The execution of Kozuki Oden stands as one of the most tragic moments in One Piece, marking the fall of Wano to Kaido and Orochi. As Oden is publicly boiled and later executed, his loyal retainers, the Akazaya Nine, are left hunted and nearly wiped out. At first glance, it seems impossible that any of them could survive such overwhelming odds, especially with Kaido’s forces taking complete control of the country.
However, the survival of the Scabbards is not just a matter of luck. It is tied deeply to Kozuki Toki’s mysterious Devil Fruit ability and a carefully executed plan that ensured the Kozuki legacy would live on. The escape splits the Scabbards across time and space, setting up one of the most important long-term storylines in the Wano arc. Let’s break down exactly how the Scabbards escaped after Oden’s death and what it meant for the future of Wano.
Toki’s Time-Time Fruit Changes Everything
After Oden’s death, Kaido’s forces move quickly to eliminate the remaining Kozuki supporters. The Scabbards retreat to Oden Castle, where Kozuki Toki prepares a desperate final move. She possesses the Time-Time Fruit, a rare Devil Fruit that allows her to send people forward in time but not backward.
Knowing that they cannot win in the present, Toki decides to preserve hope by sending some of the Scabbards 20 years into the future. This decision is critical because it ensures that Wano will one day have warriors ready to challenge Kaido when the time is right. It is not an escape in the traditional sense, but rather a strategic delay.
This moment also introduces one of One Piece’s most unique mechanics. Unlike other Devil Fruits focused on combat, Toki’s ability directly shapes the narrative timeline. It allows key characters to bypass two decades of oppression and return when the conditions are more favorable.
Not all of the Akazaya Nine are sent forward in time. Toki specifically sends Kin’emon, Kanjuro, Raizo, and Momonosuke 20 years into the future. This group becomes the core of the rebellion that eventually allies with Luffy during the Wano arc.
The remaining Scabbards stay behind and endure Wano’s suffering under Kaido and Orochi. Characters like Denjiro, Ashura Doji, Kawamatsu, and Inuarashi and Nekomamushi take different paths, either going into hiding or continuing resistance efforts. This split is essential because it creates two parallel narratives: survival in the present and preparation for the future.
The time-travel group arrives in a drastically changed Wano, where Kaido’s rule has reshaped the country. Despite the time gap, their mission remains the same, which is to fulfill Oden’s will and open Wano’s borders.
The Escape from Oden Castle
The actual escape sequence is chaotic and emotional. As Kaido’s forces attack Oden Castle, Toki gathers the selected Scabbards and Momonosuke to carry out her plan. She delivers her famous prophecy about the “dawn” of Wano, which later becomes a central theme of the arc.
During the attack, the Scabbards fight to protect Momonosuke while Toki prepares to use her powers. The castle is eventually set ablaze, creating the illusion that everyone inside has perished. This helps mislead Kaido’s forces into believing that the Kozuki bloodline has been completely erased.
Toki ultimately stays behind and faces her fate, ensuring that the time-travel group escapes successfully. Her sacrifice solidifies her role as one of the most important figures in preserving Wano’s future.
Why the Escape Was Crucial for Wano
The Scabbards’ escape is not just about survival. It is about timing and strategy. By sending key members into the future, Toki ensures that they avoid years of defeat and return when the conditions are ripe for rebellion.
This also allows the story to connect Oden’s legacy directly with Luffy’s arrival in Wano. Without the time-travel element, the Kozuki clan would have likely been erased entirely. Instead, the Scabbards become the bridge between the past and the present.
The dual survival strategy also strengthens the narrative. Those who stayed behind preserved resistance within Wano, while those sent forward carried Oden’s will into a new era. Together, they create the foundation for Kaido’s eventual downfall.
