The God Valley Incident has become one of the most captivating storylines in One Piece history, and fans aren’t ready for it to end. Eiichiro Oda’s exploration of this long-mysterious event has brought together legendary figures like Rocks D. Xebec, Gol D. Roger, Monkey D. Garp, and even the enigmatic Imu — creating a flashback that feels more like a grand historical epic than a side story. The arc dives deep into the power struggles that shaped the modern world of One Piece, revealing long-hidden secrets about the Celestial Dragons and the early days of piracy. For many, it’s a rare glimpse into the “true history” that the series has teased for decades.
But as the flashback continues to unravel ancient mysteries, one surprising question has started dominating fan discussions across social media: Was Davy Jones the original King of the World before Imu took over?
Fans Don’t Want to Return to the Straw Hats Yet
Surprisingly, many readers say they don’t want to go back to the Straw Hat Pirates just yet. Social media platforms are flooded with the sentiment that this arc feels like the most thrilling part of One Piece in years, thanks to its darker tone, intense storytelling, and constant lore drops. While Luffy and his crew remain the emotional core of the narrative, the God Valley flashback taps into a different kind of excitement — the feeling of watching history itself unfold.
One fan summed it up perfectly on X (formerly Twitter): “If we return to the Straw Hats now, it’ll feel like waking up from a dream.” That fascination with the past has opened the door for deeper speculation about ancient powers, long-lost rulers, and figures erased from history. And that’s exactly where the Davy Jones theory enters the spotlight.
The Theory That’s Taking Over: A Forgotten King Before Imu?
Davy Jones has always been a mysterious figure in One Piece lore — a name referenced in myth, legend, and sea tales. But the latest set of theories suggests something far grander: that Davy Jones may have been a real historical figure, possibly even the sovereign of the world before Imu rose to power.
According to this fan theory, Davy Jones could have been the ruler during the Void Century, leading a kingdom or civilization powerful enough to maintain global influence. Some speculate that he may have opposed the 20 Ancient Kingdoms, or perhaps even ruled over them before being betrayed and erased from history.
The fact that Imu sits upon the Empty Throne, a seat meant to symbolize the world’s lack of a king, only fuels the theory. If someone held that role before — a figure now lost to time — it would make perfect narrative sense that the World Government would have wiped every trace of him from existence.
Some fans have gone even further, suggesting that Davy Jones’ “locker” might be a metaphorical reference to the void where forbidden history is buried — the same history the World Government desperately hides.
A Tale of Two Erased Legends
What makes the theory compelling isn’t hard evidence — it’s the pattern Oda often uses. Names dismissed as myths or jokes sometimes turn out to be rooted in real historical figures within the One Piece world. Joy Boy was once a vague mystery; now he’s one of the most important figures in the entire narrative.
Fans believe Davy Jones might follow the same path. If Joy Boy was a hero of the past, could Davy Jones have been a king? And if Imu is the current sovereign in the shadows, did they overthrow Davy Jones to claim control of the world?
Whether the theory is right or not, it speaks to the depth and secrecy of the Void Century — a period defined by missing kings, erased nations, and untold betrayals.
A Testament to Oda’s Storytelling and Legacy
The explosion of theories surrounding Davy Jones underscores Eiichiro Oda’s mastery of world-building. Even a name mentioned in passing can ignite enormous speculation when placed against the backdrop of the God Valley flashback.
After more than twenty years of serialization, Oda continues to peel back new layers of history, connecting pirates, marines, ancient civilizations, and shadowy monarchs into a single tapestry. This blend of mystery and epic storytelling is what keeps One Piece timeless — a narrative where every reveal opens ten more questions.
Whether Davy Jones truly was the King of the World before Imu or simply a sailor’s myth, one thing is clear: fans are more invested in uncovering the lost history of the One Piece world than ever before. And with Oda hinting that the final saga will answer long-standing mysteries, this theory might not be so far-fetched after all.
