Warning: This contains spoilers for One Piece Chapter 1054 Onward.
For the last few weeks, every One Piece chapter has been absolutely incredible. With the conclusion of the Wano Country arc, Oda was finally able to shift the focus away from the Straw Hats for a while and update the fans with the events that have taken place all over the world.
One of the biggest revelations in the recent chapters was related to Nefertari Cobra, who was claimed to have been murdered at the Levely, and according to the World Government, the perpetrator was none other than Sabo. This news came as a shock to everyone, including the Revolutionary Army, who couldn't believe that Sabo could kill one of the most famous kings in the world. The truth behind Cobra's murder remained a mystery until One Piece chapter 1060.
The Truth Is Revealed
After running away from Marijoa, Sabo made his way to the Lulusia Kingdom, which was one of the eight countries that had rebelled against the World Government. So, it acted as a perfect hiding spot for Sabo, but his location was disclosed when he used a transponder snail to call the Revolutionary Army in the Kamabakka Kingdom. Sabo told Dragon that he had not killed Nefertari Cobra. He also admitted to seeing a shocking event take place inside the Empty Throne Room.
Sabo was also about to disclose some sensitive information pertaining to the Empty Throne. However, before he could finish his story, the kingdom of Lulusia was destroyed by a mysterious power that is in the possession of Imu. Many readers have theorized that Imu was possibly using the Ancient Weapon, Uranus to destroy the island, though there is no proof so far. This raises the question, what could have forced Imu to take such a huge step.
Why Was Lulusia Destroyed
Imu and the World Government are no strangers to murdering innocent people to protect their secrets. They ordered the execution of the scholars at Ohara, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people. This is just a tiny example of their ruthlessness. In the case of Sabo and the destruction of the Lulusia Kingdom, Imu wanted to protect two secrets— the secret of the Empty Throne, and the secret behind Cobra's death.
Both of these secrets could potentially change the world. If common people were to find out that there is a "King of the World", they would finally have someone towards whom they could direct their anger, and it would lead to revolutions all over the world. The kings and queens of the world would have felt betrayed by the fact that there is a "King of the World." In addition to this secret, the truth about Cobra's murder would have made other rulers scared and skeptical of the World Government. While it is entirely plausible that not every ruler would retract their support for the World Government, the few who decided to pull out would cause the organization to severely weaken. This would give the Revolutionary Army a huge opportunity to topple the tyrannical rulers. So, Imu had to take action to stay in power.
Reason Behind Cobra's Murder
While talking to Dragon, Sabo seemed to imply that Cobra was killed in the Empty Throne room. As Imu is the only person who sits on the throne, it is obvious that he had a hand to play in Cobra's death. There are a couple of reasons that could have forced Imu to kill the King of Alabasta. The first reason could be the kings of Alabasta refusing to live in Marijoa. Several centuries ago, Alabasta joined hands with other nineteen kingdoms to destroy the Great Kingdom.
After their victory, the twenty rulers had the opportunity to live in Marijoa and almost all of them accepted the offer, except for the Nefertari Family. Why they refused to live in Marijoa remains a mystery, however, it is fair to say that their decision possibly caused the other rulers to suspect the Nefertari Family as turning down such an incredible offer was absurd. It also makes the Nefertari Family seem disloyal to the World Government.
The second possible reason behind Cobra's murder is the poneglyph located in Alabasta. The poneglyph located in Alabasta is among the earliest poneglyphs to be shown in the series, and it contains information about Pluton, which is considered to be the most dangerous warship in the world.
According to legends, the Pluton is capable of destroying several islands with ease. So, if Imu had any information that a poneglyph was located in Alabasta, they could have tried to force Cobra into giving it away, but given Cobra's character, he would never have given Imu any information, and it would have angered the latter and caused them to kill him.
Is Vivi Safe?
The death of Cobra leaves Alabasta in the hands of his daughter, Nefertari Vivi. However, she has been reported missing, which means she could be in trouble as well. It seems plausible to assume that she is in the custody of the World Government, and they want to use her to further their goals.
While it is not the best place to be, it doesn't seem that the World Government wants to kill her. They might want to use Vivi to gain access to Alabasta without raising suspicion. Another prevalent idea is that only a Nefertari can operate the Pluton, which is why she is being kept alive. For now, it is safe to believe that Vivi is alive, but for how long remains to be seen. To get answers to these questions, the fans will have to wait for the upcoming chapters of One Piece.