Kurozumi Tama

Kurozumi Tama, commonly known as O-Tama (お玉), is a girl from the region of Kuri in Wano Country. She is a kasa weaver working under Tenguyama Hitetsu, as well as a kunoichi in training under the apprenticeship of Shinobu. She is the last known survivor of the Kurozumi Family.

Tama befriended Portgas D. Ace four years ago, having wished to join his crew at the time. She is a major ally of the Ninja-Pirate-Mink-Samurai Alliance during the Wano Country Arc.

Appearance
Tama is a fairly short and thin (given her wanting nutrition) girl whose face, befitting her age, has big, soft features, including black (violet in the anime) eyes. She has dark-violet hair arranged in a Shimada style, with a yellow comb inserted where the back bun is sectioned off, plus a pale-pink hana kanzashi on each side with a hanging bura (a string of petals resembling upside-down hearts). She wears a light-green girl's yukata with a plain, yellow flower pattern, several differently colored and patterned patch-works, and a yellow, bow-knotted tsuke obi with long tails in the back as well as a light-pink obiage, and an orange obijime. For footwear, the girl has brown-soled zōri.

Personality
She is quick to make friends, trusting and helping Luffy moments after he assured her he means her no harm. Being a kunoichi in training, she has a habit of starving herself as a means of training her body, forcing it mentally to let go of her hunger. She is also very brave, as she stood up to the Beasts Pirates when they tried stealing her belongings and even attacked one of them after being freed from captivity. Tama has great faith in the Kozuki Family, as she used their name as a threat to those who upset her. However, she can also be careless, as shown when she revealed her allegiance to the Kozuki Family to the Beasts Pirates, drank out of a contaminated river and falling ill in the process, and disregarded her master's warnings not to show her powers in front of others, which caught the attention of Holed'em.

Tama speaks with an Edo and a Tōhoku dialect. She tends to end her sentences in de-yansu (でやんす). Yansu is an auxiliary verb used in the Kansai Dialect, most specifically in the Shiga Prefecture, meaning "to be". Tama also uses the personal pronoun ora (おら) for herself, which is associated with ruralism.

Family


Tama's parents died when she was still very young. They seemed to have had a caring relationship as Tama brought incense and flowers to their grave, and reassured them that she would survive on her own.

Her parents were members of the Kurozumi Family, but currently the people around Tama are unaware of her lineage. Despite her heritage, she holds no loyalty in regards to their plot for revenge; instead, she aids the Ninja-Pirate-Mink-Samurai Alliance in bringing down the false shogun, Kurozumi Orochi.

Tenguyama Hitetsu
As Tama's master, he cares for her very much to the point that he attacked Luffy when he thought Luffy had stolen one of the only two rice meals she has every year. He was also angry at Luffy for revealing Ace's death, which made Tama sad. However, she has no clue that her master is in fact Kozuki Sukiyaki.

Portgas D. Ace
When Ace visited Wano, Tama formed a bond with him and had wanted to join his crew, but Ace refused based on her current age. However, he did promise that once the two meet again and she becomes a kunoichi, he would bring her on board. When Luffy informed her of Ace's death, Tama was deeply upset and refused to believe him. When Luffy struck Holed'em with the Gomu Gomu no Red Hawk, Tama stated he reminded her of Ace.

Komachiyo
Tama raised Komachiyo from a little pup and he was her only companion after her parents died. As such, he is very loyal to and protective of Tama.

Hihimaru
While initially antagonistic, Hihimaru befriended Tama after she fed it some dango and joined her as the group headed toward Tama's home.

Monkey D. Luffy
Luffy inadvertently rescued Tama when her kidnappers attacked him. Because of this, she has immense gratitude and refers to Luffy with a "big brother" (アニキ) honorific. She even went as far as to give him the rice she was meant to have, even though it is the most she eats all year. However, Tama became furious when Luffy reported Ace's death to her. After she was abducted by Gazelleman and brought to Holed'em, Tama hoped for Luffy to save her, showing her faith in him. After Luffy freed her from Holed'em, Luffy promised that he would make her life better before leaving Wano Country. She was initially unaware that Luffy is Ace's brother though she did notice similarities between the two. After hearing that Kaidou attacked her, Luffy regretted not taking her to her home safely himself and attacked Kaidou in a fit of rage.

When she heard about Luffy's capture, Tama was more concerned about him than her own injuries. She cares about Luffy so much that she went with the group heading for Udon to get him out. She was later happy to be reunited with him after his group's takeover of Udon. However, Luffy scolded her for putting herself in danger by coming to the prison. Tama has grown so attached to Luffy that she is seen mostly by his side. Also, she does not like to see Luffy get hurt, even from people he has associated with when he does something that irritates them. Tama later learned from Nami that Ace was Luffy's brother, and felt regretful for how she acted, knowing that Ace's death was also hard for Luffy. After becoming Shinobu's kunoichi apprentice Tama swears that she will join Luffy's crew when she can properly use ninjutsu, to which he accepts.

Straw Hat Pirates
Due to her bond with Luffy, she is shown to have become acquainted with his crew. She gets along well with Chopper during her time training with him and traveling to Udon to rescue Luffy. She also helped Nami and Usopp by saving them from Ulti and Page One. Nami was deeply offended when Ulti smacked Tama when the latter was trying to protect Komachiyo from Ulti, to which Nami was ultimately successful in bringing down Ulti for attacking a child.

Kozuki Momonosuke
Tama befriended the heir of the Kozuki Family, Kozuki Momonosuke, when he was staying in Amigasa Village. She has no problem being casual with him, calling him "Momo". The two further developed their bond during the raid on the Udon Prisoner Mine, where Tama convinced Momonosuke to enter the facility with her, and held him in place when he lost his temper at Luffy.

Tama has expressed a wish to see Momonosuke become the Shogun of Wano Country, which she later got to witness after the fall of the Beasts Pirates.

Speed


After taming Speed, Tama quickly bonded with the Shinuchi, who had become loyal and protective of the girl. Tama also took to calling her "Umami" (English version: "Horselina"), like Luffy did. Despite being separated during Kaidou's attack, Tama later sought out Speed's help in reaching Onigashima for the raid, as well as distributing the dangos to Gifters.

Knowing that her dango's effect would wear off after a month, Tama wished for Speed to stay with her forever as a mother, which shocked and moved Speed.

Beasts Pirates
As an ally of the Kozuki Family, Tama defies everything the Beasts Pirates stand for and was kidnapped as a result. While being tied up in a sack, the Beasts Pirates planned to either sell her in the Red Light District or turn her in until Luffy interfered. Also, Holed'em had an interest in her ability to tame animals and tried to force her to use it until Luffy came to her rescue. Kaidou almost killed her when he saw Speed's betrayal.

Tama utilized her ability to turn many of the Beast Pirates' Gifters into her subordinates—including, but not limited to, Speed, Babanuki, Briscola, Daifugo, Gazelleman, Mizerka, and Poker—causing a huge discord for the Tobiroppo, with the intent on having them help the Kozuki to overthrow the corrupt regime.

Charlotte Linlin
After Big Mom lost her memories, Tama developed a friendly relationship with her, though she wanted to take advantage of her strength to break Luffy out of Udon prison. After breaking into the prison, Big Mom showed willingness to share oshiruko with Tama. Even after she regained her memories, Big Mom still had a soft spot for Tama. However, after Tama witnessed Big Mom's true nature when she had her newest homie Hera consume Zeus, Tama became afraid of her, enraging Big Mom as a result of Tama leaving her, to which she is now determined to kill her former friend as well.

Abilities and Powers
Tama has some experience with cooking rice. She is also capable of weaving kasa from bamboo.

Tactical Skills
Tama has also been shown to be very shrewd for her age, coming up with the idea of manipulating an amnesic Big Mom into invading Udon to break Luffy free of imprisonment, which later proved crucial in liberating Udon and all of its prisoners to join the Kozuki Revolution. Tama also ingeniously thought of using her Devil Fruit powers to tame all the Gifters of the Beast Pirates to provide support to the Ninja-Pirate-Mink-Samurai Alliance's final battle against the Beasts Pirates by having Speed, Gazelleman, and Daifugo distribute her dangos to other Gifters to turn them against Kaidou, as well as getting Usopp's and Nami's assistance in her actions.

Devil Fruit


Tama ate the Kibi Kibi no Mi, a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit that allows her to create "dango" from her cheeks. They taste good, but they don't satisfy hunger. Any animal that eats one of these dangos will become utterly tame and subservient to Tama, obeying all of her orders and defending her from harm. The effects wear off after one month, at which point an animal may go back to the way they were before and return to the wild, or choose to remain her companion, whichever they prefer.

While the dangos usually do not tame humans, those who have eaten functional SMILEs are susceptible to being tamed due to being part animal.

Weapons
Tama was shown using a club against a member of the Beasts Pirates, and had enough strength to knock him out with it in the manga. In the anime, she used leaves while practicing ninjutsu with Chopper.

Past
Several years ago, Tama became an orphan after her parents had passed away. Later on, She started selling hats but couldn't earn enough money to afford for food. But at one point, Tenguyama Hitetsu came across Tama and bought a hat from her and assured her that the Kozuki Clan's warriors will return. Tama was then taken under the protection of Hitetsu.

At some point four years ago, Portgas D. Ace and his crew visited Wano Country, and Tama formed a bond with him. Tama wanted to go out to sea with Ace, but he told her that she was too young at the time. He promised that he would take her with him if she became a kunoichi by the time he returned and Tama waited for him since.

On her eighth birthday, Tama went to the marketplace to buy some rice. However, she was confronted by some Beasts Pirates scouts and their baboon Hihimaru. Komachiyo came to protect her from Hihimaru, but the scouts took her belongings and she mentioned the Kozuki Family to threaten them, causing them to capture her.

Wano Country Arc
Tama was tied up in a sack and begging to be free. The scouts went to confront Monkey D. Luffy, who had arrived in the country illegally. However, Luffy easily overwhelmed them, allowing Tama to free herself out of the sack and knock out one of the scouts.



Afterward, Tama formally introduced herself to Luffy and tamed Hihimaru by giving it some Kibi Dango. She offered to make food for Luffy out of gratitude and helped him put the Sunny in a safe alcove on the coast. They went to her house, where she made rice confections for him before going to drink from the river to quell her hunger. She came back to find her master angered at Luffy for eating the rice, but she told him what had happened. However, she then fell ill due to drinking the contaminated river water polluted by Kaidou's factories.

After Hitetsu had revealed that Tama had been waiting for Ace, Luffy informed them of Ace's death. Tama was distraught at the news and passed out. Luffy then decided to take her to a doctor, and as Komachiyo gave them a ride through the bamboo forest, Tama accused Luffy of lying and explained about the promise Ace made to her. They later entered a wasteland and Tama explained about the terrible environment created by the Beasts Pirates before falling unconscious again.



Tama remained unconscious as Luffy reunited with Zoro after the latter saved a woman from Kaidou's thugs. After Komachiyo dragged Luffy and Zoro away from a battle with Basil Hawkins and his men, the woman that Zoro saved, Tsurujo, told the two Straw Hats to bring Tama to her tea shop. They later arrived at Okobore Town.

Tama felt better after receiving some medicine and she reluctantly ate some oshiruko that Tsuru made for her. She then took a nap until Tsuru was attacked by the Gifter Batman. During the confusion, Tama was abducted by another Gifter, Gazelleman, and taken to Bakura Town. Tama was later taken to Holed'em, who took an interest in her after hearing that she tamed Hihimaru, and planned to force her to use her ability.



Holed'em pulled on Tama's cheek, but was unable to get anything out of her. He continued torturing Tama until Urashima was sent flying into his house by Luffy. Holed'em then confronted Luffy, putting Tama into his lion's mouth and threatening to crush her. In a blink of an eye, Luffy attacked the lion head and freed Tama. After finding out that Holed'em had used pliers to pull on Tama's cheek, Luffy dropped Tama in midair and turned around to strike Holed'em with a powerful Red Hawk punch.

With Holed'em defeated, Luffy then grabbed Tama again and ran away with her on the back of Speed, whom he mistook for a horse. Speed got angry, but quickly became subservient to Luffy and Tama after Tama offered some kibi dango at Luffy's request. They made their way to Okobore Town with the supply of food stolen from the Beasts Pirates. As Tama ate an apple, Luffy promised her that she would not go hungry again.

Tama then parted ways with Luffy and went back to her home by riding on Speed's back. On the way, both Tama and Speed were attacked by Kaidou when the Emperor discovered them, and Tama was left lying bloodied on the ground. She was found by Inuarashi, who took her into the forest to receive treatment. Tama was then returned to her home where she was treated by Chopper and some of the minks. When Tama was worried about Luffy, Chopper assured her that Luffy has incredible recovery speed, and his will would not be broken. He also added that Raizo was planning on rescuing him.

While Momonosuke was practicing swordsmanship in Amigasa Village, Tama asked him about his sister, whom Momonosuke believed to still be alive. Tama commented that it would be nice if Momonosuke could meet her, but he stated that he could not reunite with her until the defeat of both the shogun and Kaidou.



Tama, Chopper, Kiku, and Momonosuke then went to Kuri Beach, where they encountered an amnesiac Big Mom. On the following morning, Tama's group took Big Mom to Okobore Town. Though Chopper was worried about Big Mom regaining her memories, Tama insisted on taking her to Udon, which Chopper reluctantly agreed with. The group then traveled to Udon, with Big Mom having tamed a Wanizame to carry them there. On the way there, Tama spoke to Hitetsu through a Smart Tanishi. Hitetsu objected to their quest and urged Tama to return to Amigasa Village, but Tama continued on with her group's journey. During the journey, Tama and Big Mom happily talked about oshiruko. After night fell, the group eventually arrived at Udon.

On the next day, Tama's group arrived at the Prisoner Mines after Big Mom had broken through the front gate. Kiku told Tama and Momonosuke to hide before proceeding with Chopper. When the emergency gates began to close, Tama and Momonosuke entered the Prisoner Mines.

While hiding, Tama and Momonosuke witnessed Luffy persuading the prisoners to rebel against the Beasts Pirates, prompting Tama to remember Luffy's promise to her. After the prison takeover, Tama reunited with Luffy though the latter was in a serious condition from being infected with the Mummy virus.

Tama tamed Babanuki and had him give a false report to Queen. After Luffy had finished his training in Udon, Tama returned to Amigasa Village with him and Chopper two days before the raid on Onigashima. At some point, Tama tamed Daifugo and Gazelleman.

Prior to the raid, Tama spoke to Speed and requested her assistance. During the Fire Festival, she went to Onigashima on Speed's ship along with Speed, Daifugo, Gazelleman, Komachiyo, and Hihimaru. On the way, Tama created many dangos for her allies to distribute to the Beasts Pirates. After arriving, Tama, Komachiyo, and Hihimaru managed to rescue Nami and Usopp from Ulti and Page One. Tama and Komachiyo fled with the two Straw Hats while Hihimaru stayed behind to stall the two Tobiroppo. As they were talking about Ace while riding on Komachiyo, Nami revealed to Tama that Ace was Luffy's brother.



Tama and her group used her dangos to turn several Gifters into allies. As they were pursued by Ulti and Page One, they went through the area where Franky and Sasaki were fighting, and they converted Sasaki's subordinates as well. As Tama made her way to the Live Stage, Page One jumped onto Komachiyo's back, but Usopp's projectiles forced Page One to let go. They then ran across an angry Big Mom, much to their horror. Tama called out to her and she switched into "Mother Mode" and happily talked with the little girl, who was delighted to learn that Big Mom had regained her memory. Tama reluctantly informed her about the Beast Pirates destroying Okobore Town, which refueled Big Mom's anger. Tama continued on toward the stage, while Big Mom attacked Page One, knocking him unconscious. While Ulti confronted Big Mom, Tama and the others fled on Komachiyo, but Ulti charged head first into the komainu. Tama cried as Ulti began torturing Komachiyo, so Ulti struck her, telling her to be quiet. This angered Big Mom and Nami, who electrocuted Ulti in retaliation. After Big Mom helped take down the Topi Roppo, Usopp and Nami carried the injured Tama toward the Live Stage. However, Big Mom plucked Tama out of Usopp's arms, placed her to the side, prepared to attack the Straw Hats. Tama pleaded that they were her friends, but Big Mom ignored her. While Big Mom and Nami were distracted by Zeus' return, Usopp picked Tama back up. Seeing Tama run from her as well, Big Mom was furious and attacked her and the Straw Hats, but Kid stopped the Emperor.

As they ran, Tama cried at hearing the announcement that Kaidou had defeated Luffy, and then again when Momonosuke announced that Luffy was still alive. As they reached the Live Stage, Ulti caught up to them, knocking down Usopp and grabbing Tama. Usopp used Sargasso to free Tama from Ulti's grasp, while Nami and Zeus electrocuted Ulti again. Bao Huang, who had been interrupted during a broadcast, accidentally announced Ulti's defeat to the whole castle, so Usopp captured the Shinuchi and had Tama use her as a loudspeaker. When Queen turned to look at Tama, she briefly fainted but, with Usopp and Nami's encouragement, stood back up and ordered the Gifters to fight for Luffy and Momonosuke and beat Kaidou. The Gifters who had been fed Tama's kibi dangos then turned against the fellow Beasts Pirates. After realizing what Tama had done, Queen prepared to fire his laser at her, but Sanji kicked him and interrupted the attack, while Usopp and Nami fled with Tama.

As Tama and the Straw Hats fled, Daifugo fought off the Beasts Pirates chasing them and Speed carried them. Gazelleman also informed Tama that the Gifters would look after Komachiyo, which delighted her. After reuniting with Komachiyo, Tama and the others stumbled across Kin'emon's lower body. While Usopp and Hamlet split off to rescue the samurai, the rest sought shelter in the Beasts' Bath, where Marco checked over Komachiyo and Hihimaru. When Kaidou descended from the roof and announced Luffy's death, Tama cried, while Nami accused Kaidou of lying. Marco then defended Nami from Kaidou's retaliatory fire breath, and Tama ran to Nami's side. When she and Nami learned that Luffy was still alive, both of them were in tears. Tama was encouraged by Nami to believed in Luffy, later she is shocked, and fainted when she witness Luffy's gigantic head when slammed into the rooftop below.

After Nekomamushi had announced Kaidou's defeat, Tama and the rest of the alliance celebrated. Later, Usopp asked Tama how long her powers last and she reveals that the gifters will turn back to normal after a month, but some also stayed tame. Speed then told Tama that she wants to stay with her as her master, and Tama happily responds to Speed that she wants her to stay with her like a mother forever, and Speed became touched by what Tama had told her. As Momonosuke announced the citizens freedom, Tama became shocked and thought back to when her parents died working in the factories and when she first met Hitetsu. She then jumped into Nami's arms and started crying. Later, a tearing Tama watched Momonosuke's speech.

After the festival, Tama began to work as Shinobu's apprentice. She vowed to join Luffy's crew when she became a better kunoichi.

Playable Appearances

 * One Piece Treasure Cruise

Trivia

 * The hats Tama made for the Nine Red Scabbards are identical to the one worn by the individual from the cover of Chapter 631.
 * Even though she was still 4 years old when Portgas D. Ace visited her village, Tama claimed to be 5 years old in hopes of being made part of Ace's pirate crew.
 * Tama is similar to Luffy in that they both aspired to join a powerful pirate crew that visited their respective villages when they were young, but were denied due to their age and inexperience.
 * Coincidentally, both the captains of said crews had a strong connection to Gol D. Roger.
 * In the 7th fan poll of most popular characters, Tama was ranked 54th.
 * Tama's favorite foods are oshiruko and apples.

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