One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda introduces the biggest new power-up since Gear 5 in Elbaf.

Lake Elbaf one piece Not only did it introduce fans to a lot of new characters, but it also detailed some very powerful figures that already existed. With the introduction of Loki in Chapter 1130, the reveal of Scopper Gaban in Chapter 1139, and the arrival of individuals like Shamrock, Gunko, and other paladins, Elbaph is filled with exciting characters and unique new power reveals.

None of them are remotely similar to what Eiichiro Oda did when he officially introduced Nero or Imu in chapter 1179 of the manga. Imu's abilities were continued to be explored in Chapter 1181, using the Akuma no Mi, also known as the Devil Fruit, and the creators of One Piece officially introduced what may be the biggest power-up in the story since Gear 5 in the Wano Country Arc.

Why Nero or Imu's Omen is the biggest power-up since Luffy's Nika transformation

As officially confirmed by Eiichiro Oda in chapter 1179 of the manga, Nero and Imu possess the power of Akuma-nomi, the original Devil Fruit, also known as the Devil Fruit. This fruit allows Imu to transform into a demon at will. As a demon, Imu can utilize a variety of demonic powers, top of which is Omen or Maki. In chapter 1181 of the manga, released on Manga Plus on April 26, 2026, Eiichiro Oda explains the power of the Omen in great detail and establishes it as one of the greatest power-ups in One Piece history, second only to Monkey D. Luffy's Gear 5 in the Wano Country Arc.

Nero or Imu's Omen is essentially a form of energy that exists within everyone and serves as his primary military force. Omens are born from jealousy that leads one to achieve one's goals. According to the series creators, Omen is incredibly powerful and grants Imu the ability to generate black flames. Using this black flame, Imu can augment her powers in a variety of ways, such as increasing her size to that of a giant or creating powerful weapons similar to the Blade of Judgment: Nemesis, Morningstar, or even a gun.

Not only can Imu block incoming attacks, but he can also inflict devastating damage powerful enough to kill the likes of Zoro and Sanji in one hit, as seen in chapter 1180 of the manga. This power is truly immense, and what makes it a true power-up is the fact that Nero or Imu can bestow omens on any of his minions. In 1180, Imu bestowed omens on Saint Sommers and Saint Killingham, both of whom receive halos of black flame above their heads. This omen strengthened them immensely, restoring them to full strength and even granting Saint Somers the ability to fly. Clearly, Omen serves as one of the most convenient yet dangerous power-ups in the One Piece universe, and unlike Gear 5, it doesn't seem to come at any cost to the Holy Knights.

Expand the power of Omen to Gear 5

In general, Nerona Imu's Omen is one of the most versatile and amazing powers that exist in the One Piece universe. Omen is incredibly overpowered, as he not only enhances Imu's own power and can overwhelm the likes of Loki, as seen in the latest chapter release, but he also massively enhances the power of his minions.

The power of Omen also applies through Covenants and Corruption, as confirmed by Eiichiro Oda in the latest chapter release of One Piece. In that respect, it is through the Omen that Nero or Imu establishes powerful individuals, such as creating the entire structure of the world covenant and with it a pact with the devil. This makes Omen one of the most versatile powers in One Piece and the exact opposite of Luffy's Nika power.

Luffy can transform into a liberation fighter, but his influence on others has been limited so far. Luffy cannot use Gear 5 to significantly increase the power of those around him, making it much less convenient than Nerona Imu's Akuma no Mi.

All abilities of Nero or Imu's Omen

Image courtesy of Toei Animation

As one of the most versatile forces in the world one pieceOmen has more applications to be revealed by the author as the battle continues on Elbaph in chapter 1182 and beyond. So far, Nerona Imu's Omen has shown the ability to fire projectiles that can take down someone as strong as Zoro. He has also shown the ability to coat his body with the black flame of omen and take down an individual as strong as Sanji. He can fire bullets like the Omen, as seen when he defeated Hajarudin in 1180, and can also shape them into any kind of weapon he wants. In episode 1181 Imu turned the Omen flame into a Morningstar.He attacked Loki and later turned it into the Sword of Judgment: Nemesis and stabbed him.

Imu even uses the Black Flames of Omen to Stop Loki's RagnazchiYou can easily perform extremely powerful lightning-powered attacks. He strengthened his body with the Omen, growing to an enormous size worthy of Loki, and above all, he used this black flame to make himself even stronger. The fact that Omen can amplify the power of the Five Elders and Holy Knights means that what Imu calls his military might is a dangerous ability. This is a power that cannot be compared to anything else in the world of One Piece, and it is a power that no one can match at the moment.

Despite the fact that the sun god Nika can rival Nerona Imu in terms of personal power and unique power, Nerona Imu's Omen has broader effects that Nika cannot replicate. With Imu emerging as the final villain of One Piece, Eiichiro Oda has created the perfect power-up for him and his minions through Omen and Akuma no Mi, and this makes him an incredibly compelling character.

The latest chapters of the One Piece manga can be read at Manga Plus.