One Piece chapter 1178 revealed a detail that has fans buzzing. Why are Monkey D. Luffy and Loki unaffected by Domi Reversi, Imu’s terrifying power that can turn people into “demons” and control even the strongest warriors?
So far, Eiichiro Oda has not given an official explanation. However, the events in the chapter have sparked many intriguing theories, with the idea of “two synchronized wills” gaining the most support.
Rocks D. Xebec proves that strong Haki alone isn’t enough
To understand why Luffy and Loki resist Domi Reversi, we first look at a benchmark character: Rocks D. Xebec.
Rocks is considered one of the strongest pirates in history, possessing an extremely powerful Conqueror’s Haki that once terrified the world. Yet even he was affected by Domi Reversi. This shows that strength or Haki alone cannot counter Imu’s power.
So what do Luffy and Loki have that Rocks does not? Could it be because they both possess Devil Fruits? The most obvious commonality is that both are Devil Fruit users.
More notably, they are the first confirmed Devil Fruit users completely immune to Domi Reversi.
At first glance, this explanation seems reasonable. Perhaps the power from their Devil Fruits neutralizes Imu’s demonic ability.
However, this theory quickly shows flaws. When Imu witnesses Luffy and Loki resisting control, he only says: “Just as I expected, you two indeed…”
If the cause was simply their Devil Fruits, a being like Imu, who has lived since the Void Century, wouldn’t be surprised. This implies he already knew they would be immune for another special reason.
Mythical Zoan and the “two wills in one body” theory
This is also the most convincing theory among fans.
In chapter 1044, the Five Elders confirmed that Zoan Devil Fruits have their own wills, especially Mythical Zoan types.
Luffy currently possesses the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika, and has fully awakened it. This means he not only uses Nika’s power but has reached a state of harmony with the will of this deity.
Meanwhile, Loki is recognized as the rightful wielder of Niddhoggr’s power, thanks to his ancient giant bloodline and Ragnir’s acknowledgment.
According to this theory, Luffy and Loki don’t just have a single will but two synchronized wills: their human will and the will of their Mythical Zoan. Since Domi Reversi works by taking control of the target’s will, Imu faces two systems supporting each other instead of just one.
Imagine ordinary people or Rocks having only one will, making them easier to control. Luffy and Loki have two wills operating simultaneously, preventing Domi Reversi from fully dominating them.
More importantly, these two wills are not ordinary but linked to entities with godlike power.
Did previous wielders of Nika and Niddhoggr once face Imu?
Another detail makes this theory even more compelling. Imu shows a special hostility toward Joy Boy. Despite centuries passing, the name still haunts him. Even Joy Boy’s Haki left Imu on his knees when Emet unleashed its power.
Something similar seems true with Niddhoggr. When facing Loki, Imu calls Niddhoggr a “traitor,” even though it’s their first meeting. This suggests Imu’s hatred is likely aimed at the previous wielder of Niddhoggr, not Loki.
If so, it’s possible that the past owners of Nika and Niddhoggr were enemies of Imu. Their wills remain within the Devil Fruits, continuing to resist Imu through their current successors.
Location theory has major flaws
Some speculate Domi Reversi works stronger when victims are in their homeland. Dorry and Brogy were controlled in Elbaph, Rocks in God Valley, and others were affected on their own territory.
Luffy comes from Foosha Village, so he might resist because he’s in Elbaph. However, this theory falls apart since Loki, born in Elbaph, is also fully immune.
This suggests location is unlikely the key factor.
“Two souls in one body” remains the most plausible answer
Until Oda provides an official answer, the theory of two synchronized wills remains the most convincing.
It’s not just about being stronger or having a Mythical Zoan. Luffy and Loki may be immune because their bodies host both the human will and the will of the god inside their Devil Fruits. This resonance prevents Imu from fully controlling them with Domi Reversi.
If this theory is true, it also means Joy Boy in the past was likely immune to this power, and Mythical Zoan Devil Fruits could become Imu’s natural nemesis in One Piece’s final battle.