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Disclaimer: The ideas in this article are speculative and based on fan theories.
Imu’s true identity and the reason behind his identity have been one of the hottest topics in the One Piece fandom for years. Several fan theories have surfaced over the years, but the latest One Piece chapter might hint at something else. The dark figure controlling the World Government might not be immortal at all.
Instead, they might be using some kind of soul transfer procedure to change bodies. Imu might be choosing a vessel every once in a while and use the Ope Ope no Mi’s body swapping abilities to live through multiple centuries. In the present era, Saint Gunko of the Manmayer Family could be their vessel. This theory aligns with a couple of other theories, which will be further explored in the article.
Saint Gunko Could Be The Key To Imu’s Immortality
When the God’s Knight invaded Elbaf, it was shown that Imu can directly possess Gunko and perform things to their liking. Then, in One Piece Chapter 1160, it is said that she is the Devoted Blade of God, signalling that Gunko is the blade of Imu (Imu being referred to as God). It can be so that Gunko is Imu’s vessel, and the latter might swap bodies soon. During the invasion of the God Valley Incident, there were several potent God’s Knights who were much powerful than Gunko, but Imu still chose her over others.
It could mean that she has some compatibility with Imu. The theory is similar to Orochimaru using other humans as vessels in Naruto. Also, there is a popular theory of Imu using the Ope Ope no Mi to swap bodies with Nefertari D. Lily and perform the Perennial Youth Operation on them, making Imu immortal. Since Imu was transferred into Lily’s body, they became a female, which might be one of the reason they requires a female vessel to swap their immortal soul with.
Another incident that points towards Gunko being an Imu vessel is that the God’s Knights are mostly men, with Gunko being the only exception. Since she is Imu’s vessel, she is made to become a God’s Knight rather than enjoying life as a Celestial Dragon. Likewise, Gunko from 38 years ago and the present Gunko look the same, while Shamrock, Figarland Garling, and other God’s Knights have aged.
Imu might share a portion of his immortality with something physical like blood (similar to Kibutsuji Muzan from Demon Slayer), which allows their peers to gain immortality. If Imu decides to take it away, the person dies, similar to Saint Jaygarcia Saturn. Garling aged through the series, but now that he is a Gorosei, Imu might have given him something to make him immortal.
Also Read: Monkey D. Dragon’s God Valley Crimes Finally Explained in One Piece 1160
Blackbeard’s Multiple Personality Could Be Related to Imu’s Immortality Theory
Imu requires the Ope Ope no Mi to perform the body swap, and One Piece has highlighted that Trafalgar D. Water Law is pretty efficient in performing the body swaps. He performed it on the Straw Hat Pirates during the Punk Hazard arc.
The hunt for the Ope Ope no Mi brings Blackbeard into the picture. During Harald and Rocks D. Xebec’s backstory, it was shown that the latter was a member of the Davy Clan and was easily able to infiltrate Imu’s chamber. No one dares, rather no one can do it, but Xebec did and returned safely. It might be something related to the Davy Clan knowing about Imu’s identity or their necessity for the Ope Ope no Mi.
Following the popular fan theory of Blackbeard’s multiple personality, with one of them being of Rocks D. Xebec, it could potentially explain why Marshall D. Teach was after Trafalgar Law. He was aiming for his Devil Fruit, knowing that Imu might someday come to him if he stole it. At the moment, it is just a fan theory, but if it ever gets confirmed, then Rocks D. Xebec’s grand scheme and Imu’s immortality could be tied under the same fate.
Also Read: Is Blackbeard a Half-Buccaneer in One Piece? Explored
The One Piece manga is available to read on Manga Plus.
Priyanko is currently pursuing his Master’s in Economics. He loves to read manga or watch anime in his spare time. He is a massive fan of One Piece, Naruto, and Haikyu. Amidst the Great Pirating Era, he wishes to become the greatest Hokage, even though he is short.
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