Imu's obsession with Lili in One Piece could be more romantically motivated than fans think

The world of One Piece has always been rich with intricate narratives, deep-seated mysteries, and complex characters. Among these, Imu stands out as one of the most enigmatic figures introduced in the series. First appearing as a shadowy silhouette on the Empty Throne, Imu commands the utmost authority over the World Government, directing even the Gorosei, the Five Elders, who are considered the highest authorities.

As more details about Imu have been gradually revealed, fans' curiosity has only intensified. One particular question that has piqued the interest of the One Piece community revolves around Imu's apparent fixation on Nefertari Lili. This article delves into the possibility that Imu's obsession with Lili may be driven by more romantic motivations than fans have traditionally considered.

Saint Imu and Nefertari D. Lili: Exploring a deeper connection in One Piece

The Manga panel from chapter 1116 shows Imu looking at a portrait of Lili (Image via Shueisha)

In chapter 1116 of One Piece, readers are given a glimpse of Imu staring at a huge framed picture of Nefertari Lili. This image, coupled with various narrative threads woven throughout the series, suggests a deeper, romantic connection between Imu and Lili. Ivankov's revelation about Imu's everlasting life and his origins as Saint Imu of the Nerona family, one of the original 20 families that formed the World Government, sets the stage for a love story that transcends time.

Nefertari Lili, a monarch from the Nefertari family, which also belonged to the first 20 kingdoms, chose not to become a Celestial Dragon and instead returned to Alabasta. However, she never made it back, and her younger brother took the throne, further deepening the mystery surrounding her fate and Imu's obsession.

One Piece: The history between Saint Imu and Nefertari D. Lili

To understand the potential romantic motivations behind Imu's obsession, it's essential to explore the historical and political context of their relationship.

The Empty Throne (Image via Toei Animation)

The formation of the World Government 800 years ago by the 20 kingdoms was a monumental event in the One Piece world. This alliance aimed to create a balance of power, symbolized by the Empty Throne, to prevent any single entity from ruling over the others.

The Reverie, a council formed by the World Government, serves as a platform for the world's leaders to convene and discuss global issues. The first Reverie likely took place 800 years ago, facilitating direct contact and interactions among the original 20 kingdoms.

Big Mom as shown in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Political marriages were a common strategy to solidify alliances and power structures. Big Mom's attempt to marry off Lola to Prince Loki of Elbaf to gain the power of the Giant race is a notable example within the series. It's plausible that a similar political marriage was arranged between Imu of the Nerona family and Lili of the Nefertari family.

This union would not only strengthen their respective positions but also ensure their mutual goals in the formation of the World Government.

One Piece: Why Lili may have betrayed Imu?

Imu is shown holding a picture of Vivi (Image via Toei Animation)

Imu's romantic interest in Lili, if true, adds a deeply personal dimension to his character. When Imu is depicted in the Chamber of Flowers, an impaled picture of Shirahoshi, and cut bounties of Luffy and Blackbeard are shown. But he is holding an unharmed picture of Nefertari Vivi, Lili's descendant. This juxtaposition suggests a special, unbroken connection to Lili.

King Cobra's revelation to the Gorosei about the continued rule of the Nefertari family in Alabasta, unlike the other 19 families, triggers a significant reaction from Imu. Imu chooses this moment to reveal himself, surprising even Gorosei, indicating the personal stakes involved.

His anger towards Lili for scattering the Poneglyphs worldwide could stem from a sense of betrayal—was it a calculated defiance or a genuine mistake? Imu's confusion and lingering doubts suggest a complicated emotional history with Lili.

One Piece: Ope Ope no Mi and the Immortality Surgery

The Ope Ope no Mi (Image via Toei Animation)

A crucial element in this narrative is the immortality granted by the Ope Ope no Mi. Doflamingo's discussion with Law about the fruit's ability to perform the Immortality Surgery provides insight into Imu's prolonged life. It's conceivable that Lili, as the previous user of the Ope Ope no Mi, was coerced by Imu into performing the surgery on him, sacrificing her life in the process. This act would explain her sudden disappearance and the unresolved fate that haunts Imu.

Lili's interaction with Joyboy, another central figure in the One Piece lore, could have profoundly influenced her. Joyboy might have inspired Lili to adopt a more altruistic perspective, similar to how Luffy inspires Vivi. This ideological shift could have led Lili to scatter the Poneglyphs, opposing Imu's authoritarian vision and sparking his wrath.

One Piece: The legacy of Nefertari D. Lili

Cobra talks about Nefertari D. Lili (Image via Toei Animation)

The striking resemblance between Vivi and Lili is another clue to Imu's fixation. The unharmed picture of Vivi, unlike the other targeted images, indicates a lingering affection and unresolved feelings. Vivi represents Lili's legacy, embodying the same spirit of defiance and independence that Imu once loved and later felt betrayed by. Imu's desire for Vivi could stem from a complex mix of longing, regret, and hope to reclaim or correct what was lost with Lili.

Imu's actions and motivations can be seen through the lens of a heartbroken monarch who lived through a tragic love story. The Ope Ope no Mi, shaped like a heart, symbolizes the romantic and emotional undertones of this narrative. Imu's immortality, granted by Lili's sacrifice, likely becomes a curse, binding him to an eternal existence marred by the memory of his lost love.

Final thoughts

Nefertari Vivi as shown in the anime series (Image via Toei Animation)

If Imu’s fascination for Nefertari Lili is driven by romance, it would add depth to his personality and One Piece story. This concept underlines emotional storytelling techniques as well as complex narratives which the writer Eiichiro Oda is known for although there are no clear facts.

The love affair between Imu and Lili can be described as one that has lasted for more than eight centuries; it serves to make Imu a multi-dimensional character who is motivated by such emotions as love’s sorrows – according to his position as well as history. With time passing in the series, audiences look forward with keen anticipation to learning additional information about this inevitable secret together with Imu’s real feelings towards her.