After decades of speculation, One Piece fans were finally treated to the first voice of one of the series’ most enigmatic figures: Imu, the ruler of the world and a shadowy figure who has been lurking behind the scenes of the story’s biggest mysteries. In One Piece episode #1118, Imu’s voice was revealed to be heavily altered with filters, sparking wild theories about the character’s true nature. While this audio manipulation could simply be a way to obscure Imu’s gender and identity, many fans believe there’s a deeper meaning behind the robotic, distorted voice. Could it be that Imu is not entirely human? Let’s dive into the fascinating possibilities behind this major reveal.
Imu’s Mysterious Origins and the Void Century
One of the few things we know about Imu is that they have been alive since the Void Century, a period of history in One Piece shrouded in mystery. This means that Imu has lived for over 800 years, a feat that would be impossible for a regular human without the aid of a Devil Fruit or some other form of advanced technology. Imu’s knowledge of the events from the Void Century, their connection to Joy Boy, and their role as the ruler of the world make them one of the most powerful and significant figures in the One Piece universe.
The idea of a character living for centuries isn’t new to One Piece. We’ve seen various ways in which characters can extend their lifespans, such as the Ope Ope no Mi, also known as the “Ultimate Devil Fruit,” which can grant immortality. However, there’s a growing theory that Imu’s extended lifespan is not the result of a Devil Fruit, but rather advanced technology from the past.
Is Imu a Robot?
One of the most compelling theories to emerge from Imu’s voice reveal is that they might not be human at all but rather an artificial being. In the episode, Imu’s voice is distorted and mechanical, a possible hint that the world’s ruler is actually a robot or some form of artificial life. This would fit with the recent revelations about advanced technology in the One Piece world, particularly in relation to Vegapunk’s experiments.
Vegapunk, the brilliant scientist, has created artificial beings called Satellites, which are able to transfer their consciousness between bodies. In the manga, we’ve seen that even when these Satellites’ bodies are destroyed, their minds can live on through Punk Records, a server that stores their consciousness. Given that Imu comes from a time when technology was exponentially more advanced than it is now, it’s plausible that similar technology existed during the Void Century, allowing Imu to transfer their consciousness into a robotic body, ensuring they could live forever.
One major example of ancient technology in One Piece is the Iron Giant Emet, a massive robot that has been active since Joy Boy’s time. This robot possesses a mind and consciousness, despite being an artificial being. Imu could have utilized similar technology to transfer their mind into a powerful artificial body, allowing them to avoid the limitations of aging and mortality. If this theory holds true, Imu’s robotic voice is not just a way to hide their identity but a literal clue to their artificial nature.
Could Imu’s Voice Be a Result of a Devil Fruit?
Another possibility is that Imu’s distorted voice is the result of a Devil Fruit ability. Throughout the series, we’ve seen several characters whose voices change when they use their powers, such as Kaido’s booming, fearsome voice when in dragon form. It’s possible that Imu has consumed a powerful Devil Fruit that has altered their physical form and stripped them of their humanity, resulting in their robotic, inhuman voice.
Given the immense power Imu wields, it wouldn’t be surprising if they possessed one of the strongest Devil Fruits in the world, one that grants them the ability to control life and death, or manipulate reality itself. This could explain why Imu is such a cold, uncaring leader—perhaps they’ve lost their human emotions as a result of their transformation.
The Importance of Imu’s Voice Reveal
Whether Imu’s voice hints at a robotic body or is the result of a Devil Fruit, there’s no doubt that this moment is one of the most iconic in One Piece history. The anime has been building up to this reveal for years, and the mystery surrounding Imu’s identity only deepens with each new detail.
As the story continues to unfold, fans can expect more revelations about Imu’s past, their connection to the Void Century, and the true extent of their power. Whether they are a robot, an immortal being, or something else entirely, Imu’s presence looms large over the final arc of One Piece, and their ultimate reveal will likely shake the foundations of the world.
In the meantime, fans will continue to theorize and speculate about the mysterious ruler, eagerly awaiting the day when all will be revealed. Until then, the question remains: Is Imu a human, a robot, or something far more terrifying?