Episode 962

"Changing Destiny - The Whitebeard Pirates Cast Ashore!" is the 962nd episode of the One Piece anime.

Short Summary
Oden defeats Ashura, becomes the daimyo of Kuri, and grew into a well-respected charming individual. Whitebeard arrives at the Wano Country shores.

Long Summary
Oden met with Ashura Doji, the bandit leader of the lawless part of town, Kuri. They quickly got into a swordfight, which appeared to be at a standstill. However, by the time Oden's followers came to his aid, he had already emerged victorious and defeated Ashura. Oden would take him in as one of his followers.

After liberating Kuri from Ashura, Oden would start building structures and towns in the area, turning what was once an uncivilized, rough terrain into an officially-recognized province of Wano Country, with Oden as its first daimyo and his followers as his official retainers. Sukiyaki repealed his disavowal and accepted him as his son again. The Kozuki Family also formed an alliance with the Mink Tribe.

Inuarashi, Nekomamushi and Kawamatsu washed ashore as children, but the people, mistaking them for monsters, attempted to burn them at the stake. Oden arrived just in time to rescue them. After welcoming them into his palace and feeding them oden stew, they explained that their ship sunk and they washed ashore. Oden accepted them into the country and they became Oden's loyal retainers like the others.

Oden's followers then raided Hakumai and attempted to steal money from Yasuie, but they were all captured and brought to the daimyo. Surprisingly, Yasuie allows them to keep the money they stole, and also faithfully gave his own savings. Oden and his followers then used the money to pay for books and education, learned proper manners and trained to become strong warriors. Although they originally gained a reputation of being ruffians, they eventually became respected, high-class individuals.

The God Valley Incident occurred, leading to the defeat and dissolution of the Rocks Pirates. Although their captain was killed, the crew split up and formed their own pirate crews. Among these powerful pirates was Edward Newgate, who became known as Whitebeard. After their ship sunk, they washed ashore onto the beaches of Wano Country.

Anime Notes

 * The anime adds the following:
 * Additional scenes concerning Oden and his confrontation with the bandits in Kuri.
 * Oden and Ashura exchange some words before the battle begins.
 * After blowing away a small group of bandits, Oden clashes swords with Ashura.
 * Oden uses an Oden Two Sword Style move to defeat Ashura.
 * Right after Kawamatsu finds Inuarashi and Nekomamushi at Kuri Beach, a villager sneaks up from behind him and knocks him out.
 * When saving Kawamatsu, Inuarashi, and Nekomamushi, Oden throws the giant fish he caught at the oppressors.
 * After Nekomamushi spilled the oden pot, Kin'emon was going to lash out at him.
 * The flashback scene of Inuarashi and Nekomamushi traveling the sea on a small boat is not shown.
 * When Oden visits the Flower Capital, the stitched-up Mountain God is not seen.