After years of lurking in the shadows, Imu has finally stepped onto the battlefield in the Elbaf arc of One Piece. Beyond mysterious powers like Omen and Domi Reversi, the World Government’s most powerful figure proves to be a formidable swordsman with a series of devastating techniques.
So far, the manga has revealed four named sword techniques used by Imu, each with unique mechanics and power.
1. Nemesis – Judgement Sword
Nemesis is the first sword technique Imu uses in his battle against Loki.
In this form, Imu’s twisting staff transforms into a giant cross-shaped greatsword. Its design immediately reminds many fans of Yoru, the famous Black Sword wielded by Dracule Mihawk.
Right after the transformation, Imu pierces Loki’s body with Nemesis while Loki is in his normal form. The massive size of the sword shows it’s a weapon far beyond typical swords in One Piece.
2. Gram – Blade of Wrath
In terms of sheer destructive power, Gram is one of Imu’s most fearsome techniques.
Imu creates a long blade from the tip of his spear and unleashes a powerful spinning slash to confront Loki in his Nidhogg form.
The clash produces a wide sweeping slash that nearly wipes out the entire battlefield. Given Imu’s enormous size at the time, Gram’s destructive force is considered extremely devastating.
3. Stigma – Blade of Hatred
Unlike the first two techniques that focus on raw power, Stigma operates with a more unique mechanism.
First, Imu unleashes black flames onto the opponent’s body, marking them with a curse-like seal. Once marked, he swings his sword to release a demonic sword energy.
The most terrifying aspect of Stigma is that the slash seems to automatically track the marked target. This makes dodging much harder, as the attack doesn’t just travel in a straight line but relentlessly pursues the victim.
4. Vohu – Blade of Nothingness
Debuting in chapter 1188, Vohu is Imu’s newest sword technique and reveals more about his Awakening state.
Instead of using an existing weapon, Imu summons a massive black greatsword from another dimension, with a design that reminds many of Gol D. Roger’s sword.
The energy radiating from this sword is so intense that the trees in the Elbaf forest wither instantly just from its presence.
Imu then drives Vohu straight into Luffy’s abdomen, leaving the Straw Hat captain nearly defenseless. After the strike, Imu mocks Luffy, claiming he is not the true Joy Boy. According to Imu, the original Joy Boy was far stronger and would not fall as easily as Luffy.
Imu Proves to Be One of One Piece’s Most Fearsome Swordsmen
The repeated use of named sword techniques shows that Imu does not rely solely on supernatural powers. He possesses an extremely high level of swordsmanship, combining physical strength, Haki, and mysterious abilities that Eiichiro Oda has yet to fully explain.