Since Imu’s identity was revealed in both the One Piece anime and manga, fans worldwide have been wondering about the fate of the World Government as Luffy’s journey nears its end. As the supreme ruler sitting on the Empty Throne and secretly pulling the strings of the entire world order, Imu represents the greatest symbol of oppression.
So, what would happen if this powerful figure were overthrown? Here are the biggest scenarios that could unfold for the World Government after Imu’s defeat.
1. The Void Century Secrets Fully Exposed
The most immediate consequence of Imu’s fall would be the tearing down of the veil hiding the Void Century for over 800 years. For centuries, the World Government has used violence and bloodshed to erase this period from history, strictly forbidding anyone from investigating the Poneglyphs.
We’ve witnessed tragedies like Ohara, where archaeologists were mercilessly slaughtered just for seeking the truth. More recently, King Nefertari Cobra paid with his life as he uncovered the link between Imu and the past.
With Imu defeated, the World Government’s monopoly on information would vanish. All secrets, from the true identity of Joy Boy, the fall of the Ancient Kingdom, to the nature of the Ancient Weapons, would be revealed to the entire world.
2. The Fall of the Celestial Dragons’ Nobility System
Imu’s defeat would surely mark the end of the Celestial Dragons. These self-proclaimed “gods” have long enjoyed supreme privileges, living lavishly on the suffering of other kingdoms thanks to absolute protection from the Five Elders and the Navy.
However, once the truth that the Empty Throne has an owner is revealed, the legitimacy of this noble class will completely collapse. The simmering discontent from the Reverie Conference would erupt into armed uprisings worldwide. People everywhere would no longer bow to dictators when their greatest source of power, Imu, is gone.
3. The Navy Faces a Major Crisis of Unity
The collapse of the World Government would plunge the Navy, the sword of justice, into a deep ideological crisis. The Navy has long been divided between two mindsets: extreme “Absolute Respect” and “Moral Justice.”
Many progressive officers like Fujitora, Koby, and Smoker have expressed doubts about the fairness of the current system. When Imu’s corrupt true nature is exposed, this rift will push the Navy toward a major split. The era of being pawns protecting the dark ruling class’s interests will end, making way for a genuine force of justice.
4. The World Enters an Era of True Freedom
One of the brightest prospects after Imu’s defeat is the rise of “True Freedom.” Freedom has been the central theme throughout One Piece. Monkey D. Luffy himself has stated that the Pirate King is not a ruler of all, but the freest person on the seas.
Defeating Imu would not just end a battle but shatter the chains of oppression holding hundreds of nations captive. Islands would be free to trade and live without fear of Buster Calls or tyrannical punishments.
5. The Dawn of a New Era in History
In the world of One Piece, the symbol of “The Dawn of the World” is often mentioned as a prophecy of salvation. Lord Nekomamushi has said the Mink Tribe has long awaited this dawn, and Yamato believes Kozuki Momonosuke will lead the world into this new chapter.
The source of Joy Boy’s power and the “Will of D.” will be fulfilled with Imu’s defeat. This marks not just the end of a story but a monumental turning point that reshapes the entire political and social map of One Piece, ushering in a brilliant dawn after 800 years of darkness.