ONE PIECE Analysis! – Summary of Yamato! Is Their Devil Fruit Okuchi-no-Makami? The 10th Crew Member? Their Model and Gender? Is Their Mother Part of the Rocks Pirates? Kaidou’s Daughter? Son? - Manga Analysis

Kaidou of the Beasts is one of the strongest characters in ONE PIECE. He boasts top-tier strength even among the Four Emperors.

It was revealed that this Kaidou has a “child” named “Yamato.”

In ONE PIECE, parent-child relationships are often highlighted, such as Luffy’s father being Monkey D. Dragon of the Revolutionary Army, Ace’s father being the Pirate King Roger, and the relationship between Bartholomew Kuma and Jewelry Bonney.

This time, we will delve into “Yamato’s true identity and abilities, and their strength.” Yamato’s backstory and character setting are surprisingly complex, so let’s summarize them simply. Who is their model? What is their relationship with Oden? Will they join the Straw Hat Pirates?

Table of contents

Is Yamato Kaidou’s Son? Daughter?
1. Was the Female Foreshadowing in the Mask?
Comparison Between Yamato and Kaidou
What is the relationship between Yamato and Kozuki Oden?
Does Yamato have “Kozuki Oden’s journal”?
Yamato’s age is the same as Momonosuke’s: 28 years old
Was Ace the reason for knowing Luffy?
Is Yamato stronger than Luffy?
Yamato’s Devil Fruit ability is confirmed to be the “Dog-Dog Fruit, Model: Okuchi-no-Makami.”
1. What does Yamato look like in her Mythical Beast form?
2. Summary of Yamato’s Special Techniques
Is Yamato the 10th member of the Straw Hat Pirates?
Is Yamato modeled after the “Nara Kaido”?
Is Yamato modeled after Yamato Takeru?
1. Was there foreshadowing of Yamato betraying Kaidou?
Is Yamato’s mother also a former member of the Rocks Pirates?

Is Yamato Kaidou’s Son? Daughter?

First, let’s briefly examine Yamato’s identity.

Yamato is the child of Kaidou of the Beasts. While Big Mum (Charlotte Linlin) had many children, it appears that Yamato is an only child.

Yamato’s gender is “female.” Although Kaidou often refers to Yamato as his “stupid son,” “Kaidou’s only daughter” is the correct description.

Kaidou seems to want to place Yamato at the center of the New Onigashima Project and make them the next shogun of Wano Country.

There is no necessity for a shogun to be male, but the reason Kaidou refers to his daughter Yamato as “son” is still unclear.

Kaidou appears to know the true identity of Joy Boy. Could he be referring to Yamato as “son” because he believes Yamato will become Joy Boy? There was speculation that Joy Boy = Kaidou, but could it be resolved with Yamato?

Was the Female Foreshadowing in the Mask?

There is also a clue supporting Yamato’s gender being female: the “Hannya mask.” The image shows Yamato’s first appearance.

In the world of Noh and Gagaku, the Hannya mask is traditionally worn by women. Although it looks fierce and might seem male, the Hannya mask represents a woman transformed into a demon by jealousy. Typically, female eyebrows are drawn on the Hannya mask.

Okiku (Kikunojo) of the Nine Red Scabbards also wore a demon mask, and in the world of Noh masks, “masks with horns” generally symbolize women. Kozuki Hiyori also wore a “mysterious fox mask,” suggesting that masks are cleverly used for dramatic effect in the Wano Country arc.

Despite Yamato being female, there must be a reason for them being treated as male, but the details are unknown.

Comparison Between Yamato and Kaidou

Next, let’s examine the differences between Yamato and Kaidou.

Yamato appears as a beautiful woman, while Kaidou looks like a monstrous man. Yamato is gentle and kind, whereas Kaidou is violent. He was an abusive father who imprisoned Yamato on Onigashima from the age of 8, exhibiting extreme Spartan education.

However, Yamato and Kaidou, as “biological parent and child,” share many similarities.

For example, Yamato can use the technique “Raimei Hakke,” and the notable part here is the spiked club. Yamato’s club has rounded spikes. Additionally, Yamato’s wrists are shackled as evidence of being imprisoned on Onigashima since childhood.

In contrast, Kaidou’s club is sharply spiked, showing lethal intent. He wears spiked wristbands like Chun-Li from ‘Street Fighter.’ Both have distinctive horns growing from their heads, creating an identical silhouette.

Despite their mutual hatred, their “blood connection” suggests an inescapable fate.

Interestingly, Yamato is called “Onihime” (Demon Princess) by those around them and “Oni no Ko” (Demon Child) by Kaidou, implying that both Kaidou and Yamato might belong to the same species as the Oars tribe or ancient giants.

What is the relationship between Yamato and Kozuki Oden?

On the other hand, why does Yamato refer to herself as “male”?

The reason is that she admires the way of life of “Kozuki Oden.” To the extent that Yamato even calls herself Kozuki Oden. It is said that because Yamato claimed to be Kozuki Oden, Whitebeard (Edward Newgate) did not come to Wano Country for revenge after Oden’s execution.

Although there is also Emporio Ivankov from the Revolutionary Army, as you can see from Yamato’s body, she remains biologically female.

Yamato’s attire is also similar to Kozuki Oden’s, and she carries a shimenawa like the one worn by Sentomaru of the Marines, out of “respect.” When the still mysterious Yamato first appeared, there were even rumors that Oden had survived because their outfits were so identical. Conversely, it can be said that Oden is surely deceased.

Does Yamato have “Kozuki Oden’s journal”?

This Yamato holds a “crucial item” that will be key in ONE PIECE.

That is “Kozuki Oden’s voyage journal.”

Since he started his voyage as a member of the Whitebeard Pirates, Kozuki Oden diligently recorded every part of his journey in his journal. He eventually reached Laugh Tale with Gol D. Roger and learned “everything” about the Family of D, the Ancient Weapon Pluton, and the Void Century.

The Wano Country flashback is based entirely on “Kozuki Oden’s voyage journal,” which also served as a hint for Yamato’s appearance.

None of the Nine Red Scabbards, including Kin’emon, nor Kurozumi Orochi’s agent Kurozumi Kanjuro, knew the “secrets of the world.” But given that the Wano Country flashback has been told, someone must have possessed Kozuki Oden’s journal even now. And that someone is Yamato.

Yamato calls Oden’s voyage journal a “Bible,” showing how it greatly influenced her worldview, which also abhors isolationism. Seeing such an exaggerated expression as “Bible,” it seems likely that ONE PIECE has hidden religious-like undertones such as those seen in Freemasonry.

Yamato’s age is the same as Momonosuke’s: 28 years old

Next, let’s explain Yamato’s “age.”

Yamato is 28 years old. This makes her slightly younger than former Seven Warlords of the Sea member Boa Hancock (age 31).

As mentioned earlier, Yamato has been imprisoned on Onigashima by Kaidou since she was 8 years old. The handcuffs on her wrists are the same as those used in the Udon prison and would explode if she left Onigashima. Although Yamato can use Haoshoku Haki and could likely remove them, 20 years ago, Yamato was “free.”

In fact, it is said that Yamato witnessed “Kozuki Oden’s execution scene” that took place 20 years ago, where she saw the way (and manner of death) of Kozuki Oden firsthand. Furthermore, it is believed that she picked up Oden’s voyage journal somewhere in Kuri. Oden was supposed to have entrusted the voyage journal to Kozuki Toki, but she too was killed in Kuri. The timing fits.

Therefore, Yamato’s age is the same as Kozuki Momonosuke’s. Although Momonosuke’s physical age remained 8 years due to his time slip to the present with the Time-Time Fruit, he has already grown into an adult due to Shinobu’s Devil Fruit. This also leads to speculation that Yamato being female might have been intended so she could marry Momonosuke in the future.

And thus, you can see a pattern where Yamato might accomplish what Kozuki Oden could not: opening Wano Country and ruling it.

Was Ace the reason for knowing Luffy?

On the other hand, Yamato somehow knew about Monkey D. Luffy, whom he had never met. As mentioned earlier, Yamato had been confined in Onigashima for nearly 20 years. Of course, Luffy was not mentioned in Kozuki Oden’s voyage journal. So how did Yamato know about him?

The truth is, a few years ago, Yamato encountered Portgas D. Ace, who had come to Wano Country to defeat Kaidou. At that time, there were no executives like King or Queen on Onigashima, so Yamato fought Ace. Yamato, who was bored, and Ace, who communicated through fists, quickly became friends.

Afterward, Yamato learned all about “Luffy, the younger brother” from Ace. Therefore, when Yamato first met Luffy, he saw the image of his old friend Ace and remarked that Luffy reminded him of Ace. Incidentally, Ace ended up meeting two beautiful women (Otama and Yamato).

However, Ace’s visit to Wano Country was when he was 18, before joining the Whitebeard Pirates. Considering Luffy is now 19, the perceived power difference might just be an illusion.

Is Yamato stronger than Luffy?

Next, let’s examine Yamato’s strength.

Firstly, Yamato’s physical strength is almost equal to Luffy’s Gear 3. In fact, Yamato easily deflected Luffy’s attacks, indicating that his physical abilities might be on par with Charlotte Katakuri. Although no bounty has been set for Yamato, his power level is likely between 1 to 1.5 billion berries.

Yamato can use not only Busoshoku Haki and Kenbunshoku Haki but also possibly Haoshoku Haki, just like Kaidou. In fact, Yamato’s attacks generate black lightning, and the reason why Tobiroppo’s Black Maria described him as “formidable” might be due to his sheer strength.

In reality, the power of Raimei Hakke is almost equal to Kaidou’s.

Additionally, Yamato uses special moves like “White Snake Rush,” showcasing that he has genetically inherited Kaidou’s strength.

Yamato’s Devil Fruit ability is confirmed to be the “Dog-Dog Fruit, Model: Okuchi-no-Makami.”

Next, let’s examine Yamato’s Devil Fruit. As you know, Kaidou’s Devil Fruit was revealed to be the “Dragon,” but what exactly is the ability of his child, Yamato?

Yamato’s Devil Fruit is the Dog-Dog Fruit, Model: Okuchi-no-Makami. This is a Zoan-type Mythical Beast, making it the same classification as his father, Kaidou.

Okuchi-no-Makami is the deity of the “Japanese Wolf.” This Okuchi-no-Makami was a wolf in Asuka, Yamato Province (present-day Nara Prefecture). It was so powerful that it was later deified as a sacred beast. It was said to be a wolf that embodied ferocity.

On the other hand, it excelled at discerning human nature and punishing wrongdoers, and it is still worshipped today as a god of protection against misfortune and evil. Initially, it seemed plausible that Yamato’s ability would be one of the Four Symbols, specifically the White Tiger, but the concept of the “divine beast of Yamato Province” seems more fitting.

Similarly, in ONE PIECE, Kaidou refers to Yamato’s ability as the “Guardian Deity of Wano Country.” Kaidou remarked, “I was careless to let someone who calls themselves Oden eat it,” implying that the Dog-Dog Fruit, Model: Okuchi-no-Makami, was inherited by Yamato.

However, judging by Kaidou’s words, the previous owner of the Dog-Dog Fruit, Model: Okuchi-no-Makami, may hold a significant key, similar to the Barrier-Barrier Fruit and the Clone-Clone Fruit.

What does Yamato look like in her Mythical Beast form?

Here is Yamato in her human-beast form. When in human form, her horns grow sideways, but in human-beast form, they seem to grow from the top of her forehead. Wolves (Okuchi-no-Makami) don’t have horns, so it suggests that Yamato’s species is closer to the Oars Tribe.

Here is Yamato in her beast form. She appears as a wolf with a solemn aura, surrounded by clouds or flames. The horns remain, confirming that Yamato’s species naturally has horns.

Summary of Yamato’s Special Techniques

In her Mythical Beast form, Okuchi-no-Makami, Yamato has various original techniques, like Kaidou’s ability to shoot laser beams from his mouth.

For example, “Kagamiyama.”

The name “Kagami” (mirror) suggests a duplication technique, but Yamato seems to enhance her defense by covering her entire body like a wax figure. When attacked by Kaidou, the covering cracks but Yamato remains mostly unharmed, unlike the bleeding Kaidou.

Afterwards, Yamato emerges from within, indicating a “substitute” aspect. Similar to Basil Hawkins, it is possible that during Kagamiyama’s activation, attacks are nullified.

Another special technique is “Himorogiri.” Yamato spins her club and strikes Kaidou with it. While the damage wasn’t extensive, the combined rotational force and gravity indicate considerable power.

Is Yamato the 10th member of the Straw Hat Pirates?

Next, let’s delve into the theory that Yamato will join the Straw Hat Pirates.

It is said that there is a high possibility that Yamato will become the 10th member of the Straw Hat Pirates.

The Straw Hat crew follows a “number rule.” Yamato’s Devil Fruit is the Dog-Dog Fruit (1212). The name “Yamato” itself contains the numbers “eight (ya)” and “ten (to).” Although Jinbe, the 9th member of the Straw Hat crew, is a bit of an exception, he still fits the “new character” element.

Interestingly, Yamato’s initial name was supposedly “Ninigi.” The reason for the name change to Yamato is unknown, but considering the number rule, was it because 22 was too obvious? This suggests that Yamato is almost certain to be the 10th member.

Was the Hannya mask also a foreshadowing of Yamato joining the crew?

In Buddhism, to achieve wisdom (hannya), one must “associate with wise people” and “avoid foolish people.” The wise person is Monkey D. Luffy, while the foolish person is Yamato’s father, Kaidou. Yamato, originally on the enemy side, wearing a scary Hannya mask seems natural, but it was actually foreshadowing her betrayal of Kaidou.

It’s unclear what role Yamato will take in the Straw Hat crew, but a potential role could be “navigator.” If Kozuki Oden’s logbook contains information on how to read Poneglyphs, Yamato could be a candidate for deciphering ancient scripts as well.

However, considering that Oden’s logbook reveals too much, and remembering how Luffy rejected Silvers Rayleigh’s attempt to spoil him at Sabaody Archipelago, it’s uncertain whether Luffy would straightforwardly bring Yamato along to Laugh Tale.

Is Yamato modeled after the “Nara Kaido”?

Next, let’s consider Yamato’s “model.”

Characters like Akainu Sakazuki and Aokiji Kuzan were modeled after real-life actors, but since Yamato is a female character, there may not be a specific real-life model. However, the name Yamato, a familiar term for Japanese people, can lead to various theories.

For instance, there is a theory that Yamato’s model is the “Yamato Kaido” (Yamato Highway). The Nara Kaido, as it is also known, is a road that connects Kyoto to Nara. Nara was formerly known as Yamato.

Thus, the name Yamato might imply “a certain path.” Additionally, Yamato and Kaidou together form a set. This hints at their deep parent-child bond. In ‘ONE PIECE,’ what could this path refer to?

It likely refers to the path leading to Laugh Tale, the final destination.

In other words, both Kaidou and Yamato might hold some key to reaching Laugh Tale. Initially depicted as a fearsome character, Kaidou being portrayed in a somewhat sympathetic light could be a hint at Yamato joining the Straw Hats and journeying to Laugh Tale together.

Is Yamato modeled after Yamato Takeru?

Another potential model is “Yamato Takeru no Mikoto.”

Given that Wano Country is modeled after Japan, and considering the warship Yamato from the former Japanese navy, it’s plausible. However, many warships have cool names, and there could have been more names for characters like Kaidou and others.

Searching for Yamato in Japan leads to Yamato Takeru no Mikoto from Japanese mythology. Yamato Takeru is often depicted in kabuki, which Oda enjoys, as a heroic figure.

Yamato Takeru was an imperial prince said to have lived around 70 AD, though there’s no tangible evidence of his existence. Thus, Yamato Takeru no Mikoto is classified as a mythological figure.

Nevertheless, the mythological Yamato Takeru is described as bold and daring, characteristics that match Yamato, who even Kaidou struggles with. If Kaidou represents the immovable Fudo Myoo, then Yamato is Yamato Takeru no Mikoto.

Was there foreshadowing of Yamato betraying Kaidou?

On the other hand, Yamato Takeru was disliked by his father, Emperor Keiko. Similarly, Yamato seems somewhat estranged from his father, Kaidou. At the very least, their relationship is not good, and Yamato strongly dislikes Kaidou.

In myths, Yamato Takeru is celebrated as a hero. In manga, anime, and movies, Yamato Takeru often appears as a hero. Writing Yamato Takeru in kanji as “日本武尊” (Yamato Takeru) incorporates the word “Japan.” Is it appropriate to use “Japan” in the name of an enemy character, like Kaidou’s child?

Thus, the theory that Yamato will be the 10th member of the Straw Hats is supported by the model.

For example, in mythology, Yamato Takeru transformed into a white bird and flew to Yamato. While mythological details can be questionable, the Kozuki clan’s crest is a crane. The white bird in ancient times referred to any white bird, so Yamato’s self-identification with Oden makes sense.

Now that it’s revealed that Yamato’s Devil Fruit ability is a wolf, the reason for Yamato’s white hair might be due to the “model (Yamato Takeru who turned into a white bird).” And the destination of Yamato as a white bird is, of course, Laugh Tale.

If we consider Yamato’s model to be the space battleship Yamato, connections with Luffy also become apparent, but that’s a discussion for another time.

Is Yamato’s mother also a former member of the Rocks Pirates?

Finally, I would like to speculate about “Yamato’s mother.”

Yamato cannot be born from just her father, Kaidou. There must have been a mother who acted as the womb. On the internet, the true identities of Blackbeard‘s mother and Luffy’s mother are often subjects of speculation. Since Kozuki Toki has appeared in Wano Country, it’s not unreasonable to expect Yamato’s mother to appear eventually as well.

In conclusion, I predict that the “mysterious beauty” introduced by Kurozumi Higurashi, the user of the Clone-Clone Fruit, along with Shiki the Golden Lion, is Yamato’s mother. At the very least, just as Kozuki Hiyori’s mother was the incredibly beautiful Kozuki Toki, Yamato’s mother must also be exceptionally beautiful.

Furthermore, given that she is Kaidou’s wife, she must have been part of the same Rocks Pirates. In fact, since Kurozumi Higurashi transformed into the mysterious beauty immediately after transforming into Shiki the Golden Lion, it is reasonable to assume that the timing of her touching both of their faces corresponds to when they were both members of the Rocks Pirates.

There is also a theory that Big Mum is the mother. Indeed, a young Big Mum was extraordinarily beautiful. Personally, I find this theory somewhat questionable, but could it be that Katakuri and Yamato were swapped and raised by each other? The age difference is concerning, but is this the “favor” Big Mum speaks of?

Additionally, there is a theory that the Tobiroppo member Black Maria, who is excessively affectionate towards Kaidou, is the mother. However, given that she refers to “Yamato-bocchan” as a formidable opponent as if it were someone else’s problem, this possibility seems low. There is also the theory involving Kozuki Toki, but if that were the case, wouldn’t Yamato and Hiyori be sisters?