Denjirou

Overview

Denjiro is a samurai in One Piece and a member of the Nine Red Scabbards serving Kozuki Oden. Alongside Kin'emon, he is one of Oden's earliest retainers. Following his master's tragic execution, overwhelming grief and anger radically altered his physical appearance. Disguising himself under the alias Dozing Kyoshiro, he posed as a money changer for Kurozumi Orochi and leader of the Kyoshiro Family yakuza. For twenty years, he feigned loyalty to the enemy while covertly protecting Oden's daughter, Kozuki Hiyori, awaiting the day of retribution.

Appearance

Denjiro is a tall man standing 306 cm in height. Twenty years prior, he had bluish-black long hair tied in a ponytail and wore sunglasses-like spectacles. His appearance changed drastically due to extreme grief; his hair turned light blue, and his eyes grew narrow and sharply slanted. Under his cover identity, he wore a blue pompadour wig alongside a blue patterned cloak and kimono. Upon revealing his identity, he abandoned the wig, reverting to his ponytail. His long sword features a distinctive diamond-shaped guard.

Personality

In his youth, Denjiro was crafty and cynical toward adults, yet he held absolute reverence for Kozuki Oden. Possessing sharp intellect and financial skill, he was learned enough to teach academic subjects to his fellow retainers. He exhibited extraordinary endurance by harboring hatred for two decades while waiting to strike. As a yakuza boss, he showed a chivalrous disposition, punishing anyone who harmed his men while treating courtesans with dignity. When drinking alcohol, he frequently dozes off mid-conversation.

Abilities

Denjiro is a master swordsman wielding a tachi with a diamond-shaped guard. He possesses enough force to slice a colossal galleon cleanly in two with a flying slash and comfortably parry attacks from Roronoa Zoro. His swordplay is equally precise, allowing him to cut hidden blood packets without injuring the person wearing them. He has mastered both Busoshoku and Kenbunshoku Haki, and can execute the Oden Two-Sword Style technique Togen Totsuka alongside fellow scabbards. Additionally, he exhibits exceptional administrative and teaching capabilities.

Background

Raised as an orphan in the Flower Capital, Denjiro became fascinated by Kozuki Oden during the Mountain God Incident 41 years ago, insisting on becoming his follower alongside Kin'emon. After helping turn Kuri into a thriving region, he was officially named a retainer and matured into a noble samurai under Shimotsuki Yasuie's guidance. Following Oden's execution 20 years ago, extreme grief altered his physical form at Enma Shrine. Assuming the name Kyoshiro, he established himself in the underworld, entered Orochi's inner circle, and sheltered Oden's young daughter Hiyori under the alias Komurasaki. During the Fire Festival, he revealed his true identity and joined the alliance in the raid on Onigashima.

Relationships

Denjiro holds lifelong devotion to his master, Kozuki Oden. Kin'emon is his childhood companion, whom he deeply respects as the leader of the Red Scabbards. He took over the protection of Oden's daughter, Kozuki Hiyori, from Kawamatsu, safeguarding her under the identity of Komurasaki. Kurozumi Orochi was his sworn enemy, whom he served under the pretense of loyalty while plotting revenge. Shimotsuki Yasuie was a crucial mentor who shaped him into an educated samurai. He also engaged in a brief duel with Roronoa Zoro in the Flower Capital.

Trivia

His disguise identity and overall design were modeled after the famous historical fiction protagonist Nemuri Kyoshiro. His official birthday, October 26th, is a Japanese numerical wordplay on his name (10/26 for Denjiro). His favorite food is beef tendon, whereas his least favorite is charcoal-grilled kusaya.