Episode 965

"Crossing Swords! Roger and Whitebeard!" is the 965th episode of the One Piece anime.

Short Summary
Orochi plots to take the shogunate with Higurashi's assistance.

As Oden continues his journey with the Whitebeard Pirates, he finally encounters the Roger Pirates. A clash between Whitebeard and Gol D. Roger ensues.

Long Summary
Orochi became Oden's proxy as he was at sea, but the other daimyos suspected him because he was a member of the Kurozumi Family. Orochi's past is revealed. In his childhood, he and his family became hunted because of what his grandfather did. Orochi hid away in the forest and found a desolate cabin. Inside there was an old man and woman, Semimaru and Higurashi.

Higurashi explained the truth about Orochi's grandfather. Since the Kozuki shogun was infertile, daimyos from the Shimotsuki, Kurozumi, Uzuki, Amatsuki, and Fugetsu Families all fought to be the next heir. Orochi's grandfather attempted to take over by assassinating the other daimyos, but the Kozuki shogun finally managed to give birth to an heir, Sukiyaki. The assassination plot was exposed, Orochi's grandfather committed suicide, and the people grew to despise the Kurozumi name.

Orochi deduced that all his miseries stemmed from Sukiyaki's being born, and that he would have become shogun if Sukiyaki was not born. Higurashi revealed she was also a member of the Kurozumi Family and that she had the power to transform into other people. She gave Orochi a Devil Fruit, allowing him to transform into an eight-headed serpent. Orochi plotted to usurp the throne.

Orochi needed to collect funding to buy weapons. He stole money from Yasuie while working undercover as a servant and asked Oden for loans without paying him back. Higurashi then disguised herself as Oden to convince the shogun to let Orochi into the palace, where he became the shogun's faithful servant. Years later, Higurashi disguised herself as Sukiyaki, pretended to fall ill and spread news that Sukiyaki died of the illness, allowing Orochi to rise to power.

Overseas, Oden reached his fourth year under the Whitebeard Pirates, giving birth to another child, Hiyori. They approached an island being plundered by Gold Roger. Oden picked a fight with Roger and was defeated, but Whitebeard appeared and they began to clash.

Anime Notes

 * The anime adds the following:
 * Orochi fleeing from some pursuers before meeting Higurashi and Semimaru.
 * In the manga, the persecution against the Kurozumi Family is revealed later on when Orochi explained it to Oden.
 * Orochi eating the Hebi Hebi no Mi, Model: Yamata no Orochi and first transforming with it is shown.