One Piece: The 9 Red Scabbards, Explained

Highlights

The Wano Arc in One Piece is an epic tale filled with hope, tragedy, and inspiration, revolving around loyalty and sacrifice.
The 9 Red Scabbards are vital to the story, meticulously planning to save Wano and honor their master, Kozuki Oden.
Characters like Kin’emon, Denjiro, and Raizo play crucial roles in the Red Scabbards, showcasing loyalty and resilience in the face of adversity.

I’ve had the privilege of getting to know some truly remarkable individuals throughout my journey as a pirate and a warrior, but none have left as lasting an impression on me as the Red Scabbards. Their unwavering loyalty to their fallen lord, Oden, and their unyielding resolve in the face of adversity is something that continues to inspire me.

Many fans consider the Wano Arc of “One Piece” to be the finest storyline in the series. It stands out for its superb narrative, thrilling battles, poignant character development, and heartwarming conclusion. In this arc, the primary characters work tirelessly to preserve the legacy of the man who selflessly gave them everything, in their quest to save their land.

In the Wano arc of “One Piece,” though the Straw Hat pirate crew continues to be the main characters, a new group called the 9 Red Scabbards makes its appearance. This faction, comprised of Kozuki Oden’s most loyal followers, has meticulously planned every event in this storyline from the beginning. Their goal is to honor their deceased master and save their cherished nation. Therefore, it’s worth delving into why the 9 Red Scabbards hold such significance within the “One Piece” narrative.

Origins of the Scabbards

The Retainers of Kozuki Oden

One Piece: The 9 Red Scabbards, Explained

Around four decades prior to the present-day One Piece tale, in Wano’s Shogunate, Kozuki Oden was born. From a young age, Oden proved to be a handful, causing trouble wherever he went, forcing his father, then the Shogun, Kozuki Sukiyaki, to exile him from the Flower Capital when he turned 18. Subsequently, after being banished, he transformed the lawless land of Kuri into an prosperous city.

As I roamed through the lands of Wano, I couldn’t help but be drawn to the charismatic figure of Oden. His mischievous antics, infectious personality, and heroic deeds made him a beloved icon among the population. But for those of us living in the lower tiers of society, his influence was even more profound. We followed him with unwavering dedication, idolizing him like no other.

My name is Oden, and I was born to boil!

Following Orochi’s betrayal and Kaido’s dominance, which brought Wano to the brink of ruin, Oden and the Scabbards valiantly attempted to restore it. However, their efforts ended in defeat, resulting in a death sentence for their alleged transgressions against the Shogunate. In desperation, Oden made his final stand to shield his comrades, while Kaido embarked on a destructive rampage across the land. During this chaos, some were confined, but others were mysteriously transported 20 years ahead to finish the mission of saving Wano.

Foxfire Kin’emon

The Leader of the Group

First Appearance	One Piece, Episode 580, “A Scorching Battle! Luffy vs. the Giant Dragon”
Arc	Punk Hazard

The very first member of the group that has ever been shown, Kin’emon is also the leader of this prestigious band of samurai. Kin’emon spent much of his life as a common thug on the streets of Wano. However, everything changed for him when he witnessed Kozuki Oden save his life as well as that of everyone else in the Flower Capital by dealing with the threat of the Mountain God, which started Kin’emon’s dedication to the samurai.

Mark my words! Dawn will come to Wano! That is the promise I made to my Lord!

He called himself Oden’s biggest supporter and started following the samurai around, eventually becoming his ‘second’ and the leader of the Red Scabbards in the absence of Oden himself. At the time of Kaido’s raid after killing Oden, Kin’emon was sent into the future with Momonosuke and some other Scabbards by Kozuki Toki in order to complete the mission to save Wano from Kaido and Orochi, where Kin’emon proved himself to be the perfect leader for the group and was instrumental in saving Wano.

Denjiro

The Undercover Agent of the Red Scabbards

First Appearance	One Piece, Episode 909, “Mysterious Grave Markers – A Reunion at the Ruins of Oden Castle”
Arc	Wano

Denjiro’s path to becoming a devotee of Kozuki Oden mirrored Kin’emon’s. Witnessing Oden’s brave defeat of the Mountain God alone, Denjiro was deeply drawn to him and decided to emulate his actions, eventually becoming one of his most loyal followers. Like the others, Denjiro was rescued by Oden but was compelled to flee after Oden gave up his life to save theirs.

Oden’s wife spoke. Before she died, she spoke.

Denjiro didn’t join Toki’s group who traveled to the future after they managed to flee. Instead, he hid away, allowing his deep-seated hatred towards Kaido and Orochi, as well as his sadness over Oden’s demise, to warp his features beyond recognition. Yet, he turned this disguise into an asset and rose through the ranks of Wano’s Yakuza, assuming the position of Kyoshiro, a trusted advisor to Orochi. He spent this time patiently waiting for the opportunity to reunite with his Red Scabbards companions and bring about their liberation.

Raizo

The Ninja of the Red Scabbards

First Appearance	One Piece, Episode 768, “The Third One! Raizo of the Mist, the Ninja, Appears”
Arc	Zou

After teaming up with Kin’emon, Momonosuke, and Kanjuro, Raizo became an unseen Red Scabbard member for a long period. His absence was frequently discussed, but he remained hidden from view. It was Raizo who instigated Kaido’s sending of Jack the Drought to Zou, resulting in significant damage to the city. The Minks vehemently denied knowing Raizo’s whereabouts, even when he was concealed among them the entire time.

Raizo of the Mist… in the flesh!

Raizo, known for his exceptional skills in ninjutsu, had already served the Kozuki Oniwabanshu as a skilled ninja before becoming a member of Oden’s Red Scabbards. Following Oden’s death, Raizo joined Kin’emon’s team that traveled through time to liberate Wano from the grip of Orochi and Kaido.

Inuarashi and Nekomamushi

Zou’s King of Day and Night

First Appearance	One Piece, Episode 756, “Start to Counterattack – Great Moves by the Curly Hat Pirates”
Arc	Zou

During the Zou arc, Inuarashi and Nekomamushi made their appearances. They bravely stood up against Jack the Drought’s destruction and managed to conceal Raizo’s whereabouts from him. Sadly, Inuarashi had to sacrifice a leg, while Nekomamushi lost an arm in this battle. Regardless of their strained relationship, they both resolved to protect Raizo’s secret.

Raizo-dono… is safe!

The Mink tribe members joined the Red Scabbards unexpectedly. Unlike the other members who were natives of Wano, they had arrived there recently after fleeing from Zou. Their debt to Oden, who had rescued them as children when they were on the brink of death, fueled their determination to repay this debt and protect Raizo with their lives.

Kawamatsu

The Legendary Kappa Samurai

First Appearance	One Piece, Episode 910, “A Legendary Samurai – The Man Who Roger Admired”
Arc	Wano

Kawamatsu was among the rare Red Scabbards spared by Toki from being transported into the future. Following Oden’s self-sacrifice, Kawamatsu managed to flee and discovered that both Toki and Momonosuke had been taken by others. Realizing the dire circumstances, Kawamatsu assumed the role of caretaker for Kozuki Hiyori, nurturing her for over a decade, which led her to view him as a father figure.

Regardless of how many toxic fish you think you can make me eat, Kawamatsu here remains unbeaten by all of you.

I, Kawamatsu, was eventually caught and confined in a grim prison cell. Time passed, and for the following 13 years, I waited anxiously for my comrades’ arrival and the anticipated downfall of the oppressive Kurozumi Shogunate. My adventure as a Red Scabbard began when I encountered Inuarashi and Nekomumashi on the sandy shores of Wano, freshly arrived there. As they were moments away from being executed by the locals, Oden intervened and miraculously saved us all.

Kikunojo

The Samurai of the Lingering Snow

First Appearance	One Piece, Episode 899, “Defeat is Inevitable – The Strawman’s Fierce Attack”
Arc	Wano

One member of the four Red Scabbards who traveled through time, named Kiku, chose to remain in Wano Country. In this place, she assumed the role of a server at Tsuru’s tea house under her supervision. While working there, Kiku was not only helpful to Tsuru but also gathered valuable intel about Wano’s current situation to aid in the upcoming rebellion.

Isn’t that the mask of the most handsome swordsman in Wano, Kikunojo of the Fallen Snow?!

Kiku was born into a family of two performing children in a country facing hardships that caused their livelihood to disappear, leading them to perform music and dances on the streets for income. They met Oden by chance, who unintentionally became their guardian. From that point, Kiku dedicated her life to caring for the man who rescued her.

Ashura Doji

The Formidable Bandit Captain

First Appearance	One Piece, Episode 910, “A Legendary Samurai – The Man Who Roger Admired
Arc	Wano

Before the arrival of Oden, Ashura Doji led a bandit gang that made Kuri notorious for its lawlessness. He was among the crime lords who ruled over this chaotic town. However, when Oden intervened, he successfully defeated Doji and all other criminal leaders, transforming Kuri into one of Wano’s finest cities.

There are no longer any samurai left to protect these pitiful weaklings.

After Oden’s tragic demise, I, Doji, felt adrift and distanced myself from the Oden family and the Red Scabbards, embracing a life of infamy as Shutenmaru, the captain of Mt. Atama’s band of thieves. Yet, witnessing my former companions unite to challenge the corrupt regime in our land, I, Ashura Doji, could no longer abide by my wicked ways. I rejoined my dear friends, leaving behind the darkness and standing with them in their noble rebellion.

Kurozumi Kanjuro

The Disgraced Traitor

First Appearance	One Piece, Episode 629, “Startling! The Big News Shakes Up The New World”
Arc	Dressrosa

An unexpected twist in the Red Scabbards’ saga unfolded when it was uncovered that Kanjuro had been secretly working against them, sharing valuable intel with Orochi. This revelation came as a shock to many, given Kanjiro’s long-standing presence within the group since Dressrosa. His true allegiance had remained hidden beneath a cloak of loyalty.

Yes… I was the traitor!

Kanjuro was revealed to be a forgotten member of the Kurozumi clan who was an actor that had been living without a purpose until he met Orochi. The Shogun ordered Kanjuro to infiltrate Oden’s closest circle to continuously keep feeding him all the information about their plans and movements. Kanjuro would keep this act up forever, claiming that his death in the event of Oden’s would serve as the greatest role of his life!

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2024-07-22 20:34