Overview of the Kozuki Family in Wano
- The Kozuki Family has reclaimed power in Wano, leveraging support from secret allies, including the Mink Tribe.
- Key figures such as Oden, Toki, Momonosuke, Hiyori, and Sukiyaki were instrumental in restoring the family’s legacy.
- The historical connections with the Mink Tribe and other allies play a pivotal role as the family seeks to regather power and uncover secrets from the Void Century.
In the universe of One Piece, the Kozuki Family currently holds the esteemed position of the ruling clan in Wano Country, represented by their crest featuring a bird clutching an orb, encircled by four sprouts. They have recently regained their throne following a prolonged ousting by an alliance formed between the Kurozumi Family and the Beasts Pirates.
The family’s resurgence was achieved through a blend of domestic covert supporters and alliances formed with various external groups, including different pirate crews and the Mink Tribe of Zou. While five prominent members are recognized, others within the family have been referenced.
Kozuki Oden
The Daimyo of Kuri
- Debut: Chapter 920 (Manga), Episode 910 (Anime)
- Devil Fruit: None
Kozuki Oden, a daring swordsman and the former daimyo of Kuri, was born into the influential Kozuki lineage, destined to inherit the role of Shogun. Rejecting the weight of tradition, Oden’s charm garnered him a devoted following among Wano’s citizens. His loyal allies embraced their roles as retainers destined for greatness alongside him.
Despite evolving into a more empathetic leader over time, Oden’s adventurous spirit couldn’t be confined to Wano’s borders. He initially joined the Whitebeard Pirates, ultimately rising to the rank of division commander. Following conflict and a temporary truce with the Roger Pirates, Oden opted to join the latter, participating in the momentous discovery of Laugh Tale—the One Piece and the world’s hidden truths.
Upon his return to Wano, Oden was met with a harsh reality; Kurozumi Orochi, with Kaido’s backing, had taken his place as shogun. When faced with execution, he met his fate smiling, becoming a legendary figure whose virtues were later slandered through Orochi’s propaganda. Nonetheless, Oden’s legacy ignited the eventual uprising against the Kurozumi Shogunate, paving the way for his son, Momonosuke, to restore their family’s honor.
Toki Kozuki
The Time-Traveling Wife
- Debut: Chapter 919 (Manga), Episode 893 (Anime)
- Devil Fruit: Sure Sure no Mi
Kozuki Toki, originally Amatsuki Toki, hailed from a time within the Void Century and traveled to Oden’s epoch through the powers of her Devil Fruit. Their fateful meeting occurred during a Whitebeard crew hazing instance, where Oden intervened to rescue her from traffickers. Shortly thereafter, both were accepted into the crew after Whitebeard recognized Oden’s bravery. Toki also sailed with the Roger Pirates until she succumbed to illness, prompting her return to Wano.
As Orochi initiated a hunt for the Kozuki Family, Toki took decisive action by sending her son, Momonosuke, into the future—thanks to her Devil Fruit’s abilities. Her prophetic words of the family’s resurgence instilled hope even as she faced tragedy, ultimately shot dead by Orochi. In time, her predictions would resonate with great significance as the quest to dismantle Orochi’s tyranny progressed.
Kozuki Momonosuke
The Shogun of Wano
- Debut: Chapter 684 (Manga), Episode 609 (Anime)
- Devil Fruit: Artificial Copy of Uo Uo no Mi, Model: Seiryuu
Kozuki Momonosuke, the firstborn son of Oden and Toki, was born aboard the Moby Dick. During Orochi’s reign, his mother sent him two decades into the future alongside four dedicated retainers: Kin’emon, Kanjuro, Raizo, and Kikunojo. Together, they devised a strategy to reclaim Wano which involved garnering support from the Mink Tribe of Zou.
However, a series of misfortunes led to part of his journey landing him in Punk Hazard, where he unwittingly consumed a SMILE, which bestowed a different dragon transformation. He was eventually rescued by Kin’emon and joined forces with the Straw Hat Pirates and Trafalgar D. Water Law. Throughout the escapades, Momonosuke fostered a bond with Monkey D. Luffy, which would prove crucial for his character development.
After liberation from Orochi, efforts were made to crown Momonosuke as shogun. Despite a kidnapping ordeal by Kanjuro, who revealed his Kurozumi allegiances, Momonosuke proudly declared his lineage, which ultimately led to his rescue. Subsequently, he sought the assistance of Shinobu to physically mature him into an adult, solidifying his position in the battle against Kaido. With Luffy defeating Kaido, Momonosuke ascended to the shogunate, supported by a coalition of Oden’s past allies.
Kozuki Hiyori
Oden’s Daughter
- Debut: Chapter 909 (Manga), Episode 892 (Anime)
- Devil Fruit: None
Kozuki Hiyori, the youngest child of Oden and Toki, experienced a normal life cycle unlike her brother. Shielded by Oden’s loyal retainers, her guardian was Kawamatsu, a compassionate fish-man who cared for her well-being even as he struggled with hunger.
Eventually, she was taken under the wing of Kyoshiro, a yakuza gang leader who secretly maintained an allegiance to Oden as Denjiro. Hiyori was trained to become an oiran, an elite courtesan, which led her to adopt the persona of Komurasaki, earning the affection of admirers throughout Wano.
Her narrative intersected with conflicts against Orochi, especially when he threatened her friend Toko. Denjiro cunningly orchestrated Hiyori’s “death”to shield her from danger. In a pivotal moment, she entrusted Zoro with Enma, the revered blade of her father, in a bid to assist in the fight against Orochi. Ultimately, she contributed to Orochi’s downfall, though her role in the future governance of Wano remains ambiguous. She was last seen playing a shamisen alongside Toko, symbolizing peace in the reformed nation.
Kozuki Sukiyaki
The Former Shogun of Wano
- Debut: Chapter 911 (Manga), Episode 894 (Anime)
- Devil Fruit: None
Kozuki Sukiyaki, Oden’s father and previous daimyo of Wano, initially held a critical view of Oden, leading to his expulsion from the Flower Capital. However, after witnessing Oden restore order to Kuri, respect bloomed between them. Tragically, Sukiyaki could not converse with his son before the latter’s demise, ultimately finding himself embarrassed by the familial conspiracy that had resulted in Wano’s turmoil. He lived in seclusion as Tenguyama Hitetsu.
During his time as a hermit, he acted as a mentor to Tama, a kunoichi-in-training, while maintaining an unawareness of her Kurozumi lineage. Sukiyaki was also celebrated for his craftsmanship, known for forging meito, or renowned swords. His expertise facilitated valuable discussions with Roronoa Zoro regarding legendary blades.
After the downfall of Orochi and Kaido, Sukiyaki revealed his true identity to Oden’s allies and children, requesting secrecy regarding his status. While many suspected him, the Kozuki siblings found closure knowing they had a surviving family member.
Other Relatives
Oden’s Ancestors
The illustrious Kozuki Family holds the distinction of having created the poneglyphs and their corresponding language towards the end of the Void Century, with Oden being the last known bearer of this pivotal knowledge. Their historical association with the Mink Tribe of Zou facilitated a deep connection, which allowed figures like Inuarashi and Nekomamushi to serve Oden as retainers during their youth.
Additionally, the family shares ties with the Amatsuki Family and counts notable ancestors like Kotetsu, the creator of Sukiyaki’s cursed katana, the Nidai Kitetsu, among its lineage. Their historical alliance with the Shimotsuki Family illuminates their commitment to restoring their dynasty with the help of current day relatives such as Yasuie, his daughter Toko, and Roronoa Zoro—a descendant of the Shimotsuki clan—who strive to reinstate the Kozuki lineage’s honor.
As the story unfolds, the significance of the poneglyphs will likely unravel deeper motives behind the Kozuki Family’s actions, hinting at historical grievances and mistrust towards the World Government and its attempts to erase the legacy of the Void Century.
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