Nefertari D. Lili may be the first member of the D. Clan, as her possible connection with Imu has brought up interesting theories on this mystery.

SUMMARY

One theory has recently popped up suggesting that the D. Clan’s roots can be traced back to the fearless Nefertari D. Lili.
It all started with the formation of the World Government, which was made possible by a certain alliance with several royal families.
The theory that Nefertari D. Lili is the first member of the D. Clan becomes more plausible when considering her potential connection to Imu.

If you are a One Piece fan, you probably know that there has been a long-standing mystery behind the origin of the D. Clan: why its members carry the mysterious “D.” (Will of D) in their names. According to legend, people who bear such names are destined to shape the world’s fate!

Nefertari Vivi from One Piece | Credits: Toei Animation

A very convincing theory has recently popped up, claiming that the roots of the D. Clan might be based on the fearless Nefertari D. Lili who boldly left the Celestial Dragons hundreds of years ago. As the ancestor of Princess Nefertari D. Vivi and the oldest known D. Clan member, Lili’s legacy may be the only clue to figuring out the purpose of the clan and its relation to the mysterious Imu and the mythical Joy Boy.

The origins of D. Clan might be traced back to Nefertari D. Lili!

A panel from One Piece manga showing Nefertari D. Lili | Credits: Shueisha

The origins of one of the most mysterious and powerful clans in the One Piece world, D. Clan can in fact be traced all the way back to one courageous queen: Nefertari D. Lili.

Everything began with the formation of the World Government, which was a result of Imu’s alliance with a couple of royal families. These families received the status of Celestial Dragons, along with tons of privileges; however, it’s possible that Lili did not want to join them.

Instead, she decided to be on the side of the people of Alabasta and inspired them by her bravery and selflessness. So the citizens of Alabasta might have begun using the ‘Will of D’ in the names of their descendants as a mark of respect for their dearest queen who had fought for their freedom against the tyranny of the World Government. According to this theory, the “D.” carries no magical significance but is used as a potent symbol against the status quo.

It’s a long time since this event happened, so it is forgotten by most of the characters in the series, including Nefertari D. Vivi and her father, Cobra. Still, such a reaction of the World Government to those who possess the “D.” has probably motivated other people to use this as a means of their resistance, creating a sense of rebellion that has been characteristic of the One Piece world from the very beginning.

Imu’s possible connection with Nefertari D. Lili might become a game-changer

Imu | Credits: Toei Animation

The theory regarding the first member of the D. Clan being Nefertari D. Lili does further gain credence when considering her potential connection to the World Government leader Imu. Perhaps Lili is the first one to come close to overthrowing Imu and thus was the first to face her wrath.

This might have established a long-standing feud between the Nefertari family and the World Government, with the D. Clan at the helm of the resistance. This also provides an interesting possibility that the connection between Lili and Imu may also establish a connection between Lili and Joy Boy, who is a legendary pirate to have shaped the One Piece world.

If Lili and Joy Boy were allies, then there would be an interesting parallel between Luffy and Vivi in the present times, which would add yet another dimension to the storyline. Eiichiro Oda has, on several occasions hinted that Lili is a person of much importance in One Piece. This fact leaves fans speculating over what exactly she holds of significance in her association with the D. Clan!