For years, One Piece fans have speculated about the mysterious figure at the top of the World Government, Imu. Despite being introduced relatively late in the series, Imu has become a focal point of intense fan theory and analysis. The shadowy ruler has only made a few brief appearances, but those glimpses, combined with cryptic lines of dialogue, have ignited the imaginations of dedicated fans. One very interesting theory suggests that Imu is not just a powerful individual but a literal embodiment of a legendary creature from Japanese folklore.

According to this theory from @writingpanini on X, Imu may be based on the Umi-Bozu, a yokai often described as the “Sea Monk” or, more ominously, the “Devil of the Sea.” This interpretation offers more than just a mythological flair; it may explain Imu’s dominance, mysterious longevity, and connection to the void century. If this theory proves true, it will not just alter fans' perception of Imu, it could redefine the entire lore of One Piece and set up the final saga for a clash of divine proportions.

Is Imu the Umi-Bozu? Folklore’s Deep Roots in One Piece

A Folkloric Blueprint for One Piece’s Darkest Villain

The theory begins by connecting Imu to the Umi-Bozu, a sea spirit from Japanese folklore said to capsize ships and terrorize sailors. The Umi-Bozu is typically depicted as a massive, shadowy figure with undefined features, eerily similar to Imu’s presentation in the anime. This yokai emerges from the deep with seemingly supernatural power, much like Imu, who has remained hidden for centuries yet exerts godlike control over the world’s most powerful political entity.

While many fans assumed Imu was simply a high-ranking official or perhaps an ancient ruler, this interpretation elevates their status to something more cosmic and eternal. The idea that Imu is a folkloric sea demon would explain not only their control over the seas but also why even the Five Elders, figures who command fear and reverence, bow before them. If Imu is a living myth, then they are far more than a political puppet master; they are the embodiment of something ancient and unstoppable.

The God Complex and Imu’s Divine Delusion

Is Imu More Than Human in One Piece?

A key piece of dialogue fueling this theory is the chilling proclamation of “Mu will show how a god rules over the world.” Whether intentionally or not, this line frames Imu as a divine, or at least godlike, entity. The use of the term “Mu” might reference the ancient lost continent of the same name, adding an extra layer of mystery and tying into the series’ longstanding interest in ancient civilizations. It also echoes real-world legends of lost continents and forgotten deities who once ruled over humanity.

This statement suggests that Imu does not see themselves as merely human. Instead, they appear to view their rule as divinely sanctioned, perhaps even inevitable. This adds weight to the theory that Imu might be an immortal being, akin to a yokai or deity, who has survived since the Void Century. It could also explain how they were able to defeat an alliance of ancient enemies, another piece of the theory that posits Imu went “one versus all” in a battle long ago and emerged victorious. Such a feat would be impossible for any ordinary human, no matter how powerful.

If Imu truly sees themselves as a god, then the final war in One Piece might be less of a revolution and more of a battle between the divine archetypes of freedom versus control, chaos versus order, and mortality versus immortality.

The religious or mythological tone of this dialogue may foreshadow a final confrontation that is less about politics and more about fate, divine will, or cosmic justice. If Imu truly sees themselves as a god, then the final war in One Piece might be less of a revolution and more of a battle between the divine archetypes of freedom versus control, chaos versus order, and mortality versus immortality.

Elbaf, the Giants, and the Imminent Showdown

What Elbaf Might Know About the Devil of the Sea

With the Elbaf arc, this theory takes on new urgency. Elbaf, the land of giants, has long been teased as one of the final battlegrounds of the series. Giants in One Piece are often depicted with a deep reverence for honor, tradition, and mythology. If Imu truly embodies a god or yokai, then Elbaf, possibly home to its own legends about such entities, could be the perfect stage for the world to learn the truth.

Luffy and his allies may need more than strength. They will need to tap into the forgotten lore of the world and face a creature born not just of ambition, but of myth.

There is the terrifying possibility that Imu might unleash their full power in a land where gods are respected, feared, and possibly challenged. The giants may either serve as Imu’s final opponents, or, more chillingly, their devout followers. Either way, the conflict will likely expose Imu’s true identity and reveal the full scope of their mythic abilities. It is also worth considering that Elbaf could hold the key to defeating Imu. Perhaps the giants harbor ancient knowledge or relics capable of sealing or destroying a being like the Umi-Bozu. If so, Luffy and his allies may need more than strength. They will need to tap into the forgotten lore of the world and face a creature born not just of ambition, but of myth.

Imu’s Identity Changes Everything Fans Know

If This Theory Is Right, One Piece Will Never Be the Same

If Imu is not human, but rather a mythological sea demon or ancient god, then the implications ripple across the entire series. It recontextualizes the Void Century, the origin of the World Government, and even the meaning of the One Piece itself. Suddenly, this is not just a pirate adventure, it is a battle against an ancient evil that has shaped history from the shadows. And in true One Piece fashion, that battle will be fought not just with fists and swords, but with ideals.

This theory reframes Luffy’s journey from mere rebellion to something more heroic, even messianic. He would not just be fighting tyranny; he would be challenging a god. The final chapters of One Piece might then transcend pirate politics altogether and embrace the full grandeur of myth, destiny, and cosmic struggle. Whether the theory proves true or not, it reflects the depth and richness of the world Eiichiro Oda has built, and how, even now, fans are still discovering just how deep the Grand Line really goes.