This article contains spoilers from the One Piece manga.
Over the years, Oda has introduced One Piece fans to a plethora of powerful abilities, but as far as power systems go, only two stand tall in One Piece. The first is Devil Fruits and they were introduced to the fans at the very beginning of the story. Since then, Devil Fruits have become incredibly important and remain stronger than ever even in the Final Saga. The second power system that fans were introduced to is Haki. As fans know, Haki continues to be important and, if anything, its importance has shot through the roof in the Final Saga.
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Now, in One Piece after 1167, Oda has officially introduced the fans to a third power system that is exclusively used by the members of the World Government, and it is the seal or tattoo power that comes from Imu. This power is directly tied to Imu's very own Sea Devil abilities.
Oda Introduces World Government's Seal Power System
When the fans were first introduced to the Five Elders in the Egghead Arc, i t was mind-boggling to see them regenerate from any damage that they were given. At the same time, when their transformations were revealed, it was also quite weird to see them not being listed as Devil Fruits but rather Yokai. Then, fans also saw the Holy Knights, and they too had the immortality and regeneration power somehow.
To never doubt! That's true strength. Listen, Luffy! Haki can be divided into two general types. — Rayleigh teaching Luffy Haki
It was not hard for fans to put two and two together and figure out that this ability came directly from Imu. This became even clearer when the mark of the Abyss was shown on select members of the World Government. It was said that only those with a mark can pass through the Abyss. Now, this Seal power system of the World Government has finally been revealed by Oda in One Piece chapter 1167.
In essence, the seal of the World Government comes in three different forms, with three different depths, as if it were the ocean itself. The deeper the level of ocean reflected on the seal, the stronger one's abilities are.
The Depth Of The Sea Reflects The Power Of A User
In One Piece chapter 1167, King Harald of Elbaf joined the Holy Knights, and it was he who received the power of the seal from the Five Elders. It was revealed that the Seal of the World Government, or rather Imu, comes in three different levels. All of them are directly tied to the depth of the ocean. The deeper the level of seal, the stronger the abilities they get.
Allow Mu to show thee the dominance of a God! — Saint Imu Nerona
The first level of the seal is called the Shallow Sea seal. This probably grants only a select few abilities, such as the power of teleportation through the Abyss, or perhaps even immortality.
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The second level of the seal is called the Deep Sea. Those with a Deep Sea seal likely have more dangerous abilities, such as those of the Holy Knights. Perhaps, this is where immortality actually comes into play and those with this level of seal might even have a Devil Fruit ability bestowed upon them.
The third and final level of the seal is called the Abyssal Sea. This is the deepest level of the ocean which means that this level of seal is also the strongest. This might be where the Yokai abilities come from, and it might permanently stop aging as well, as is the case with the Five Elders.
The Seal Power System Of One Piece Could Be Connected To The Sea Devil
The seal power system that Oda just introduced in One Piece is quite unique, but there are many questions that are still up in the air surrounding it. Perhaps, Oda will explore them later down the line, as Imu's powers are explored. One thing is clear, however, and that is the fact that Imu's powers are directly connected to the ocean itself, which makes him the Sea Devil of the One Piece world.
Eiichiro Oda's One Piece will be featured in this week's Weekly Shonen Jump Issue. The official release date of One Piece Chapter 1167 is November 30, 2025. In Japan, One Piece drops at 12AM JST on Monday, which is 11:00 AM EST, or 8:00 AM PT. Fans can read the chapter for free on Manga Plus and the Shonen Jump apps.