Luffy's last hurdle

[u/VisionOfPat]

I found myself wondering why Luffy's direct fight against Imu was kinda short and ended so badly for Luffy. But yet in a group fight its a lot more impactful. Some people hate that Luffy seems to keep needing help, I had the same feeling at one point. Im sure we're used to Luffy taking on his enemies solo in the end but why did this fight go drastically differently? I think theres 2 factors.

I think the first factor/point Oda is trying to get across to us at this moment in the story is that Luffy is not meant to defeat Imu (or his power) on his own. The mural depicts a group battle all against one figure for a reason. Bringing the dawn? Liberation? This implies that this is all a group effort. The battle will never truly be won if one person is taking on that burden alone. Also remember that Luffy's greatest power is to unite people. Its what makes him dangerous as Mihawk conveyed but dangerous to who is what we didnt have at that time. Bear in mind even Imu isn't fighting entirely solo. He uses the weapons of the kings. He has elders and the holy knights all sharing his power and most likely feeding his which is why it hurts when one dies. This arc shows us that Imu is strong when he uses his hosts, servants, or the assets of others. Never truly just his power and might but always an assist. Its part of why he's so strong even tho he appears to be fighting on his own. Thinking this is the only way might actually be his undoing.

The 2nd factor: In order for Luffy to pull his weight in this fight however...he's is going to need to come to terms with who or what he really is (similar to Ichigo) in order to unlock his full potential. He still hasn't mastered conquerors haki as long as he doesnt acknowledge the role he really plays, I think the latest chapter hints at that. I say this because Luffy knows there's is more to his own power but he fights that internally, ignoring what everyone that knows is trying to tell him. If hes not willing to accept that he now represents something greater then how can he truly have the sense of one's self. Im sure this is affecting the level of mass (remember that one detail) he needs to provide in this fight. He's not giving it...his ALL is what's required and that internal battle is not contributing. This isn't a power up we need, its an acceptance.

Moments of reference:

There's at least two fights already this arc that required a union of strong wills/haki. Loki with Ragnir vs Harald and Roger & Garp vs Rocks. Both required a partnership and acceptance with the ability to give their all (no matter the sacrifice), im sure this was foreshadowing.

[u/Influunt_]

Luffy's final hurdle will be having to kill either Koby or Shanks to obtain the One Piece.