One Piece Chapter 1180: OMEN

This chapter had less dialogue than any we’ve had in years- or at least it feels like it. My heart was in my throat while reading. Imu is effortlessly able to slash through any opponent. Gerd loses fingers and Stansen loses a leg. Imu is also able to instantly heal his Holy Knights with what they call an “Omen”, of course. Zoro tries to take on Imu alone, here we see Imu’s forked tail again as it blocks Zoro’s attack. I do find it very interesting that Gunko and Imu’s abilities (when not possessed) look so similar, the arrow motif is worth keeping an eye on. The previously mentioned Omen also seems to have offensive capabilities, smacking Zoro in the face and exploding right in front of Hajrudin.

The people of Elbaph are told to keep ready as the battle is not over yet. Imu uses another explosion in order to try and free Gunko from the block of ice, we don’t know if this worked yet or not, Loki said only he would be able to unfreeze her. I imagine this is intended to keep us readers in the dark on how evenly matched Loki and Imu are, I will elaborate on this towards the end.

Gaban notes that this is the strongest Haki he’s ever felt, while Luffy and Loki (and Ragnir) scoff down food in order to build their strength for the coming battle. Jinbe and the others realise Imu has come to revive Killingham, and much like Zoro, Sanji charges in with a heavy kick, though it has little effect, and Imu casts him aside with another explosion. This chapter is another wonderful example of a concept almost as old as the series itself, but only named in the Wano Saga; The Wings of the Pirate King. Zoro and Sanji represent the two wings that lift up, and protect Luffy, keeping him on course to achieve his dreams. Both Zoro and Sanji put their bodies on the line for their crew here, without a second thought. The ease of their dismissal by Imu is certainly frightening. I’m sure they aren’t down for the count yet, but I’m really not sure what they can do to rally now. I’m sure when Luffy arrives, he will be able to do the most out of anyone, but that time is not yet.

Imu’s characterisation is very interesting. I’m not one hundred percent certain on my analysis here, but it seems that Imu really does have a needy and possessive nature, this is seen in a lot of Celestial Dragons– like Charlos who has thrown many fits in the series after not getting his own way, particularly the possession of a Mermaid slave. Celestial Dragons see their slaves as possessions; objects of entertainment and I think it’s fair to say that rhetoric extends to their King. I think Imu, in his twisted way, cares about his slaves and underlings, or at least doesn’t want anyone else to have them, free will is clearly something he greatly dislikes, and something he tries to limit through his abilities, and threats of force.

His literal demonic possession of Gunko mustn’t go unnoted, and the inherent misogyny of him having a woman he can take the free will away from, totally and completely, whenever he wants. Whatever reason he wants Vivi seems to tie into this greater picture, a desire for lost control, and the desire to dominate blue-haired women. This topic has been explored in One Piece before, through Doctor Hogback and his obsession with Cindry. A woman he lusted after, and whose corpse he stole in order to force her to be his wife and servant. The thesis of that part of the story is, that no matter what you do, a person is still a person, and you can never control their soul or desires, and the human spirit will always wish to be free. I think Brook will help Gunko through this somehow, as the themes tie back to the story arc he originates from, and their pasts are already tied together.