Imu’s Abyss Contracts in One Piece: Three Stages Explained

Imu's Abyss Contracts in One Piece: Three Stages Explained

In the world of One Piece, fans have long debated the two primary power systems: Haki and Devil Fruits. However, with the introduction of Imu and the Five Elders, a new power paradigm is emerging. The ongoing Elbaf arc has begun to unveil a unique power system associated with the World Government’s elite, introducing us to the Abyss Mark—a symbol that denotes a dark contract made with Imu. As the latest chapters unfold, these contracts have been detailed, revealing intriguing tiers of power.

Spoilers Warning:

This article contains spoilers about Imu’s powers. Proceed with caution.

What Is the Contract Made With God Through the Abyss Mark in One Piece?

Five Elders emerging from the Abyss magic circle in One Piece
Image Credit: Toei Animation (via X/@Eiichiro_Staff)

In Chapter 1167, we see that the concept of striking a deal with the devil has evolved. The power is no longer exclusive to the Marines; it’s in the hands of the elite members of the World Government, including the Five Elders and the God Knights. Accessing Imu’s powers requires the Abyss Mark, marking an entry into a contract with a god. The Three Covenants identified are The Shallows Covenant, The Depths Covenant, and The Abyssal Covenant, hinting that Imu may embody a Sea Devil archetype, suggested by the maritime themes surrounding the contracts.

Three Different Stages of Covenant in One Piece

Imu sitting on the throne inside the Pangaea Castle in One Piece
Image Credit: Toei Animation (via YouTube/Crunchyroll)

Each of the three covenant tiers offers different levels of power and abilities. Let’s dive into each one:

The Shallows Covenant

The Shallows Covenant represents the entry-level contract available to the lower-ranking God Knights, dubbed ‘A Devoted Blade of God.’ This tier includes characters like Gunko and King Harald, both of whom bear the Abyss Mark resembling the World Government insignia. The Five Elders noted that this covenant represents a mere trace of the bond with Imu, suggesting limited access to her powers, possibly enabling travel through the Abyss and minor regeneration.

The Depths Covenant

Moving up the hierarchy, the Depths Covenant is reserved for thirteen high-ranking members of the God Knights. Those under this contract carry an enhanced version of the Abyss Mark, complete with a curved horn design. Although the full extent of the powers associated with this tier remains unclear, we can deduce that abilities related to travel, regeneration, and perhaps even Devil Fruit manipulation are likely encompassed here.

The Abyssal Covenant

Finally, the Abyssal Covenant is the pinnacle of power. Similar to the Depths Covenant, it is exclusive to a select thirteen, but this tier likely grants the widest array of abilities. Characters bound by this covenant can reportedly access all powers Imu has to offer. The Gorosei and key members of the God Knights almost certainly fall under this tier, as Imu appears capable of directly controlling their bodies. For instance, during events in Elbaf, she took control of Gunko.

Powers Obtained Through the Contract with the God Imu

With the emergence of the Five Elders and the Holy Knights, we’ve witnessed the introduction of various demonic abilities. Here’s a summary of the powers granted by Imu to her loyal servants via the Abyss Mark:

  • Abyss Mark: Enables dark magic travel between locations.
  • Telepathy: The Elders can communicate telepathically, as seen in the Egghead arc.
  • Regeneration: Ability to heal injured body parts.
  • Immortality: The Five Elders possess the gift of eternity.
  • Demonic Powers: Each Elder wields a unique yokai-based demonic ability.
  • Becoming a Vessel: Characters like St. Saturn and Gunko act as vessels for Imu.

All the Characters Who Have the Abyss Mark in One Piece

Five Elders devil forms in One Piece
Image Credit: Toei Animation (via X/@OPcom_info)

While the precise details concerning those who bear the Abyss Mark are still unfolding, we can identify some key figures within the World Government:

World Government officials Their Potential Covenant Type
St. Marcus Mars The Abyssal Covenant
St. Topman Warcury The Abyssal Covenant
St. Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro The Abyssal Covenant
St. Shepherd Ju Peter The Abyssal Covenant
St. Figarland Garling The Abyssal Covenant
St. Manmayer Gunko The Abyssal Covenant
St. Figarland Shamrock The Depths Covenant
St. Shepherd Sommers The Depths Covenant
St. Rimoshifu Killingham The Depths Covenant
St. Satchels Maffey The Depths Covenant
Four Unnamed God’s Knights The Depths Covenant
St. Saturn (Deceased) The Abyssal Covenant
King Harald (Deceased) The Shallows Covenant
St. Figarland Shanks (Estranged) The Shallows Covenant

This information about Imu’s Abyss-based contracts continues to develop, and we promise to keep you updated as Oda reveals more about these demonic powers. Do you find the concept of contract-based powers compelling for the higher-ranking members of the World Government? Share your thoughts in the comments.