The essentials in 30 seconds: Kin'emon and Kanjuro are two samurai from Wano Country recruited by Kozuki Oden, but their fates diverge radically. Kin'emon remains faithful to Oden's memory to the very end and fights alongside Luffy to free Wano, while Kanjuro betrays his companions for twenty years by spying for Orochi and Kaido. This duality of loyalty and betrayal is one of the most emotionally striking storylines of the Wano arc.
In the immense cast of characters featured in One Piece, few duos illustrate the tension between loyalty and betrayal as well as Kin'emon and Kanjuro. Both samurai and members of the Nine Red Scabbards serving daimyo Kozuki Oden, they share the same story on paper. And yet, one became a moral pillar of the Straw Hat crew, while the other became one of the saga's most painful traitors.
This article looks back at the journeys of these two iconic characters from the Wano arc: their powers, their roles in the story, and the reasons behind their opposing choices. We will also see how the aesthetic of Wano Country continues to inspire a wide range of merchandise, from collectible katanas and figurines to playing cards.
Kin'emon, the Samurai Loyal to Oden and Wano
A Loyal Vassal of the Kozuki Clan
Kin'emon of the Foundation is one of the most respected members of the Nine Red Scabbards, the group of samurai who swore allegiance to Kozuki Oden. Before Wano fell under Orochi and Kaido's rule, he was part of the close entourage of the daimyo of Kuri, alongside figures such as Kikunojo and Denjiro. When Oden is executed by boiling on Orochi's orders, Kin'emon never abandons his mission: avenging his master and freeing the country from the rule of the Beast Pirates.
His journey first takes him out of his own era: sent twenty years into the future by the powers of Toki, Oden's wife, he finds himself separated from his son Momonosuke and must learn to survive in a world he does not know. It is at sea, after a shipwreck, that he crosses paths with Luffy and the Straw Hat crew, who welcome him despite his sometimes clumsy behavior.
The Power of Metamorphosis (Fuku Fuku no Mi)
Kin'emon possesses a rather unique Paramecia-type Devil Fruit: the Fuku Fuku no Mi, or "Clothing-Clothing Fruit." This power allows him to instantly transform a person's appearance, clothing, and even voice, provided he has a suitable piece of fabric. This ability proves strategically valuable throughout the Wano arc: it is notably used to disguise Momonosuke as an adult to infiltrate the capital, or to transform allies to deceive Orochi's men.
In combat, Kin'emon also wields the katana with great skill, enhanced by Armament Haki. Although he is not Wano's most powerful fighter, his versatility makes him a valuable ally to the crew. For readers curious about the hierarchy of blades in the One Piece world, our sword and Meito guide details the official grades, as does our article on the 12 Supreme Grade Swords, several of which come from the Land of Wano itself.
From Zou to the Final Assault on Kaido
Kin'emon's arrival on Zou marks a turning point: there, he reunites with his son Momonosuke, and the Straw Hat crew learns about Wano and Kaido's tyranny. Kin'emon then becomes one of the main architects of the secret alliance formed to overthrow the existing regime, discreetly recruiting supporters during two years of preparation.
During the final battle at Onigashima, Kin'emon fights alongside the surviving members of the Kozuki clan and their pirate allies, including the crew of Eustass Kid, who came to help Luffy against Kaido. His unwavering loyalty to Oden's memory, his ability to unite the people of Wano, and his samurai sense of honor make him Kanjuro's almost perfect opposite, whose betrayal will turn the entire story upside down.
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View productKanjuro, the traitor who destroyed the trust of the Nine Red Scabbards
An Artist in Orochi's Secret Service
Kanjuro the Illusionist is officially one of the Nine Red Scabbards, but his story conceals a terrible secret: since childhood, he has actually been an infiltrated spy serving Kurozumi Orochi. Adopted at a very young age by the Kurozumi clan, Kanjuro grew up harboring a hidden loyalty to Orochi while feigning loyalty to the Kozuki clan for more than twenty years.
This long-term concealment is one of the longest in the manga: Kanjuro fights, laughs, and travels alongside his companions without ever arousing the slightest suspicion, until the final assault on Onigashima.
The Kibi Kibi no Mi Fruit and Hiyori's Trap
Kanjuro's power, the Kibi Kibi no Mi (the "bun" Devil Fruit), allows him to bring his own drawings to life, transforming painted creatures or objects into functional versions—for example, a giant phoenix capable of flying. This artistic power, which initially seemed purely practical for the group, turns out to be the ultimate weapon of betrayal.
It is thanks to this fruit that Kanjuro manages to abduct Hiyori, Oden's daughter disguised as Komurasaki, and hand her over to Kaido and Orochi at the most critical moment of the battle. This betrayal shocks the other Red Scabbards, especially Kin'emon, who had always regarded Kanjuro as a fellow warrior.
Kanjuro's Revelation and Death
Kanjuro's turn is revealed with the dramatic gradualness characteristic of Eiichiro Oda's writing: clues scattered throughout the arc take on their full meaning once the betrayal is revealed. After handing Hiyori over, Kanjuro is confronted by Kin'emon in an emotionally charged duel, where pain mingles with the respect the two men once had for each other.
Kanjuro ultimately commits suicide by deliberately blowing himself up with a bomb concealed in his own drawing. His death remains one of the saga's most striking betrayals, precisely because it comes from someone close rather than an openly declared enemy.
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View productKin'emon vs. Kanjuro: Two Opposing Faces of Loyalty
To fully understand the scale of the contrast between these two characters, here is a comparative table of their respective journeys within the story:
| Criterion | Kin'emon | Kanjuro |
|---|---|---|
| Devil Fruit | Fuku Fuku no Mi (appearance transformation) | Kibi Kibi no Mi (living drawings) |
| True allegiance | Kozuki clan, keeper of Oden's memory | Kurozumi Orochi, since childhood |
| Role in the group | Strategist, recruiter of allies in Wano | Infiltrating spy for more than 20 years |
| Key moment | Unites Wano's inhabitants against Kaido | Hands Hiyori over to Orochi during the final battle |
| Outcome of the Wano arc | Survives and takes part in the country's liberation | Commits suicide after his betrayal is revealed |
This table highlights a narrative technique favored by Eiichiro Oda: creating mirror characters to amplify the emotional impact of their choices. The same samurai training, the same apparent loyalty to Oden, but deep-seated values that lead them toward diametrically opposed destinies.
Why this duality fascinates One Piece fans so much
The strength of this duo lies in the fact that neither character is presented as one-dimensional. Kin'emon is not just a perfect hero: he makes errors in judgment and is sometimes carried away by his samurai pride. Kanjuro, for his part, is not a simple caricature villain: his betrayal is rooted in a personal history of rejection by the Kurozumi clan, which, without excusing his actions, gives them tragic depth.
- Kin'emon embodies loyalty that stands the test of time: twenty years after Oden's death, he continues to uphold his ideals.
- Kanjuro embodies the most painful betrayal of all: one that comes from a brother-in-arms rather than an outside enemy.
- Their final confrontation sums up one of the major themes of the Wano arc: the difficulty of distinguishing sincere loyalty from feigned loyalty.
- This duo also left a lasting impression through their impact on other characters, notably Momonosuke and Hiyori, whose childhood was shaped by these two opposing father figures.
This tension between trust and betrayal fueled countless debates among fans. It also illustrates why Wano remains one of the series' richest arcs in terms of emotional twists and turns.
Objects and merchandise for fans of Wano's samurai world
The aesthetic of Wano Country—katanas, kimonos, and symbols of the Kozuki clan—has established itself as one of the franchise's most popular visual identities. Whether you're a fan of Kin'emon, Kanjuro, or this arc's samurai atmosphere, several types of products let you keep that passion alive in everyday life.
For collectors of replica weapons, the Wado Ichimonji cosplay katana (€59.99) lets you recreate one of the most iconic swords in Wano's mythology. Fans of wall art will appreciate the Wano Kuni Straw Hat crew poster (€24.99), while figurine collectors can turn to the Roronoa Zoro Wano Kuni figurine with slashing effects (€29.99), which perfectly captures the energy of this arc's battles.
To expand your collection of One Piece TCG cards, the card depicting Zoro and his three swords is also an excellent starting point, as is the range of collectible katanas and swords available in the store. Fans of statues and figurines can also browse the Zoro figurines collection, alongside our article dedicated to the best Zoro figurine models.
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A Super Rare card celebrating one of the most iconic fighters in the Battle of Wano, alongside Kin'emon and the Red Scabbards.
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View productFrequently Asked Questions
Are Kin'emon and Kawamatsu the same character?
No, they are two distinct samurai. Kin'emon is the samurai with the distinctive hairstyle and the Fuku Fuku no Mi fruit, while Kawamatsu the Kappa is another member of the Nine Red Scabbards, recognizable by his half-human, half-catfish appearance.
Why did Kanjuro betray his companions?
Kanjuro was raised from childhood within the Kurozumi clan, from which Orochi originated. His loyalty to this clan always took precedence over his official membership in the Nine Red Scabbards, which explains an infiltration that lasted for more than twenty years.
Did Kin'emon survive the Battle of Wano?
Yes, Kin'emon survives the confrontation on Onigashima and continues to play an important role in rebuilding the Wano Country after Orochi and Kaido's downfall.
Which of the two Devil Fruits is more useful?
Both fruits are highly situational. Kin'emon's Fuku Fuku no Mi excels at infiltration and disguise, while Kanjuro's Kibi Kibi no Mi, by bringing drawings to life, offers more spectacular combat and transportation potential, as shown by his giant phoenix.
Does Kanjuro appear again after the Wano Arc?
No, Kanjuro dies at the end of the Wano Arc after being exposed. However, his story is regularly mentioned by the other characters, particularly Kin'emon and Momonosuke, because his betrayal left such a lasting mark on the story.
To Explore the One Piece Universe Further
- Roronoa Zoro: The 3 Swords, Enma, and the Path to Mihawk
- Kozuki Oden: Daimyo of Kuri, Enma, Whitebeard, Roger, and the Sacrifice of Wano
- Kaido of the Beasts: The Invincible Yonko, His Dragon Fruit, and His Fall in Wano
- Yamato: Kaido's Son or Oden Reincarnated?
- One Piece Arcs in Order: The Complete Story Guide
Key takeaways
Kin'emon and Kanjuro form one of the most memorable duos of the Wano Arc, precisely because they share the same origins and the same vow to Oden before following completely opposite paths. One becomes a pillar in the country's reconstruction, while the other remains forever associated with one of the series' most painful betrayals. This duality continues to enrich the One Piece universe, both in the story and in the visual imagery it inspires: legendary katanas, kimonos, fighter figures, and collectible cards are direct examples. To continue exploring this universe, head to the One Piece figures, One Piece gift ideas, or the selection of One Piece posters to display your love for the Wano Arc every day.