One Piece's Final Villain Needs Luffy to Be Even Stronger to Stand a Chance

One Piece Chapter 1163 dropped a bomb that changed everything. The God Valley flashback revealed something horrifying: six of history’s most destructive pirates and Marines united their strength against a single enemy. Rocks D. Xebec, Gol D. Roger, Monkey D. Garp, Whitebeard, Kaido, and Big Mom attacked as one — yet their target survived, recovered, and won.

Imu walked away from that battle and commanded the world for another 38 years. The being who rules from the Empty Throne possesses power that eclipses anything Luffy has encountered. Luffy's Gear 5 made him strong enough to defeat Kaido, but that same Kaido couldn't scratch Imu alongside five other legends. The math doesn't add up in the Straw Hat captain's favor.

Imu demonstrated their overwhelming dominance by referring to Rocks as “Davy Jones.” Rocks denied being that legendary figure but acknowledged that promises must be fulfilled. This exchange hints at ancient connections that predate even the Void Century.

The Domi Reversi technique begins with a Demonic Contract called "A Quarl." Imu draws a pentagram in the air and casts it beneath their target, who sinks into the magical circle. The ability grants its victims immortality and tremendous strength while completely inverting their personalities, transforming them into obedient demons who serve Imu without question.

The chapter concluded with Imu using this power on Rocks himself, commanding him to eliminate his own family. The psychological horror of this moment cannot be overstated. The strongest pirate of his generation, a man who commanded Whitebeard, Big Mom, and Kaido, was reduced to a puppet instantly.

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Why Current Luffy Stands No Chance in One Piece

The fan reactions captured in social media threads reveal a community grappling with the vast power gap. Imu possesses god-level abilities that may surpass even Luffy's Nika fruit powers. Multiple legendary fighters attacking together couldn't stop this antagonist.

Gear 5 transformed Luffy into a cartoon-like warrior with seemingly limitless creative potential. However, both Luffy and Imu represent godly powers. Luffy as the Sun God, Nika and Imu, wielding divine authority through mysterious magical abilities. The difference lies in combat effectiveness and experience spanning centuries.

Domi Reversi grants immortality, massive strength enhancements, and absolute control over the victim, all for the cost of a portion of their lifespan. Luffy has no demonstrated counter to mind control of this magnitude. His rubber body and advanced Haki won't help if his personality gets flipped to serve his enemy.

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The Path Forward for Luffy in One Piece

The One Piece protagonist needs several critical developments before confronting Imu on equal footing. First, mastering additional forms of his Mythical Zoan fruit remains essential. Gear 5 represents Luffy's awakened state, but he's only scratched the surface of what the Nika fruit can accomplish.

Some theories suggest Luffy might develop his own version of converting enemies into allies, potentially transforming others into Nika-like beings. Since Gear 5 allows him to transfer abilities to his surroundings, this concept has narrative precedent. The battle against Imu could become a game of Reversi.

The Grand Fleet, Revolutionary Army, reformed Marines, and powerful individuals like Shanks and potentially Blackbeard must unite. One Piece has always celebrated the power of friendship and cooperation. Luffy cannot defeat Imu alone when the combined might of an entire generation's strongest warriors failed.

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The Final Confrontation

One Piece fans understand Luffy will eventually surpass every obstacle in his path. That's the nature of shonen protagonists. However, the journey to that point requires significant character growth and power development.

The God Valley incident revealed that raw power alone won't defeat Imu. Roger, Garp, Whitebeard, Kaido, Big Mom, and Rocks possessed immense strength, yet they couldn't finish the job. Luffy needs something those legends lacked.

The climactic battle will test everything Luffy has learned throughout his journey. His current abilities put him among the world's strongest, but not quite at the level needed to challenge One Piece's supreme antagonist.

Without these crucial developments, Luffy's dream dies on Elbaf or in the final war. The protagonist needs time, training, allies, and perhaps most importantly, the unwavering spirit that has carried him through every impossible challenge. Only then can he stand a genuine chance against the most powerful being in One Piece.