Imu’s Gender: As the Elbaf arc of One Piece unfolds, more light is being shed on the most mysterious character in the entire story Imu. Known as the true ruler of the world and the figure who commands even the Five Elders, Imu’s identity is cloaked in secrecy. One burning question that continues to fuel fan debates is: What is Imu’s gender? While many are still speculating, Eiichiro Oda has already subtly revealed the answer — and the proof has been in the dialogue all along.
The Clue in the Honorific: Imu Is Called a 聖 (“Sei”)
In One Piece, the Celestial Dragons use distinct honorifics for males and females. Specifically:
- 聖 (Sei) – used for male Celestial Dragons
- 宮 (Guu) – used for female Celestial Dragons
So when the Five Elders refer to Imu as Imu-Sei, Oda is giving us a direct hint — Imu is male. Had Imu been female, the correct honorific would have been Imu-Guu.
This is not a translation quirk, but a deliberate choice rooted in Japanese honorific structure. Oda, being very particular with how he crafts names, is subtly but clearly telling us Imu’s gender, at least originally.
But Wait — Imu Can Possess Vessels
Here’s where things get trickier. While Oda confirms Imu’s original gender through the title “Sei,” the story complicates matters with the concept of vessels.
In the current Elbaf arc, it’s shown that Imu can inhabit or control other bodies, with the most recent example being Gunko, a seemingly female figure. This means:
- Imu may be male at the core,
- But can occupy female vessels for various purposes,
- And Oda is intentionally masking their voice and appearance, keeping fans guessing.
The visual representation of Imu so far — slender frame, mysterious movements, long eyelashes — has given fans reasons to believe they might be female.
Imu’s Obsession with Queens and Princesses
There’s a deeper thematic reason Oda may be using female vessels for Imu. Let’s look at some of the patterns:
Queen Lily of Arabasta disappeared mysteriously after going to Marijoa.
Princess Vivi is constantly being watched and is targeted by Imu.
Gunko, the current vessel, appears to be another former princess.
Could it be that Imu has a preference — or need — for royal female vessels?
This opens up the possibility that Imu may currently be inhabiting Lily’s body and may want to move into Vivi’s. This makes the conflict deeply personal and political — a recurring theme in One Piece.
So… Is Imu Male or Female?
Canonically:
- Imu is male, based on the use of “Sei.”
Physically (at the moment):
- Imu may be using a female vessel (like Gunko or possibly Queen Lily).
Narratively:
- Oda is intentionally keeping things ambiguous to serve the final saga’s mysteries.
When Will We Learn the Truth?
The mystery around Imu’s form and motives is likely to unravel during the Elbaf arc and beyond, as Oda enters the final saga of One Piece. With Chapter 1154 just around the corner, fans are hoping for more pieces of the puzzle to fall into place.
One Piece Chapter 1154 Release Date
📅 Release Date (Official): July 13, 2025
🕛 Time in Japan: 12 AM JST on Monday
🌐 Read For Free: Available globally on Manga Plus
