The moment that One Piece fans have eagerly awaited has finally arrived. In chapter 1186, Monkey D. Luffy landed a direct attack on the true body of Nerona Imu. This development brought a deeply satisfying payoff after a series of intense chapters.
However, looking at the situation objectively, Imu still holds several major advantages over Luffy at this point. Here are five key strengths of Imu that could make the upcoming battle extremely challenging for the Straw Hat captain.
1. Imu likely faced Joy Boy in direct combat
This is probably Imu’s greatest advantage. More and more details suggest that Imu not only knows about Joy Boy but very likely fought the legendary figure directly in the past.
Notably, Joy Boy is believed to have mastered the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika far better than Luffy currently does.
The sheer amount of Conqueror’s Haki Joy Boy left within Emet shocked Imu even after hundreds of years. This reflects just how formidable Joy Boy was during his lifetime.
Meanwhile, Luffy still does not even know the true name of his Devil Fruit. Unlike Kaido, Rob Lucci, or Kizaru, who all faced Gear 5 for the first time, Imu may have already battled someone wielding Nika’s power stronger than Luffy today.
2. Combat experience far beyond anyone else
In One Piece, combat experience is crucial. Characters like Monkey D. Garp, Silvers Rayleigh, and Scopper Gaban remain formidable despite their age because of their vast battle experience. But Imu is on a whole different level.
If Imu has existed since the Void Century, that means he has lived for around 800 years. During that time, he could have witnessed the rise and fall of many eras, fought countless powerful opponents, and learned about abilities unknown to the current generation. Imu is even believed to have fought Joy Boy and the Elbaph Giant Warriors.
Even more terrifying, unlike Garp or Rayleigh, Imu’s body seems to maintain peak condition without aging.
3. Imu and the Gorosei’s regeneration abilities remain a mystery
This is a challenge even Luffy has yet to overcome in the Egghead arc. The Gorosei can repeatedly recover from wounds that should be fatal. Imu appears to have a similar ability. Despite taking injuries and bleeding, his wounds heal at an astonishing speed.
If Luffy cannot find a way to counter or surpass this regeneration, the fight will be extremely difficult. Defeating an opponent who can continuously heal is always far more complex than just landing powerful punches.
4. Omen seems to be a natural counter to Gear 5
Gear 5 is one of the most bizarre and unpredictable powers introduced in One Piece. Yet Imu wields an equally absurd ability called Omen.
This power lets Imu change shape, create various weapons, launch ranged attacks, and adapt to countless combat situations. Thanks to its extreme versatility, Imu is one of the few opponents who can match the spontaneous and creative fighting style of Gear 5.
While previous enemies were often overwhelmed by Luffy’s unpredictability, Imu’s flexible transformations make him a formidable challenge.
5. Luffy’s body is not yet at peak condition
Luffy has just eaten and even claimed to feel his strength surging. However, considering everything he has been through, his body has already expended a great deal of energy.
Before facing Imu directly, Luffy fought the Divine Knights and battled Gunko while he was possessed by Imu.
Eating helps Luffy recover energy quickly, but that doesn’t mean all the fatigue from previous battles has completely vanished.
Meanwhile, Imu has only just begun to fight directly. This could be a significant advantage for the World Government’s leader in what is shaping up to be One Piece’s most important confrontation.