Summary
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With so much going on, the stage is being set for the grand climax of Eiichiro Oda’s story, the Final Saga ofOne Piece. Elbaf is finally on the big screen, the God’s Knights are getting active, and Shanks may be closer to the One Piece than the series lets on.
Yet, there is one character whose name has not left fans’ lips despite his alleged death: Kaido. Not only does his story seem incomplete, but his return, especially at the peak ofOne Piece, would serve a higher purpose as a wildcard that no one knew the series needed in the upcoming war.
Kaido Was Not The Final Boss
Just The First One To Fall (And Maybe The Last One)
Yes, Kaido is said to be thestrongest in the world ofOne Piece, but there is a reason his downfall came before the Final Saga. In an era where antagonists were secretly devising to rule or destroy the world, Kaido stood tall, unbothered by any threat that came his way. Whether due to his belief in his endurance and abilities or his desire to die a legendary death at the hands of Joyboy alone, he was a proud top-tier threat who went into battle, Hassakai ablazing.
Joyboy is the man who’ll be able to beat me one day.- Kaido
Also, why would the supposed “strongest creature in the world” not appear when the lore needs him the most? Granted, he has been defeated seven times, eight if Luffy is included, but these losses may not be as straightforward as they seem. Even Luffy’s victory required several other powerhouses to severely weaken him. So his downfall may be the beginning of an even stronger version of Kaido, not a K.O.One Pieceis not a story that stagnates its characters that often, especially key ones such as him. He may havejust disappeared into the background, setting the stage in the Final Saga for the greatest showdown between him and Joyboy.
Mythical Zoan Awakening & Haki Bloom
Kaido’s Real Power-Up
Kaido’s defeat at the hands of Luffyand friends might have reawakened a beast rather than put one to sleep. It is a common trait for Mythical Zoan-type Devil Fruit wielders to experience an awakening that gives them a blend of Zoan and Paramecia-type abilities when pushed to their limit. Kaido and Luffy were both pushed to their limit in their battle, and Luffy had his awakening to Joy Boy after nearing the brink of death. What if the descent into the magma is Kaido’s near-death experience that awakens his Devil Fruit? Kaido’s return might reveal his own awakened form, finally matching the madness of Luffy’s Gear 5.
Then there is his Haki.Kaido’s Conqueror’s Hakiis already terrifying, but it may not have been its final form. Based on its name, Conqueror’s Haki can be explained as the will to dominate through sheer strength and willpower, abilities fit for a King, and Kaido’s mindset pre-defeat may have placed mental blockers that capped its potential. Kaido was craving defeat, someone who could actually hurt him, so there’s a chance that the Haki fans witnessed him in easy mode. With his desire satisfied and a greater drive to overcome Joy Boy and become the strongest once more, Kaido’s Haki would drastically increase from what it was in Wano, making him a more terrifying force to deal with.
The Bonds That Remain
Kaido’s Possible Connection To Elbaf
Although Kaido’s rise from a young warrior in the Vodka Kingdom to one of the strongest creatures to roam the earth has been discussed, there is still much about his past that remains a mystery, especially his origins and race. Many fans speculate that Kaidomay be tied to the ancient Giantsin the same manner as the accursed prince Loki and the late King Harald. His unusually large size, coupled with his large horns that distinguish pure-blooded Giants, supports this thesis. If true, Kaido may be playing a much larger role and might even make a reveal before the Final Saga starts.
Resolution With Yamato
An overbearing and strict father figure, Kaido’s relationship with Yamato was severely lacking in several ways, and a return might give him the chance to correct things with his son. DespiteKaido’s harsh treatment of Yamatoand Yamato’s rightful resentment towards him, they both still acknowledged each other. Kaido wanted Yamato to become the next shogun of Wano, and Yamato still refers to himself as Kaido’s son. Kaido’s reappearance in the Final Saga could be his chance at redemption in the face of Yamato, who is poised to play a key role in the coming arcs, notwithstanding his decision to remain in Wano.
A Warrior’s Death
An Exit Comparable To That Of Legendary Characters In One Piece
Death without significance is not a theme thatOne Pieceembodies.Roger’s death heralded a new eraof piracy with his declaration of the validity of the One Piece at his execution. Whitebeard died while standing after giving his all to save his Ace and being betrayed by one of his own family, Blackbeard. Kaido’s downfall is lacking in comparison and might be a sign of his reappearance for a proper exit. Kaido’s greatest desire was always to die a legendary death. He tried to off himself and force it in battle, but he never found it. With the Final Saga fast approaching, Kaido’s purpose would most likely be to crash the greatest war the world has ever seen and die a death that he has always wanted and deserves, one that shakes the lore ofOne Piece.
One Piece
One Piece is a Japanese manga written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda. The series follows protagonist Monkey D. Luffy and his Straw Hat Pirate crew as they explore the Grand Line to find the King of the Pirates' ultimate treasure, the One Piece, in order to become the next king. The manga’s popularity helped it spin off into a larger media franchise, including an anime with more than 1,000 episodes.
