The First Wano Warrior to Join Whitebeard
Kozuki Oden was not only one of the first samurai to leave Wano, but also the first Wano warrior to officially join Whitebeard's crew. Moreover, this process was not of Oden's own volition, but almost forced—because Whitebeard did not want him on his crew. However, after weeks of chaining himself to the ship and swimming behind it, even Whitebeard couldn't help but be impressed.
The Only Permanent Japanese Figure on Roger's Ship
Kozuki Oden was not only one of the few new members to join the Roger Pirates, but he was also the most culturally different character on the ship. His traditional Wano kimono, eating habits, and sword-carrying style stood in stark contrast to Roger's Western style. But interestingly, this difference did not create a sense of alienation between them—on the contrary, Oden's sincerity and generosity made him a special person in the eyes of the entire crew.
A Rare Connection Who Could Write Poneglyphs
Oden was invaluable to Roger not only for his fighting skills but also for his knowledge of writing. The Kozuki family in Wano is a noble family that has preserved the language of Poneglyph writing for generations. Oden's ability to read this language was one of the key factors in Roger's journey to Raftel. Without Oden, Roger would most likely never have found the location of One Piece.
Oden's Fighting Style: Two Swords, Vertical Strikes
Oden's fighting style differs from classic samurai techniques. His most notable feature was his use of a dual sword style called “Oden Nitoryu.” However, that's not all that sets him apart: he wielded his swords not in circular motions, but in vertical, destructive strikes from the shoulder down. This technique is one of the few methods capable of injuring even a giant enemy like Kaido.
He Actually Stood in Boiling Oil
The legendary “boiling oil” scene is one of the most traumatic moments in One Piece history. However, this scene is not only dramatic, but also biologically incredible. Oden stood for a full hour with a basket on his shoulders in boiling oil at nearly 700 degrees, where a normal human being would have been burned to a crisp in seconds. This is not just willpower, it is a physical miracle.
Yasuie and Oden: The Untold Story of Loyalty
It is known that Oden was disowned by the older Daimyo Yasuie in the past. However, few know that Yasuie did this intentionally to educate Oden. This decision ultimately led Oden to become a leader who understood Wano. Their relationship is far deeper and more emotional than it appears on the surface.
Oden's Love and Hate for Wano
As a young man, Oden wanted to leave Wano because he felt suffocated by its closed culture. Ironically, he ended up becoming the one who fought hardest to protect Wano. This contradiction is at the core of Oden's character: he appears to be an enemy of the system, but he is willing to sacrifice everything to protect his people.
He Knew Orochi Before
Most people assume that Oden first met Orochi when he was the Shogun's deputy. However, the truth is that Orochi worked in Oden's palace as a child and even feared him. This small detail reveals how personal and long-standing Orochi's betrayal was.
His Marriage to Toki Was a “Mystery”
There are many secrets surrounding Oden's wife, Toki. But the least discussed aspect is not how Oden met Toki, but why he married her. Toki, who could see the future, played a very important role in Oden's destiny. According to some fan theories, Toki's goal was to continue Oden's lineage and make revenge possible when the time came.
Oden's Most Loyal Companions: Akazaya Nine Red Scabbards
The nine samurai who gathered around Oden did not just respect him; they were willing to die for him. This bond was so strong that even after Oden's death, those who survived lived for 20 years with a vow of revenge. Oden's leadership shaped their identity.
The Person Who Changed Raftel's Name
The final island, now known as “Laugh Tale,” actually received its name not from Roger, but from Oden. When Roger deciphered the Poneglyphs written by Oden, he understood the truth and changed the island's name to “Laugh Tale” with tears mixed with laughter. Oden's silent yet decisive contribution permanently shaped the definition of this legendary island.
When Did the Plan to Open Wano Actually Begin?
When Oden wanted to open Wano's borders, it wasn't just a dream—it was a historical duty his family had carried for centuries. However, very few people realize that this plan was discussed even before Oden's birth, and even during Joy Boy's era. Oden was merely the executor; the seeds of this vision had been sown centuries ago.
How Uneven Was His First Encounter with Kaido?
Oden's battle with Kaido may have seemed evenly matched from the outside, but behind the scenes, things were much dirtier. False information secretly provided by Orochi distracted Oden during the battle. Furthermore, Kaido's team resorted to cheating during the battle. Oden was defeated, but if it had been a real confrontation, history could have been written very differently.
He Had an Unusual Affinity for Literature and Food
When you think of Oden, you think of fighting, but he had a little-known side to him: food and writing. In his youth, he tried to sell his own recipes on the streets of Wano and even attempted to open a restaurant, which failed. He also kept a diary during his sea voyages, decorating it with cartoon-like drawings. Some records from that period confirm that the texts that made Roger laugh were actually written by Oden.
Oden's tears were truly uncontrollable
Kozuki Oden was someone who never hesitated to cry, even in the midst of battle. While this trait led his enemies to underestimate him, it actually revealed his deep empathy. The scenes where he cried during Roger’s farewell or when saying goodbye to Toki proved that his character was strong not only on the outside but also on the inside.
The Five Years of Silence After Surrendering to Orochi Were Not Wasted
Many people think that Oden wasted the five years after surrendering to Orochi. In reality, during this time, he secretly organized the people, gathered information about Kaido, and trained the members of the Red Scabbards. These “silent years” were one of his most strategic periods. The rebellion had already begun long before.
Oden's Children Were Also Forged in Fire
Momonosuke and Hiyori were born as Oden's children, but they did not grow up as ordinary nobles. Oden was fearless enough to carry his children on his shoulders on the battlefield. Although he was known to be particularly fond of Hiyori, he had placed heavy responsibilities on Momonosuke at a young age in order to leave him the future of Wano. The characters of those children were shaped by Oden.
A Man in Love with the Sea in All Its Forms
Oden's desire to leave Wano was not just a desire for freedom. He had an obsessive interest in the sea. Tasting the salt of the water, listening to the sound of the waves, and waking up on different shores was almost a mystical experience for him. The further he got from Wano, the more he found himself, but ironically, it was Wano that he missed the most from afar.
Oden's Death Became a Secret Cult in Wano
After Oden's death, the people remained silent for a long time but continued to honor him through secret symbols. In some village homes, old symbols belonging to Oden were carved, and his name was encoded in recipes. The phrase “jumping into boiling water” began to be used secretly to mean “fighting a fair battle.” The people chose to keep Oden alive not officially but in their hearts.
The Prophecy Parchment Written by Oden Himself
Although there is much talk about Toki's time travel powers, it is known that Oden wrote a parchment before his death. This parchment was addressed to a future warrior, and although its contents are not fully known, it was sent 20 years into the future by Toki. Some fans believe that this parchment fell into Yamato's hands.
Final Note
Despite being a character whose past is only told in the One Piece universe, Oden Kozuki managed to become one of the most powerful beings influencing the series' future. His vision, far greater than his physical strength, continues to live on through the people he left behind.