Without a doubt, Imu stands as the most terrifying threat in the current One Piece world. His ability to swallow fire, grant immortality through the “Deep Sea Contract,” and use the Domi Reversi technique to turn people into demons has made him a godlike figure of immense power. However, as the story moves into the Final Saga, creator Oda has begun to reveal the weaknesses of this “World King.”
Although he appears unbeatable, Imu’s absolute power comes with steep costs. Let’s explore three core weaknesses that could be the key for Luffy’s alliance to finally take down this outlaw entity.
1. Supreme Level Conqueror’s Haki
The clearest evidence of Imu’s fragility appeared on Egghead Island. When the giant robot Emet unleashed the remnants of Joy Boy’s Conqueror’s Haki, Imu’s reaction was anything but normal. He knelt down, trembling, clearly terrified. This was the first time readers saw Imu lose his usual supreme composure.
This detail suggests that the highest level of Conqueror’s Haki can pierce Imu’s existence or at least exert real physical pressure on his body.
If Imu possesses unlimited regeneration like the Five Elders, then Conqueror’s Haki might be the only weapon capable of inflicting permanent wounds.
However, a major caveat is that this attack may only be effective when targeting Imu’s original body directly. Imu often inhabits the bodies of subordinates (as with Gunko), likely as a way to avoid the risk of direct attacks from overwhelming Haki.
2. Backlash from the Death of Contract Holders
Another shocking revelation is that the death of those holding the “Deep Sea Contract” directly harms Imu. After King Harald was killed by Loki, the Five Elders wanted to send reinforcements to Elbaf, but Imu strongly opposed, saying, “That will only cause more deaths among the Holy Knights! Creating contracts comes at a cost to ‘Me’!”
This confirms the bitter truth that everyone who signs a contract with Imu is directly linked to him. If they die, Imu suffers damage as well.
This is why Imu cannot recklessly create an army of immortals, despite having that power. Currently, the number of high-level contract holders is limited to about 13 people (including the Five Elders and the Holy Knights).
Strategically, this is good news for Luffy. To weaken Imu, the alliance can eliminate each “link” around him. The Five Elders and Holy Knights are not just subordinates, they are the “anchors” maintaining Imu’s existence. Every head that falls is a dagger plunged into the ruler’s heart.
3. Natural Nemesis: The Power of Nika
Throughout 800 years of history, Joy Boy (the previous wielder of Nika’s power) was the only one Imu feared. Even though the Egghead mission was a strategic success, Imu ruthlessly killed Jaygarcia Saturn for one reason only: to allow the “new Joy Boy” (Luffy) to escape.
For Imu, letting Nika loose is worse than any military defeat. This creates an absolute opposition in the nature of their powers.
Imu’s power is total control, binding, breaking personalities, and erasing freedom (Domi Reversi). Nika’s power is absolute freedom, warping reality in cartoonish ways, bringing laughter, and breaking all chains.
Imu’s world is submission in darkness, while Nika’s world is joyful play under the sun. This ideological and fundamental clash makes Luffy a natural nemesis and a survival threat to Imu.