Episode 973

"Boiled to Death - Oden's One-hour Struggle" is the 973rd episode of the One Piece anime.

Short Summary
Orochi accepts the challenge and Oden must enter the pot for one hour. Shinobu, who is in the crowd, explains Oden's naked dances.

Long Summary
Although Orochi initially scoffed at Oden's suggestion, Kaidou accepted the challenge, agreeing to release the retainers if they survived one hour in the pot. Oden entered the pot, already being singed by the boiling oil. The other retainers run on the plank to also get in, but Oden lifts the plank up, allowing his retainers to sit safe from the boiling oil. Kaidou allowed him to do this, since they were technically in the pot.

Less than a minute passed and Oden already struggled to lift the plank. It forced Oden to stand on the bottom of the pot, and his veins burst from the pressure. Shinobu watched the event from the sidelines, and attacked a man who called Oden a "silly lord." She publicly called out the oppressive shogun Orochi.

While in the pot, Oden reflected on what Orochi told him back at the palace. Orochi revealed that he held an immense hatred for Wano Country for humiliating his family. Since his grandfather's assassination plans were exposed and he committed seppuku, the remaining members of the Kurozumi Family were hunted down, beaten and killed by the other people. He intended to destroy the country through his oppressive regime as an act of vengeance for his family's life of suffering.

Shinobu reveals more, as she was hiding in the ceiling when it happened. Orochi kidnapped hundreds of citizens meant as tributes to Kaidou. At that point, Orochi offered Oden a bargain; Orochi would cease the kidnappings and he and Kaidou would leave Wano Country after five years. In exchange, Oden had to dance naked in the Flower Capital every week while being humiliated by Orochi. Oden decided he had no choice as he had no chance against Kaidou.

Shinobu finishes her story, stating that Oden's naked dances were in an effort to release the kidnapped citizens. Although he was not appreciated then, the citizens witnessing the execution were touched by Oden's sacrifices.

Anime Notes

 * The anime adds the following:
 * Oden and Kaidou (in his Beast Form) having a brief fight at the top of the Flower Capital castle. After Oden falls down back to Orochi's room, he and Kaidou continue their struggle.


 * The following are extended:
 * Orochi's past of being hunted and lynched by Wano Country citizens.