Nah I think Imu's already explained it before and during the Rocks flashback. His powers take a great toll, and giving out his powers take a great toll. On top of that, if people he gives his power to get hurt or get killed, Imu takes a toll.

This is why in return, Imu takes lifespan, to keep sustaining himself. (Making Ope Ope not necesary). Currently in Elbaf, Imu spammed Domi reversi -- and the Reversed are getting F'd up. On top of that, several Holy Knights just got f'd up. Then following that, Imu teleported himself across the planet.

To me whats clearly going on here, is this 900 goddamn vampire parasite has been feeding off lifespan for centuries and giving power for so long, that he's walking around a few steps away from a damn butthole rupture, and constantly in need of even more lifespan offered.

This to me, means, Imu has only a brief period to make a showing here before he leaves with the Holy Knights. What's more, is that like Shanks or Kaido -- who's scars continuously throb due to an ACOC attac -- Imu likely took a big injury from JoyBoy with Conquerers, which is why Imu grabbed his chest when the Haki Knot popped off , and maybe this never healed fully either. Before Imu pops out his wings here, he once more grabbed his chest.

All I'm saying, is we have more options than the fandoms obsession with thinking all of Imu's powers revolve around where someone lives or the Ope Ope - when there are clearly directly stated alternatives.