Unveiling the Controversy: Momonosuke’s Bold Stand on Opening Wano’s Borders in One Piece!

Highlights

The defeat of Kaido and Big Mom in the Wano arc marks a significant turning point in the narrative, with Kozuki Momonosuke taking over as the shogun of Wano.

The controversial issue of opening Wano's borders arises from its long history of isolation, with the country facing various challenges like poverty, pollution, and a shortage of labor.

Momonosuke's decision to delay the opening of the country may be seen as contentious, yet it is grounded in his commitment to prioritize the reconstruction and progress of Wano, ultimately safeguarding its citizens from potential external dangers. Nonetheless, he remains steadfast in his intention to fulfill his father's desire at a later suitable moment.

The Wano arc of the One Piece anime series concludes with the unveiling of Luffy's gear fifth form and the defeat of notorious pirates Kaido and Big Mom, who hold a combined bounty of nine billion berries.

Following Kaido's downfall and Orochi's demise, Kozuki Momonosuke assumes the position of shogun of Wano, supported by the loyal Akazaya samurai. Under Momonosuke's leadership, a new era of peace and prosperity is anticipated, as he aims to fulfill the late Oden's final wish of opening Wano's borders to the outside world. However, it appears that Momonosuke has other intentions, at least for the time being.

Wano, The Closed-Off Country

The land of Wano, situated in the New World, stands apart from other countries in that it maintains no alliance with the World Government and remains isolated from the rest of the world. Traditionally governed by the Kozuki family, Wano fell under the control of Kurozumi Orochi, who conspired with Kaido to overthrow the previous shogun. With Kaido's support, Wano became his stronghold. However, the combined forces of Luffy and the Ninja-Pirate-Mink-Samurai alliance emerged victorious, defeating both Kaido and Big Mom.

Wano follows an isolationist policy, which means it avoids any contact with the outside world, and consequently, outsiders who enter its borders are met with execution. This policy is reinforced by the geographical challenges that make invading Wano nearly impossible, thanks to its formidable samurai defenders. The isolation from the outside world also limits the citizens' knowledge and understanding of external affairs and customs.

Why Is Opening Wano’s Borders So Important?

Kozuki Oden, a formidable and esteemed former member of the Whitebeard pirates, hailed from the Land of Wano. Driven by a desire to explore the world beyond, Oden departed from Wano and joined both Whitebeard's and Gold Roger's crews. It was during their journey to Laugh Tale that Oden, alongside Gold Roger and their crew, discovered a startling truth: Wano, once known as the Country of Gold, had been open to the world in the past. In those days, Wano was situated at sea level, easily accessible to the outside world.

Unfortunately, Wano had since been sealed off and cut off from the rest of the world. This isolation was enforced to safeguard the ancient weapon Pluton, which lay hidden beneath Mt. Fuji, deep within the old Wano country. To reopen Wano would be to unleash this formidable weapon upon the world. Despite the inherent danger, Kozuki Oden firmly believed that Wano must be opened to the outside world before Joy Boy's return. Oden, with his profound understanding of the world's true history, spoke with utmost importance, and his words should be heeded. Oden himself attempted to open up Wano, but his noble quest was tragically cut short by Kaido, who executed him before he could accomplish this task.

How Justified Is Momonosuke’s Refusal?

After Kaido's defeat, there is an expectation for the new shogun, Kozuki Momonosuke, to fulfill his father's wish of opening up the land of Wano. However, Momonosuke decides against it. Despite the desire for Wano to be more accessible, this decision may be the most practical one currently. The country is currently in a dire state, ravaged by Kaido's oppressive rule and economic exploitation. Many of its citizens are malnourished and on the brink of death, while the nation itself suffers from profound poverty and environmental contamination caused by Kaido's weapon factories.

Furthermore, Wano lacks the necessary resources to defend itself against external threats. As it remains unaffiliated with the World Government, there is no obligation for them to provide assistance or send Marines to combat pirates and safeguard Wano. Although the country possesses its own skilled samurai, many have perished during the 20 years of suffering under Kaido's reign and even more were lost in the battle against both Kaido and Big Mom.

While it is crucial to open up Wano, the current shogun, Kozuki Momonosuke, lacks the mental maturity despite his adult body. Therefore, he must acquire the necessary knowledge of governing a nation and effectively utilize his devil fruit powers to safeguard his people from external dangers.

In conclusion, Momonosuke's choice to open up Wano is justified as the country requires rebuilding and the establishment of a capable defense against external threats. However, one must contemplate the consequences if Momonosuke opts to keep Wano closed-off.

Will Momonosuke Ever Open The Borders?

Fortunately, Momonosuke's temporary decision to keep Wano's borders closed indicates that there is hope for the country to eventually open up. The new shogun intends to open up the nation once certain conditions have been met. If Momonosuke chooses to completely disregard his father Oden's final wishes and keep Wano closed indefinitely, it would be a calamity. However, Momonosuke plans to honor his father's desires and is simply waiting for the country to overcome its current challenges. Therefore, Wano's borders have only been postponed, not permanently sealed. Considering Momonosuke's concern for his people's well-being, his decision to delay opening the country can be deemed justifiable for various reasons.

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