The Secret Link Between Nefertari Lili and Imu

One Piece has garnered immense popularity for its enduring run as a manga series. Eiichiro Oda's writing prowess is highly acclaimed for his ability to craft an intricate plot without any inconsistencies. Additionally, Oda's talent for leaving subtle hints throughout the story that allude to something significant has made him a fan favorite. This storytelling device has been utilized numerous times throughout the series. In Chapter 1084, the introduction of Nefertari Lili, the former ruler of Alabasta before the formation of the World Government, has sparked a heated debate within the One Piece community. Although the chapter only revealed her silhouette, many fans believe that she will play a pivotal role in the story. The question remains: how will she contribute to the narrative?

Who Is Nefertari Lili?

Nefertari Lili, who once ruled over Alabasta, was among the twenty monarchs who formed the World Government. However, her reason for joining them in their mission to destroy the Great Kingdom remains a mystery. While the other rulers claimed it was for safety reasons, Cobra revealed to the Five Elders that Lili did not return to Alabasta as commonly believed. Instead, it was her brother who took over the throne. It is possible that the World Government had a hand in Lili's disappearance, given their past actions. Her silhouette has also sparked interest as it bears a resemblance to Imu upon closer inspection, suggesting that Lili may have a significant role to play in the future.

Connection To Imu

Imu, the ruler of the world, holds the ultimate power as the sovereign of the World Government. Sitting on the Empty Throne, Imu has authority over every individual under the jurisdiction of the World Government. Despite being shrouded in mystery, Imu was introduced in the Reverie arc, where even the Five Elders bowed down in awe. There is limited knowledge about Imu's origins, but it is speculated that they existed before the formation of the World Government. The Five Elders revere Imu and seek their guidance on matters pertaining to the protection of the government. In a sudden appearance before Nefertari Cobra and the Five Elders, Imu uttered only the name "Lili," implying their knowledge of Lili's fate, or even the possibility of being Lili themselves. The resemblance between the silhouette of Imu and Lili is striking, with only the crown on their heads being different. It is possible that Lili has assumed a new identity and thrives under it, considering the world has forgotten about her existence.

If Lili never returned, it could only mean two things: either she is not Imu or she was murdered. The World Government has a notorious reputation for eliminating anyone who poses a threat to their false image. They have destroyed entire kingdoms in the past to protect their secrets. If Lili discovered the truth about the Ancient Kingdom and decided to return to Alabasta, she would have been a liability to the World Government. Her knowledge of their darkest secrets would have been a threat to their organization, and they would never let her leave alive. The fact that the other 19 rulers chose to stay in Marijoa also suggests that they were forced to stay there to protect the World Government's secrets.

It is believed that Imu could have been responsible for Lili's death once she discovered their existence. The 19 swords placed around the throne were meant to represent equality among rulers, leaving the Empty Throne unoccupied. However, the absence of Lili's sword suggests that she either did not trust Imu or had proclaimed herself as the world's ruler. It is more likely that Lili was killed for refusing to participate in the World Government's efforts to dominate the world. Evidence supporting this theory is the presence of a Poneglyph in Alabasta containing information on Pluton, one of the Ancient Weapons. Had Lili been Imu, she would have either removed or hidden it. It is unlikely that she would have left such a critical Poneglyph in her homeland.