God Valley’s hidden discovery may connect to Imu’s most guarded treasure in One Piece

One Piece keeps surprising fans with mysteries that span across history and legend, and God Valley may be hiding one of the most interesting ones currently available to the fanbase. Some theories point to what Garling discovered on the island being linked either now or through the potential past with Imu's most treasured secret idol, possibly an ancient artifact with immense significance.

Even just the geography of it, with its reminiscent landscape and historical comparison to the real-life Valley of the Gods in Utah, speaks to a relationship with lost tribes and the relics of societies and people lost to the ages. While the full truth remains hidden, people hinting about sentient treasures or transformative artifacts speak to a God Valley secret that could completely change everything fans know about One Piece.

Disclaimer: The article is a speculative theory and includes spoilers from the One Piece manga.

Garling might have discovered the giant Straw Hat at the God Valley in One Piece, explained

Garling in the current timeline of One Piece (Image via Toei Animation)

God Valley's significance in One Piece has remained one of the series’ greatest mysteries, but new theories about its concealed discovery could very well connect to Imu’s most closely guarded treasure. The island is remembered mainly for the God Valley Incident, a moment where Garp and Roger worked together against Rocks, but Oda’s storytelling seems to suggest there is a lot more underneath its surface.

A large number of fans believe that Garling Figarland possibly uncovered something ancient on the island, giving a possible connection to the enormous Strawhat seen preserved inside Imu’s vault at Mary Geoise.

The theory follows God Valley being inspired by Utah’s Valley of the Gods, a site that is rich with tribal history and ruins, which Oda included, possibly coincidentally, as part of the world-building in his own story.

Sun God Nika in the manga (Image via Shueisha)

If this were true, perhaps the island would have been home to some kind of ancient tribe similar to the Shandians from Skypiea, who had a cultural basis for the Sun God Nika. This may even open the possibility of God Valley hiding ruins, sacred relics, or even remnants of lost technology.

The giant Straw Hat, or what is theorized to be Uranus, one of the three Ancient Weapons, may have also come from or have been left behind, and preserved because it is associated with Nika or a lost civilization.

Imu's obsession with the Straw Hat becomes clearer and clearer in this context: It would not just be a symbolic relic but rather a sentient or advanced technology in its own right, capable of being an integral part of keeping the world in balance.

Imu as seen in anime (Image via Toei Animation)

This makes sense with the line of thought that Nika, the original owner of the hat, came to God Valley and left this legendary artifact behind. Imu most likely decided to keep it sealed because who knows its potential, and similarly to freezing an ancient weapon in stasis.

If true, then God Valley is more than just the backdrop of a legendary battle; it is certainly a cornerstone of history, and has an artifact of significance that could explain Imu's obsession with control and secrecy. The connections unseen here lead to a tying together of all the lore of Nika, the ancient tribes, and now the giant Straw Hat.

Final thoughts

The mystery of God Valley in One Piece extends much further than the now-famous battle between Garp, Roger, and Rocks. The implication that Garling discovered the giant Straw Hat, possibly Uranus, links the island to Imu's most guarded secret and potentially to the larger lore of Nika and the ancients.

God Valley may help reveal truths about the World Government that are hidden through primitive ruins, lost technology, or sentient artifacts, and is therefore one of the biggest unsolved mysteries.

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About the author

Mudassir Kamran is an Anime Journalist at Sportskeeda and has over four years of experience covering the anime and manga industry. With a degree in Data Science, he brings analytical precision and structured research to his writing, ensuring factual accuracy and thoughtful insight in every piece.

His passion for anime was sparked by Death Note, whose psychological depth and gripping narrative inspired him to dive deeper into the medium. Over time, Mudassir developed a strong admiration for creators like Isayama sensei, Oda sensei, and Toriyama sensei—praising their visionary storytelling and global influence.

Mudassir maintains high standards in his journalism—cross-referencing Reddit discussions, official updates, and credible sources to provide clear and objective reporting. He respects reader privacy, avoids speculative claims, and strives to maintain a balanced perspective in all his coverage.

Outside the anime world, he enjoys non-fiction books, gaming, and spending time outdoors exploring new places.

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Edited by Mudassir Kamran