Did we just see Imu laughing with Joyboy in One Piece Chapter 1181!?
Oda establishes Harald as the reason for Loki & Imu to fight. Imu losing a powerful ally. Loki losing a father. This entire chapter is Loki struggling to protect Elbaph against the god of this world. No matter what Imu throws at him, he is not falling to the depths of Imu’s dominion.
I was cheering and so excited to see how strong Loki’s will is. He refused to give up in the face of Imu’s oppressive power despite all the blood leaving Loki’s body, but my jaw hit the floor when I saw Imu smiling at Nidhogg.
Imu isn’t just enjoying this fight, his expression is that of seeing an old friend again in a long time. Was Nidhogg connected to omen?
This chapter confirm the community theory that Maki is an alternative form of Haki because omen(魔気) shares a similar kanji to Haki (覇気), which also lead to people referring to Omen as Maki as it is an alternative pronunciation of the kanji.
Imu has the ability force people’s maki out through a power known as Dominion which forms through corruption of strength, the submission of one’s will to a covenant, and the envy for power.
This explains the secret behind his power omen, but just as he reveals this secret. He teases another as we see Joyboy & Imu laughing together.
I didn’t understand this panel until my second read & then I just screamed. I was not expecting Imu & Joyboy to be besties. Sure, I heard the theories, but for it to be real now blew me away.
But I kind of get it. Haki uses one’s willpower to gain incredible strength. You can also use it to oppress other’s willpower.
In a way, it is Dominion, but through an entirely different method.
When Imu says the “World itself rejoices in state of Dominion”, I believe that is a quote from Joyboy. Joyboy sees the power of Haki & power of the sun god to bring joy & happiness to the world.
We got a glimpse of this in Egghead where Dorry & Brogy were saying how they couldn’t control themselves from dancing to the drums of liberation.
Which now gives me pause about what are the three factors that make up Nika’s version of Dominion or better yet Liberation. If Imu’s Dominion needs envy. Luffy’s Liberation needs the freedom from desires. If Imu demands submission, Luffy’s liberation requires friendship. If Imu requires corruption. Luffy’s earns respect. Also will Luffy be able to use this on Loki to push Imu back from Elbaph!