I also think Teach will eventually take the stage as the last villain, but the issue kind of remains. Imu is clearly going to be the second to last villain in the series, or like...maybe third, but you get my idea. He´s in the top 5 most important characters from now on, probably top 3.
I've always believed Blackbeard is the main villain, but given recent revelations, I'm wary of Blackbeard taking down Imu, only to then be possessed by Davy D. Jones. I'm hoping that isn't true.
....and he just doesn´t have a character? Like you can believe whatever you want about Sakazuki´s effectiveness as a villain and role going forward, but we´re introduced to him:
1. In a flashback shooting down a refugee ship
2. in the present time, killing a marine for trying to flee from the war
That shit made people so mad, you probably have someone arguing about the ethics of it on reddit or youtube comments or some shit as we speak. It´s strong characterization, you can easily imagine the kind of guy he is.
Idk wtf Imcel´s deal is. He was telling Warcury to not be idle and delusional about his power, but that seems to be all he does. He pulls up to God Valley, and just kind of fucks off 5 mins later. The fact that Oda left Garling to kill Rocks, actually makes him more hated by the community at the moment.... I think? Does anyone really *hate* Imu atm?
I'm not too worried about Imu's characterisation. I believe Oda will develop Imu's character while he's still alive
and after Blackbeard usurps him.
The biggest Lore Piece revelations happen through flashbacks and I fully expect to have at least 4 major flashback arcs left
- the definitive Roger flashback
- the definitive Blackbeard flashback
- the definitive Shanks flashback
- the definitive Void Century flashback
Whatever order it happens, we will learn more about Imu in each of them.
That being said, I think we are overestimating Imu's role in the story. He is a relic of the Second World. The prophesied Great War for the fate of Third World (and possibly the birth of a Fourth), will come down to Luffy and Blackbeard.
I don't think Imu is long for this world the moment he leaves Elbaph. Blackbeard is lurking.