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In the grand tapestry ofOne Piece, power dynamics have always been at the forefront of several fan speculations. From the Yonko to the Admirals, the Marines to the Warlords, fans have long questioned who reigns supreme in Oda’s world. However, one figure stands out above them all: Imu, the mysterious emperor who sits on the Empty Throne.

Fans wonder if Imu is as powerful as many suspect, why are figures like Shanks and Monkey D. Dragon still alive, despite their direct opposition to the World Government? The answer to this question may lie in Imu’s true motives, limitations, or even their ultimate goal.
Why Imu hasn’t eliminated Shanks and Monkey D. Dragon?
If Imu is indeed as powerful as many believe, it poses an obvious question: why haven’t theyeliminated the greatest threatsto their rule? Shanks, one of the Four Emperors, wields enough power to meet directly with the Gorosei. Meanwhile, the Revolutionary Army’s leader, Dragon, is actively seeking to overthrow the Celestial Dragons and dissolve the World Government.
Now there are a few possibilities thought byOne Piecefans. One possibility is that Shanks and Dragon may be powerful, but Imu sees them as only temporary disruptions in the grand course of events. Unless they directly tie into the Void Century’s secrets or Joy Boy’s reincarnation, Imu might not see a reason to act against them.

Next, the World Government’s biggest kept secret is that the Empty Throne isn’t actually empty. If Imu starts assassinating high-ranking officials, it would raise too many concerns. Maintaining the idea of a balanced world is most likely a strategic act, as killing people like Shanks or Dragon would jeopardize their concealed authority.
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Another possibility is that it’s very much possible that Imu isn’t at full strength. If they were badly weakened or sealed away during their centuries-long war with Joy Boy, they may require certain conditions to regain their full power. This could explain why they use proxies like the Gorosei rather than stepping in directly.
Imu’s true goal inOne Piece: More than just world domination?
Since the beginning ofEiichiro Oda‘sOne Piece, the world has been governed by a delicate balance of power between the Yonko, the Marines, and the Warlords. However, many people argue that this balance is nothing more than a skillfully crafted illusion.
To Imu, the Yonko, themost powerful pirateson the seas, are only fleeting figures that will disappear over time. After all, how many pirate kings have risen and perished throughout the centuries? Roger, Whitebeard, Rocks D. Xebec, and many others have made their mark, but Imu and the World Government remain unshaken.

For a being who has seemingly ruled the world for centuries, mere domination seems like a lackluster endgame. If Imu’s only goal was to control the world, they could have already wiped out any opposition, including Shanks and Dragon. Instead, it feels like Imu is waiting for something, perhaps a prophecy, a certain individual, or the revival of an ancient force that could challenge their reign.
While viewers still have more questions than answers, one thing is certain: Imu is the true ultimate boss ofOne Piece, and their intentions remain a mystery. The fact that Shanks and Dragon are still alive suggests that Imu either doesn’t care, they’re waiting for the right moment, or they are constrained by restrictions we are still unaware of.

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As One Piece approaches its climax, we may soon uncover the truth behind Imu’s rule and what they truly fear. Until then, we can only speculate, just as Oda likely intended.
TheOne Pieceanime is available to watch on Crunchyroll.
Moumita Chakraborty
Articles Published :931
Moumita Chakraborty is a seasoned Anime Writer at FandomWire with over 900 published articles. Passionate about the vibrant world of Japanese anime, she brings sharp analytical skills and cultural insight to every piece. From dissecting intricate plotlines to spotlighting the latest trends and releases, Moumita’s work resonates with both casual fans and seasoned otakus. Her writing aims to connect with fellow anime enthusiasts while contributing meaningfully to the ever-growing anime community.
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