Making stark contrast to the earlier predictions, the chapter 973 of ‘One Piece’ did not turn back to the present timeline but rather, it quickly summed up all the events from the life of Oden in his previous days. (check: Black Clover Episode 125.)
The upcoming chapter 973 of ‘One Piece’ has been titled as ‘Kozuki Clan’. In the beginning of it, we were able to see Hiyori and Momonosuki playing games with their father Oden. Most likely, this is the time in from the days when he was travelling with the pirates around the world along with his family.
Oden does appreciate the achievements and greatness of the Zou and the Kozuki Clans. According to Daimyo, the Kozuki and the Zou Clan did share a very strong historical connection-cum-bond. Also, Oden believes that the Minks were quite skilled fighters which they should keep in mind because they could require to go to Zou when the right time comes.
These words of Oden seemed to be giving rise to confusion among the Nine Red Scabbards. But still, Oden does not consider to explain himself for now.
In the chapter 973 of ‘One Piece’, we were also able to see Oden could feel his death coming nearer. While Hiyori was practising her musical notes on her shamisen, he said something to her. It sounded like he wanted her to play that musical instrument at his funeral.
In the next scene, we could see Orochi’s men following the Nine Red Scabbards which might have escaped when they were pushed away by Oden to set them free. It appeared that they might be in rush to get to the Oden’s Castle in Kuri. Unfortunately, Kaido and his forces had already attacked and were about to take over this fort as well.
Kaido had successfully captured the son of Oden i.e. Momonosuke. Even after all this he did not seem to lose hope and behaved like a fearless and courageous boy saying that one day he would surely become the person leading the population of Wano.
After seeing this reaction of him, Kaido seemed to be amused and that all this sounded not more than just a mere dream for a young kid like him. To this, Yonko said that the Oden’s son i.e. he would be burned alive in the castle by them.
After this, the young boy was tossed into the castle which was already on fire but we were able to spot Toki inside the fort. Together Toki and the Nine Red Scabbards were able to devise a fresh plan to beat the situation. While Hiyori managed to leave the place with Kawamatsu,
Toki used her powers to send the other Scabbards along with Momonosuke into the timeline of the future. At last we were able to conclude that Toki might have to exhaust the entire strength of her own complete body to activate her magical spells to use them on a much stronger scale to save the life of others which also implies that she would have to eventually die in this process.
In the castle, we saw Orochi asking for a valid proof which could confirm the end of the lives of all the Nine Red Scabbards. It clearly shows that he is afraid of their wrath for revenge if even one of them manages to survive.
Interestingly, the chapter 973 of ‘One Piece’ confirms the credibility of one of the speculative theories by the fans. It was finally disclosed that Kyoshiro was none other than Denjiro who disguised himself to become the bodyguard of Orochi. After escaping, Kawamatsu did separate from Hiyori but she eventually arrived at the place of Kyoshiro.
Surprisingly, Kyoshiro confessed about his real identity as Denjiro to Hiyori and also made a request to her to keep this secret to herself only. He also advised her to disguise herself as Komurasaki so as to keep herself safe.
