Unraveling the Enigma of Kozuki Oden from One Piece

Kozuki Oden was a force to be reckoned with from the moment he was born, causing disturbances throughout his childhood and teenage years. While his name was initially mentioned in the Zou Arc of One Piece in connection to the Kozuki family's ties to the Mink tribe, the Wano Arc revealed much more about his life and impact. Oden played a crucial role in battling against Kurozumi Orochi, the shogun at the time, who was aligned with Kaido, captain of the Beasts Pirates. His name was frequently mentioned throughout the arc, with his story being told in a flashback just before the final raid on Onigashima at the start of the third act. Oden was so legendary that even Kaido's son, Yamato, idolized him and took on his name after his death. Oden's relationships with Gol D. Roger, Foxfire Kin'emon, and his son Kozuki Momonosuke were central to the conflict that arose between the Straw Hats and their allies and Kaido, the Beasts Pirates, and Orochi. Ultimately, Oden's vision for opening up the shores of Wano in preparation for the coming of Joy Boy was realized with the help of Luffy, who ended Kaido and Orochi's oppressive reign and ushered in a new era for Wano.

From Outcast To Daimyo

In his youth, Oden was notorious throughout Wano for his wild, rebellious behavior. He picked fights with older individuals, clashed with the yakuza, and even established his own harem. He was known for cooking his signature dish, Oden soup, on the ashes of a deceased friend and spending the crown's money on pleasure. However, after being sent to work in the quarries, Oden's talent flourished, and he matured. He even attempted to end a drought in the Flower Capital by diverting a nearby river, but his efforts backfired, causing flooding in the city. Despite failing to escape Wano by sea 38 times before turning 18, Oden remained determined and immensely strong, wielding the legendary swords Enma and Ame no Habakiri with his unique two-sword style and imbuing them with his Armament and Conqueror's Haki. He was involved in the Mountain God Incident and took the blame for damages caused by a young Kin'emon, leading to his father disowning him. Accompanied by Kin'emon and Denjiro, Oden went to the lawless territory of Kuri, where he defeated the region's most hardened outlaws in a single night. This act earned him the title of daimyo of Kuri and the loyalty of the Nine Red Scabbards, who served as his personal retainers.

Sailing With Legends

After being turned down multiple times, Oden clung to the Whitebeard Pirates' ship with the aid of a chain and challenged to hold on for three days. Despite facing numerous adversities, Oden persevered, but ultimately let go upon hearing the cries of a woman in trouble, who would later become his wife. Welcomed aboard the crew, Oden kept a sailor's log and eventually rose to the rank of the 2nd Division Commander. He was married aboard his ship and became a father to two children. Oden's ability to read the script of the Poneglyphs led him to join the Roger Pirates on their quest to conquer the Grand Line, where he played a significant role in the journey of the future Pirate King.

After boarding the Oro Jackson, Oden became a crucial member of Roger's legendary voyage. He etched the message left by Roger on to the bell in the Shandorian Golden Belfry, leaving a mark on history. With his travels, Oden discovered the relationship between the Mink Tribe and the Kozuki family while visiting Zou. This led him to theorize that Wano's borders were once open to the world. Later, Oden used the Road Poneglyph in his country to guide the Roger Pirates to Laugh Tale, where they uncovered the truth about the One Piece and the Void Century. After dropping off his ill wife Toki and his children on Wano, Roger disbanded his crew and bid farewell to Oden, intending to turn himself in to the World Government and ignite the Great Age of Pirates with his dying words.

A Hero's End

Returning to Wano, Oden was determined to take over as shogun and open the country's borders. However, his plans were thwarted by Orochi and Kaido of the Beasts Pirates, who had taken control of the country. Oden's attempts to fight back were met with threats from Orochi, who had taken his people hostage, and Kaido, who was ready to wreak havoc on the country. In order to protect his people, Oden was forced to comply with Orochi's demands and perform a humiliating dance in the Flower Capital every week for five years, while waiting for a chance to take back his country.

Orochi, true to form, reneged on his deal and continued to terrorize the people of Wano, prompting Oden to take up arms against him. Alongside the Nine Red Scabbards, Oden confronted his foe, but was caught off guard by Orochi's preparedness, thanks to a spy in their midst. This traitor was later revealed to be Kurozumi Kanjuro. Despite this setback, Oden managed to deal a massive blow to Kaido, leaving him with a scar that would endure for years. However, when the opportunity arose to finish off his adversary, Oden was thwarted by Kurozumi Higurashi, who had used her Devil Fruit power to disguise herself as Oden's son and distract him. In the chaos that followed, Oden was struck down and imprisoned, along with his loyal retainers, and condemned to be boiled alive.

During the Legendary Hour, Oden made a deal with Kaido, agreeing to enter the boiling oil himself if his subordinates were spared for surviving longer than an hour. Oden kept his word, enduring the excruciating pain while his comrades watched from a plank above. In his final moments, Oden sacrificed himself to save his friends and inspire them to carry on his dream of opening Wano to the world. Although he died a hero, Oden's reputation had been tarnished by his earlier humiliation at Orochi's hands. It would take years for his legacy to be fully appreciated, but his sacrifice paved the way for Luffy and his crew to finally defeat Kaido and avenge the Kozuki clan, in one of the most unforgettable story arcs in One Piece.