One Piece enthusiasts frequently ponder the question, “Why did Denjiro turn bad?”particularly during the Wano arc, where his intentions and actions can appear quite perplexing. Initially introduced as the leader of a yakuza clan aligned with the villainous shogun Kurozumi Orochi, Denjiro later assists Hiyori Kouzuki throughout the storyline, leaving fans bewildered.
In essence, Denjiro was not truly malevolent in this arc of One Piece; rather, he was playing a role. While maintaining the facade of a villain, he covertly aided Hiyori and supported the downtrodden as he awaited the opportune moment to strike against Orochi and Kaido. This pivotal opportunity arose with the arrival of the Straw Hat Pirates, setting off a series of critical events during the Wano arc.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from the manga and anime.
Understanding Denjiro’s Actions Post-Oden’s Death
Denjiro, one of the fierce retainers of Kouzuki Oden and a member of the Nine Red Scabbards, experienced profound sorrow following Oden’s demise at the hands of Kaido and Orochi during the infamous Legendary Hour. This trauma compelled him to undergo a significant transformation—both in appearance and identity—as he adopted the name Kyoshiro and ascended to the role of a crime lord by establishing a yakuza family.
Through his newfound status, Denjiro ingratiated himself with Kurozumi Orochi, working as a money changer and bodyguard, thereby increasing his influence across Wano. The success of the Kyoshiro family was bolstered by the support of the Beast Pirates, which enabled him to secure resources for Hiyori’s well-being.
Denjiro’s True Loyalties in One Piece and Their Confirmation
To address the earlier question, the reality is that Denjiro never truly embraced evil. He understood that immediate confrontation with Orochi and Kaido was futile after Oden’s execution, so he deliberately waited for the reunion of the Nine Scabbards while caring for Hiyori throughout the arc.
His dedication to Hiyori, whom he helped rise to become the esteemed oiran Komurasaki, showcases his unwavering morality. Furthermore, he adopted the persona of “Ushimitsu Kozo,”donning a disguise to rob the wealthy and redistribute the wealth to the impoverished.
This behavior illustrates that Denjiro’s moral compass remained intact. His superficial alignment with Orochi and Kaido served as a strategic cover to enhance his power and gather resources to eventually confront them. Notably, his anticipation of Kin’emon’s return over two decades exemplifies his loyalty. When Denjiro mentions his eagerness to demonstrate his swordsmanship to Orochi in Kin’emon’s presence, the statement, initially perceived as a threat, was actually a cautionary message to his adversary.
Concluding Insights
To sum up, the question of “Why did Denjiro turn bad?”in One Piece is misinformed; instead, he was merely biding his time to retaliate against Orochi for the injustices done to Oden and the land of Wano. His steadfastness as an ally to Oden extended beyond death, as evidenced by his long-term care for Oden’s daughter, Hiyori.