July 12, 2026, one piece The 1188th chapter titled “Vohu” was released, and it featured the biggest and most anticipated battle in the entire series: Luffy vs Imu. Although this fight is far from over, Monkey D. Luffy was officially defeated in the first round, falling to Nerona Imu's Blade of Nothingness: Vohu.
This blade was forged by Imu herself, utilizing a new power system that harnesses the dark abilities known as Omen or Maki. When first introduced one piece April 20, 2026, Chapter 1180, Nerona Imu's Omen is now officially the most powerful power system after breaking through Luffy's Haki and overpowering his Devil Fruit abilities.
In Chapter 1188 of One Piece, the omen that it is stronger than Devil Fruit and Haki was officially confirmed.
The power of the Omen was first mentioned by Nerona Imu. one piece In 1180, when he took advantage of it as soon as he came down to Elbaf. Following this surprising arrival, Nerona Imu quickly went to Saint Sommers and gave him a ring of black flames that floated over his head. Immediately after that, Zoro launched a powerful attack on Imu, and was instantly defeated within seconds. Likewise, he flew to Saint Killingham's location, gave him a ring of black flames on his head, and defeated Sanji while there.
Chopper: What are these black flames?
Somers: This is it! symptom!
Imu: Quickly, Sommers. There's no time to waste.
— Nerona Imu grants the Omen to Sommers, One Piece Chapter #1180
It was very clear to all of us that Nero or Imu was harnessing a power the world had never seen before. one piece. This ability was later described as Omen. one piece Chapter 1181, April 27, 2026. According to Nerona Imu herself, Omen or Maki is an ability very similar to Haki. In One Piece Chapter 597, Rayleigh explains Haki as a force that exists within all living things. in one piece In Chapter 1181, Imu explained that Omen, or Maki, also exists within all living things in the world.
“The Omen is my military power. It is the power that resides within all living things. People crave power. But when they easily obtain the power they crave, it leads to corruption.” — Nerona Imu explains One Piece Episode 1181 Omen.
Essentially, every character that exists in One Piece has the power of Omen, including Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, or the Straw Hats. However, this power is not awakened by everyone like Haki, and only Imu knows how to harness the power of the Omen. This ability is granted to him through the use of Akuma no Mi, a unique devil fruit that puts him above all others in the One Piece universe and is probably in its own category.
After Omen was introduced one piece In Chapter 1180, April 20, 2026, this new power system continues to overwhelm both Devil Fruit and Haki abilities. Ryuryunomi's powerful Devil Fruit ability, model: Nidhoggr, the first piece unleashed by Loki. one piece Debuting on March 2, 2026, Episode 1175 or March 28, 2022, Hito Hitonomi, Model: Nika, One Piece Episode 1044, Nero and Imu no Omen surpass both of them.
“Of course I know you're not Joy Boy! Joy Boy wasn't that weak!!” — Nerona Imu beat Luffy with Omen. One Piece Episode 1188
Moreover, even powerful Haki users like Luffy and Loki were overwhelmed by Nero and Imu's Omen. The best exhibition of this was given to us in One Piece Chapter 1189 in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump Issue 33 dated July 12, 2026. Imu used his omen to create Wohu and stab Luffy in the gut, defeating him.
Why Omen stands out as One Piece’s new power system
As can be clearly seen, Nerona Imu's use of the Omen surpasses both the Devil Fruit and Haki abilities, and what makes it a true power system is Imu's confirmation that this ability exists within all living things. It appears that the Omen can only surface if Nero or Imu taps into their demonic powers. Nonetheless, there are some characters that are easy to use. These characters are none other than Imu's own Paladins, Five Elders, or anyone else he turns to using his abilities.
“You have no idea how strong we are now.” — Saint Sommers exaggerates the power of the Omen. One Piece Episode 1187
Saint Killingham and Sommers have already begun using the Omen in battles against Zoro and Sanji, and similarly, Imu can extend this power to other Paladins or Five Elders, making them much stronger. There are other characters in the world of One Piece who could potentially utilize this unique power system, and it's likely they will appear in Final War.
One Piece's final war expands significantly in Omen
Among the Straw Hat Pirates, those who uniquely utilize the power of demons are Zoro, Sanji, and Nico Robin. These characters may continue to utilize Omen or Maki at some point in the story. For Zoro, Omen will likely come from the power of Asura, officially called “the Demon”, and for Sanji, in the future, it may come from the demonic fire-based abilities of Ifrit Jambe. Likewise, Nico Robin has the transformation of Demonio Fleur, which could potentially utilize Omen.
“I would be the devil if it meant helping those who believe in me.” — Nico Robin, One Piece Chapter #1021
As One Piece's final war unfolds, these characters will be pushed to their extreme limits and will have no choice but to evolve further in battle. It is here that this power system can be extended not only to the Straw Hats, but also to the Five Elders and the Holy Knights. We're really looking forward to seeing how Eiichiro Oda builds this power system in the future of One Piece. For now, Nerona Imu, Saint Killingham, and Sommers remain as the first three users, but I'm sure that in the future, many other powerful users will showcase even greater feats than the Holy Knights. All we have to do is watch how Nerona Imu continues to demonstrate the incredible capabilities of this new power system against Monkey D. Luffy on Elbaf.
All new chapters of Eiichiro Oda's One Piece can be read through Manga Plus and Biz Media.
