Nekomamushi and Inuarashi: the Mink Chiefs of Zou Island

August 29, 2026

The essentials in 30 seconds: Nekomamushi and Inuarashi are the two leaders of Zou’s Mink Tribe, a cat-man and a dog-man respectively, unwavering allies of Kozuki Oden and later pillars of the Alliance of the Nine Red Scabbards against Kaido. Absurdly rivalrous for decades, they nevertheless know how to unite whenever Zou or their friends are threatened, even going so far as to activate the fearsome Sulong under the artificial full moon.

In the vast gallery of characters in One Piece, few duos are as entertaining as Nekomamushi and Inuarashi. These two Mink warriors, respectively lords of the cat clan and the dog clan, have jointly ruled the island of Zou for decades, in a coexistence marked by epic arguments and unwavering loyalty. Introduced during the Zou arc, they take on a much greater importance during the Wano War, where they prove to be strategic and military pillars of the alliance formed against Emperor Kaido.

This article takes an in-depth look at these two Mink leaders: their legendary rivalry, their deep connection with Kozuki Oden, the mystery of the Sulong transformation, and their decisive role in the battle that changed the fate of the Wano Country. A complete dive into one of the saga’s most endearing peoples.

Who are Nekomamushi and Inuarashi, the two leaders of Zou?

Nekomamushi (literally “cat viper”) and Inuarashi (“dog weasel”) are the co-leaders of the Mink Tribe, a people of animal humanoids living on the back of Zunesha, the giant elephant that has wandered across the Grand Line for eight hundred years. Nekomamushi is a cat-man with the appearance of a feline samurai, armed with a huge sword-axe called Kikoku, a weapon also found in miniature form in our One Piece katana and sword collection, which he wields with colossal power. Inuarashi, meanwhile, is a dog-man dressed as a British gentleman, armed with a sword cane and possessing such a calm demeanor that he contrasts sharply with his rival’s fiery spirit.

The two leaders share power over Zou according to a principle unique in the entire manga: one rules by day, the other by night. This alternation, inherited from an ancestral agreement between their respective clans, perfectly illustrates the fragile yet unbreakable balance that unites the two sides. Despite decades of bickering, neither has ever sought to oust the other: their constant duel is more ritual than genuine power struggle.

Cat Versus Dog: A Rivalry Decades in the Making

It is impossible to talk about Nekomamushi and Inuarashi without mentioning their legendary rivalry. Since they were very young, the two Minks have argued, provoked one another, and regularly clashed, much to the despair of their people, who eventually became accustomed to this constant spectacle. Yet this opposition is never deadly; on the contrary, it reflects a deep mutual respect, with each recognizing the other as a leader worthy of ruling Zou alongside him.

Criterion	Nekomamushi	Inuarashi
Tribe	Cat Tribe	Dog Tribe
Rules Zou	By Day	At Night
Signature Weapon	Kikoku, immense saber-axe	Gentleman’s sword cane
Style / Personality	Gruff, frank, warm-hearted	Distinguished, calm, strategic
Connection to Oden	Traveling Companion and Friend	Traveling Companion and Friend

This table neatly sums up how much the two characters are built as mirrors of each other: everything opposes them outwardly, yet nothing truly separates them at heart. It is precisely this complementarity that makes their duo so strong, both in the political management of Zou and on the battlefield.

One Piece Figurine – Yamato (Kaido’s Daughter) – Majestic Pose

The Unbreakable Bond with Kozuki Oden

Nekomamushi and Inuarashi’s story cannot be understood without revisiting their friendship with Kozuki Oden. More than twenty years ago, the lord of Kuri boarded Roger’s ship with the two Mink leaders, taking part with them in a voyage around the world that forged an unbreakable brotherhood pact between Zou and Wano. This alliance survived Oden’s execution, the country’s closed borders, and decades of radio silence: when Kin’emon and his group finally arrive on Zou to ask for help, Nekomamushi and Inuarashi do not hesitate for a second.

It is this loyalty to Oden’s memory that drives the two leaders to mobilize their entire people for the battle of Wano, despite the immense risk posed by a direct confrontation with an Emperor like Kaido. For them, honoring a promise made to a departed friend comes before their own safety—a value that shapes the entire Mink culture.

Sulong: the ultimate transformation of the Minks

What is Sulong?

Sulong is the ultimate form of power that Minks can attain when exposed to the full moon. In this state, their strength, speed, and endurance are dramatically multiplied, at the cost of such intense energy consumption that the transformation can last only a few minutes. Nekomamushi and Inuarashi are among the few Minks capable of fully mastering this form, making them formidable fighters once transformed.

Moonlight Amber: an artificial full moon

The problem is that the full moon does not rise on demand. This is where the Moonlight Amber (Ambre Lumière no Kajitsu according to some translations) comes in, a Mink invention capable of artificially recreating the moonlight needed to trigger Sulong in broad daylight. This technology is used at a decisive moment in the Wano War, allowing the entire Mink army to transform into Sulong at the heart of the battle and turn the tide against Kaido's forces.

Nekomamushi and Inuarashi in the Anti-Kaido Alliance

When the Alliance of the Nine Red Scabbards forms to overthrow Kaido, Nekomamushi and Inuarashi bring much more than their mere presence: they provide an entire army of trained Mink warriors, solid logistics, and valuable command experience alongside the Red Scabbards and the Straw Hat crew. During the battle on the roof of Onigashima, the two leaders face Jack the Drought, one of Kaido's most feared commanders, in a fight where their legendary partnership takes on its full meaning: their quarrels vanish instantly when it comes to fighting side by side.

This fight also marks one of the rare moments when the viewer sees the two brothers-in-arms coordinate their attacks perfectly, each compensating for the other's weaknesses. Nekomamushi, more rugged and direct, leads the charge while Inuarashi, more technical, lands the decisive blows. This tactical complementarity, born from decades of rivalry, perfectly illustrates why this duo is so respected throughout the New World.

One Piece Figure - Roronoa Zoro with Black Coat (Samurai Style)

Two Leaders, One People: Zou's Mink Culture

Beyond their partnership, Nekomamushi and Inuarashi also embody the deep values of Mink culture: absolute loyalty to their allies, warrior pride, and an unequivocal refusal to betray a companion, even when reason would urge them to flee. This philosophy is reflected in all of the saga's notable Minks, beginning with Carrot, a young Mink who joins the Straw Hat crew after the Wano arc and represents the next generation of this endearing people.

The same ethos can also be found in Yamato, Kaido's daughter who considers herself the spiritual reincarnation of Oden and who also fights alongside the Red Scabbards during the Wano battle. The common thread connecting all these characters is clear: Oden's memory continues to guide the actions of everyone who knew him or venerates his legacy, from the leaders of Zou to the children of his own enemies.

One Piece Figure - Tony Tony Chopper (Wano Style)

Why Nekomamushi and Inuarashi Resonate So Strongly with Readers

What makes Nekomamushi and Inuarashi so popular with fans is precisely this rare balance between humor and gravity. Their comic rivalry regularly defuses otherwise very dark scenes, without ever diminishing the credibility of their fighting prowess. Few duos in the Wano arc manage this blend of lightness and dramatic tension so well.

Their designs also leave a lasting impression: the contrast between Nekomamushi's samurai look and Inuarashi's distinctly British elegance creates a highly recognizable duo, widely featured in figurines, cards, and collectibles since the end of the Wano arc. Two leaders who appear completely opposed, yet share the same deep conviction: protecting their people and honoring their friends, no matter what.

For those who love the adorable aesthetic of the Minks, our One Piece plush collection offers several designs inspired by the saga's animal characters, while the complete One Piece Products catalog lets you explore the series' entire universe, from Wano to Zou via Marineford. You can also find the Nami & Yamato TCG card pack and the child Luffy figurine, Land of Wano version, two items that perfectly extend the atmosphere of the Wano arc in a personal collection.

Frequently asked questions about Nekomamushi and Inuarashi

Are Nekomamushi and Inuarashi really enemies?

No. Their rivalry is above all an affectionate ritual inherited from their respective clans. As soon as a real danger threatens Zou or their allies, the two leaders instantly forget their disputes and fight side by side, as is clearly seen during the Wano War.

How old are the two Mink leaders really?

Minks age differently from humans, and Nekomamushi and Inuarashi traveled with Oden more than twenty years ago as already experienced adults, making them very old fighters by the time of the Wano War, despite their impressive physical condition.

Is Sulong a Devil Fruit power?

No, Sulong has no connection to Devil Fruits. It is an ability specific to Mink physiology, triggered by moonlight, whether natural or artificial through the Light Amber.

Who leads Zou when the two leaders are absent?

Zou’s organization is based on a solid clan structure, with trusted lieutenants in each clan. During the Wano War, a large part of the Mink population also accompanied Nekomamushi and Inuarashi onto the battlefield to honor their pact with Oden.

Do Nekomamushi and Inuarashi return after the Wano arc?

The two leaders remain respected figures in the alliance formed during the Wano War and continue to be associated with the country’s reconstruction alongside the Red Scabbards, while retaining their roles as leaders of Zou.

To explore the One Piece universe further

Key takeaways

Nekomamushi and Inuarashi are not merely two Mink leaders among many: together, they embody the very soul of Zou, combining affectionate rivalry, unwavering loyalty to Oden’s memory, and devastating power once transformed into Sulong. Their duo, both comedic and deeply heroic, remains one of the pillars of the Alliance that brought down Kaido, alongside the Red Scabbards and the Straw Hat crew. To continue exploring this universe, the One Piece Figurines collection features numerous characters connected to the Wano arc, while the official trading card collection lets you find these heroes as premium cards. Finally, the One Piece Gift Ideas selection is an excellent starting point for giving a memorable item to any fan of the saga, whether they prefer cats, dogs, or both at once.

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