One Piece's Earth may be on Imu's side of the Void Century War, and it could reveal their connection to Lili

In One Piece, the mystery surrounding Imu and the Void Century has fueled countless theories, but one intriguing possibility suggests that the Earth itself may have been on Imu’s side during the war. This theory explores Imu as more than a tyrant. She could be an avatar of Mother Nature, chosen to protect the planet from humanity’s excesses.

Her deep connection to Nefertari Lily, possibly as her mother, adds emotional depth, casting Joy Boy as a disruptive force who "corrupted" Lily. This article delves into how Imu’s powers and motivations might stem from the Earth's will, shaping the Void Century’s conflict.

Disclaimer: the opinions expressed are solely those of the author.

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One Piece: Imu as the embodiment of mother nature's wrath

Saint Imu (Image via Toei Animation)

Imu, in this interpretation, is not simply a tyrant but a complex figure embodying the wrath of Mother Nature itself. She may be the mother of Nefertari Lily, a figure driven by a deep, somber possessiveness.

Her bitterness towards Joy Boy stems from seeing him as a corrupting force, a man who lured her daughter away from her "pure" ideals with dangerous, chaotic dreams of freedom. Imu’s resentment could be fueled by the belief that Joy Boy, in his rebellious, free-spirited nature, undermined her authority and control over her daughter.

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One Piece: Joy Boy's shattered legacy

Luffy in his Gear 5 form (Image via Toei Animation)

This theory deepens when you consider Joy Boy’s reputation. Instead of being a pure-hearted hero, he may have been a charming yet careless figure—someone who captured the hearts of many, only to break them.

In this light, he could be the original source of the "lovesickness" curse that plagues the Amazon Lily, a reflection of his flawed relationships. The tale of Joy Boy might be one of a man who, despite his ideals, left many feeling betrayed on a personal level, and this lack of close allies contributed to his eventual downfall.

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One Piece: The God Fruit

The Ancient Kingdom (Image via Toei Animation)

Furthermore, the theory extends beyond Imu’s role as Lily’s mother. Imu may represent Mother Nature herself, viewing humanity’s advancements and technology as a threat to the planet. The Void Century could have been a time of unprecedented scientific progress but at the cost of severe environmental damage.

The Ancient Kingdom, in its ambition, may have polluted the world, triggering the wrath of the planet. Imu, blessed by Mother Earth with god-like powers, becomes the champion of the planet, tasked with ensuring that humans never grow beyond their dependence on nature.

Devil Fruit (Image via Toei Animation)

In this scenario, Imu’s abilities would not come from a typical Devil Fruit but from a "God Fruit," a gift from the Earth itself. Her fight against the heroes would then symbolize a struggle between freedom and control, technology and nature, and humanity’s aspirations versus the Earth's possessive hold.

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Final thoughts

A snapshot from the anime series (Image via Toei Animation)

Ultimately, Imu’s defeat would not be just about overthrowing a tyrant but reconciling with the very force of nature itself. Her spirit, once so consumed by grief and control, may finally be laid to rest, smiling for the first time in centuries, allowing humanity to pursue its dreams while learning to live in harmony with nature.

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