Imu’s mysterious presence shattered our understanding of the World Government. For a series that has slowly peeled back layers of global history, Imu’s reveal raised a question that could redefine the world of One Piece:
Has this person truly lived for 800 years—or are they being kept alive by something else?
Imu Has Lived Since the Void Century
Let’s start with the most obvious—and eerie—possibility: Imu has lived since the Void Century and has never died.
If true, that would make Imu over 800 years old, meaning they were either alive during the time of the mysterious Ancient Kingdom or emerged shortly afterward as part of the founding of the World Government. This idea isn’t as far-fetched as it might sound in a world full of Devil Fruits, cyborgs, and moon-faring robots.
The Evidence
The Five Elders’ Loyalty
We’ve seen the Gorosei—five of the most powerful and feared men in the world—kneel before Imu. If they obey this person completely, it suggests a deeper authority—possibly one that stretches back centuries.Ope Ope no Mi’s Perpetual Youth Surgery
Trafalgar Law’s fruit can grant eternal youth in exchange for the user’s life. What if that legendary operation was used long ago... on Imu?
No Leadership Changes in 800 Years
The World Government's unbroken control suggests not just institutional power, but consistent leadership. What if Imu has always been in charge?
The Technological Preservation Theory
With the introduction of Egghead Island and Vegapunk’s research, we now know ancient technology was far more advanced than previously imagined. If the Ancient Kingdom had tech this powerful, then preserving a person’s life for centuries might not be science fiction at all.
Possible Technologies
Cryogenic Suspension
Could Imu have been preserved in suspended animation, waking only at key moments?
Digital or Biological Consciousness Transfer
Could Imu’s mind have been transferred between bodies, similar to Vegapunk’s brain-splitting technology?
Genetic Rebirth or Cloning
Similar to MADS' research, the World Government might possess ancient biotech that allows Imu to be “reborn” as needed.
Could a Devil Fruit Explain Imu’s Condition?
A more traditional One Piece explanation could be a unique Devil Fruit power. Maybe Imu ate a Mythical Zoan tied to a god of time or fate. Or maybe they possess a Paramecia that manipulates aging or transfers consciousness.
If Blackbeard can carry two Devil Fruits, and Vegapunk can duplicate one, it's possible that Imu holds a fruit no one else even knows exists.
What Does This Mean for the Final War?
Whether Imu is immortal or artificially alive, they represent the ultimate antagonist: the embodiment of stagnation, secrecy, and absolute control.
In contrast, Luffy is freedom in its purest form. The final war may not just be a battle for territory or survival—it will be a clash of ideologies. One between a figure who has refused to let the world change for 800 years… and the pirate who was born to turn it upside down.
Final Thoughts
Imu could be the only living remnant of the Void Century—either through unnatural means or unspeakable science. But one thing is clear: Oda has positioned them as the final mystery. Whether they are a timeless ghost or a scientific miracle, they will not remain hidden much longer.
The closer we get to Laugh Tale, the closer we get to Imu’s truth.
And when that truth comes out, it may not just change the story of One Piece. It may change the world itself.