| Nine Red Scabbards | |
|---|---|
| Unit name | Nine Red Scabbards |
| Country | Wano Country |
| Branch | Retainers of the Kozuki family |
| Type | Loyal samurai cadre |
| Role | Protection, rebellion leadership |
| Notable commanders | Kozuki Oden (inspiration), Kin'emon (leader) |
Nine Red Scabbards
The Nine Red Scabbards are a group of nine loyal samurai retainers from Wano Country in the manga and anime series One Piece by Eiichiro Oda. They matter as the principal vanguard of the Kozuki family's resistance against Kurozumi Orochi and Kaido's regime, and their actions catalyze major plot developments in the Wano Country arc.
The Nine Red Scabbards served as the personal retainers and sworn protectors of Kozuki Oden and the Kozuki line. Tasked with safeguarding the Kozuki Clan's legacy, they acted as military leaders, conspirators, and moral exemplars who maintained traditional order in Wano. During the period of Orochi's rule and the Beast Pirates occupation under Kaido, the Scabbards organized covert resistance, gathered allies such as the Straw Hat Pirates and Mink Tribe, and executed plans to restore the rightful shogunate. Their dedication to fealty and ritualized vengeance underscores themes of tradition, duty, and national cohesion that permeate the arc.
The core membership comprises nine samurai with distinct identities and backgrounds. The principal members include Kin'emon (acting leader), Kanjuro, Raizo, Kikunojo (Kiku), Kawamatsu, Ashura Doji (also known as "Shutenmaru" historically), Denjiro (who operated under the alias Kyoshiro), Inuarashi and Nekomamushi are often associated as allies though they are technically captains of the Mink Tribe and not among the nine; some lists vary in naming due to deception by enemies. Several members have disguised themselves over years to survive Orochi's purge; for example, Denjiro concealed his true allegiance while Kanjuro's betrayal affected group cohesion. The Scabbards' identities intersect with many key figures from Oden's Journey and the conspiracy that led to the fall of Oden.
Historically, the Scabbards rose to prominence as Oden's closest aides during his voyages with the Whitebeard Pirates and the Roger Pirates. They fought alongside Oden in domestic and external conflicts and later led a rebellion attempt against Orochi and Kaido. A pivotal event is the execution of Oden at Mount Fuji (the execution platform in Wano), which galvanized the Scabbards into declaring vengeance. Their major engagements include guerrilla actions across Wano, the Battle of Onigashima—a climactic confrontation involving the Straw Hat Pirates, allied samurai, and the Beast Pirates—and individual duels against elite members of the Beast Pirates such as the Tobiroppo and the All-Stars. The coordinated assault on Onigashima led to the liberation of parts of Wano and directly challenged Kaido's domination.
The bond between the Nine Red Scabbards and the Kozuki family is foundational: they are hereditary retainers sworn to protect the Kozuki bloodline and its secrets, notably the knowledge of Poneglyphs and the location of the Road Poneglyphs. Their fealty traces to Kozuki Oden and his political vision for Wano's opening and restoration. Members carried out missions on Oden's behalf, including protecting his heirs and preserving clan archives. This allegiance positioned them as custodians of Wano's history and legitimists against usurpation by Orochi and foreign domination by Kaido's forces.
The Scabbards embody samurai ideals—honor, loyalty, and filial duty—reflecting Wano's isolationist, traditionalist culture. Their red garb and scarlet moniker symbolize both mourning and righteous retribution for Oden's death. In Wano society, they are remembered as martyrs and exemplars of the bushido code, inspiring uprisings among peasants, retainers, and allied factions like the Kurozumi Family's victims. Their narrative reinforces the theme of restoration of legitimate rule and the preservation of national identity in the face of tyranny and external influences.
Members of the Nine Red Scabbards are elite swordsmen and specialists in traditional Wano martial arts. Their techniques often reference Ryuo (Conqueror's Haki application), advanced swordsmanship akin to styles used by Roronoa Zoro, and stealth tactics learned during years in hiding. Individual weapons include legendary blades and katanas significant within Wano's bladed heritage; several members wield swords that parallel famed blades like Enma or Shusui in cultural importance. Some Scabbards possess unique Devil Fruit adjuncts through allies or training, while others specialize in hand-to-hand combat and tactical command. Their coordination in large-scale battles demonstrates disciplined formations and commitment to combined-arms tactics against numerically superior foes.
The Nine Red Scabbards' story has major implications for the wider One Piece saga: they directly influence the downfall of an Emperor (Kaido), the liberation of Wano Country, and the safeguarding of Poneglyph knowledge that ties to the Void Century and the One Piece treasure's mysteries. Their actions ripple through alliances involving the Straw Hat Pirates, allied samurai, the Mink Tribe, and pirate crews such as the Whitebeard Pirates' legacy. The Scabbards' emphasis on duty and continuity reinforces narrative themes of restoration, the clash between tradition and change, and the consolidation of national unity against corrupt rulers.
Category:One Piece characters Category:Fictional samurai