That moment in Episode 889 changed everything in One Piece. We fans saw Imu-sama for the first time. The supposed rulers of the world bowed before a single shadowed figure. Until then, the “Empty Throne” was just a mystery no one knew about. After that episode, we know that the world is being ruled by a hidden mastermind known as Imu-sama. And since that day, we fans want to know “Who is Imu-sama in One Piece? “.

Imu-sama first appeared in the manga in Chapter 906. The anime brought them in Episode 885 with that creepy shadow and glowing eyes. And this post will tell you every small to big event connected to Imu-sama.

Who Is Imu-sama in One Piece?

Imu-sama, or simply Imu, is a mastermind working in the shadows as ruler of the World Government in the world of One Piece. While the Five Elders (Gorosei) act as public heads, Imu-Sama is the one they are working under. This figure sits on the “Empty Throne” inside Pangaea Castle. This throne was believed to be kept unoccupied to show the people of One Piece that no single person rules it. But in Chapter 908 (Episode 889), the Five Elders kneel and address Imu-sama directly, proving that the owner of that throne is Imu Sama.

Imu’s existence is so deeply hidden that even top-ranking marines and nobles know a little about him. Just a man pulling strings behind the world government. Their first on-page appearance is in Chapter 906, inside Pangaea Castle during the Reverie arc. The anime introduces him in Episode 885 with the famous giant straw hat scene.

The official English spelling used is “Imu”, while “-sama” is an honorific used by the Five Elders. So if you are still wondering who is Imu-sama and want to know more about this person, you should continue this post to know more hidden events and lore behind Imu-sama.

What Does Imu-sama Look Like?

Till now, Imu-sama’s full appearance is still hidden. You always see a very tall crown with long, sharp spikes, with a dark robe that covers the body that stretches to the ground. Just the eyes glowing red, with a thin ring around the pupil, popping bright from the dark shadow.

Chapter 906 was the first time Imu appeared. They walked through Pangaea Castle. The anime did the same in Episode 885, when the giant straw hat scene came. In Chapter 908 and Episode 889, Imu sits on the Empty Throne. With all these scenes, nothing new was shown, just a deep dark shadow with bright crippy eyes.

Later, in Chapter 1060, when Lulusia is destroyed, Imu’s red eyes appear again. In Chapter 1085 and in Episodes 1119–1120, during the Reverie flashback, Imu takes a beast-like form. They strike down Cobra and Sabo. Here also nothing was shown.

So far, no official details like face or body have been revealed about Imu Sama. Just the spiked crown, the black robe, and those glowing eyes. That is all Oda has shown.

What Is Imu-sama’s Gender?

Imu-sama’s gender is still officially unknown. In both the manga and anime, gendered pronouns are never used. The VIZ English translations use only “Imu” or “Saint Imu.” In the anime, even when Imu speaks in Episode 1119, Toei did not reveal the voice actor’s name, labeling it as “???” in the credits, clearly to hide any gender hints.

There’s also a subtle code in Celestial Dragon titles:

• Male nobles use 聖 (“Saint”) like Charlos聖
• Female nobles use 宮 (“Princess”) like Shalria宮

Imu is referred to as Imu聖, which could suggest a male alignment. But this is not a confirmation. Oda, the creator of One Piece, was asked this question multiple times, but he did not give any reply to that.

Does Imu-sama Have a Devil Fruit Power?

No Devil Fruit has been confirmed for Imu-sama yet. But there are some incidents that indicate he or she might have a Devil Fruit:

1. Island-level destruction:

In Chapter 1060 (Episode 1089), the Lulusia Kingdom is wiped off the map by a massive energy beam. The attack is later explained in Chapter 1086 and Chapter 1116. Vegapunk reveals it was caused by an Ancient Weapon powered by the stolen Mother Flame—a device Imu ordered to be used. So this was not a Devil Fruit, but a technological weapon.

2. Monster-form combat:

In Chapter 1085, during the Reverie flashback, Imu attacks King Cobra and Sabo inside the castle. The attack is a shadow-like beast form that moves swiftly and deals real damage. This is shown in Episodes 1119–1120, but again, no Devil Fruit name, class, or confirmation is given. Even with monstrous form and power, the manga never calls it a Devil Fruit ability.

So far, the answer is: No confirmed Devil Fruit, just unidentified powers and Ancient Weapon commands.

What Is Imu-sama’s Connection to the Void Century?

Imu-sama is directly tied to the end of the Void Century. Those who don’t know this have lost 100 years of history between 900 and 800 years ago in the world of One Piece.

In Chapter 1085, King Cobra reveals that Nefertari Lili (an Alabasta queen) was named “D.” and sent a letter tied to the Poneglyphs. Imu appears during that moment, talks about Lili’s “mistake,” and then kills Cobra, proving their active role in covering Void Century truths.

In the next chapter, Chapter 1086, we learn Imu’s full title:
Saint Imu of the Nerona Family, one of the First Twenty kings who founded the World Government.

That means Imu has ruled since the Void Century, making them at least 800 years old. This also proves they were part of the original alliance that erased the Ancient Kingdom, whose ruins are now hidden in the Poneglyphs.

Imu-Sama’s name appears in history, but their body remains hidden. So if you want to understand who is Imu-sama, you have to uncover the secrets of 800 years in the past.

Fan Theories About Imu-sama’s Real Identity

Over the years, fans have built wild but grounded theories. Here are the most famous ones:

Imu ate a Devil Fruit for Immortality:

Chapter 1086 names them as one of the original Twenty Kings. Some believe they used the Ope Ope no Mi’s “Perennial Youth Operation” to live forever. This could explain their current presence despite being part of ancient history.

Imu is Nefertari Lili, or using her body:

Since Chapter 1085 connects Lili to the “D.” clan and to the Poneglyphs, some fans think Imu might have possessed or body-swapped into Lili, making her the traitor of the D. clan. Which also explains why Imu was able to stay alive for 800 Years.

Imu is Uranus (or fused with it):

After Lulusia’s destruction, fans noted that the weapon might be Uranus, one of the three Ancient Weapons. Some think Imu is the core of Uranus, or has merged with its power.

Imu is Joy Boy’s historical enemy:

A mythic rivalry. Joy Boy as “Sun God Nika.” Imu as a dark sea-devil. Theories see Imu as the inverse of Joy Boy, ruling from the shadow, while Joy Boy represents light and freedom.

All these theories are believable, but none have been confirmed. But the seeds are clearly planted by Oda for something massive. That is why the question “Who is Imu-sama really?” continues to inspire every kind of theory across the fanbase.

Is Imu-sama the Final Villain of One Piece?

There is no official line saying “Imu is the final villain.” But every major endgame event connects back to them.

In the Final Saga, announced after Chapter 1054, Imu stands behind:

• The death of King Cobra (Chapter 1085, Episode 1119)
• The use of Mother Flame (Chapter 1086)
• The destruction of Lulusia (Chapter 1060, Chapter 1116)
• The command over the Five Elders, who now show demonic forms (Chapter 1110)

Imu’s name comes from the Void Century, their identity is from the founders, their power erased a kingdom, and their servants are unstoppable.

Even if Oda never declares it openly, Imu is clearly the endgame antagonist. The one Luffy must surpass to bring down the system that hides the truth. So who is Imu-sama’s true enemy? It is clearly Joy Boy or Luffy.

In the End

The reason Imu-sama became a fan obsession is simple. Oda gave us a ruler with no face, no voice, and no age—yet tied them to everything the story fights against. History, freedom, secrets, oppression. That’s the villain we never saw coming.

Now, it’s your turn. What do you think about Imu? Do you believe they were always there from the Void Century? Or do you have your own theory?

Tell us in the comments.