Im’s Appearance in the Mortal World
In Chapter 1191, Im underwent a further transformation — with horns spreading horizontally like an Ancient Giant’s, just like Kaidou…
Theory: Akuma = Lunarian × Oni hybrid species
This is a completely original theory.
When Im descended to the mortal world and appeared at Elbaf, their form was completely different from any silhouette we had seen before.
Was this simply One Piece’s classic “never trust the silhouette” pattern? Or was there something more to it…
Currently in a Zoan-Like Transformation?
Among Zoan users, some — like Luffy and Lucci — transform without changing in size, while others — like Ulti — grow to the size of their Zoan model in beast-hybrid form.
As for Im’s power — the “Akuma Fruit” — it has no listed classification. There’s no “Zoan Type, Mythical, Model ___” notation. It’s simply written as the katakana “Akuma no Mi,” so its devil fruit system is completely unknown.
It might contain elements of all three types — Paramecia, Zoan, and Logia — or it could be an entirely unique and special fruit of its own.
For this theory, let’s assume it has elements of all systems — especially Zoan/Mythical-type properties — and treat Im’s current appearance as the Human-Beast Hybrid Form.
The True Identity of Akuma: Lunarian × Oni Hybrid?
When Im possessed the Military Children (Gunko), they had bat-like wings. But when Im appeared at Elbaf, they showed bird-like black wings — looking exactly like a Lunarian.
Other features also matched: dark skin, white hair — and the Omen seems to serve as a substitute for the flames on a Lunarian’s back. If this is Im’s Human-Beast Form, could “Akuma” simply refer to the Lunarian race?
But Im has a horn growing from their forehead — which doesn’t perfectly align with a pure Lunarian description…
Could this be the “mixed blood” that Gaban once mentioned as the key?
When thinking of horns, I picture giants of Ancient Giant lineage like Harald and Roki — and Kaidou. But what species is Kaidou, exactly?
Size-wise, perhaps an Ancient Giant and human hybrid? Maybe called the “Oni Clan”? And if the regular giant and human hybrid is the Buccaneer tribe, that would fit…
Lunarian × Oni (Tentative) = The Small Akuma
If that’s the case, then at Elbaf, the Ancient Giant bloodline would be the most noble lineage.
Even among giant hybrids, an “Oni Clan” like Kaidou’s might hold noble blood — while Buccaneers like Kuma would be considered lower-status lineage.
Maybe the values and hierarchies of the giant tribes carry over even in a regular human-sized body?
If so, mixing any race with Ancient Giant blood would produce a noble bloodline regardless of the other half?
For example — a cross between the immortal Lunarians and the Ancient Giants would produce the strongest being on earth, wouldn’t it?
Could that be Im’s transformed appearance — the true identity of “Akuma”? The strongest and most noble species on the planet?
It wouldn’t be surprising at all to call such a being both a god and a demon.
So — what if King had been female? Could a child born of Kaidou and King have possessed Im-like horns — a horn-bearing Lunarian, not a giant, but carrying all the traits of “Akuma”?
Oh wait — even now, if Yamato and King were to have a child together, there’s a real possibility that a small “Akuma” could be born!
So Yamato’s marriage candidate is officially King — decided!
King deeply loves Kaidou, and he’d surely take good care of Yamato too. Honestly, not a bad match.
Summary: Who (or What) Is Akuma?
To summarize the true nature of the Akuma Fruit: a species that combines Lunarian traits (black wings, dark skin, white hair, flames) with Ancient Giant traits (horns) — that is what “Akuma” is.
If it combines Kaidou’s raw toughness with King’s immortality, it’s no wonder such a being would be called both a god and a demon.
And this raises one final question.
Does Akuma (the demon) have a gender?
Looking at Im’s appearance in the mortal world, this question directly connects to the mystery of Im’s true human-form identity.