Current Events Kozuki Oden – The Man Who Stopped The Flow of Time (A Character Analysis + Final Arc Buildup)
- Thread starter Akai2
- Start date
Man that's awesome discussion right there. I know it sucks typing on the phone, but let me clarify and maybe meet at the middle.
It's true that we didn't see Roger himself offer the help, but his crew did. Oden outright refused and said "this is an internal matter of the Kozuki Clan" which further consolidates my point.
All of this is true. They were aware of all of these reasons, yet offered help and he refused. So if any of those was the reason they didn't help him, they wouldn't have offered. And my interpretation was about his refusal. Regardless of other story details. For example, if there was no 20 year wait and he needed to open up Wano right away, would he have accepted? Or would he have said "Kozukis closed it, Kozukis should shoulder the burden of opening it". His refusal to let anyone other than Kozukis and their retainers solve the issue is still there.
The first time was when he saved her from those pirates. She was about to time jump but Oden appeared stopping that action.
The second time, she refused to jump not because he "broke her spirit". I agree that's none sense. She fell in love with him and her family and never used her powers to move forward again. She even told him "when I'm with you I feel like I've reached my destination".
Both times she didn't time jump because of Oden regardless of other story details. So that's why the symbolism still stands here.
We know the Kozuki's closed off Wano to protect it from a great "danger". So that was probably during the war in the VC between the ancient kingdom and the WG. Toki jumped to escape from those events, not sure how Wano back then was the same as it was now. It was still struggling against the WG probably.
Why was Wano going to bits? Because of Orochi's revenge on the Kozukis. Because of their persecution of the Kurozomi. So it's still within the same cycle of Wano politics.
I never said he did. And I didn't even write 25% of what went into Oden's character.
Oden was against the inherited Kuzoki/Kurozumi tribal grudge, he was against the racism of the citizens towards the minks, he was against closing the borders. But he still tried to shoulder all of that burden on his/his clan's shoulders. So he tried to solve the issue of a country stuck in time using their same method. That's what I was getting at, not that he agreed with Wano's customs in totality.
It's true that we didn't see Roger himself offer the help, but his crew did. Oden outright refused and said "this is an internal matter of the Kozuki Clan" which further consolidates my point.
The first time was when he saved her from those pirates. She was about to time jump but Oden appeared stopping that action.
The second time, she refused to jump not because he "broke her spirit". I agree that's none sense. She fell in love with him and her family and never used her powers to move forward again. She even told him "when I'm with you I feel like I've reached my destination".
Both times she didn't time jump because of Oden regardless of other story details. So that's why the symbolism still stands here.
We know the Kozuki's closed off Wano to protect it from a great "danger". So that was probably during the war in the VC between the ancient kingdom and the WG. Toki jumped to escape from those events, not sure how Wano back then was the same as it was now. It was still struggling against the WG probably.
Why was Wano going to bits? Because of Orochi's revenge on the Kozukis. Because of their persecution of the Kurozomi. So it's still within the same cycle of Wano politics.
I never said he did. And I didn't even write 25% of what went into Oden's character.
Oden was against the inherited Kuzoki/Kurozumi tribal grudge, he was against the racism of the citizens towards the minks, he was against closing the borders. But he still tried to shoulder all of that burden on his/his clan's shoulders. So he tried to solve the issue of a country stuck in time using their same method. That's what I was getting at, not that he agreed with Wano's customs in totality.
Last edited:
Not really on the phone, but tablet, I think I would hardly post at all on the phone.
It depends on if Oda wants to do so. Since it's her own decision, it's clearly not Oden's "fault", and Oden is overall a positive figure. So if this decision represents the symbolism of time standing still, instead of something more positive or neutral (like Oden actually being how Wano should be, more or less, as her destination), it's up to Oda. It's definitely possible that "stuck in time" is the idea.
But I still think it makes it her ending sound kind of cruel (or "sad") and Oden's "fault", and I think Oda is more positive than that about her and didn't just let her, so to speak, fade away for love.
And the first point, about him telling her not to time jump, just doesn't sound significant to me. It seems strange to me that this moment should have such symbolic value (giving the clue for how to interpret their whole relationship and in effect the story), but I guess I also didn't find the moment.
I don't want to contradict your whole interpretation, which is very convincing and well-written, but that's how I feel about this part.
Well, yes, there is about to be some change, although Oden definitely also carried something of that journey with him in his reaction to Roger's death and in his last moment. But it comes down to how one stands toward this "Idiot Lord" thing, and how one sort of dramatically blows up Oden's "mistake".
(By the way, I came across a part in ch.968 where the crew jokingly calls Roger "Idiot Captain", though it may just be a translation coincidence. Although it still reminds one of how Oda stands towards those who appear like "fools" and even of the Joyboy-part.)
For one, Oden was definitely monster level, probably having become more dangerous on Roger's journey (also making him not a bad judge about what's possible), and what's the big deal about a prospective Shogun wanting to take care of matters himself or deal with them internally? Sure, one can disagree with that, point out as Captain Hindsight how it was a miscalculation (although the alternative would have been almost overkill), but it's not idiotic, and I doubt that's even part of why he's called that (certainly not in the story, probably also not by Oda).
Anyway, again, I don't want to disagree with the whole thing, it is very neat, these are a few possible disagreements or what I would want to point out.
It depends on if Oda wants to do so. Since it's her own decision, it's clearly not Oden's "fault", and Oden is overall a positive figure. So if this decision represents the symbolism of time standing still, instead of something more positive or neutral (like Oden actually being how Wano should be, more or less, as her destination), it's up to Oda. It's definitely possible that "stuck in time" is the idea.
But I still think it makes it her ending sound kind of cruel (or "sad") and Oden's "fault", and I think Oda is more positive than that about her and didn't just let her, so to speak, fade away for love.
And the first point, about him telling her not to time jump, just doesn't sound significant to me. It seems strange to me that this moment should have such symbolic value (giving the clue for how to interpret their whole relationship and in effect the story), but I guess I also didn't find the moment.
I don't want to contradict your whole interpretation, which is very convincing and well-written, but that's how I feel about this part.
Well, yes, there is about to be some change, although Oden definitely also carried something of that journey with him in his reaction to Roger's death and in his last moment. But it comes down to how one stands toward this "Idiot Lord" thing, and how one sort of dramatically blows up Oden's "mistake".
(By the way, I came across a part in ch.968 where the crew jokingly calls Roger "Idiot Captain", though it may just be a translation coincidence. Although it still reminds one of how Oda stands towards those who appear like "fools" and even of the Joyboy-part.)
For one, Oden was definitely monster level, probably having become more dangerous on Roger's journey (also making him not a bad judge about what's possible), and what's the big deal about a prospective Shogun wanting to take care of matters himself or deal with them internally? Sure, one can disagree with that, point out as Captain Hindsight how it was a miscalculation (although the alternative would have been almost overkill), but it's not idiotic, and I doubt that's even part of why he's called that (certainly not in the story, probably also not by Oda).
Anyway, again, I don't want to disagree with the whole thing, it is very neat, these are a few possible disagreements or what I would want to point out.
Last edited:
Really, REALLY great stuff here!! I don’t even have much to add because it’s such a phenomenal read; I’ll simply say that I’m interested in hearing more about what you think of Toki’s role past symbolizing the flow of time...she’s clearly meant for more than what we’ve seen, but I don’t know how much we’ll get now that the flashback’s over.
No, the title is not a wisecrack about how the flashback ran for 5 months
Initially, I wanted to write an analysis on the multiple themes that went into crafting Kozuki Oden’s character.
Coming of age in an isolationist shogunate, societal perception against reality, self-confidence, the hunger for freedom, the flow of time, inherited will, generational grudges, character design, tribalism, the relationship between a lord and his vassals, and much more.
However, I didn’t think many readers would care for an extensive breakdown.
So I thought that focusing on the least discussed aspect of Oden characterization would suffice.
That being how Oden (symbolizing isolationist Wano) stopped the flow of time (symbolized by Toki).
Initially, I wanted to write an analysis on the multiple themes that went into crafting Kozuki Oden’s character.
Coming of age in an isolationist shogunate, societal perception against reality, self-confidence, the hunger for freedom, the flow of time, inherited will, generational grudges, character design, tribalism, the relationship between a lord and his vassals, and much more.
However, I didn’t think many readers would care for an extensive breakdown.
So I thought that focusing on the least discussed aspect of Oden characterization would suffice.
That being how Oden (symbolizing isolationist Wano) stopped the flow of time (symbolized by Toki).
- Toki was about to escape pirates by time jumping, but Oden stopped her.
- She was rather offended when he suggested she travels towards her destination 20 years into the future. She later preferred to die in the present.
Oden stopped the flow of time.
Let’s look at the result of having no friction with outside philosophies in isolationist Wano:
Let’s look at the result of having no friction with outside philosophies in isolationist Wano:
- Top Wano Ninja are terrified of a “ghost”. Citizens offer food to said “Ghost”.
- Citizens attack Kawamatsu and kill his mother because he’s from a different race.
- They still offer humans as tributes to Kaido, their guardian deity.
- Children indoctrinated by Orochi propaganda at “schools”.
- Being ashamed to cry or show emotion because you’re the “son of a samurai”.
- Murdering random Kurozumi because of inherited tribal grudges.
And the cycle continues.
Roger said: “As long as people search for freedom: man’s dreams, inherited will and the flow of time will never stop”
He said The Pirate King is the freest man on the sea. Luffy said the same.
Luffy said: “I can't use a sword. I can't cook. I can't navigate. I can't even lie.”
He told Sanji he could never be the pirate king without him.
You can’t truly seek freedom in the One Piece world alone.
Being different from his compatriots, Oden tried to break the cycle of closed off Wano and its enslaved population.
His hunger for freedom from the “cramped” Wano gave him the dream to sail the seas and see the world.
However, he never had a chance to succeed. He sought freedom Wano’s way.
Wano doesn’t seek outsiders’ assistance. Wano shoulders the entire burden regardless of its situation.
Wano was born to Boil. Oden is Wano.
He’s the logical conclusion to Wano’s isolationist doctrine.
Someone from Wano could never open the borders of Wano.
Wano isn’t equipped to save itself. It was born to fail.
Even after learning of all of the world’s secrets, Oden still refused Roger’s help to Open Wano.
He’s a Wano man. His generation and environment breed naivety and gullibility.
Oden’s naivety was stupid. Oden was stupid. Just like Wano.
While some readers were befuddled by Oden’s decisions to still go along with Orochi’s offer, I could relate.
As someone who works with a lot of immigrants, many who came of age in more closed off societies have no awareness to being manipulated. I could tell you about helping out people that got taken advantage of in the most shockingly simplistic ways.
If you seek freedom alone in the One Piece world, you won’t pass on your will. Oden never willingly inspired his vassals.
He never even told them why he danced for 5 years, he never asked them to join him.
They all joined of their own accord. They accepted the mission of opening Wano’s borders without being asked.
He stopped the flow of time.
Nonetheless, he died smiling as he knew Joy Boy was to return, even if he never had the capacity to open Wano for him.
This time, to prepare for Joy Boy’s arrival, his vassals didn’t go at it alone. And this is why they’ll succeed.
Luffy summed it up perfectly “Who cares if I’m an outsider? I’ve heard all about Oden, when he was killed by Kaido 20 years ago this country stopped moving, Right!?”
Even if I enjoyed Toki’s symbolic role, I’m still underwhelmed with other parts of her arc.
Nevertheless, I don’t want to make it more long winded that it already is.
Still, I’m very excited to see how this super saga concludes.
It’s really ambitious and unique how this 8-year long buildup has been established.
And it’s ultra-impressive how Oden’s story neatly threads all setup plotlines together.
The strawhats’ arc ceased being the narrative focus since Doflamingo’s “Justice” speech in Marineford.
The story structure completely changed since Punk Hazard building up to this showdown.
This war is the start of the endgame, where the giant world of One Piece will finally be realized.
Prepare Yourselves, Joy Boy Is Coming!
Roger said: “As long as people search for freedom: man’s dreams, inherited will and the flow of time will never stop”
He said The Pirate King is the freest man on the sea. Luffy said the same.
Luffy said: “I can't use a sword. I can't cook. I can't navigate. I can't even lie.”
He told Sanji he could never be the pirate king without him.
You can’t truly seek freedom in the One Piece world alone.
Being different from his compatriots, Oden tried to break the cycle of closed off Wano and its enslaved population.
His hunger for freedom from the “cramped” Wano gave him the dream to sail the seas and see the world.
However, he never had a chance to succeed. He sought freedom Wano’s way.
Wano doesn’t seek outsiders’ assistance. Wano shoulders the entire burden regardless of its situation.
Wano was born to Boil. Oden is Wano.
He’s the logical conclusion to Wano’s isolationist doctrine.
Someone from Wano could never open the borders of Wano.
Wano isn’t equipped to save itself. It was born to fail.
Even after learning of all of the world’s secrets, Oden still refused Roger’s help to Open Wano.
He’s a Wano man. His generation and environment breed naivety and gullibility.
Oden’s naivety was stupid. Oden was stupid. Just like Wano.
While some readers were befuddled by Oden’s decisions to still go along with Orochi’s offer, I could relate.
As someone who works with a lot of immigrants, many who came of age in more closed off societies have no awareness to being manipulated. I could tell you about helping out people that got taken advantage of in the most shockingly simplistic ways.
If you seek freedom alone in the One Piece world, you won’t pass on your will. Oden never willingly inspired his vassals.
He never even told them why he danced for 5 years, he never asked them to join him.
They all joined of their own accord. They accepted the mission of opening Wano’s borders without being asked.
He stopped the flow of time.
Nonetheless, he died smiling as he knew Joy Boy was to return, even if he never had the capacity to open Wano for him.
This time, to prepare for Joy Boy’s arrival, his vassals didn’t go at it alone. And this is why they’ll succeed.
Luffy summed it up perfectly “Who cares if I’m an outsider? I’ve heard all about Oden, when he was killed by Kaido 20 years ago this country stopped moving, Right!?”
Even if I enjoyed Toki’s symbolic role, I’m still underwhelmed with other parts of her arc.
Nevertheless, I don’t want to make it more long winded that it already is.
Still, I’m very excited to see how this super saga concludes.
It’s really ambitious and unique how this 8-year long buildup has been established.
And it’s ultra-impressive how Oden’s story neatly threads all setup plotlines together.
The strawhats’ arc ceased being the narrative focus since Doflamingo’s “Justice” speech in Marineford.
The story structure completely changed since Punk Hazard building up to this showdown.
This war is the start of the endgame, where the giant world of One Piece will finally be realized.
But damn, your analysis and breakdown is already way better than my English essay in school LOL. Great job dude
No, the title is not a wisecrack about how the flashback ran for 5 months
Initially, I wanted to write an analysis on the multiple themes that went into crafting Kozuki Oden’s character.
Coming of age in an isolationist shogunate, societal perception against reality, self-confidence, the hunger for freedom, the flow of time, inherited will, generational grudges, character design, tribalism, the relationship between a lord and his vassals, and much more.
However, I didn’t think many readers would care for an extensive breakdown.
So I thought that focusing on the least discussed aspect of Oden characterization would suffice.
That being how Oden (symbolizing isolationist Wano) stopped the flow of time (symbolized by Toki).
Initially, I wanted to write an analysis on the multiple themes that went into crafting Kozuki Oden’s character.
Coming of age in an isolationist shogunate, societal perception against reality, self-confidence, the hunger for freedom, the flow of time, inherited will, generational grudges, character design, tribalism, the relationship between a lord and his vassals, and much more.
However, I didn’t think many readers would care for an extensive breakdown.
So I thought that focusing on the least discussed aspect of Oden characterization would suffice.
That being how Oden (symbolizing isolationist Wano) stopped the flow of time (symbolized by Toki).
- Toki was about to escape pirates by time jumping, but Oden stopped her.
- She was rather offended when he suggested she travels towards her destination 20 years into the future. She later preferred to die in the present.
Oden stopped the flow of time.
Let’s look at the result of having no friction with outside philosophies in isolationist Wano:
Let’s look at the result of having no friction with outside philosophies in isolationist Wano:
- Top Wano Ninja are terrified of a “ghost”. Citizens offer food to said “Ghost”.
- Citizens attack Kawamatsu and kill his mother because he’s from a different race.
- They still offer humans as tributes to Kaido, their guardian deity.
- Children indoctrinated by Orochi propaganda at “schools”.
- Being ashamed to cry or show emotion because you’re the “son of a samurai”.
- Murdering random Kurozumi because of inherited tribal grudges.
And the cycle continues.
Roger said: “As long as people search for freedom: man’s dreams, inherited will and the flow of time will never stop”
He said The Pirate King is the freest man on the sea. Luffy said the same.
Luffy said: “I can't use a sword. I can't cook. I can't navigate. I can't even lie.”
He told Sanji he could never be the pirate king without him.
You can’t truly seek freedom in the One Piece world alone.
Being different from his compatriots, Oden tried to break the cycle of closed off Wano and its enslaved population.
His hunger for freedom from the “cramped” Wano gave him the dream to sail the seas and see the world.
However, he never had a chance to succeed. He sought freedom Wano’s way.
Wano doesn’t seek outsiders’ assistance. Wano shoulders the entire burden regardless of its situation.
Wano was born to Boil. Oden is Wano.
He’s the logical conclusion to Wano’s isolationist doctrine.
Someone from Wano could never open the borders of Wano.
Wano isn’t equipped to save itself. It was born to fail.
Even after learning of all of the world’s secrets, Oden still refused Roger’s help to Open Wano.
He’s a Wano man. His generation and environment breed naivety and gullibility.
Oden’s naivety was stupid. Oden was stupid. Just like Wano.
While some readers were befuddled by Oden’s decisions to still go along with Orochi’s offer, I could relate.
As someone who works with a lot of immigrants, many who came of age in more closed off societies have no awareness to being manipulated. I could tell you about helping out people that got taken advantage of in the most shockingly simplistic ways.
If you seek freedom alone in the One Piece world, you won’t pass on your will. Oden never willingly inspired his vassals.
He never even told them why he danced for 5 years, he never asked them to join him.
They all joined of their own accord. They accepted the mission of opening Wano’s borders without being asked.
He stopped the flow of time.
Nonetheless, he died smiling as he knew Joy Boy was to return, even if he never had the capacity to open Wano for him.
This time, to prepare for Joy Boy’s arrival, his vassals didn’t go at it alone. And this is why they’ll succeed.
Luffy summed it up perfectly “Who cares if I’m an outsider? I’ve heard all about Oden, when he was killed by Kaido 20 years ago this country stopped moving, Right!?”
Even if I enjoyed Toki’s symbolic role, I’m still underwhelmed with other parts of her arc.
Nevertheless, I don’t want to make it more long winded that it already is.
Still, I’m very excited to see how this super saga concludes.
It’s really ambitious and unique how this 8-year long buildup has been established.
And it’s ultra-impressive how Oden’s story neatly threads all setup plotlines together.
The strawhats’ arc ceased being the narrative focus since Doflamingo’s “Justice” speech in Marineford.
The story structure completely changed since Punk Hazard building up to this showdown.
This war is the start of the endgame, where the giant world of One Piece will finally be realized.
Prepare Yourselves, Joy Boy Is Coming!
Roger said: “As long as people search for freedom: man’s dreams, inherited will and the flow of time will never stop”
He said The Pirate King is the freest man on the sea. Luffy said the same.
Luffy said: “I can't use a sword. I can't cook. I can't navigate. I can't even lie.”
He told Sanji he could never be the pirate king without him.
You can’t truly seek freedom in the One Piece world alone.
Being different from his compatriots, Oden tried to break the cycle of closed off Wano and its enslaved population.
His hunger for freedom from the “cramped” Wano gave him the dream to sail the seas and see the world.
However, he never had a chance to succeed. He sought freedom Wano’s way.
Wano doesn’t seek outsiders’ assistance. Wano shoulders the entire burden regardless of its situation.
Wano was born to Boil. Oden is Wano.
He’s the logical conclusion to Wano’s isolationist doctrine.
Someone from Wano could never open the borders of Wano.
Wano isn’t equipped to save itself. It was born to fail.
Even after learning of all of the world’s secrets, Oden still refused Roger’s help to Open Wano.
He’s a Wano man. His generation and environment breed naivety and gullibility.
Oden’s naivety was stupid. Oden was stupid. Just like Wano.
While some readers were befuddled by Oden’s decisions to still go along with Orochi’s offer, I could relate.
As someone who works with a lot of immigrants, many who came of age in more closed off societies have no awareness to being manipulated. I could tell you about helping out people that got taken advantage of in the most shockingly simplistic ways.
If you seek freedom alone in the One Piece world, you won’t pass on your will. Oden never willingly inspired his vassals.
He never even told them why he danced for 5 years, he never asked them to join him.
They all joined of their own accord. They accepted the mission of opening Wano’s borders without being asked.
He stopped the flow of time.
Nonetheless, he died smiling as he knew Joy Boy was to return, even if he never had the capacity to open Wano for him.
This time, to prepare for Joy Boy’s arrival, his vassals didn’t go at it alone. And this is why they’ll succeed.
Luffy summed it up perfectly “Who cares if I’m an outsider? I’ve heard all about Oden, when he was killed by Kaido 20 years ago this country stopped moving, Right!?”
Even if I enjoyed Toki’s symbolic role, I’m still underwhelmed with other parts of her arc.
Nevertheless, I don’t want to make it more long winded that it already is.
Still, I’m very excited to see how this super saga concludes.
It’s really ambitious and unique how this 8-year long buildup has been established.
And it’s ultra-impressive how Oden’s story neatly threads all setup plotlines together.
The strawhats’ arc ceased being the narrative focus since Doflamingo’s “Justice” speech in Marineford.
The story structure completely changed since Punk Hazard building up to this showdown.
This war is the start of the endgame, where the giant world of One Piece will finally be realized.
On his time at sea, we had several panels of him going out on his own, the other pirates telling him to wait up for them. It was during 964. And lastly, refusing aid from the Roger pirates to fix his country.
And he did, in a way, fought against all of Wano's old habits and traditions. However, he still succumb to what defined the country; its isolation. Oden just didn't extend himself to others when he needed it. One of his last words before entering the boiling oil pot being "I don't want to die." He didn't think at first to pass on his task to others. It's something he had overcome on the 11th hour of his life.
Thanks for reading man. Honestly, Oda put himself between a rock and a hard place with Toki's arc.
On one hand, he made her origins from the void century travelling through time seeking Joy Boy's return.
And on the other hand, he didn't want her to reveal the true meaning of that event as the SHs are about to find out.
So her arc felt incomplete.
So I don't think we'll get much more from her, we'll learn what she was looking for through the SHs journey.
On one hand, he made her origins from the void century travelling through time seeking Joy Boy's return.
And on the other hand, he didn't want her to reveal the true meaning of that event as the SHs are about to find out.
So her arc felt incomplete.
So I don't think we'll get much more from her, we'll learn what she was looking for through the SHs journey.
No, the title is not a wisecrack about how the flashback ran for 5 months
Initially, I wanted to write an analysis on the multiple themes that went into crafting Kozuki Oden’s character.
Coming of age in an isolationist shogunate, societal perception against reality, self-confidence, the hunger for freedom, the flow of time, inherited will, generational grudges, character design, tribalism, the relationship between a lord and his vassals, and much more.
However, I didn’t think many readers would care for an extensive breakdown.
So I thought that focusing on the least discussed aspect of Oden characterization would suffice.
That being how Oden (symbolizing isolationist Wano) stopped the flow of time (symbolized by Toki).
Initially, I wanted to write an analysis on the multiple themes that went into crafting Kozuki Oden’s character.
Coming of age in an isolationist shogunate, societal perception against reality, self-confidence, the hunger for freedom, the flow of time, inherited will, generational grudges, character design, tribalism, the relationship between a lord and his vassals, and much more.
However, I didn’t think many readers would care for an extensive breakdown.
So I thought that focusing on the least discussed aspect of Oden characterization would suffice.
That being how Oden (symbolizing isolationist Wano) stopped the flow of time (symbolized by Toki).
- Toki was about to escape pirates by time jumping, but Oden stopped her.
- She was rather offended when he suggested she travels towards her destination 20 years into the future. She later preferred to die in the present.
Oden stopped the flow of time.
Let’s look at the result of having no friction with outside philosophies in isolationist Wano:
Let’s look at the result of having no friction with outside philosophies in isolationist Wano:
- Top Wano Ninja are terrified of a “ghost”. Citizens offer food to said “Ghost”.
- Citizens attack Kawamatsu and kill his mother because he’s from a different race.
- They still offer humans as tributes to Kaido, their guardian deity.
- Children indoctrinated by Orochi propaganda at “schools”.
- Being ashamed to cry or show emotion because you’re the “son of a samurai”.
- Murdering random Kurozumi because of inherited tribal grudges.
And the cycle continues.
Roger said: “As long as people search for freedom: man’s dreams, inherited will and the flow of time will never stop”
He said The Pirate King is the freest man on the sea. Luffy said the same.
Luffy said: “I can't use a sword. I can't cook. I can't navigate. I can't even lie.”
He told Sanji he could never be the pirate king without him.
You can’t truly seek freedom in the One Piece world alone.
Being different from his compatriots, Oden tried to break the cycle of closed off Wano and its enslaved population.
His hunger for freedom from the “cramped” Wano gave him the dream to sail the seas and see the world.
However, he never had a chance to succeed. He sought freedom Wano’s way.
Wano doesn’t seek outsiders’ assistance. Wano shoulders the entire burden regardless of its situation.
Wano was born to Boil. Oden is Wano.
He’s the logical conclusion to Wano’s isolationist doctrine.
Someone from Wano could never open the borders of Wano.
Wano isn’t equipped to save itself. It was born to fail.
Even after learning of all of the world’s secrets, Oden still refused Roger’s help to Open Wano.
He’s a Wano man. His generation and environment breed naivety and gullibility.
Oden’s naivety was stupid. Oden was stupid. Just like Wano.
While some readers were befuddled by Oden’s decisions to still go along with Orochi’s offer, I could relate.
As someone who works with a lot of immigrants, many who came of age in more closed off societies have no awareness to being manipulated. I could tell you about helping out people that got taken advantage of in the most shockingly simplistic ways.
If you seek freedom alone in the One Piece world, you won’t pass on your will. Oden never willingly inspired his vassals.
He never even told them why he danced for 5 years, he never asked them to join him.
They all joined of their own accord. They accepted the mission of opening Wano’s borders without being asked.
He stopped the flow of time.
Nonetheless, he died smiling as he knew Joy Boy was to return, even if he never had the capacity to open Wano for him.
This time, to prepare for Joy Boy’s arrival, his vassals didn’t go at it alone. And this is why they’ll succeed.
Luffy summed it up perfectly “Who cares if I’m an outsider? I’ve heard all about Oden, when he was killed by Kaido 20 years ago this country stopped moving, Right!?”
Even if I enjoyed Toki’s symbolic role, I’m still underwhelmed with other parts of her arc.
Nevertheless, I don’t want to make it more long winded that it already is.
Still, I’m very excited to see how this super saga concludes.
It’s really ambitious and unique how this 8-year long buildup has been established.
And it’s ultra-impressive how Oden’s story neatly threads all setup plotlines together.
The strawhats’ arc ceased being the narrative focus since Doflamingo’s “Justice” speech in Marineford.
The story structure completely changed since Punk Hazard building up to this showdown.
This war is the start of the endgame, where the giant world of One Piece will finally be realized.
Prepare Yourselves, Joy Boy Is Coming!
Roger said: “As long as people search for freedom: man’s dreams, inherited will and the flow of time will never stop”
He said The Pirate King is the freest man on the sea. Luffy said the same.
Luffy said: “I can't use a sword. I can't cook. I can't navigate. I can't even lie.”
He told Sanji he could never be the pirate king without him.
You can’t truly seek freedom in the One Piece world alone.
Being different from his compatriots, Oden tried to break the cycle of closed off Wano and its enslaved population.
His hunger for freedom from the “cramped” Wano gave him the dream to sail the seas and see the world.
However, he never had a chance to succeed. He sought freedom Wano’s way.
Wano doesn’t seek outsiders’ assistance. Wano shoulders the entire burden regardless of its situation.
Wano was born to Boil. Oden is Wano.
He’s the logical conclusion to Wano’s isolationist doctrine.
Someone from Wano could never open the borders of Wano.
Wano isn’t equipped to save itself. It was born to fail.
Even after learning of all of the world’s secrets, Oden still refused Roger’s help to Open Wano.
He’s a Wano man. His generation and environment breed naivety and gullibility.
Oden’s naivety was stupid. Oden was stupid. Just like Wano.
While some readers were befuddled by Oden’s decisions to still go along with Orochi’s offer, I could relate.
As someone who works with a lot of immigrants, many who came of age in more closed off societies have no awareness to being manipulated. I could tell you about helping out people that got taken advantage of in the most shockingly simplistic ways.
If you seek freedom alone in the One Piece world, you won’t pass on your will. Oden never willingly inspired his vassals.
He never even told them why he danced for 5 years, he never asked them to join him.
They all joined of their own accord. They accepted the mission of opening Wano’s borders without being asked.
He stopped the flow of time.
Nonetheless, he died smiling as he knew Joy Boy was to return, even if he never had the capacity to open Wano for him.
This time, to prepare for Joy Boy’s arrival, his vassals didn’t go at it alone. And this is why they’ll succeed.
Luffy summed it up perfectly “Who cares if I’m an outsider? I’ve heard all about Oden, when he was killed by Kaido 20 years ago this country stopped moving, Right!?”
Even if I enjoyed Toki’s symbolic role, I’m still underwhelmed with other parts of her arc.
Nevertheless, I don’t want to make it more long winded that it already is.
Still, I’m very excited to see how this super saga concludes.
It’s really ambitious and unique how this 8-year long buildup has been established.
And it’s ultra-impressive how Oden’s story neatly threads all setup plotlines together.
The strawhats’ arc ceased being the narrative focus since Doflamingo’s “Justice” speech in Marineford.
The story structure completely changed since Punk Hazard building up to this showdown.
This war is the start of the endgame, where the giant world of One Piece will finally be realized.
The details that you’ve added in is really interesting so I’ll give you props for that and it was most definitely not a waste of my time.
Keep up the good work, I’ll be interested in more of your theories.
Oden really does seem to epitomize Wano in many ways.
Oden is a badass top tier Samurai. The outside world regards Wano as a powerful and dangerous country so much that even Akainu is wary of sending in men citing the Samurai.
Oden never sought his own followers or even his wife, they established those bonds through their own hard work and desire. Wano is notoriously difficult to enter, its natural geography barring outsiders and only the most persistent and talented pirates can breach its shores and enter the heart of the country.
Oden tells Sukiyaki he never changed, only the way he is perceived did. Wano remains deeply traditional and likely its culture and make up haven't really changed in hundreds of years. Thanks to the efforts of Sword God Ryuuma, Wano's outside perception changed around 400 years ago and outsiders started seeing Wano as a special and intimidating country.
Oden always bears the burden of every situation on his own shoulders, from the Mountain God incident to the 5 years of dancing and saving his retainers from boiling. Oden was born to suffer/boil. Wano's history is seperate from the world. Ever since it closed off, it has navigated its own timeline trying to solve its own problems free from outsiders. Ironically enough, an outsider like Kaido comes into to subjugate both Oden and Wano, permanently transforming it into a pirate country more closely tied to New World affairs.
I believe once Oden realized Wano by itself could not handle a massive outsider foreign force like the Beast Pirates, he became open to the idea of outside help like Joyboy. This is no different than all the pain Nami suffered for a decade to buy back her village from Arlong. She even left the village and sailed the seas where she could have recruited external help like the Strawhats or come up with another plan than trusting a pirate like Arlong to keep his word. Starting to sound like Orochi's deal? Eventually Nami broke down, and Luffy was there to listen. Luffy wasn't there for Oden 20 years ago. The fate of Nami and Cocoyashi village could have easily ended in tragedy as what happened to Oden and Wano.
Oden is a badass top tier Samurai. The outside world regards Wano as a powerful and dangerous country so much that even Akainu is wary of sending in men citing the Samurai.
Oden never sought his own followers or even his wife, they established those bonds through their own hard work and desire. Wano is notoriously difficult to enter, its natural geography barring outsiders and only the most persistent and talented pirates can breach its shores and enter the heart of the country.
Oden tells Sukiyaki he never changed, only the way he is perceived did. Wano remains deeply traditional and likely its culture and make up haven't really changed in hundreds of years. Thanks to the efforts of Sword God Ryuuma, Wano's outside perception changed around 400 years ago and outsiders started seeing Wano as a special and intimidating country.
Oden always bears the burden of every situation on his own shoulders, from the Mountain God incident to the 5 years of dancing and saving his retainers from boiling. Oden was born to suffer/boil. Wano's history is seperate from the world. Ever since it closed off, it has navigated its own timeline trying to solve its own problems free from outsiders. Ironically enough, an outsider like Kaido comes into to subjugate both Oden and Wano, permanently transforming it into a pirate country more closely tied to New World affairs.
I believe once Oden realized Wano by itself could not handle a massive outsider foreign force like the Beast Pirates, he became open to the idea of outside help like Joyboy. This is no different than all the pain Nami suffered for a decade to buy back her village from Arlong. She even left the village and sailed the seas where she could have recruited external help like the Strawhats or come up with another plan than trusting a pirate like Arlong to keep his word. Starting to sound like Orochi's deal? Eventually Nami broke down, and Luffy was there to listen. Luffy wasn't there for Oden 20 years ago. The fate of Nami and Cocoyashi village could have easily ended in tragedy as what happened to Oden and Wano.
Last edited:
This was really well done.
I never made the connection between Odn's mindset and Wano itself.
His fatal flaw of never accepting outside help is not only a product of living in Wano but is the symbolic representation of the country itself.
Oden was closed off just like Wano was. And it cost him his life in the end.
It kinda hints that if Wano fails to open it's borders then the Country will meet the same fate as lord Oden.
I never made the connection between Odn's mindset and Wano itself.
His fatal flaw of never accepting outside help is not only a product of living in Wano but is the symbolic representation of the country itself.
Oden was closed off just like Wano was. And it cost him his life in the end.
It kinda hints that if Wano fails to open it's borders then the Country will meet the same fate as lord Oden.
People are obsessed with seeing everything in a negative way, or being negative and pessimistic about characters (as richly exploited in the contests of fandoms between characters). Part of my point was that this is simply assumed, and in fact Oda is often not that negative as people in some random forum are. I think what was said in the latest chapter (even if it was Kanjuro, but trying to make Momo feel bad) again casually stood in contrast with that negativity about Oden, particular the idea of him stopping Wano's time.
What Oden was doing was simply buying time before the defeat, so the scabbards and everyone else will have another shot. This almost looks the same in terms of plot points, but is polar opposites in terms of positivity and negativity, and putting blame... But this blame also doesn't fit with the "heroic" scene of boiling and saving his friends. He was lifting them up, saving them from immediate defeat. It is extended time for that particular problem, not being stuck in the same time as Wano always was.
This idea of getting the strongest allies in the world is head-canon (once he is already in Wano), which people often arrive at in discussions (sometimes in advance spoilers) and are wont to equate with the manga, even if it may have other intentions. This tactic is not referenced again or presented as very plausible, even while the standard attack is not presented as unreasonable. (And Oda always makes drawbacks for plot, and this counts all the more so in flashbacks, which are all about plot or a certain conclusions rather than active and desperate "problem solving".)
And while there are issues in Wano, which is clearly one of themes, Oden stood against them, and one has to distinguish the time of relative peace - or what Oden represents or himself wishes for, especially if he had been the present ruler - and the time of occupation and tyranny. By tying it all back to Oden and "Wano sucks", it is oversimplified. There can be themes on top of each other or parallel.
One can salvage the particular idea of Wano being trapped in time, but this would not be dissimilar to anywhere else in the One Piece world, and would be tied to general themes. But not everything is necessarily tied in a little knot called "Oden" who wasn't "cool" or "savage" enough in actions or code of honour to satisfy fan scenarios (which doubtlessly would have totally ruined any point to a flashback, and so presented other storytelling issues).
Anyway, I think this can't advance much further and will sort of revolve around two perspectives like this...
What Oden was doing was simply buying time before the defeat, so the scabbards and everyone else will have another shot. This almost looks the same in terms of plot points, but is polar opposites in terms of positivity and negativity, and putting blame... But this blame also doesn't fit with the "heroic" scene of boiling and saving his friends. He was lifting them up, saving them from immediate defeat. It is extended time for that particular problem, not being stuck in the same time as Wano always was.
This idea of getting the strongest allies in the world is head-canon (once he is already in Wano), which people often arrive at in discussions (sometimes in advance spoilers) and are wont to equate with the manga, even if it may have other intentions. This tactic is not referenced again or presented as very plausible, even while the standard attack is not presented as unreasonable. (And Oda always makes drawbacks for plot, and this counts all the more so in flashbacks, which are all about plot or a certain conclusions rather than active and desperate "problem solving".)
And while there are issues in Wano, which is clearly one of themes, Oden stood against them, and one has to distinguish the time of relative peace - or what Oden represents or himself wishes for, especially if he had been the present ruler - and the time of occupation and tyranny. By tying it all back to Oden and "Wano sucks", it is oversimplified. There can be themes on top of each other or parallel.
One can salvage the particular idea of Wano being trapped in time, but this would not be dissimilar to anywhere else in the One Piece world, and would be tied to general themes. But not everything is necessarily tied in a little knot called "Oden" who wasn't "cool" or "savage" enough in actions or code of honour to satisfy fan scenarios (which doubtlessly would have totally ruined any point to a flashback, and so presented other storytelling issues).
Anyway, I think this can't advance much further and will sort of revolve around two perspectives like this...
No, the title is not a wisecrack about how the flashback ran for 5 months
Initially, I wanted to write an analysis on the multiple themes that went into crafting Kozuki Oden’s character.
Coming of age in an isolationist shogunate, societal perception against reality, self-confidence, the hunger for freedom, the flow of time, inherited will, generational grudges, character design, tribalism, the relationship between a lord and his vassals, and much more.
However, I didn’t think many readers would care for an extensive breakdown.
So I thought that focusing on the least discussed aspect of Oden characterization would suffice.
That being how Oden (symbolizing isolationist Wano) stopped the flow of time (symbolized by Toki).
Initially, I wanted to write an analysis on the multiple themes that went into crafting Kozuki Oden’s character.
Coming of age in an isolationist shogunate, societal perception against reality, self-confidence, the hunger for freedom, the flow of time, inherited will, generational grudges, character design, tribalism, the relationship between a lord and his vassals, and much more.
However, I didn’t think many readers would care for an extensive breakdown.
So I thought that focusing on the least discussed aspect of Oden characterization would suffice.
That being how Oden (symbolizing isolationist Wano) stopped the flow of time (symbolized by Toki).
- Toki was about to escape pirates by time jumping, but Oden stopped her.
- She was rather offended when he suggested she travels towards her destination 20 years into the future. She later preferred to die in the present.
Oden stopped the flow of time.
Let’s look at the result of having no friction with outside philosophies in isolationist Wano:
Let’s look at the result of having no friction with outside philosophies in isolationist Wano:
- Top Wano Ninja are terrified of a “ghost”. Citizens offer food to said “Ghost”.
- Citizens attack Kawamatsu and kill his mother because he’s from a different race.
- They still offer humans as tributes to Kaido, their guardian deity.
- Children indoctrinated by Orochi propaganda at “schools”.
- Being ashamed to cry or show emotion because you’re the “son of a samurai”.
- Murdering random Kurozumi because of inherited tribal grudges.
And the cycle continues.
Roger said: “As long as people search for freedom: man’s dreams, inherited will and the flow of time will never stop”
He said The Pirate King is the freest man on the sea. Luffy said the same.
Luffy said: “I can't use a sword. I can't cook. I can't navigate. I can't even lie.”
He told Sanji he could never be the pirate king without him.
You can’t truly seek freedom in the One Piece world alone.
Being different from his compatriots, Oden tried to break the cycle of closed off Wano and its enslaved population.
His hunger for freedom from the “cramped” Wano gave him the dream to sail the seas and see the world.
However, he never had a chance to succeed. He sought freedom Wano’s way.
Wano doesn’t seek outsiders’ assistance. Wano shoulders the entire burden regardless of its situation.
Wano was born to Boil. Oden is Wano.
He’s the logical conclusion to Wano’s isolationist doctrine.
Someone from Wano could never open the borders of Wano.
Wano isn’t equipped to save itself. It was born to fail.
Even after learning of all of the world’s secrets, Oden still refused Roger’s help to Open Wano.
He’s a Wano man. His generation and environment breed naivety and gullibility.
Oden’s naivety was stupid. Oden was stupid. Just like Wano.
While some readers were befuddled by Oden’s decisions to still go along with Orochi’s offer, I could relate.
As someone who works with a lot of immigrants, many who came of age in more closed off societies have no awareness to being manipulated. I could tell you about helping out people that got taken advantage of in the most shockingly simplistic ways.
If you seek freedom alone in the One Piece world, you won’t pass on your will. Oden never willingly inspired his vassals.
He never even told them why he danced for 5 years, he never asked them to join him.
They all joined of their own accord. They accepted the mission of opening Wano’s borders without being asked.
He stopped the flow of time.
Nonetheless, he died smiling as he knew Joy Boy was to return, even if he never had the capacity to open Wano for him.
This time, to prepare for Joy Boy’s arrival, his vassals didn’t go at it alone. And this is why they’ll succeed.
Luffy summed it up perfectly “Who cares if I’m an outsider? I’ve heard all about Oden, when he was killed by Kaido 20 years ago this country stopped moving, Right!?”
Even if I enjoyed Toki’s symbolic role, I’m still underwhelmed with other parts of her arc.
Nevertheless, I don’t want to make it more long winded that it already is.
Still, I’m very excited to see how this super saga concludes.
It’s really ambitious and unique how this 8-year long buildup has been established.
And it’s ultra-impressive how Oden’s story neatly threads all setup plotlines together.
The strawhats’ arc ceased being the narrative focus since Doflamingo’s “Justice” speech in Marineford.
The story structure completely changed since Punk Hazard building up to this showdown.
This war is the start of the endgame, where the giant world of One Piece will finally be realized.
Prepare Yourselves, Joy Boy Is Coming!
Roger said: “As long as people search for freedom: man’s dreams, inherited will and the flow of time will never stop”
He said The Pirate King is the freest man on the sea. Luffy said the same.
Luffy said: “I can't use a sword. I can't cook. I can't navigate. I can't even lie.”
He told Sanji he could never be the pirate king without him.
You can’t truly seek freedom in the One Piece world alone.
Being different from his compatriots, Oden tried to break the cycle of closed off Wano and its enslaved population.
His hunger for freedom from the “cramped” Wano gave him the dream to sail the seas and see the world.
However, he never had a chance to succeed. He sought freedom Wano’s way.
Wano doesn’t seek outsiders’ assistance. Wano shoulders the entire burden regardless of its situation.
Wano was born to Boil. Oden is Wano.
He’s the logical conclusion to Wano’s isolationist doctrine.
Someone from Wano could never open the borders of Wano.
Wano isn’t equipped to save itself. It was born to fail.
Even after learning of all of the world’s secrets, Oden still refused Roger’s help to Open Wano.
He’s a Wano man. His generation and environment breed naivety and gullibility.
Oden’s naivety was stupid. Oden was stupid. Just like Wano.
While some readers were befuddled by Oden’s decisions to still go along with Orochi’s offer, I could relate.
As someone who works with a lot of immigrants, many who came of age in more closed off societies have no awareness to being manipulated. I could tell you about helping out people that got taken advantage of in the most shockingly simplistic ways.
If you seek freedom alone in the One Piece world, you won’t pass on your will. Oden never willingly inspired his vassals.
He never even told them why he danced for 5 years, he never asked them to join him.
They all joined of their own accord. They accepted the mission of opening Wano’s borders without being asked.
He stopped the flow of time.
Nonetheless, he died smiling as he knew Joy Boy was to return, even if he never had the capacity to open Wano for him.
This time, to prepare for Joy Boy’s arrival, his vassals didn’t go at it alone. And this is why they’ll succeed.
Luffy summed it up perfectly “Who cares if I’m an outsider? I’ve heard all about Oden, when he was killed by Kaido 20 years ago this country stopped moving, Right!?”
Even if I enjoyed Toki’s symbolic role, I’m still underwhelmed with other parts of her arc.
Nevertheless, I don’t want to make it more long winded that it already is.
Still, I’m very excited to see how this super saga concludes.
It’s really ambitious and unique how this 8-year long buildup has been established.
And it’s ultra-impressive how Oden’s story neatly threads all setup plotlines together.
The strawhats’ arc ceased being the narrative focus since Doflamingo’s “Justice” speech in Marineford.
The story structure completely changed since Punk Hazard building up to this showdown.
This war is the start of the endgame, where the giant world of One Piece will finally be realized.
Good job ;)
