Nine Red Scabbards

The Nine Red Scabbards are a squad of nine retainers of the Kozuki Family who served Kozuki Oden and now serve his son Momonosuke. They are led by their captain, Kin'emon.

Overview
The Nine Red Scabbards consist of nine powerful samurai who all served Kozuki Oden as his retainers and as his strongest followers, so the made up story of Kurozumi Orochi defeating them granted him the status of a great warrior. According to Kin'emon, three of the members were described to be worth 100 men in battle.

Through teamwork and improved strength and skills of the respective members after 20 years, they were able to fight against Kaidou, one of the Four Emperors, and even dealt considerable injury to the latter, a feat that impressed the Emperor himself. Some of them too, replicating the Oden Two Sword Style, even managed to inflict a large wound on the emperor's chest while in his dragon form.Although Kaidou managed to subdue them easily, he recognized their strength.

Jack, an All-Star of the Beast Pirates who had personally fought at least three of its members, considered them far stronger than the Tobiroppo, even when very close to death.

Members
Ashura abandoned his position as one of the Scabbards and led his own group of bandits under the name Shutenmaru. He initially refused to rejoin after Kin'emon's 20 years of absence, so Kin'emon and the others came to the decision to force him into being their ally again by any means necessary, even to the point of framing him for theft to force him back into battle. After the public execution of Shimotsuki Yasuie, Ashura got angry at Kin'emon for his actions, but after showing what happened to their allies ten years before Kin'emon and Momonosuke's return, Ashura finally rejoined his team.

Denjiro went under the alias "Kyoshiro" and formed the Kyoshiro Family, a Yakuza family that served the shogun Kurozumi Orochi. On the day of the Fire Festival, Denjiro revealed his identity to the Scabbards and rejoined them.

On the day of the Fire Festival, Kanjuro revealed himself to be a member of the Kurozumi Family and a spy for Orochi.

Oden had two other retainers who are not considered part of the Scabbards: Izou, who joined the Whitebeard Pirates while accompanying Oden in his pirating journey, and Shinobu, who became a self-proclaimed retainer (like the others did) shortly after Oden's death.

Kozuki Family Downfall


20 years ago, after Kurozumi Orochi and Kaidou imprisoned Hyogoro and killed his wife and several family members, the latest of a series of heinous acts Orochi did while he occupied the shogun position in Wano Country, Kozuki Oden gathered his retainers for retribution. The shadow the ten samurai cast from the setting sun gave the retainers the name of the Nine Red Scabbards.

On the way to Onigashima, Oden and the Scabbards were confronted by Kaidou and his crew. After a ferocious battle, Oden and the Scabbards were defeated. They were then imprisoned in the Flower Capital and sentenced to death by boiling three days later. On the execution day, Oden made a deal with Kaidou to let those who survive the execution go free and Kaidou gave him an hour. Oden stood in the boiling pot of oil while holding the Scabbards over him with a piece of wood. Oden successfully survived for an hour, but Orochi summoned a firing squad to execute them. Oden threw the Scabbards far away from him. The retainers fled as Oden met his demise.

In desperation, the Scabbards head back to Kuri as they knew Momonosuke's life would be targeted next. On their way, Inuarashi and Nekomamushi were captured by Orochi's subordinates and they were left behind. Ashura and Denjiro split from the group to fight their pursuers.

Having anticipated their plan, Kaidou set the castle ablaze, leading to Momonosuke, Hiyori, and their mother Toki becoming trapped. Arriving at the inferno later that day, the remaining Scabbards entered the castle and found the family. The group organized a plan for Toki to use her Devil Fruit ability to send her son and four of the Scabbards 20 years into the future in order to take down Oden's executioners and open Wano's borders. In case the plan failed, Hiyori would stay behind so the Kozuki bloodline could survive, leading to Kawamatsu staying with her while Toki transported her son and the four Scabbards (Kin'emon, Kanjuro, Raizo, and Kikunojo) into the future. As the castle was surrounded by enemies, Kawamatsu dug a hole into a water channel to escape with Hiyori unnoticed. For her final words, Toki made a vague statement in front of the burning castle, which Orochi interpreted as nine vengeful samurai appearing in 20 years on a moonlit night that will kill him and open Wano's borders, while others viewed it as a sign the Kozuki Family would rise again.

Aftermath
The group was publicly announced to be defeated by Orochi and the group was regarded as being killed and all burned alive in Oden Castle. Having doubts about Toki's final words, Jibuemon searched the ruins for the remains of the Nine Red Scabbards but was unable to find them. While Denjiro was believed to have survived, Inuarashi and Nekomamushi left Wano and returned to Zou barely clinging to their lives while continuing with their quarrel.

After his appearance changed, Denjiro gathered followers and formed the Kyoshiro Family. With his new position as a yakuza boss, Denjiro entered Orochi's services to gain his trust.

After seven years of being taken cared of, Hiyori chose to part ways with Kawamatsu, resulting in Kawamatsu turning to suicide for failing his mission. However, upon arriving at Ringo, he encountered Onimaru defending the graves and after healing the komagitsune, Kawamatsu started gathering the swords of the deceased warriors in preparation for the war against the Beasts Pirates. He was later caught stealing and imprisoned in Udon's Prisoner Mines, where he was forced to only eat poisoned fish.

Denjiro discovered Hiyori after she was found in the streets of the Flower Capital and brought to his residence. He then took her in, revealed his identity to her, and raised her in Kawamatsu's place.

A decade after Oden's execution, Orochi's opposition grew impatient with having to wait another decade to revolt, prompting Ashura to plead with them to continue waiting. Unsuccessful, he watched on as his allies sailed towards their target, resulting in them being killed. Distraught at his comrades' pointless demise by the King of the Beasts, Ashura eventually lost hope, went back to being a criminal, and adopted the alias Shutenmaru. He also formed the Mt. Atama Thieves. At some point, he encountered Kaidou, in which Kaidou wanted him to be part of his crew. Ashura also managed to acquire the blueprints of Kaidou's fortress.

In Search of Allies
Months ago, after 20 years had passed since Oden's execution, Momonosuke's group arrived at the ruins of Oden's Castle. Traveling around Wano, the group eventually encountered Jibuemon and were informed that allies of the Kozuki Family had tattoos of the moon on their ankles. Deciding to gather in secret, Kikunojo donned the alias O-Kiku and was entrusted with gathering intel of their enemies. The rest of the group set sail to recruit allies. After being spotted leaving Wano by the Beasts Pirates, they were pursued by the crew. Due to the group having no navigational skills, they were immediately shipwrecked on their way to Zou, leading to them losing their vessel and Raizo being separated from the group. Barely escaping with their lives, they drifted to Dressrosa. Kin'emon and Momonosuke pretended to be father and son to hide their identities. There, they were chased by Kaidou's associate Donquixote Doflamingo, leading to Momonosuke hiding in a ship that departed to Punk Hazard. Kanjuro got captured in order to allow Kin'emon to pursue Momonosuke.

Punk Hazard Arc
After tracking Kozuki Momonosuke to Punk Hazard, Kin'emon encountered Trafalgar Law of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, who used his abilities to separate Kin'emon's body, until he was reassembled with the help of the Straw Hat Pirates, who also helped him locate and rescue Momonosuke. The two then traveled with them to Dressrosa.

Dressrosa Arc
On their journey, Kin'emon explained he set his goal in Dressrosa to locate his friend, and then proceed to Zou for yet another ally. After finding Kanjuro, the two helped save the country from Doflamingo's reign, before continuing with their new allies toward Zou to reunite with Raizo and Momonosuke.

Zou Arc


Upon reaching Zou, Kin'emon and Kanjuro were separated from the group and only joined later, much to the Straw Hats' fear of the samurai encountering the Mink Tribe. However, the truth about Kin'emon's allegiance with the minks was revealed. Momonosuke also ended the feud between Inuarashi and Nekomamushi. The relationship between the minks and the Kozuki Family brought upon the formation of Kin'emon's desired forces in the form of the Ninja-Pirate-Mink-Samurai Alliance, and the group made plans to meet back at Wano Country.

Wano Country Arc
After Luffy's group arrived at Wano, they met Kin'emon at the ruins of Oden Castle, who revealed to them his true story. Shortly afterward, Kaidou arrived at Kuri, and after Luffy lost to him, Kin'emon saw Ashura Doji at Okobore Town and went with Inuarashi to try and recruit him but to no avail. Meanwhile, Raizo was sent to help Luffy break out of the Udon Prisoner Mines.

After meeting an amnesiac Big Mom, Kikunojo traveled to the Udon region with her, Momonosuke, Tama, and Chopper to rescue Luffy. Back in Udon, Raizo encountered Kawamatsu and decided to break him out as well before being discovered and forced to hide. When the Beasts Pirates retired for the night, Raizo freed Caribou and reunited with Hyogoro, and the group decided to free other prisoners who are opposed to Orochi's rule.

Meanwhile, Kin'emon and Inuarashi tried to entice a fight between Ashura's group and the Beast Pirates stationed in Bakura Town, resulting in Mt. Atama being set on fire and Ashura heading to Bakura Town for vengeance.

Later, most of them witnessed the public execution of Shimotsuki Yasuie and broke down in tears at seeing his demise. This finally made Ashura open to talk with Kin'emon and Inuarashi.



Back in Udon, Chopper's group arrived and caused a disturbance with Linlin attacking Queen. During their fight, Kawamatsu's cell was damaged. Using the commotion as a distraction, Raizo and Caribou managed to disable Udon's communications. With Big Mom regaining her memories, knocked out, and taken to Onigashima, Luffy was left free, and he planned to take over Udon. However, Babanuki turned the prisoners against Luffy. Raizo freed Kawamatsu from his chains and they reunited with Kikunojo, who forced the prisoners off of Luffy. On Hyogoro's suggestion, Raizo and Kikunojo revealed themselves to rally the prisoners, which they succeed in doing and take over the Prisoner Mines.

Kawamatsu temporarily separated from the group to take care of some business. Elsewhere, Ashura showed Kin'emon and Inuarashi the graves of those who died fighting Kaidou ten years ago. After recounting that event, Ashura decided to rejoin the Scabbards.

Back in Ebisu Town, Kanjuro promised to give Yasuie a proper burial. Ashura took Kin'emon and Inuarashi to an abandoned port in Kuri and showed them ships they could use to transport their troops. Kawamatsu returned to the Ringo region, encountered Zoro and reunited with Hiyori. Meanwhile, Raizo's group in Udon gave a false report to Queen, and then caught Kin'emon about the recent events. Kawamatsu checked on the hidden weapon stash.



The Scabbards (except for Nekomamushi and Denjiro) gathered in Amigasa Village along with several other key members of the alliance to begin a strategy meeting. As the day of the Fire Festival drew close, the Scabbards led the alliance in various ways. Finally, on the day before the battle, seven of the Scabbards headed toward their meeting place with Momonosuke and Shinobu. They later found Tokage Port in ruins, with their allies absent and unable to be contacted. Desperate, the Scabbards head out on a small boat, preparing to continue the fight by themselves. The Scabbards set sail and left Momonosuke at the port. As Kin'emon wondered about the possibility of a traitor among them, Kanjuro then revealed that he was the mole. Kin'emon angrily beheaded him, only to learn that it was a copy and the real Kanjuro remained on the coast and that he had captured Momonosuke to bring him to Onigashima. As this was happening, the Scabbards' boat was confronted by three Beasts Pirates ships, but the ships were suddenly attacked by the Straw Hats, Heart Pirates, and Kid Pirates. The Scabbards' boat was then lifted by Law's submarine.

Denjiro later arrived with his yakuza family. He revealed his identity and rejoined the Scabbards. He also revealed that the rebels gathered at Habu Port and they then arrived on a massive fleet to commence the raid on Onigashima.

Sometime during the festival, Nekomamushi arrived with reinforcements that included Marco and Izou after Marco interfered with Big Mom Pirates arriving to Wano. He was able to connect with the Scabbards (minus Kin'emon, Denjiro, and Kanjuro), who were in Law's submarine, through a Den Den Mushi for an update on the situation so he could meet up with them. Kin'emon and Denjiro disembarked on Onigashima with the rest of the rebel forces and split into two groups as they made their way into Kaidou's stronghold.



When Law's submarine got close enough to Onigashima's rear entrance, Law used his ability to transport himself and the Scabbards with him to the backside of the island, where they were able to regroup with Nekomamushi, Izou, and Marco. After Marco left to check on a shadow he saw at sea, they confronted the traitorous member, Kanjuro, and his forces. It led to a battle with all of them fighting the Beasts Pirates while Kikunojo fought Kanjuro alone. Kin'emon and Denjiro met up with the rest of the group after Kanjuro and the Beasts Pirates with him had been defeated. With the traitor out of the way, the rest of the members plus Izou made their way to Kaidou and the All-Stars to fight them head on.



Hearing Kin'emon's challenge, Kaido transforms into a dragon and flies through the roof to the top of the island, deciding to face them in the open just like it was 20 years ago. Jack and his squad then arrive to support his captain in the fight, defeating several minks present. However, they are quickly outmatched by Inuarashi and Nekomamushi's Sulong forms, so Kaido intervenes, deciding to take them all on, for which they were willing to give their lives to eliminate him. Despite some success in wounding Kaidou, the samurai were eventually overwhelmed and utterly defeated.



After Law, Kid, Killer, Zoro, and Luffy arrived at the roof, the Scabbards and Izou were teleported away from the roof by Law's powers. The wounded samurai were placed in the treasure room at the second floor and were tended to by a mysterious figure. The Scabbards later recovered and regained consciousness, but the mysterious figure already had left. Before they left the treasure room, they saw who appeared to be Oden. This Oden turned out to be a fake drawing created by Kanjuro, who survived his duel with Kikunojo, although grievously wounded. The fake Oden stabbed Ashura and, while fighting Denjiro, lit explosives tied to its chest, so Ashura sacrificed himself to push the fake Oden outside the building.



As the Scabbards prepared to find Kanjuro, they were confronted by Jack in front of the door, and Inuarashi stepped forward to deal with Jack on his own, as a revenge for the events which happened back on Zou. As the others proceeded on, they stumbled upon both Orochi and Fukurokuju, who were setting the castle ablaze. Orochi taunted them and then attacked with six heads. The Scabbards, however, cut off his heads, and Raizo remained behind to challenge Fukurokuju for his betrayal of the Kozuki Family. As they made their way through the castle, the Scabbards split up to save Momonosuke and help the allies.



Kin'emon and Kikunojo find Momonosuke and Shinobu. But then Kanjuro appears disguised as Oden, where Kikunojo tries to attack him but can't due to her doubts, causing Kanjuro to run through her. At this moment Kin'emon finally fatally wounds Kanjuro. Kaido then appears where he confronts Kin'emon, where the samurai was trying to buy time for Momonosuke and Shinobu to escape, only to be defeated.

The two samurai are then helped by Usopp, who, along with Izou, leads them to safety with Hamlet's help. Raizo, after his battle against Fukurokuju, releases a large amount of water stored in one of his scrolls to put out the castle's fire with Jinbe's help.



A week later, they participate in the celebrations, during which some of them perceive the arrival of Admiral Ryokugyu, so Denjiro, Inurashi, Nekomamushi, Kawamatsu and Shinobu go to meet him and discover that he intends to kill Luffy and exterminate everyone in Wano, so that they all face him in battle. Yamato and Momonosuke then appear to help, although the admiral begins to overwhelm them with his power of nature. But then Ryokugyu leaves after sensing someone's presence.

Early Concepts
Vol. 1 of Road To Laugh Tale revealed that the Nine Scabbards went through two previous iterations in development. They were originally a group of four samurai which included Kin'emon, "Black Crow" Raizo, Jushiro of the Mist, and Muzan of the Moon. Jushiro was noted to be popular with the ladies and always chasing after them; the latter trait and his epithet would be given to Raizo. Muzan possessed a paintbrush blade, which was later given to Kanjuro. In a later concept sketch, Muzan was replaced by Hazaburo who can be considered a predecessor to Denjiro in appearance; Oda considered having him be a double agent. Additionally, Jushiro's appearance was changed resulting in him resembling Kanjuro.

After this, Oda conceived of the Scabbards as a group called the "Seven Scoundrels". Kin'emon, Kanjuro, Raizo, Ashura (called Shutenmaru), Kawamatsu (called Kawamatsungiyu), and Denjiro are present with their appearances being largely the same as in the manga. Completing the group was Tenguyama Hitetsu, referred to as "Hitetsu of the Wind"; Oda would ultimately elect to not include the character in the group but did retain the sketch notes of Hitetsu being a swordsmith and kokeshi doll collector.

Trivia

 * The literal translation of "赤鞘九人男" (Akazaya Kunin Otoko) is "Red Sheathed Nine Men."
 * Each of the Scabbards' favorite food is a different ingredient used to make oden (which is also the favorite food of Kozuki Oden himself).
 * While not explicitly stated, Toki's prophecy about nine figures coming to take back Wano Country from Orochi and the Beasts Pirates is heavily implied to refer to the group.
 * The second planned version of the Scabbards, the "Seven Scoundrels", may have been partially inspired by the 1954 epic samurai film Seven Samurai. Oda has previously cited the film as one of his favorites.
 * The Scabbards' mission to kill Kaidou to avenge their master Oden is similar to the actions of the 47 rōnin in Japan at the beginning of the 18th century, in which 47 samurai plotted revenge against the man who caused their master to die. To do so, they laid low and blended in with the public for two years to catch their target off-guard.

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