Izou

Overview

Izou is a character from the manga and anime series ONE PIECE. Serving as the 16th Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates, he is also a former samurai of Wano Country who originally served as a retainer to Kozuki Oden. Despite his refined, traditional aesthetic inspired by onnagata performers, he is a brave and deeply honorable warrior. After initially boarding the Moby Dick to prevent his master from leaving their homeland, Izou came to revere Edward Newgate as his captain and formed unbreakable bonds with his fellow crewmates. He plays a vital role in major historical conflicts, including the Marineford Summit War and the raid on Onigashima.

Appearance

Izou possesses a striking aesthetic reminiscent of a traditional Japanese kabuki onnagata actor. He wears his long black hair styled in a traditional topknot, paired with elegant Japanese robes and makeup accented by red lipstick. Despite his tall stature, his build is notably slender compared to his fellow crewmates. During the battle at Onigashima in the Wano Country arc, he is seen with a small scar near the outer tip of his right eyebrow, wearing gloves and draping an outer coat over his attire.

Personality

Despite his graceful and refined demeanor, Izou embodies a fierce warrior spirit and unwavering courage, standing resolute even when confronting high-ranking Marine Admirals. He possesses an intensely loyal nature, deeply revering Kozuki Oden for rescuing him and his younger brother during their impoverished childhood. Although he initially harbored resentment toward Edward Newgate for putting Oden through severe trials, he gradually grew deeply attached to the Whitebeard Pirates, eventually addressing Newgate with affectionate respect as "Pops." Izou is protective and selfless, consistently putting his life on the line for his brother Kikunojo and his cherished comrades.

Abilities

Izou is a master marksman who dual-wields flintlock pistols with absolute precision. Originally trained in swordsmanship, he permanently adopted firearms after the swordsman Vista praised his exceptional marksmanship, realizing guns would better serve to protect his lord. He can utilize both Busoshoku and Kenbunshoku Haki. His combat skills allow him to unleash techniques like Dangirigan, firing high-speed spinning bullets. In combat, he disarmed the high-ranking officer King, inflicted damage on the Emperor Kaido, and successfully took down the masked CP-0 agent Maha in a fatal mutual strike despite being heavily injured.

Background

Born into the Hanayanagi school of traditional dance, Izou and his brother Kikunojo were left impoverished street performers in Ringo after their father was convicted of a crime. Rescued by Kozuki Oden, they helped rebuild the Kuri region and became formal samurai retainers. When Oden attempted to leave Wano by clinging to the Whitebeard Pirates' vessel, Izou pursued him to stop him, ultimately boarding the Moby Dick himself. Although he initially urged Oden to return home, Izou formed a strong attachment to the crew and chose to remain a Whitebeard pirate even after Oden departed with Roger. Years later, he fought valiantly in the Marineford Summit War to rescue Portgas D. Ace and later joined the Payback War. During the raid on Onigashima, he returned to Wano to aid the Akazaya Nine, sacrificing his life in the fierce battle to free his homeland.

Relationships

Izou shares a deep sibling bond with his younger brother Kikunojo, having survived an impoverished childhood together before reuniting decades later in Wano. He harbors absolute devotion to his former master Kozuki Oden. While he initially disliked Edward Newgate for testing Oden, he eventually grew to revere him as a father figure. Izou maintains strong camaraderie with fellow Whitebeard commanders such as Marco and Vista, and risked his life during the Summit War to protect Monkey D. Luffy out of respect for Portgas D. Ace. In his final battle at Onigashima, he fought against the agent Maha of CP-0.

Trivia

Izou's name is derived from Okada Izo, a famous Tosa domain samurai from the late Edo period. Additionally, his character trait of setting aside his katana in favor of dual pistols is believed to be inspired by anecdotes surrounding Sakamoto Ryoma, another historical figure from Tosa. Notably, the Wano Country arc also features another character named Hitokiri Kamazo whose name shares the same historical inspiration.