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Behind the terror imposed on Wano by Kaido is a man equally responsible for the disaster: Kurozumi Orochi, the usurping Shogun whose betrayal sealed the country's fate for decades. Let's take a look back at an antagonist who is both cowardly and dangerous, and at the clan rivalry that explains all his hatred. Approximately 8 minutes of reading.
Who is Orochi?
The Shogun who sold his country
Kurozumi Orochi serves as Wano's Shogun for most of the arc of the same name, a position he actually holds on Kaido's behalf, having formed a circumstantial alliance with him that benefits Orochi far more than the country he is supposed to protect.
An antagonist as cowardly as he is cruel
Unlike more honorable figures such as Kozuki Oden, Orochi embodies cowardice and paranoia, preferring escape and manipulation to direct confrontation. This character trait makes his cruelty toward Wano's population all the harder for readers to excuse.
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A clan rivalry spanning several generations
The long-deposed Kurozumi clan
Orochi’s clan lost power over Wano to the Kozuki clan several generations before the events of the series, a humiliation his family never got over. This resentment, passed down from generation to generation, largely explains Orochi’s relentless persecution of the legitimate heirs to the throne.
Revenge gained through betrayal rather than merit
Rather than legitimately reclaiming the throne, Orochi chose the path of outright betrayal, allying himself with an outside power to obtain what his lineage had never managed to take back on its own. A decision that says a great deal about his complete lack of honor, a value that is nevertheless central to Wano culture.
Did you know?
The name of the Kurozumi clan literally evokes the idea of a “dark corner,” a choice that was probably no coincidence on Eiichiro Oda’s part when characterizing this lineage consumed by resentment.
The Eight-Headed Serpent Fruit
A formidably resilient Mythical Zoan
Orochi possesses a Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit that allows him to transform into a giant eight-headed serpent, each head capable of growing back after being severed. This regenerative ability makes him an especially difficult opponent to permanently neutralize, even for seasoned fighters.
A power that cannot make up for a lack of courage
Despite this impressive resistance on paper, Orochi is defined above all by his cowardice rather than by any true mastery of his power in combat, preferring to flee rather than directly confront his most serious opponents, including those within his own camp.
⚔️ Fan favorite
One Piece Pop Figure — Luffy Taro (Wano Kuni Style)
44,99 €
Luffy under the alias he uses in Wano, before revealing his true identity to Orochi and Kaido.
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The betrayal that opened Wano to Kaido
An isolated country handed over to an outside power
Wano had a tradition of remaining closed off from the rest of the world, a protective policy that Orochi deliberately sabotaged by opening the country's borders to Kaido and his arms trafficking. A choice that directly led to the suffering described in our article on the SMILE fruits imposed on the population.
An opposition that grew in the shadows for years
In response to this occupation, an underground resistance patiently organizes itself, preparing the way for the alliance of pirates and samurai that will eventually overthrow Orochi during the battle described in our Wano arc. Our poster of the crew in Wano outfits perfectly captures the spirit of this resistance, which ultimately paid off.
One Piece Pop Figure — Chopper (Wano Kimono Style)
★★★★★ — The crew's doctor during Wano's liberation
39,99 €
Chopper in his traditional Japanese outfit, worn throughout the crew's stay in Wano.
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A fall as ironic as it is deserved
Without revealing every detail of his ultimate fate, it can be said that Orochi pays the price for his own alliance with Kaido in a particularly ironic way, perfectly illustrating the series' recurring theme that betrayal always ends up turning against the person who practices it.
The legacy he left behind
After his downfall, it is Yamato, Kaido's daughter but a fervent admirer of Oden, who best embodies the contrast between the values Orochi trampled on and those Wano seeks to reclaim. Our One Piece quiz lets you test your knowledge of this entire troubled period in Wano's history, while our page on One Piece arcs in chronological order helps place this betrayal within the broader chronology of the journey. Our One Piece glossary is also useful for any technical term encountered during this arc, which is rich in Japanese vocabulary, and our page dedicated to the Straw Hat crew helps you find each member's role in Wano's liberation. Our gift ideas selection also offers several pieces related to this arc for fans who consider Wano the peak of the series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about Orochi.
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