| Kaku (One Piece) | |
|---|---|
| Name | Kaku |
| Series | One Piece |
| First | One Piece Chapter 244 (manga) |
| Creator | Eiichiro Oda |
| Species | Human (Giraffe Zoan) |
| Affiliation | CP9, World Government, formerly Water 7 |
| Occupation | Cipher Pol agent, former shipwright (disguised) |
| Status | Active (post-timeskip) |
Kaku (One Piece)
Kaku is a fictional character in the manga and anime series One Piece created by Eiichiro Oda. He is a member of the secretive espionage organization CP9 serving the World Government and appears prominently during the Enies Lobby arc. Kaku's role as both a skilled martial artist and undercover operative connects him to major characters and events that shape the series' narrative and the development of protagonists such as Monkey D. Luffy and Roronoa Zoro.
Kaku debuts as one of the nine elite agents of Cipher Pol No. 9 (CP9), introduced during the Water 7 saga when the Straw Hat Pirates become embroiled in a dispute involving the shipwrights of Galley-La Company and the secret world of government assassins. Posing as a shipwright at Franky Family’s dockside and later at Galley-La, Kaku's undercover presence drives conflict and reveals the extent of the World Government's clandestine operations. His actions during the Enies Lobby assault and subsequent developments illustrate the series' themes of justice, loyalty, and the cost of secrecy.
Kaku was designed by Eiichiro Oda with a distinctive long face, tall stature, and a unique gait that foreshadows his Zoan transformation. Oda has described in various volumes' SBS (Q&A) sections how he intentionally creates visually memorable characters to fit the eclectic world of One Piece. Kaku's codename, physical mannerisms, and attire combine elements of the covert agent archetype with whimsical traits common to Oda's designs. His pre-timeskip appearance emphasizes the deceptive normalcy required for undercover work in Water 7, while the post-timeskip design reflects refinements consistent with Oda's evolving art style.
Kaku first appears operating under disguise in Water 7, infiltrating shipyards to monitor shipwright activity and to conceal the Pluton blueprints controversy. He interacts with members of the Galley-La Company and the Straw Hat crew, creating tension that culminates in the CP9's exposure. During the Enies Lobby arc, Kaku participates in the mission to retrieve the mastermind's secrets and battles members of the Straw Hats and their allies on the government stronghold of Enies Lobby. After the CP9 defeat, Kaku and surviving agents are absorbed into Cipher Pol reorganization, eventually becoming part of the newly established CP0 in the series' political aftermath and post-timeskip developments.
Kaku is an adept practitioner of Rokushiki, the secret martial arts style developed for government agents, using techniques such as Tekkai, Rankyaku, and Soru to amplify speed, defense, and mobility. His combat emphasizes long-range kicks and rapid footwork, exploiting his height and leg strength; this is particularly evident in his signature "Tornado Kick" variations. Kaku demonstrates tactical intelligence, combining Rokushiki with improvisation in both one-on-one fights and coordinated CP9 operations. His battles against Roronoa Zoro and Sanji showcase how Rokushiki contrasts with the Straw Hats' Haki-infused and swordsmanship-based fighting approaches.
Unbeknownst to many initially, Kaku consumed the Zoan-type Devil Fruit named the Ushi Ushi no Mi, Model: Giraffe, granting him transformation into a full giraffe and a hybrid giraffe-human form. This Zoan ability enhances his physical attributes, especially his legs and neck, complementing his kick-focused Rokushiki style by providing extended reach and power. The fruit is a Mythical or standard Zoan? in series taxonomy it is a Zoan-type, and its reveal during the Enies Lobby confrontation is used as a turning point in several fights. Like other Devil Fruit users, Kaku is vulnerable to Kairoseki (Seastone) and the inability to swim; however, the form adds both offensive and utility options unique among CP9 agents.
During the Enies Lobby campaign, Kaku acts as one of the CP9's frontline defenders, engaging high-profile Straw Hat members and contributing to the organization's objective to secure state secrets. His duel with Roronoa Zoro is a highlight, combining swordplay versus government martial arts enhanced by Zoan powers. After the CP9's collapse, Kaku's fate follows the broader reorganization of Cipher Pol; while many former CP9 members remain implicated, Kaku later appears among agents affected by the creation of CP0 and in storylines that address the World Government's continuing clandestine reach. Post-timeskip appearances show Kaku with updated techniques consistent with the series' time-skip power scaling, though he remains secondary to main cast arcs.
Kaku has been noted by critics and fans for his unconventional design, humorous traits, and the unexpected reveal of a Zoan Devil Fruit that contrasts with his earlier guise as a mild-mannered shipwright. He figures in merchandise, fan art, and discussions about CP9's influence on the World Government portrayal. Reviews of the Enies Lobby arc often highlight Kaku's fight scenes—especially his exchanges with Roronoa Zoro—as illustrative of episode pacing and choreography in both Toei Animation's anime adaptation and Eiichiro Oda's manga panels. Kaku's blend of espionage tropes with fantastical powers contributes to the series' broad appeal and world-building depth.
Category:One Piece characters Category:Anime and manga characters with superhuman strength