Imu only officially appeared during One Piece’s Final Saga, but Eiichiro Oda has revealed that many characters have faced off against or secretly opposed the mysterious ruler behind the World Government. Some confronted Imu directly, while others fought to protect history or dismantle the power Imu has built over 800 years.
Here are 8 known characters who have stood against Imu.
1. Joy Boy – Imu’s Greatest Enemy from 800 Years Ago
Joy Boy is considered Imu’s most formidable opponent during the Void Century. While the exact conflict remains a mystery, many clues suggest Joy Boy led forces opposing the alliance of 20 kingdoms that later formed the World Government.
Even now, Imu shows a deep hatred for Joy Boy, often comparing Luffy to this ancient hero during their confrontations.
Though Joy Boy was ultimately defeated, his will lives on through the Poneglyphs, his promise to the Fish-Men, and especially the awakening of the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika. This keeps their battle alive into the present era.
2. Nefertari D. Lily – The King Who Disrupted the World Government’s Plans
As one of the 20 founding kings of the World Government, Nefertari D. Lily chose a very different path from the others.
After the war, she refused to stay in Mary Geoise and returned to Alabasta. More importantly, the letter she left behind confirmed she bore the “D.” initial, a fact that unsettled Imu when Cobra read it.
Some theories suggest Lily helped spread the Poneglyphs worldwide, preventing Imu’s plan to erase history. If true, she was among the earliest opponents of Imu and the World Government.
3. Nefertari Cobra – The King Who Questioned Imu
Cobra was among the first to openly seek the truth about Imu. During a meeting with the Five Elders in Mary Geoise, he questioned the meaning of the “D.” initial and revealed Lily’s letter. His inquiries forced Imu to appear in person.
Fully aware of the danger, Cobra pursued the truth until his last moments. Before dying at Imu’s hands, he passed the secret of Nefertari D. Lily to Sabo.
4. Sabo – Witness to the World’s Greatest Secret
Alongside Cobra, Sabo is one of the first characters in the current era to see Imu seated on the Empty Throne. After uncovering this secret, the Revolutionary Army’s Chief of Staff became a prime target of the World Government. Despite this, he escaped Mary Geoise and publicly revealed that the world is ruled by a shadowy figure.
As leader of the Revolutionary Army and one who knows of Imu’s existence, Sabo is one of the greatest threats to the World Government today.
5. Monkey D. Luffy – The Heir to Joy Boy’s Will
Luffy is likely Imu’s most dangerous enemy in the current era.
After awakening the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika, the Straw Hat captain inherited the power and will of Joy Boy, the figure Imu has despised for 800 years.
In the Elbaf arc, Imu confronted Luffy directly for the first time, mocking him for not yet deserving the title of Joy Boy. For Imu, defeating Luffy means more than taking down a Yonko, it means ending the return of Joy Boy and Nika after centuries.
6. Loki – The Fearless Prince of Elbaf
Among the newer characters, Loki is one of the few who dares to directly oppose Imu.
When Imu took control of Gunko’s body to attack Elbaf, Loki stood his ground. He fought using the Ragnir sword and even froze Gunko’s body to hinder Imu’s control, proving he can challenge the world’s ruler.
Even when Imu personally appeared in Elbaf, Loki was ready to face him.
7. Rocks D. Xebec – The Pirate Who Wanted to Become World King
Unlike most pirates who seek treasure or freedom, Rocks D. Xebec aimed to rule the entire world. This ambition put him in direct conflict with the World Government. During the God Valley Incident, Rocks led his pirate crew to attack the gathering of Celestial Dragons, forcing Gol D. Roger and Monkey D. Garp to team up to stop him.
While it’s not confirmed if Xebec ever met Imu, his goals clearly oppose Imu’s power. That makes him one of the most dangerous challengers before Luffy’s era.
8. Davy D. Jones – The Mysterious Figure Possibly Once World King
Davy D. Jones has long been known as a legendary figure tied to the Davy Back Fight game, but recent hints suggest his role is much greater.
According to new information, Davy D. Jones is the leader of the Davy Clan and is believed to be an ancestor of both Rocks D. Xebec and Marshall D. Teach. Xebec himself expressed admiration for this legendary figure.
The most intriguing theory is that Davy D. Jones once held the title of World King before power shifted to Nerona Imu and the World Government. If Oda confirms this in the future, Davy D. Jones would not only be a legend but possibly the greatest rival Imu has ever faced in One Piece history.