The battle between the Nine Red Scabbards and Kaido is one of the most emotionally charged and thematically rich moments in One Piece. For years, Kaido was portrayed as an almost invincible force, a Yonko whose body could not be pierced and whose defeat seemed nearly impossible. Yet during the Raid on Onigashima, the Scabbards achieve something that very few characters in the series ever managed. They wound Kaido using the same sword style once wielded by Kozuki Oden.
This moment is not just about power. It represents inherited will, discipline, and years of loyalty to a fallen lord. By channeling Oden’s fighting style and mastering advanced Ryuo, the Scabbards briefly recreate the strength that once scarred Kaido decades ago. Let’s break down how the Scabbards vs Kaido fight works, how they use Oden’s techniques, and why this moment is so important for both the story and Kaido’s character.
Why Kaido Was Considered Nearly Invincible
Before the Wano Arc, Kaido had already been established as the “Strongest Creature in the World.” His durability is one of his defining traits, with multiple failed execution attempts reinforcing the idea that he cannot be killed. Even powerful fighters struggle to damage him due to his incredibly tough skin and overwhelming Haki.
Kaido’s dragon form further amplifies his durability, making him resistant to conventional attacks. Physical strikes that would devastate other enemies barely leave a mark on him. This is why most fighters in Wano initially believe that defeating Kaido through brute force is impossible.
The only known exception before the raid was Kozuki Oden. During their legendary clash, Oden managed to scar Kaido using his signature two-sword style. That scar became a symbol of the only time Kaido had truly been wounded in battle, and it set the benchmark for what it would take to hurt him again.
What Makes Oden’s Sword Style Unique
Oden’s combat style is centered around his mastery of advanced Armament Haki, known in Wano as Ryuo. Unlike standard Haki, Ryuo allows the user to project their Haki outward, penetrating an opponent’s defenses rather than simply striking the surface.
This technique is crucial when facing someone like Kaido. His skin is so tough that external attacks are ineffective, but Ryuo allows damage to be delivered internally. Oden combined this advanced Haki with his dual swords, Enma and Ame no Habakiri, creating a devastating offensive style.
What truly sets Oden apart is his ability to use Ryuo at an extremely high level. His attacks are precise, controlled, and powerful enough to bypass Kaido’s natural defenses. This is why his strike left a permanent scar, something no other opponent had achieved before the events of Wano.
How the Scabbards Learned Oden’s Techniques
The Nine Red Scabbards were not just Oden’s retainers. They were his students, warriors who trained under him and witnessed his strength firsthand. Over the years, they internalized his fighting philosophy and techniques, even if none of them individually matched his level.
After Oden’s death, the Scabbards carried his will and continued honing their skills. Some of them traveled through time, while others endured years of hardship in Wano. Despite their separation, they all remained committed to avenging Oden and freeing the country from Kaido and Orochi.
Their training allowed them to develop their own versions of Ryuo. While not as refined as Oden’s, their combined strength made it possible to replicate aspects of his style. This becomes critical during the raid, when they fight Kaido together rather than individually.
The Key Moment: Recreating Oden’s Two-Sword Strike
During the battle on Onigashima’s rooftop, the Scabbards coordinate their attacks in a way that mirrors Oden’s iconic technique. By synchronizing their movements, they effectively recreate the pressure and Haki output of Oden’s dual-sword strike.
This moment is not accidental. It is a deliberate tribute to their former lord, combining their individual strengths into a single unified attack. The emotional weight of the scene is just as important as the technical execution.
When their blades connect with Kaido, the result shocks everyone present. For the first time in years, Kaido feels the same pain he experienced when fighting Oden. The Scabbards manage to reopen his old scar, proving that his invincibility is not absolute.
How Advanced Ryuo Allows Them to Damage Kaido
The success of the Scabbards’ attack comes down to their use of advanced Ryuo. Instead of relying on raw strength, they focus on channeling their Haki into Kaido’s body. This internal damage bypasses his tough exterior and strikes at his core.
Each Scabbard contributes their own Haki to the attack. While none of them alone could achieve Oden’s level, their combined effort creates a similar effect. This highlights an important concept in One Piece: teamwork can sometimes overcome individual limitations.
The use of Ryuo also reinforces the importance of technique over brute force. Many characters in the series possess immense strength, but without the right application of Haki, they cannot harm opponents like Kaido. The Scabbards succeed because they understand how to use their power effectively.
Kaido’s Reaction: Respect and Recognition
Kaido’s reaction to being wounded is one of the most telling aspects of the fight. Instead of dismissing the Scabbards, he acknowledges their strength and recognizes Oden’s presence in their attack. This moment shows that Kaido respects warriors who can challenge him.
For Kaido, the scar is more than just a physical injury. It is a reminder of his past defeat and the one man who truly pushed him to his limits. When the Scabbards reopen that wound, they force Kaido to confront that memory once again.
This reaction also elevates the Scabbards as legitimate threats. Even though they are not on the same level as Oden individually, their ability to replicate his technique earns Kaido’s acknowledgment. It proves that they are worthy inheritors of his will.
Why the Scabbards Still Could Not Defeat Kaido
Despite their impressive feat, the Scabbards ultimately fail to defeat Kaido. This outcome highlights the gap between replicating Oden’s technique and matching his strength. While they can wound Kaido, they cannot sustain the level of power needed to finish the fight.
Kaido’s endurance allows him to recover and continue fighting at full strength. His durability, combined with his immense offensive power, eventually overwhelms the Scabbards. This reinforces his status as one of the strongest characters in the series.
The battle also serves a narrative purpose. The Scabbards’ role is to weaken Kaido and pass the torch to the next generation. Their fight sets the stage for Luffy and the other Supernovas to take over and continue the battle.
The Scabbards vs Kaido fight is not just about physical combat. It is deeply tied to the theme of inherited will, one of the core ideas in One Piece. Oden’s legacy lives on through his retainers, who carry his dreams and ideals into the future.
By using Oden’s sword style, the Scabbards demonstrate that his spirit has not been extinguished. Even in death, Oden continues to influence the course of events in Wano. His teachings and values shape the actions of those who follow him.
This symbolism is further emphasized by the emotional context of the battle. The Scabbards are not just fighting for victory. They are fighting to honor Oden’s sacrifice and fulfill his vision for Wano’s future.
How This Moment Impacts the Larger Story
The Scabbards’ ability to wound Kaido has significant implications for the rest of the arc. It proves that Kaido can be damaged, giving hope to the alliance and setting the stage for his eventual defeat.
This moment also builds momentum for Luffy’s later battles. By establishing that advanced Haki can bypass Kaido’s defenses, the story provides a clear path for how he can be defeated. Luffy’s training in Ryuo directly connects to this concept.
Additionally, the fight reinforces the importance of unity. The Scabbards succeed because they fight together, combining their strengths to achieve what none of them could do alone. This theme continues throughout the raid, influencing multiple battles.
The Scabbards vs Kaido fight stands as one of the most powerful moments in the Wano Arc. By channeling Kozuki Oden’s sword style and mastering advanced Ryuo, the Nine Red Scabbards accomplish what seemed impossible. They wound Kaido and prove that even the strongest creature in the world is not invincible.
This moment works because it blends action, emotion, and storytelling. It honors Oden’s legacy while highlighting the growth and determination of his retainers. Even though the Scabbards do not win the battle, their actions play a crucial role in the larger war.
In the end, the fight is not just about defeating Kaido. It is about carrying forward the will of a fallen hero and proving that his strength still lives on through those who believed in him.
The impact of this moment extends beyond just the battle itself, as it reshapes how both allies and enemies perceive the war in Wano. Until this point, Kaido’s dominance created a sense of inevitability around his victory, making resistance feel almost futile. The Scabbards’ ability to wound him breaks that psychological barrier and inspires the entire alliance to keep fighting.
It also subtly shifts Kaido’s mindset, forcing him to take his opponents more seriously rather than dismissing them as weak challengers. This turning point strengthens the narrative tension, as the raid evolves from a desperate gamble into a genuine fight where Kaido’s defeat becomes a real possibility.
