Father of Kozuki Oden and former Shogun of Wano, Kozuki Sukiyaki is one of the great figures from Wano’s history. A life marked by tragedy, he now goes by the name Hitetsu, hiding in shame from the people of Wano whom he feels he betrayed. What runs this mysterious swordsmith though, and why does he refuse to tell others who he really is?
This article contains spoilers for One Piece through the end of the Wano arc. To catch up, check out the anime on Crunchyroll or the manga on Viz, or keep reading, but beware of spoilers!
Who is Kozuki Sukiyaki?
The Shogun of Wano, and the last one in the Kozuki line before Orochi takes over. He’s a much-beloved ruler, favored by those throughout Wano and the Flower Capital thanks to his kind and caring nature. Unfortunately, he also has a son who’s uncontrollable, with the incredible strength to match. This leads to some harsh parenting from Sukiyaki, but it does Oden well in the end as he eventually becomes Daimyo of Kuri in Wano.
Sukiyaki isn’t so fortunate when Oden decides to run off with Whitebeard’s pirate crew, joining as a Division Commander. During his time away from the country, Sukiyaki begins to fall ill, eventually dying from his disease. Seemingly, at least, as the real Kozuki Sukiyakii had been imprisoned long ago and replaced by Kurozumi Higurashi. With the Clone-Clone Fruit, Higurashi was able to assume Sukiyaki’s appearance, handing control over to Orochi.
Kozuki Oden
While he doesn’t know it, Oden becomes the head of the Kozuki clan while out sailing with Whitebeard. Kozuki Sukiyaki doesn’t get to meet his grandchildren until much, much later in life, as they’re all born while Oden is away with the pirates. It’s unfortunate, as Oden could have stopped the takeover by Orochi and Kaido easily. Still, when he gets back and finds out his father’s fate, Oden is unable to put away his honor in dealing with Orochi’s treachery. He agrees to the terms of Orochi, making a fool of himself throughout the country for three years in return for freedom.
If he only knew that his father was actually alive under the Flower Capital, locked away in the same room as the Poneglyph. It does give him time to learn swordcraft at least, and he’s able to form a couple of Fine Grade Swords himself.
A Life of Exile
When Sukiyaki eventually finds himself free, he’s taken aback by the harm he inadvertently allowed Wano to suffer. He isn’t able to reconcile his part in the destruction of his country, and intends to take his own life in penance. Sukiyaki isn’t strong enough to go through with it though, and instead adopts the mask, becoming Hitetsu. He takes up the humble life of a swordsmith, eventually meeting someone who gives him a purpose in life again.
Otama is an orphan, her parents died in the factories across Wano leaving her with nothing. Until Hitetsu takes her in, helping to secure food and clean water for the young girl to drink. In doing so it gives him a new mission, to raise Otama and pay some penance for his sins. Otama helps to bring about a major change in the tide of battle during Onigashima, creating an advantage that lets the Straw Hat Pirates alliance pull off a win. It couldn’t have happened without the guiding hand of Sukiyaki, leading Wano back to freedom as his redemption.
While he still refuses to reveal his true identity to his grandchildren, he does believe the samurai know. Despite this, he still refuses to go back to his previous identity, feeling he can’t face anyone. He does reveal his identity to Nico Robin though, while also telling her the weapon Pluton is in Wano. There are a lot of secrets he still holds, but Hitetsu is going to hang back for the meantime and let the new generation take hold.
