One Piece: The Theory Linking Mihawk and Imu Could Change Everything
Mihawk and Imu Connection Theory ?
Over the years, One Piece has built a universe overflowing with secrets, hidden connections, and unanswered mysteries. Yet few theories have captivated fans as much as the one connecting two of the series’ most enigmatic figures: Dracule Mihawk, the world’s greatest swordsman, and Imu, the mysterious sovereign who rules the world from the shadows. Both shrouded in secrecy, these characters share a striking visual and symbolic similarity that may reveal a far deeper bond than anyone has imagined.
The Hidden Connection Between Mihawk and Imu
At first glance, Mihawk and Imu couldn’t appear more different. Mihawk lives as a free wanderer — a lone knight with no allegiance or ideology. Imu, on the other hand, embodies absolute control, silently reigning from the darkness over the entire world.
But Eiichiro Oda, known for his masterful use of symbolism, may have hidden an important clue in their eyes. Both Mihawk and Imu share the same unique double-ring eye design — an extremely rare trait in the One Piece world.
In the manga, Imu’s eyes are depicted as red, while Mihawk’s — golden in the anime — share the same circular pattern. This is far too specific to be a coincidence, especially from a creator who delights in visual parallels and foreshadowing.
Could Mihawk Be Related to Imu?
This uncanny resemblance has led fans to propose that Mihawk may have a direct or genetic connection to Imu — possibly even as a descendant of the so-called “kings of the world.” Some go further, speculating that Mihawk might have been acting under Imu’s command all along, quietly maintaining the world’s balance of power until the right moment to reveal himself.
If true, Mihawk’s quiet neutrality throughout the story could be seen not as indifference, but as a calculated form of allegiance. Despite being free of political motives, Mihawk has never opposed the World Government, nor has he shown interest in the Revolutionary Army. This could imply an underlying loyalty — a silent partnership that has gone unnoticed for decades.
A Secret Alliance in the Shadows?
Imu stands for tyranny and control, while Mihawk represents independence and freedom. On paper, the two seem ideologically opposed — yet the possibility of a hidden alliance cannot be dismissed.
If Oda confirms this theory, it would completely redefine Mihawk’s character. The world’s strongest swordsman — long portrayed as a detached observer — could actually be a deliberate agent or unknowing pawn of Imu, altering the balance of the One Piece world forever.
This revelation would make the World Government’s influence even more terrifying. Imagine learning that the most powerful warrior in the seas has, consciously or not, been supporting the very system Luffy seeks to overthrow.
What If Mihawk Truly Is Connected to Imu?
Should this theory prove true, the story’s future would take a monumental turn. The balance of power would shift dramatically, giving Luffy’s enemies a devastating advantage: the might of the strongest swordsman alive serving the ultimate ruler of the world.
This twist would deepen the narrative tension of the upcoming Great War, pushing Mihawk from an aloof enigma into a central figure in the final saga. It would also redefine his core philosophy — turning his pursuit of strength into a symbol of pure, unaligned power that serves tyranny not by choice, but by bloodline or fate.
For Zoro, this revelation would carry even greater significance. His eventual battle with Mihawk would no longer just be a duel between master and student — it would symbolize the destruction of the old world order. Defeating Mihawk could represent breaking free from the ancient hierarchy that Imu and the Celestial Dragons uphold.
Could Oda Be Setting Up a Legendary Twist?
Right now, the supposed bond between Mihawk and Imu remains a theory — but one that fits remarkably well within Oda’s intricate storytelling style. Every major twist in One Piece has been built on subtle visual cues, hidden dialogues, and long-term foreshadowing, and this could be another masterpiece of narrative design.
If Oda truly decides to link their destinies, it would deliver one of the most shocking plot twists in anime history: the reclusive swordsman, long thought to be an independent force, revealed as the secret guardian of the world’s darkest throne.
Fans are already eager to see what comes next as the Elbaf saga unfolds and the world’s mysteries inch closer to their long-awaited revelations. The upcoming One Piece Chapter 1165, releasing on November 9, 2025 on Manga Plus, may hold the next key to understanding how deep this connection truly runs.
The potential link between Mihawk and Imu pushes One Piece’s worldbuilding into bold new territory. Whether through bloodline, destiny, or hidden allegiance, the idea unites two extremes — freedom and control — in a way that only Oda could orchestrate.
As we move toward the grand finale of the series, one question remains: Is Mihawk truly the master of his own blade… or just another pawn in Imu’s silent reign?
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