Spoiler Alert !!!This article contains some spoilers from One Piece Chapter 1179.
The ending of One Piece Chapter 1179 changes everything completely as Imu finally steps out of the shadows and enters the battlefield. This is the first time that we have seen Imu’s face reveal in Eiichiro Oda‘s panel – not as a distant ruler, not as a figure in the background, but as an actual presence with an overwhelming amount of authority.
And the craziest part was that this was not just an appearance – it was a full-on descent with power that feels way beyond anything we have seen so far, even compared to Conqueror’s Haki. Let us discuss the ending in detail.
One Piece Chapter 1179: Elbaf Shakes as Imu Finally Appears
The Five Elders try to prevent Imu from departing, suggesting even sending an Admiral in place of Imu. This is a clear indication of just how serious a situation this is – Imu moving personally is something that should not happen. However, Imu does not listen to them.
Credit: Shueisha
Credit: Shueisha
Credit: Shueisha
What follows next is arguably one of the craziest moments in the Final Saga so far. The sky splits wide open, black pillars of energy come down from above and a large circular shape appears in the sky – something that looks less like a Devil Fruit ability and more like a ritual or summoning.
All of Elbaf feels this force. Everyone immediately identifies it as something similar to Conqueror’s Haki, but this is noticeably different from traditional Conqueror’s Haki. This is much heavier, darker and far more oppressive. This was not just knocking people out – this one was dominating the actual environment itself.
At this point, it becomes obvious – Imu is not just strong – they are on a completely different level than anyone else.
A Power Beyond Devil Fruits? Imu’s Ability Explained
The last page of One Piece Chapter 1179 finally reveals the long-awaited confirmation. We see who Imu is. It describes Saint Nerona Imu as one of the first 20 co-founders of the World Government, while mentioning him as “King of the World.”
A still from One Piece chapter 1179. | Credit: Shueisha
In addition to this, then comes the most interesting detail – their ability is labeled as “Devil’s Fruit” (Akuma no Mi), written differently from the usual Devil Fruits we know. That small change gives us a huge hint. This very likely means that the powers associated with Imu do not operate under the same rules as normal Devil Fruits do.
The way that the powers appear (i.e. the black energy, the distortion of the environment and a supernatural or god-like appearance) gives us the impression that it may be related to something from the “Void Century”. In simple terms, Imu’s powers may be one of the following –
An early version of a Devil Fruit.
A completely different type of power than what we are used to with Devil Fruits.
Or a power that existed before Devil Fruits as we currently know them.
Imu’s Appearance Hints a Shocking Truth About Their Origins
Another subtle but extremely important detail hinted in Chapter 1179 was Imu’s appearance, which could be much more significant than it appears. The appearance in this chapter, along with the early spoilers, hinted that Imu’s design appears to be a blend of multiple races, combining traits from different tribes across the One Piece world – such as Lunarian traits (wings, pale hair), Oni characteristics (horns) and even hints of the Third Eye Tribe.
Imu’s appearance in One Piece chapter 1179. | Credit: Shueisha
If this holds true, Imu might not just rule the world, but could actually be connected to the origin of multiple races in One Piece. Lastly, this would relate directly to the greater mystery, as Imu seems not simply another character with strength and power – rather, Imu could represent something ancient, perhaps even an entity that existed before the present world system or possibly one that has existed outside of the current world system itself.
The Chapter That Pushes One Piece Into Its Endgame
This chapter has made it very clear what Imu is – no longer a mysterious figure pulling strings, but an actual participant in the events of the world. So far, Imu was controlling the world from behind the scenes like a puppet master. However, after Chapter 1179, Imu is now an active player in the world and interfering with actual events.
Luffy from One Piece. | Credit: Toei Animation
It also raises the stakes for Monkey D. Luffy and his crew. If Luffy represents Joy Boy, then Imu stepping in personally makes their clash feel inevitable. Also, it confirms that the Final Saga is no longer building up – it is already in motion. When the true ruler of the world enters the battlefield, there is no going back to smaller conflicts anymore.
Series TitleOne PieceManga AuthorEiichiro OdaChapter 1179 Release Date (US)April 5, 2026Mal Rating – as of April 5, 20269.21 / 10Where to Read (Manga)Manga Plus by Shueisha, Viz Media
And finally, it introduces a new layer to the power system. Between Haki, Devil Fruits and now whatever Imu is using, One Piece is clearly heading into territory we have never seen before. So what are your thoughts on Imu’s appearance and abilities? Share with us in the comments section below
One Piece manga is currently available to read on Manga Plus by Shueisha.
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