The Nine Red Scabbards: Champions of the Kozuki Clan
The Nine Red Scabbards represent a formidable assembly of samurai loyal to the late Kozuki Oden. This group, primarily comprised of young warriors drawn to Oden’s leadership, emerged as formidable fighters during his lifetime. While Oden did not actively recruit retainers, his remarkable prowess inspired these individuals to become loyal protectors. A significant aspect of their training involved mastering the Oden Two Sword Style, which they adopted by closely studying their revered master. Beyond their fighting techniques, they also developed the ability to wield both Observation Haki and Armament Haki, skills which enabled them to confront formidable foes, including Kaido himself.
Their reputation as a collective force is profound; individually, they prove to be fearsome opponents, but when united, they become an almost insurmountable challenge for their adversaries. This analysis endeavors to delineate the strengths of each scabbard and how they measure up independently, shedding light on their unique abilities and contributions.
1 Kikunojo
Often Overshadowed
Kikunojo, known affectionately as Kiku, has served Oden faithfully since childhood, often accompanied by her brother, Izou. Their loyalty was solidified when Oden offered them food during their days of hardship. Kiku ventured into the future with Oden’s son, Momonosuke, thanks to a Devil Fruit consumed by Kozuki Toki, Oden’s wife. Though she earned recognition for her swordsmanship, Kiku identifies as a “woman at heart”and is celebrated for her grace and beauty. Despite her skills, the limited range of her battles compared to her fellow scabbards makes her achievements harder to elevate in ranking, as she has yet to establish herself as a standout warrior among her peers.
2. Kawamatsu
An Aquatic Attacker
Kawamatsu, a fish-man inspired by the pufferfish, faced discrimination in his earlier life, prompting him to disguise his identity as a Kappa. He shared a bond with Inuarashi and Nekomamushi, having been rescued by Oden from prejudice. Kawamatsu played a crucial role in caring for Hiyori from a young age. Though his true potential as a swordsman is yet to be fully showcased, he embodies the natural advantages of his fish-man heritage, particularly in underwater combat where he excels in speed and strength, setting him apart from his fellow weapons experts.
3. Denjiro
Simply Smart
Denjiro’s dedication to Oden and Kin’emon has been unwavering since childhood. The death of Oden deeply affected him, altering his appearance and leading him to infiltrate Kurozumi Orochi’s ranks as a yakuza under the alias Kyoshiro. In this guise, Denjiro stealthily supported the oppressed while biding his time to confront Orochi. His tactical intelligence distinguishes him; he cleverly deceived Orochi for nearly two decades, only revealing his true allegiance during the Fire Festival. His combat prowess is evident as he has demonstrated equivalent skill to the renowned swordsman Roronoa Zoro.
4 Raizo
Large But Stealthy
Raizo serves as a ninja for the Kozuki family and is best characterized by his emotional depth and romantic aspirations. Initially rejected by a kunoichi and indulging in a life of crime, he ultimately found redemption and allegiance with Oden. As one of the scabbards who traveled to the present day, Raizo showcases unique abilities that extend beyond swordsmanship, deploying shurikens as a part of his combat repertoire. His Devil Fruit talent allows him to create and manipulate scrolls for strategic advantages, like containing threats such as Kaido’s flames, reflecting his ingenuity in battle.
5 Ashura Doji
Reckless But Mighty
Ashura Doji’s path began as a notorious bandit, yet he ultimately pledged loyalty to Kozuki Oden. After Oden’s demise, his resolve wavered, leading him back into a life of banditry under the moniker Shutenmaru. Upon rejoining the scabbards, Ashura proved to be a valorous warrior willing to face peril head-on. His willingness to take immense risks in battle, including a self-sacrificial act against a deceptive foe, asserts his commitment to both Oden and his comrades, revealing a noble spirit beneath his rough exterior.
6. Kanjuro
The Long Con
Kanjuro began his journey as a humble brush salesman, ultimately becoming one of Oden’s scabbards after failing at thievery. Traveling to the future with Momonosuke, Kanjuro concealed his true loyalty, manipulating situations to serve Orochi as a spy. His ability to bring drawings to life, albeit flawed, reflects his role as a double agent. In his final moments, Kanjuro crafted a deceptive representation of Oden, demonstrating both his artistic talents and the tragic consequences of his betrayal. His actions culminated in a dramatic confrontation leading to his demise, leaving a legacy steeped in deception.
7 Kin’emon
The Team Captain
As the leader of the Nine Red Scabbards, Kin’emon’s loyalty to Oden has endured beyond death. He navigated the complexities of time travel with Momonosuke and the other scabbards to lead a rebellion against Orochi and Kaido. Originally a troubled individual, his transformation into a valiant samurai illustrates his dedication. Kin’emon has mastery over his Devil Fruit abilities, allowing him to craft various items for strategic applications, albeit with mixed success. His signature foxfire technique, capable of both summoning and cutting through flames, underscores his combat effectiveness, making him a crucial player in the battle against injustice.
8. Nekomamushi
Master Cat Viper
Nekomamushi, a feline mink and co-ruler of the Momoko Dukedom, plays a pivotal role alongside Inuarashi, ruling by night. He is notable for his epic adventures alongside Oden, forging strong bonds during their journey. Despite tensions with Inuarashi following Oden’s fate, Nekomamushi’s fierce warrior spirit is undeniable. He employs the powerful Sulong form during combat, alongside his formidable swordsmanship and Electro abilities, showcasing his prowess against formidable opponents, including notable confrontations with the Big Mom Pirates.
9 Inuarashi
Duke Dogstorm
Inuarashi, the canine counterpart of Nekomamushi, shares equal responsibilities in leadership, reigning during the day. His combat expertise is evident as he triumphs over formidable foes like Jack the Drought, one of Kaido’s most formidable subordinates. Though their strengths are aligned, Inuarashi’s confrontations reveal a slight edge in combative skill, distinguishing him amidst the Nine Red Scabbards. Together, he and Nekomamushi exemplify the elite warrior spirit of their tribe, competing fiercely to protect their legacy and those they hold dear.
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