[Analysis] One Piece – Kurozumi Orochi: The Mastermind Of Wano’s Ruin

Despite being Shogun, Orochi never sought to rule Wano, his intention was always to bring Wano to ruin while enjoying himself in the process. And in that regard, he was immensely successful. Orochi brought the Kozuki name to the point where it was ridiculed and vilified. When you really look at how Wano fell into devastation and had its peoples’ resolve depleted to the point of hopelessness, you come to recognise how systematic Orochi was in deconstructing the aspects of Wano that represented its identity. From the nations honor, to the pride of its people, to the symbolism of the Samurai and to the hope embodied within the Kozuki name. Orochi was the antagonist Wano created. And when he came into power, he desired revenge.

One Piece Chapter 1041 – Hiyori: Tears Behind The Mask

A song carrying memories of love. A song conveying feelings from happier times. A song passed down from parent to child. A song embodying the void left within her heart at the unfair deaths cast onto those she loved. Kozuki Hiyori has had to hide herself and act as someone unlike her true self for 20 long years. In order to save her nation, she played the part required of her. Yet the only time a physical mask was worn was during the performance of a song so dear to her soul that the conviction steeling her heart could not keep at bay the sadness overwhelming her. Even a smile characterized by deception could not manifest itself in her heart during that song. A song that served as her final tie to her past that carried with it the love left with her. Through the song called “Moon Princess” Hiyori now sheds her metaphysical visage and embraces the truth of who she is in front of the one who cast her into such darkness. Orochi learns who Komurasaki is as death ascends ever closer.

One Piece Chapter 1008 – Kanjuro And Orochi’s Return

It has finally been confirmed. Kanjuro and Orochi are still alive. Of course they are. From the moment their were presented as having been killed, it was obvious their deaths were only a misdirect to remove their presence from the focus of the story so that when they do reappear, a dramatic reveal could be possible. Death in One Piece for present time named characters is handled very subjectively. No matter how dead someone may appear in the story when their death scene is initially presented, if there is any ambiguity in their deaths, it is almost certain that they are still alive (looks at Vergo and Monet). The two conditions that are seemingly required before a present time named character can die are moving the plot forward substantially with their deaths and having another character(s) in the story ready to carry on their will. Neither Kanjuro or Orochi had any of that. Their reappearances more than a surprise were an expectant inevitability.

One Piece Chapter 982 – Assault On Onigashima Castle II

Kanjuro has finally made his way to Onigashima Castle and conveyed to Orochi that the plan to eliminate the Akazaya Samurai failed. Orochi from being uncontrollably jubilant now finds himself shivering in terror at the thought of everything he “attained” crumbling to pieces right in front of him. The prophecy Toki expressed 20 years ago has slowly taken ahold of Orochi state of mind during the years and with the vaticinated time now upon him, he has found himself compelled to react to the fear echoing within his mind. At a loss for how to regain stability and control, Orochi proceeds with what he believes is he only option; arrange for Momonosuke, the heir of the Kozuki clan and a 10 year old boy, to be executed.

One Piece Chapter 971-974 – The Heart Of A Samurai

In face of the inevitable end, the choice one has is whether they go out with a whimper or a bang and in the case of the Legendary Samurai, Kozuki Oden, the end was met with a blaze so radiant that the flames of his spirit burned within those witness to his end memories of a moment unforgettable. His actions, that were performed for the people of Wano Kuni, had their image perverted by narrations of malice through the schemes and hatred of Orochi Kurozumi. The will of his spirit didn’t end with his apparent physical death, instead it was carried through space and time in the hearts of many right through to the moment in the current time. The Kozuki will has been inherited and the wishes of Oden has been heard. The time has come for the country of Wano to be liberated from the chains of Orochi and for the Yonko, Kaido, to be defeated.

One Piece Chapter 965-969 – Oden And Roger

The meeting that would eventually lead to the age of the Pirates…

Experiencing the world and sharing in an adventure destined to change the fate of an era, Oden clears open a path forward on which the eventual Pirate King would map their journey on. The guide stones of the past left behind by a civilisation erased from history lead the adventurers subject to their voices onto a road toward a destination filled with questions to answers ultimately leaving behind an expectation on those choosing to take up “their” will. With the world against them and the truth buried within the shadows of the past motioned by strings intent on keeping whats hidden sealed away, the story of those fighting to achieve freedom find themselves purposed with the responsibility of carrying the weight of a hidden time. Along with Roger who expressed himself through his legacy, the man known as Kozuki Oden now walks forward to save his nation about to dye history with the expression of his adventure and heart.

One Piece Chapter 933 – The Coy In Kyoshiro

I don’t know, that seems too well set-up…

First things first, Komurasaki is not dead. It may appear as if she was killed by Kyoshiro but as we know in One Piece, appearances can be grossly misleading. The exchange Kyoshiro and Komurasaki shared was unquestionably suspicious as if set-up for a moment just like this where they can use their fake identities to fool those around them. Kyoshiro may have stated that he was showing Komurasaki mercy as a Samurai but that was an excuse to detract suspicion away from himself. The current events illustrating Komurasaki being slashed and subsequently killed are all an act. Whether it is through a Devil Fruit or just great acting, Kyoshiro did not kill Komurasaki.

One Piece Chapter 932 – A Leaf Hiding In The Forest

Komurasaki defends Toko against Orochi

Komurasaki IS Hiyori, the daughter of Oden and Toki and the younger sister of Momonosuke. Komurasaki isn’t merely just a courtesan, she has set her plans in motions for this moment when the prophecy her mother expressed 20 years ago would come about, where Orochi would be defeated and Wano Kuni liberated from his suffocating strangle. And I believe it is not just Komurasaki putting on an act but Kyoshiro as well.

One Piece Chapter 929 – Lord Kurozumi Orochi

Does having Nami and Robin as the central focus mean anything? Could they finally get some quality coverage in battle during this arc?

Orochi looks different than what I expected but given his meeting with CP0 and the way he forced them into a corner with the threat of Kaido, he isn’t afraid of making the World Government his enemy well as long as he has someone strong backing him. It has become obvious that Orochi is currently enjoying the benefits of having allied with the World Strongest Creature rather than being the one who the Marines and World Government fear. If that element of fear is taken away, where would Orochi hide? I’m sure Orochi is somewhat capable but the one pulling most of the weight and striking terror in any rebellion and opposition is Kaido and the Beast Pirates.

One Piece Chapter 927 – Stirrings Within Wano Kuni

They have that much faith in Luffy that they don’t see any reason to panic

Orochi’s silhouette leaves a lot to the imagination with the multiple headed snake teased. Can Orochi really transform into a hydra-sort of beast or was that panel a play on our expectations with Oda-sensei subverting what we actually find ourselves being led to believe. It would be amusing if the silhouette was in fact the outline of a tree or just Orochi’s pet. It seems to obvious to introduce Orochi in such a fashion without underlining the readers first impression on such major arc character. Oda-sensei never conforms to standard and is generally aware of what the readers would be expecting when reading his manga. He utilises that expectation to misdirect the readers opening us up to twist many do not see coming. Could this be one of them? I really do wonder.