory says this is not random. It is a curse created by the land against the sea. When someone eats a Devil Fruit, they accept Imu’s power and reject the ocean.
This idea changes everything about how readers understand the One Piece world. If Imu is the source of Devil Fruits, then defeating Imu would mean the end of all Devil Fruit powers. The curse would break, and the seas would become free again. The theory connects Imu to an ancient Dome inside Mary Geoise that maintains this curse. Destroying the Dome would collapse the Red Line and join all the seas into one ocean.
What Imu’s Look Reveals About the Lunarian Connection
Imu’s appearance has raised many questions about his true race. He has black wings, white hair, and tanned skin. These are all traits of the Lunarian race, like King from the Wano arc. But there is a major difference. Lunarians have a constant flame burning on their backs. Imu does not have this flame. This has led to two possible explanations.
First, Imu could be a Lunarian who lost his flame due to his Devil Fruit powers. Second, and more interestingly, Imu might have used his powers to take on Lunarian traits without being one himself. The World Government hunted Lunarians to near extinction. If Imu is connected to them, it would mean he destroyed his own kind. The manga lists Imu’s power simply as “Devil Fruit” without giving a name or class. This mystery adds weight to the idea that his fruit is special, possibly the first one ever created.
The black clouds surrounding Imu have eyes inside them instead of the normal swirls seen on awakened Zoan users like Lucci and the Five Elders. This unique detail suggests his power exists outside the normal rules of Devil Fruits.
Why Imu Might Be the Original Devil Fruit User
Several clues support the idea that Imu is the origin point for all Devil Fruits. First, Imu has ruled since the Void Century, making him at least 800 years old. Second, his awakened form looks different from any other seen in the series. The clouds with eyes, the reality-bending Haki, and his ability to animate objects around him all point to a power that goes beyond normal Devil Fruit abilities.
Some fans believe Imu used the Ope Ope no Mi’s Perennial Youth Operation to live forever. Others think he is the original Nika who somehow lost his powers as the Sun God and turned them into a Devil Fruit. The fact that Imu is now moving openly in Elbaf, rather than hiding in the shadows, suggests the final war is very close.
A Small Detail That Changes Everything
One panel in Chapter 1179 shows something strange. There is a stream of red leaking down the left side of Imu’s mouth. This small detail suggests that maintaining his god-like power comes at a heavy price. Even Imu must sacrifice something to stay this powerful. This weakness could be the key to defeating him.
The chapter also shows that Imu might not be able to leave the Holy Land freely. Fans have long theorized that his power is tied to Mary Geoise. If this is true, his appearance in Elbaf means he is taking a huge risk. The fact that he is willing to leave his home base shows how serious the situation has become.
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What This Means for Luffy and the Final Battle
If Imu truly is the origin of Devil Fruits, then Luffy’s role as Joyboy becomes even more important. The final battle would not be about defeating a tyrant. It would be about breaking an 800-year-old curse that has controlled the world. When Imu falls and the Dome is destroyed, all Devil Fruit powers would fade. Brook would finally find peace as his soul is released. The Red Line would collapse. The seas would join as one ocean.
This connects to why Shanks and his crew avoid Devil Fruits entirely. They know the truth. They are preparing for a world where Devil Fruit powers no longer exist. Their strength comes from Haki and physical ability alone because they stand with the sea, not the land.
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