Imu
Imu is a major antagonist in One Piece, acting as the secret, absolute ruler of the World Government. Occupying the 'Empty Throne' inside Pangea Castle at Mary Geoise, Imu holds supreme authority over both the Five Elders and the Holy Knights. Because the existence of a single ruler of the world is forbidden in public doctrine, Imu's identity is treated as the ultimate secret, known only to high-ranking members of the government.
Overview
Imu is a major antagonist in One Piece, acting as the secret, absolute ruler of the World Government. Occupying the 'Empty Throne' inside Pangea Castle at Mary Geoise, Imu holds supreme authority over both the Five Elders and the Holy Knights. Because the existence of a single ruler of the world is forbidden in public doctrine, Imu's identity is treated as the ultimate secret, known only to high-ranking members of the government.
Appearance
Imu is usually seen dressed in a long black cloak and wearing a strikingly tall crown. Physical traits include red eyes with concentric rings, dark skin, white hair, and a single horn. When utilizing transformation abilities, Imu can shift into a monstrous, pitch-black humanoid form of gargantuan size—exceeding even the transformed Five Elders—with sharp eyes and prominent fangs.
Personality
Imu communicates using archaic forms of address, referring to the self as 'Mu' and others as 'Nushia.' Behind this speech lies a cold, tyrannical disposition that views human lives as disposable. Imu exhibits impatience, stubbornness, and a prone-to-impulsive decision-making style. Deep hatred is held toward members of the 'D' line and Joy Boy, whereas a mysterious obsession is directed toward Nefertari Lily and her descendant, Vivi.
Abilities
Imu possesses supernatural powers allowing the manipulation of a shadow-like darkness, spatial control, and shapeshifting into a colossal demonic humanoid. Demonstrating immensely dense Conqueror's Haki, Imu possesses physical force capable of easily piercing opponents. Additional skills include possessing others' bodies, remote execution of subordinates, and imposing absolute obedience onto targets through techniques such as 'Ah-Kwall' and 'Domi-Reversi.'
Background
Imu is believed to be Saint Nerona Imu, one of the original Twenty Kings who founded the World Government 800 years ago, preserved through history. Operating from the shadows for centuries, Imu's existence came to light before Sabo during an infiltration of the Empty Throne room. Seeking to maintain complete control, Imu authorized the total obliteration of the Lulusia Kingdom using the Mother Flame weapon created by Dr. Vegapunk.
Relationships
Imu exercises total domain over the Five Elders and the Holy Knights, commanding absolute obedience under threat of fatal purging. A deep history exists with Queen Nefertari Lily of Alabasta, leading to Imu personally eliminating King Nefertari Cobra upon questioning about her. Imu harbors intense hatred for figures connected to the 'D' lineage, including Joy Boy and Rocks D. Xebec, while targeting Nefertari Vivi for capture.
Trivia
A prominent theory among fans notes that the names 'Imu' and 'Nerona' are visual wordplays formed by breaking down the kanji characters for 'Buddha' (仏) and 'God' (神). In the animated adaptation, the identity of Imu's voice actor is kept strictly secret, credited in official releases merely as '???'.