The world of One Piece, crafted by Eiichiro Oda, is a masterclass in storytelling, weaving intricate narratives filled with compelling characters, breathtaking adventures, and mysteries that keep fans hooked for decades. One such mystery, shrouded in both tragedy and hope, is the fate of Kozuki Toki and the reason behind her pivotal decision to send Kin’emon, Kanjuro, Raizo, Kikunojo, and Momonosuke 20 years into the future. Understanding Toki’s motivations requires a deep dive into the political climate of Wano Country, the prophecy surrounding its liberation, and the unbearable weight of Oden’s sacrifice.
The Fall of the Kozuki Clan and Orochi’s Treachery
Wano Country, a land steeped in tradition and fiercely independent, was once ruled by the benevolent Kozuki Clan. For generations, they had upheld justice and prosperity, fostering a strong sense of community among its people. However, this peaceful reign was shattered by the insidious rise of Kurozumi Orochi, a man driven by vengeance and fueled by manipulation.
Orochi, through cunning and deceit, managed to usurp the position of Shogun, plunging Wano into darkness. With the backing of Kaido and the Beasts Pirates, he imposed a reign of terror, exploiting the land’s resources, poisoning the population, and crushing any dissent.
The once vibrant Wano was transformed into a desolate wasteland, its people living in fear and despair. The Kozuki Clan, once revered, was branded as traitors, their legacy tarnished by Orochi’s propaganda. Those who remained loyal to the Kozuki name were hunted down mercilessly, forcing them into hiding.
Orochi’s motivation stemmed from a deep-seated hatred for the Kozuki family. He believed they were responsible for the downfall of his own clan, the Kurozumi, who had historically challenged the Kozuki for control of Wano. His hunger for revenge blinded him to the suffering of the Wano people, leading him down a path of tyranny and destruction.
Oden’s Rebellion and the Prophecy of Wano’s Liberation
Amidst this despair, a beacon of hope emerged in the form of Kozuki Oden, the rightful heir to the Wano throne. Oden, a man of unparalleled strength and unwavering resolve, refused to stand idly by while his country crumbled. He gathered loyal retainers, the Nine Red Scabbards, and launched a rebellion against Orochi and Kaido, determined to liberate Wano from their oppressive grip.
Oden’s rebellion was not a rash act of defiance, but a calculated move rooted in his understanding of the political landscape and the prophecy that foretold Wano’s liberation. He knew that overthrowing Orochi and Kaido would be a monumental task, but he was willing to risk everything for the sake of his people.
The prophecy, passed down through generations within the Kozuki Clan, spoke of a great warrior who would appear after 20 years to vanquish the darkness and restore Wano to its former glory. Oden believed that this warrior, or group of warriors, would be the key to Wano’s salvation.
However, Oden’s rebellion was ultimately crushed. Betrayed by a trusted ally and overwhelmed by the combined might of Orochi and Kaido, Oden was captured and sentenced to a cruel and agonizing death.
Before his execution, Oden made a desperate plea to Orochi, offering his own life in exchange for the safety of his retainers and the people of Wano. Orochi, in his twisted arrogance, accepted the offer, seemingly believing he had finally broken the Kozuki spirit.
Oden, along with his Nine Red Scabbards, was subjected to the Boil of Death, a torturous execution method where they were to be boiled alive in a giant pot. In a display of unimaginable strength and willpower, Oden held his retainers above the boiling oil, protecting them from certain death.
In his final moments, Oden declared that his death would not be in vain. He entrusted the fate of Wano to his retainers, urging them to fulfill the prophecy and liberate the country from Orochi and Kaido’s tyranny. His final words echoed with conviction and hope, inspiring his retainers to carry on his legacy.
Toki’s Devil Fruit and the Weight of Choice
The key to understanding why Toki sent her son and the retainers to the future lies in her unique Devil Fruit ability. Toki possessed the Toki Toki no Mi, a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit that granted her the power to travel forward in time. She couldn’t travel to the past, only to the future. This power became instrumental in enacting Oden’s final wish and setting the stage for Wano’s liberation.
Toki’s decision was not made lightly. She understood the immense responsibility that came with wielding such a powerful ability. She had to carefully consider the timing, the destination, and the individuals she would entrust with Wano’s future.
The choice to send Momonosuke and the retainers 20 years into the future was a strategic one, designed to coincide with the prophecy of Wano’s liberation. Toki believed that sending them forward in time would allow them to gather allies, hone their skills, and prepare for the inevitable battle against Orochi and Kaido.
The timing was crucial. Sending them too early would risk exposing them to Orochi’s forces and jeopardizing their mission. Sending them too late would mean missing the opportunity to align with the prophesied warrior, potentially dooming Wano to eternal darkness.
The decision to send Momonosuke, her young son, was particularly heartbreaking. She knew that he would have to grow up without his parents, facing unimaginable challenges and carrying the weight of Wano’s future on his shoulders. But she also believed that he was the key to fulfilling the prophecy and restoring the Kozuki Clan’s honor.
Protecting Momonosuke and Ensuring the Prophecy
Toki’s primary concern was the safety and well-being of her son, Momonosuke. She knew that Orochi would stop at nothing to eliminate the Kozuki lineage, making Momonosuke a prime target. Sending him to the future was a way to protect him from immediate danger and ensure that the Kozuki bloodline would continue.
By sending Momonosuke to the future, Toki also aimed to preserve the knowledge and traditions of the Kozuki Clan. Momonosuke, as the rightful heir to the Wano throne, was entrusted with the responsibility of upholding the clan’s legacy and guiding Wano towards a brighter future.
Furthermore, Toki understood the importance of aligning with the prophesied warrior. She believed that by sending her son and the retainers to the future, they would have the opportunity to meet and join forces with this individual, ultimately leading to Orochi and Kaido’s defeat.
Toki was aware of the risks involved in her plan. She knew that the future was uncertain and that there was no guarantee that her son and the retainers would succeed in their mission. But she also knew that inaction was not an option. The fate of Wano rested on her shoulders, and she was willing to do whatever it took to ensure its survival.
The Letter and Final Act of Defiance
Before enacting her plan, Toki wrote a letter, entrusting it to Kin’emon to deliver to the prophesied allies. This letter contained vital information about the political situation in Wano, the weaknesses of Orochi and Kaido, and the key locations that would be crucial in their fight for liberation. This letter, passed on to the Straw Hat Pirates, served as a vital guide.
Her final act was to confront Orochi’s forces directly, buying time for her son and the retainers to escape to the future. She used her Devil Fruit ability to send them safely away, knowing that she would likely face certain death at the hands of Orochi’s men.
Toki’s sacrifice was a testament to her unwavering love for her son and her unwavering commitment to Wano’s liberation. She faced death with courage and defiance, knowing that her actions would pave the way for a brighter future for her people. Her final words, spoken with unwavering conviction, echoed the prophecy of Wano’s liberation, instilling hope in the hearts of those who remained. She proclaimed the prophecy will be fulfilled and Wano will have its dawn.
In conclusion, Toki’s decision to send Momonosuke and the retainers 20 years into the future was a complex one, driven by a combination of factors: the desire to protect her son, the need to fulfill the prophecy of Wano’s liberation, and the unwavering belief in the power of hope. Her sacrifice, along with Oden’s, served as a catalyst for the Wano Uprising, ultimately leading to the downfall of Orochi and Kaido and the restoration of Wano’s freedom. Her actions were not just a means of escape but a carefully calculated move to ensure the survival and eventual triumph of the Kozuki Clan and the people of Wano. Toki’s choice was a gamble, a desperate act of faith, but ultimately, it was the key to unlocking Wano’s future.
Why was Toki sent to the future, specifically 20 years?
Toki used her Devil Fruit ability, the Toki Toki no Mi, to send herself and the retainers of Oden Kozuki to the future as a desperate measure to ensure the survival of the Kozuki clan and to fulfill Oden’s prophecy. The decision to jump forward 20 years was not arbitrary; it was based on Oden’s understanding, gleaned from his journey with Roger, that in approximately 20 years, the world would be ready for a figure who could bring about significant change – likely Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates.
Oden foresaw that Wano Country would be in a dire state, ruled by the tyrannical Kaido and Kurozumi Orochi, and that a force strong enough to liberate it would be needed. By sending Toki and the retainers 20 years into the future, he aimed to ensure that there would be allies and hope to fight for Wano’s liberation when the time was right. The 20-year jump was a strategic gamble to coincide with the arrival of the “dawn” Oden had foreseen.
What role did Oden’s sacrifice play in Toki’s decision?
Oden’s sacrifice was the catalyst for Toki’s decision to use her time-traveling abilities. Oden’s unwavering belief in the future, even as he faced certain death at the hands of Kaido, motivated her to secure that future for his family and his retainers. His dying wish was for Wano to be opened to the world, and Toki knew that fulfilling this wish required the next generation to be ready and capable.
Oden’s death cemented the need for a drastic plan. He endured torture and humiliation, all while clinging to the hope of a better future for Wano. Toki understood that this hope would be extinguished if she and the retainers remained in the present, under Kaido’s oppressive rule. Therefore, Oden’s sacrifice pushed her to use her powers to safeguard the future and ensure his will would not be in vain.
How does Toki’s Devil Fruit ability work and what are its limitations?
Toki ate the Toki Toki no Mi, a Devil Fruit that grants the user the ability to send themselves and others forward in time. This power allows her to jump to any point in the future, regardless of distance or location. However, it’s important to note that the ability only allows for forward travel; there’s no indication that she can travel back in time.
The fruit’s limitations are not fully explored, but it’s implied that there are restrictions on the number of individuals Toki can transport simultaneously and the frequency with which she can use her power. Furthermore, the Toki Toki no Mi’s abilities don’t grant invincibility or guarantee a successful outcome; it simply shifts people to a future time. Planning and preparation in that future are still vital.
What was the state of Wano Country when Toki and the retainers arrived in the future?
When Toki and the retainers arrived 20 years into the future, Wano Country was in a state of complete devastation and oppression under the rule of Kaido and Kurozumi Orochi. The land was polluted, resources were depleted, and the people were living in poverty and fear. The Kozuki clan’s name was tarnished, and their history was being erased.
Orochi, driven by paranoia and a desire for power, had enforced strict laws and harsh punishments, effectively turning Wano into a closed-off, tyrannical state. The samurai who once served the Kozuki clan were scattered, either imprisoned, forced into hiding, or corrupted by Orochi’s influence. The arrival of Toki and the retainers marked the beginning of the final stage of the rebellion against this oppressive regime.
Who were the primary retainers sent to the future with Toki, and what were their roles?
The primary retainers sent to the future with Toki, also known as the Akazaya Nine, were Kanjuro Kurozumi, Raizo, Kin’emon, Kikunojo, and later, Momonosuke Kozuki. Their core purpose was to protect Momonosuke, the heir to the Kozuki clan, and to prepare for the inevitable uprising against Kaido and Orochi in the future.
Each retainer possessed unique skills and abilities that were crucial to the plan. Kin’emon, known for his leadership and tactical prowess, played a key role in gathering allies and organizing the rebellion. Raizo, a skilled ninja, provided crucial intelligence and stealth operations. Kanjuro, though later revealed as a traitor, was initially instrumental in concealing the retainers’ identities. Kikunojo, a powerful samurai, brought both strength and loyalty to the cause. Their combined efforts were vital for the eventual success of the Wano uprising.
How did the people of Wano react to the return of the Kozuki retainers?
The people of Wano initially reacted with a mix of hope, skepticism, and fear to the return of the Kozuki retainers. Twenty years of oppressive rule under Kaido and Orochi had eroded the people’s faith in the Kozuki clan and the possibility of liberation. Many were afraid of the repercussions of openly supporting the rebellion.
However, as the retainers began to demonstrate their unwavering resolve and their commitment to restoring the Kozuki name and liberating Wano, more and more people started to rally to their cause. The stories of Oden’s bravery and the retainers’ loyalty inspired many to overcome their fear and join the fight against Kaido and Orochi, reigniting the flame of rebellion that had been simmering for years.
What was the ultimate goal of the Wano uprising and what were its consequences?
The ultimate goal of the Wano uprising was to overthrow Kaido and Orochi, liberate Wano Country from their tyrannical rule, and fulfill Oden Kozuki’s dream of opening Wano’s borders to the world. The uprising was a culmination of years of planning, sacrifice, and unwavering hope among the Kozuki retainers and their allies.
The consequences of the uprising were profound and transformative for Wano. With Kaido and Orochi defeated, Wano was finally freed from their oppression. The borders of Wano were opened, fulfilling Oden’s wish and allowing the country to interact with the outside world for the first time in centuries. This marked a new era for Wano, one of freedom, prosperity, and renewed connection with the global community.