The Untold Secrets of Imu's Eternal Life in One Piece

Imu, a character in One Piece, holds a significant role in the overarching plot. Despite being introduced late in the story by Oda, Imu quickly gained importance and popularity. In the Reverie arc, Oda revealed a major twist for fans, unveiling Imu as the person who rules over the entire world within the World Government.

Over time, fans have learned more about Imu. In a recent flashback during the Reverie arc, presented through Sabo, fans were provided with substantial insights into Imu and the Five Elders. Interestingly, a new theory has emerged suggesting that Imu is immortal and has existed since the time of the Void Century.

The Past Of Imu

Imu, an intriguing character, has been confirmed to be immortal by fans. This revelation was subtly hinted at during their initial appearance in the Underground Chamber in Marijoa, where they stood before a centuries-old giant Straw Hat. In the Reverie flashback, Sabo indirectly suggested that Imu was one of the rulers among the Founding 20. Shortly after, Ivankov confirmed Imu's membership in the Founding 20. Although a comprehensive exploration of Imu's past has not yet been provided, readers can gather fragments of information from previous chapters.

Imu, belonging to the Nerona Family, was one of the rulers of the 20 Kingdoms. As expected, the Nerona Family was among the 20 families that united to annihilate the Ancient Kingdom nearly 800 years ago. During that period, the Nerona family likely held no exceptional status and was as significant as any other family within the First 20.

Imu and the other 19 individuals made a solemn vow in front of the Empty Throne after the Ancient Kingdom's demise, pledging equality among themselves. However, Queen Nefertari Lily, the ruler of the Kingdom of Arabasta at that time, chose not to become a Celestial Dragon. Instead, she desired to return to her land and govern her people. Consequently, Lily refrained from taking the oath. Nevertheless, Cobra explicitly mentioned the presence of 19 weapons in front of the Empty Throne. This suggests that Saint Imu indeed swore the vow and placed their weapon before the throne, thus indicating their equal standing with the other members of the First 20.

Imu harbored a profound grudge against Lily for some undisclosed reason. It is possible that this stemmed from suspicions of her allegiances and the belief that she supported the "D" individuals. These fears were validated when Lily's "mistake" resulted in the scattering of the Poneglyphs. Additionally, Lily sent a letter to the Kingdom of Arabasta, a document that has been passed down through generations. In the letter, Lily urged the people to protect the Poneglyphs and raise the flag symbolizing the world's Dawn. Furthermore, Lily proclaimed herself as Nefertari D. Lily, confirming Imu's apprehensions. The nature of their past relationship remains unknown to fans at this point. However, Imu appears to possess an obsession with Vivi, one of Queen Lily's descendants.

How Imu Became Immortal

Imu, a member of the Nerona Family, played a crucial role in the war of the Void Century. Surprisingly, they are still alive in the present, indicating their immortality. Emporio Ivankov, in One Piece chapter 1086, revealed that Imu was one of the Founding 20. It is believed that Imu achieved eternal youth through the Perennial Youth Surgery of the Ope Ope no Mi. This incredible power was introduced during the Dressrosa arc, where Doflamingo, another Celestial Dragon, unveiled it to Trafalgar Law, labeling the Ope Ope no Mi as the Ultimate Devil Fruit.

Imu's immortality is attributed to their consumption of the Ope Ope no Mi. The existence of this information suggests that someone in the past has successfully undergone the surgery and is presently immortal. This individual is Saint Imu from the Nerona Family. While the identity of the doctor responsible for Imu's surgery remains unknown to fans, it is certain that Imu is immortal and need not worry about death. Doflamingo desired the same immortality for himself, but his plans were thwarted by his own brother, Corazon.

It can be inferred that Imu's intricate surgery was performed by one of their closest associates in the past, possibly a member of the Nerona Family or another individual from the esteemed Founding 20 who deeply admired Imu. This surgeon would have inevitably met their demise, as utilizing the Ope Ope no Mi for the Perennial Youth Surgery has a fatal consequence. Since then, the Five Elders, positioned at the pinnacle of the hierarchy tracing back to the Founding 20, have faithfully served Imu for eternity. Nevertheless, their situation remains intriguing.

The Gorosei's Immortality

It is possible that Imu is not the only immortal character in One Piece. The immortality may also extend to the Gorosei. Fans have noticed that they hardly age over time and even in their flashbacks, they appear exactly the same. Interestingly, even 30 years ago when Vegapunk met with the Five Elders, they appeared unchanged, despite the fact that they should have been younger. This suggests that the Five Elders could also possess immortality, which might have been granted to them through the Ope Ope no Mi or another unknown method in the One Piece world.

The Gorosei, rarely seen by ordinary people, only make appearances before individuals of great importance, like the Fleet Admiral of the Navy or figures like Shanks. Their secluded existence in the Holy Land of Marijoa has left the common world with little knowledge about them. Only a select few have ever been able to lay eyes on them, allowing them to easily deceive the world into thinking they are mere ordinary humans.

Furthermore, their long-standing position suggests that they have been alive for an extensive period of time. Considered to be the Warrior Gods of the world, it is highly unlikely that they are reincarnated after each generation, as they were the victors of the war from the very beginning. As the Final Saga of One Piece unfolds, the Gorosei's significance will undoubtedly become apparent, and perhaps in the forthcoming chapters, when Saturn ultimately arrives on Egghead Island to confront Luffy and Vegapunk, their immortality may be explained to the fans.