Why Did Oden Start Dancing? The Truth Behind His Sacrifice
Once the hope for Wano, a revered warrior like Oden reduced to dancing in the streets, stripped of his dignity is difficult to picture. But for years, he carried out this strange ritual every week, perplexing and demoralizing the residents. Children teased him, samurai attacked him, and even some of his supporters found his behavior incomprehensible. Why would someone so strong and proud allow such humiliation?
Though he kept his motives hidden, Oden’s odd actions were not without intention. Over Wano was a weight of future and the approaching threat of Orochi and Kaido. Though on the surface his acts seemed stupid, they suggested a deeper sacrifice—one only he could afford. Although his silence left everyone wondering about his intentions, his unflinching determination implied there was more to his narrative than first seemed.
Oden’s encounter with Orochi
Oden addressed Orochi straight after learning of his despotism. He hurried to act even remembering Toki’s warning about possible reprisal. Clearly scared, Orochi sought cover behind a solid wall. Made by Kurozumi Semimaru with the Barrier-Barrier Arts, the barrier made Oden’s strength ineffective. Oden could neither compromise the defense nor damage Orochi despite several tries to break it.
Semimaru parodied Oden’s incapacity to break through the might of the barrier. Referring to his experience as a pirate and suggesting past knowledge of Devil Fruits, Kurozumi Higurashi further attacked him. Empowered by the protection of the barrier, Orochi discounted Oden’s attempts. He said the Daimyos would have already prevailed if his rule could be solved with violence. With Orochi’s growing haughtiness and Semimaru’s unexplained powers, Oden was left helpless. Outside, fans stayed uninformed of Oden’s inner conflicts.
Why did Oden dance?
Under a forced agreement set by Kaido and Orochi, Oden started dancing in Wano’s streets. Oden discovered Orochi abusing the territory while keeping 100 people captive when he returned to Wano. Oden challenged Orochi to guard these hostages but ran across an unbreakable wall built by Kurozumi Semimaru. Then Orochi and Kaido suggested a humiliating condition: Oden had to dance naked in front of the prisoners release.
Though it meant facing public mockery, he agreed to save their lives. Oden danced weekly five years, trying to maintain the terrible promise until Kaido left Wano. But Orochi’s treachery set Oden’s breaking point when Hyogoro’s capture and the murder of his wife exposed the folly of the arrangement. Through bearing the humiliation to protect Wano’s future from within a catastrophe no one else could fix, these events revealed the depth of Oden’s sacrifice.
What if Oden realised Kaido was lying?
Should Oden learn of Kaido’s dishonesty, his behavior would have most certainly changed. Oden’s relentless dedication to safeguarding Wano and its people implies he would have quickly turned away from the humiliating agreement. Rather than dancing, he might have organized his supporters—including the Akazaya Nine—to start a fresh aggressive revolt against Orochi and Kaido.
Given Oden’s might and leadership, a direct clash might have driven Kaido’s army into an early, more exposed conflict. Strong supporters of Oden were Denjiro and Kin’emon, who could spearhead calculated offensives. Realizing this, Oden might have urged the people to come together against tyranny by working to reveal Orochi’s duplicity to them.
Still, this strategy would jeopardize the safety of the hostages quite a little. The brutal character of Kaido and Orochi meant that reprisal was unavoidable, endangering Wano’s life as well as the innocent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Oden seen dancing in the streets?
A contract forced by Orochi and Kaido caused Oden to dance in the streets. He agreed to disgrace himself by dancing nude in front of 100 captives to guarantee their safety. Though interpreted differently, his acts were a sacrifice to protect Wano’s people and their future.
Why couldn’t Oden defeat Orochi despite his strength?
Oden couldn’t beat Orochi because of a solid barricade Kurozumi Semritch built. Oden’s great strength was useless because of this barrier, hence he was helpless to physically injure Orochi.
Did Oden know he was being deceived by Kaido?
At first, Oden thought the bargain with Kaido and Orochi was reasonable. But Oden saw the dishonesty once Orochi betrayed him by seizing Hyogoro and letting other crimes to happen, and he started acting forcefully.
What motivated Oden’s sacrifices?
Deeply committed to Wano and its people drove Oden’s sacrifices. Always putting the larger good above his personal dignity, he sought to save lives and purchase time by enduring public humiliation and disgrace.
What would Oden have done if he suspected Kaido’s betrayal earlier?
Had Oden known Kaido’s treason earlier, he might have dropped the embarrassing dance, gathered his supporters, and started a revolt. But this forceful approach would have endangered the life of the hostages, which Oden was resolved to defend.
What does Oden’s story reveal about his character?
Oden’s narrative captures his relentless will, altruism, and great feeling of obligation. Though others misinterpreted him, he went through humiliation to guard Wano, therefore representing the highest sacrifice for the benefit of society.
How did Orochi benefit from Oden’s humiliation?
By means of Oden’s public humiliation, Orochi sought to discredit Oden and erode the faith of the villagers in him. This helped Orochi to establish a false impression that Oden had lost his dignity and will, therefore consolidating his dominance.
