After nearly three decades since One Piece first debuted, fans have finally witnessed one of the most anticipated moments. Monkey D. Luffy officially steps into a direct battle with Imu, the mysterious figure believed to be behind the biggest events in the One Piece world.
Chapter 1187 represents a crucial turning point for the Elbaph arc and the entire Final Saga, as the clash between the “Sun God Nika” and the enigmatic World King officially begins.
Luffy and Imu Finally Face Off
In chapter 1187, Imu unleashes a powerful attack that temporarily incapacitates Loki, removing a key player from the battlefield.
Meanwhile, after recovering thanks to some food, Luffy quickly returns to the fight.
Following his punch that landed on Imu at the end of the previous chapter, the Straw Hat captain continues to counter Imu’s dark-powered attacks. Despite Imu repeatedly calling Luffy “Joy Boy,” he denies the title and stays focused on the battle ahead.
The final pages of chapter 1187 confirm that the long-awaited battle between Luffy and Imu has officially begun.
Imu Wields One of One Piece’s Most Terrifying Powers
Recent chapters have revealed many of Imu’s unique abilities. Not only can Imu possess other bodies and grant them immortality, but he also wields a dark power with strange and deadly attacks.
These abilities stand in stark contrast to Luffy’s Gear 5. While Gear 5 allows Luffy to freely bend reality with his imagination, Imu’s power carries a demonic and destructive nature.
This battle is often described as a clash between “god” and “devil,” promising to be one of the most spectacular fights in One Piece history.
This May Not Be Their Final Encounter
Although Imu is the head of the World Government and arguably the series’ most influential villain, many believe he may not be Luffy’s ultimate opponent.
Before the Elbaph arc, Imu had barely appeared directly in Luffy’s journey. Their rivalry has not been as deeply developed as with other characters.
Meanwhile, Luffy still has major goals ahead, from finding the One Piece treasure to competing with the other Four Emperors.
The Final Saga Holds Many Secrets
The Elbaph arc is only the second chapter of the Final Saga, meaning many mysteries remain unsolved by Eiichiro Oda.
Questions about the Void Century, the true history of Joy Boy, Imu’s secrets, the One Piece treasure, and the fate of the World Government are still unanswered.
Additionally, the rivalry between Luffy, Shanks, and Blackbeard is expected to play a crucial role in his journey to become Pirate King.
Some theories suggest one of these Four Emperors could be Luffy’s final adversary, with the fight against Imu serving as a prelude to even larger battles in the manga’s final stages.
While the outcome of the current battle remains uncertain, chapter 1187 marks a historic milestone for One Piece. After 29 years, Luffy and Imu face off directly for the first time. This moment is seen as the biggest turning point in the Final Saga and promises to kick off a series of explosive events before the legendary manga reaches its conclusion.