Shimotsuki Yasuie in One Piece

During the reign of Kozuki Sukiyaki in the vibrant land of Wano Country, the honorable Yasuie held the esteemed position of daimyo over the region of Hakumai. A pivotal moment in their history unfolded 41 years prior to Kozuki Oden's tragic exile from the capital. At this juncture, Yasuie, ever a compassionate soul, took the destitute Kurozumi Orochi into his service.

However, destiny's fickle hand would soon intervene in the form of the harrowing Mountain God Incident, which resulted in Oden's banishment from the Flower Capital. In a display of true kindness, Yasuie opened the doors of his Hakumai residence to shelter the beleaguered Oden.

Yet, Yasuie's concern for Oden's potential remained unwavering. His frustration manifested when he observed Oden's chosen path of vagabondage, which seemed to squander the challenge laid down by Sukiyaki. Oden confided in Yasuie, expressing his yearning to set sail, and Yasuie responded with wisdom, asserting that becoming a proficient samurai must precede such a personal quest.

Ultimately, Oden embarked on a journey to Kuri, leaving Yasuie both amazed and exasperated by the chaotic state of his vacated room. Rumors swirled that Oden had stolen funds before his departure, but Yasuie, ever perceptive, harbored suspicions to the contrary. His admiration for Oden swelled upon learning of the young samurai's endeavors to restore order to Kuri.

A few years down the line, once the future Nine Red Scabbards had been united, Yasuie discovered them pilfering his coffers. Instead of chastising them, he bestowed upon them not only the stolen funds but also words of encouragement. He implored them to channel these resources towards self-improvement, for the sake of Oden and the prosperity of Wano.

Two years after Oden had embarked on his journey with the Whitebeard Pirates, a momentous gathering of daimyos took place at the opulent palace in the Flower Capital, under the watchful eye of Sukiyaki. It was during this assembly that Yasuie received an unexpected revelation – Orochi's true lineage from the Kurozumi Family, a fact he had remained blissfully ignorant of until that very day.

Roughly two years following Kozuki Oden's departure to join the Whitebeard Pirates, Yasuie and fellow daimyo congregated at the resplendent palace nestled within the heart of the Flower Capital. During this significant assembly, Yasuie was taken aback by the presence of Orochi, a revelation that brought to light Orochi's lineage hailing from the infamous Kurozumi Family—an aspect of his history previously shrouded in obscurity.

Twenty years back, as Oden and his unwavering nine retainers embarked on their audacious march toward Onigashima, intent on confronting the menacing Kaido, one of the Four Emperors and a staunch supporter of the oppressive Shogun Orochi, Yasuie took it upon himself to lead his loyal followers to Oden Castle. Their mission: to safeguard Oden's cherished family and honor in the face of impending peril.

On the fateful day of Oden's heart-wrenching execution, Yasuie received a mysterious message that unveiled the enigma behind Oden's seemingly erratic behavior during the preceding five years, shedding light on the profound sacrifice he had made.

The aftermath of Oden's tragic demise bore witness to a pivotal moment in Yasuie's life. Orochi, the cunning and ruthless tyrant, approached Yasuie and the three other valiant daimyo, offering them a grievous choice—submit to his oppressive rule or face dire consequences.

United in unwavering resolve, the daimyo defiantly refused Orochi's overtures, igniting a fierce clash between their loyal samurai and the malevolent forces of Kaido and his menacing crew. In this brutal confrontation, Yasuie stands as the sole known survivor, a testament to his unwavering spirit.

In the wake of these cataclysmic events, Yasuie adopted the alias "Tonoyasu" and took up residence in the humble enclave of Ebisu Town. There, he found a sense of purpose and compassion by embracing a young girl named Toko into his life. When Toko inadvertently consumed a defective SMILE fruit, Yasuie made the poignant decision to partake in it as well, bearing the consequences of this transformative choice.

At some juncture, he made the heart-wrenching decision to part with Toko, selling her to the Flower Capital. However, Toko's boundless affection continued to flow to her adoptive guardian in the form of monetary support. Yasuie, in his unwavering commitment to the people of Ebisu Town, used this financial aid to uplift and sustain his beloved community.

Wano Country Arc

One day, Yasuie's keen eye spotted Roronoa Zoro. Trusting his instincts, Yasuie decided to follow Zoro, a decision that would soon be validated. In an act of genuine kindness, he treated Zoro to a delectable sushi meal.

His faith in this stranger was rewarded when Zoro, displaying his uncanny gambling skills, accumulated a substantial sum of money and effortlessly dispatched members of the menacing Kyoshiro Family when they dared to obstruct him. Yasuie couldn't help but gush with admiration for Zoro's remarkable feats as they journeyed towards Ebisu Town.

Upon their arrival in the tranquil enclave of Ebisu Town, Yasuie, embodying his role as a compassionate leader, introduced Zoro to the warm-hearted denizens who called the town home.

In due course, Yasuie's path crossed with the likes of Trafalgar Law, Usopp, and Franky after Zoro departed on a mission to recover the stolen Shusui. Upon learning that these individuals were comrades of Zoro, Yasuie graciously invited them into his home, extending his hospitality as they arrived, albeit just moments too late to rendezvous with their swordsman friend.

As tensions brewed and strategies were debated regarding the imprisoned Heart Pirates, Yasuie made a timely entrance, presenting a copy of Kin'emon's covert message and delving into the swirling rumors that engulfed the Flower Capital. His presence fueled speculation that the climactic battle they had all been anticipating might be on the horizon.

Expressing his earnest desire to join their cause, Yasuie didn't limit himself to discussions alone. He traversed the streets of Ebisu Town, tirelessly offering assistance to those in need.

Prior to the stroke of midnight that fateful night, Yasuie embarked on a daring mission into the heart of the Flower Capital. His aim was to carry out a series of audacious robberies, all part of an elaborate ruse to assume the identity of the infamous Ushimitsu Kozo, the infamous thief.

However, his clandestine activities did not escape the watchful eyes of Orochi's vigilant forces, who apprehended him. Yasuie chose to confess to being Ushimitsu Kozo.

The dawn of the following day bore grim tidings for Yasuie as he found himself incarcerated within the foreboding Rasetsu Town prison in the heart of the Flower Capital, a place synonymous with suffering and despair.

Yet, there was a glimmer of solace for him. As he stood on the precipice of his impending crucifixion, Yasuie was heartened to see that the crowds that had gathered were well aware of his true identity.

In an exchange with the usurping shogun Orochi, Yasuie spoke with impassioned conviction. He highlighted the profound contributions of the Kozuki Family to the betterment of Wano and lamented the shogun's role in its decline.

In a cleverly devised deception, Yasuie falsely claimed responsibility for creating the Kozuki Family's secret message, dismissing it as a mere childish prank. He further obfuscated the truth by asserting that the crescent moon symbol, which had led to the arrest of numerous individuals, was nothing more than a common, unrelated design.

As Orochi approached the platform of execution, Yasuie, undeterred by the grim fate that awaited him, cursed the shogun and fervently yearned for the triumphant return of the Kozuki Family. His unwavering spirit remained unbroken, even in the face of impending doom. In a hail of bullets, Yasuie's life was tragically extinguished.

Amidst the chaos that ensued, with Zoro and Sanji creating a ruckus to protect Toko from Orochi's forces, Franky emerged as a beacon of hope. He valiantly retrieved Yasuie's lifeless body while bravely battling against the shogun's minions. This act was in response to Shinobu's heartfelt plea.

The alliance, united in their determination to honor Yasuie's memory, conveyed his remains back to the humble haven of Ebisu Town. Kanjuro, in a solemn vow, pledged to grant Yasuie a proper burial in the cherished land of Kuri, a final act of respect and gratitude for the fallen hero. A hallowed grave was later constructed to serve as a lasting testament to Yasuie's unwavering dedication and sacrifice in the pursuit of justice and freedom for Wano.

Legacy

Yasuie's indomitable spirit and cunning wit shone even in his final moments within the confines of the Rasetsu prison. Through artful persuasion and clever manipulation of the prison guards' beliefs, he sowed seeds of doubt regarding the significance of the crescent moon symbol—a symbol of loyalty to the Kozuki Family.

Yasuie's argument led the guards to question the validity of Orochi's arrests based on this insignia. In doing so, Yasuie effectively bought precious time for Kin'emon, the Nine Red Scabbards, Momonosuke, and their steadfast allies, allowing them to regroup and re-strategize.

With shrewd foresight, Yasuie went further, clandestinely establishing a new gathering point, laying the foundation for a fresh plan. His selfless actions and cunning intellect provided a glimmer of hope in the face of adversity.

Yasuie's tragic demise left an indelible mark on those who had the privilege of knowing him. Zoro, in particular, was consumed by a burning rage and an unwavering resolve for revenge against Orochi, fueled by the injustice of Yasuie's death.

In a surprising turn of events, Ashura Doji, who had initially sought to distance himself from the Kozuki Family, experienced a change of heart. Yasuie's sacrifice and the unwavering determination of his comrades inspired Ashura Doji to rejoin their ranks, ready to confront the formidable Kaido.

Regrettably, despite Yasuie's valiant efforts to sway Orochi's decision, the shogun remained obstinate, refusing to release the prisoners and acknowledge any wrongdoing. This intransigence was not merely a result of Yasuie's actions alone.

Kanjuro, a cunning spy from the Kurozumi Family, had provided Orochi with critical information about the rebels' altered meeting time and location. This knowledge allowed Orochi to cut off all potential routes to the new rendezvous point, severely complicating the rebels' plans.

However, Yasuie's death was not in vain. A twist of fate occurred when Kin'emon misinterpreted Yasuie's message, inadvertently misleading Kanjuro.

Additionally, Denjiro, the loyal retainer of the Kozuki Family, assumed control of the Flower Capital and took it upon himself to free the prisoners.

In this way, Yasuie's courageous actions continued to ripple through the ongoing struggle for Wano's freedom.

Yasuie is often seen with a cheerful and easily excited demeanor, frequently showering Zoro with compliments and exhibiting a carefree attitude. He's not one to take offense easily, as shown when he takes Zoro's accidental misnaming of him in stride. He doesn't mind self-deprecating humor and takes no offense when accidentally referred to as "trash."

However, beneath this lighthearted exterior lies a heart brimming with kindness and compassion. Yasuie's actions speak volumes about his character; he selflessly uses his daughter's earnings to support the townspeople, even if it means he has to go without. His generosity extends beyond the basics, as he helps those with questionable ethics, demonstrating his belief in the potential for good in everyone.

Yasuie possesses a certain magnetic charm, evident when both familiar and unfamiliar faces find it easy to converse with him. This charisma is a product of his friendly and compassionate personality, traits that he wears openly. His years as a daimyo have instilled in him a sense of responsibility, particularly in safeguarding his territory, and he expects those in positions of authority to share this dedication.

Perceptiveness is another facet of Yasuie's character. He doesn't readily accept baseless claims, as seen in his reluctance to believe accusations against Oden. This highlights his ability to see beyond surface appearances and his understanding of people's true nature.

Yasuie's pride is rooted in his role as Tonoyasu, the jesting figure of Ebisu Town. He holds onto this identity dearly, using his final moments to emphasize that he wishes to be remembered as such, embracing his commitment to spreading joy.

Yasuie was a short, thin man. His most striking feature was his thick, spherical head, which stood out prominently. He had tiny, blue blush marks on his cheeks and sported stubble around his mouth, along with a thin mustache on his upper lip.

Yasuie's hair was quite unique as well, with a thick blue afro that spiked out like hedgehog spines. This distinctive hairstyle was the source of his epithet.

He, like the other residents of Ebisu Town, always had a smile on his face due to consuming a SMILE fruit.

As Tonoyasu, he wore an orange kimono with stitched patches and tied his hair into a top knot. His hair was covered by a bandana adorned with purple polka dots. Traditional Waraji sandals completed his attire.

Over 25 years ago, Yasuie's appearance was notably different. His face was cleaner and less spherical, and he appeared taller compared to his current portrayal in the storyline.

As the daimyo of Hakumai, Yasuie wielded significant influence and authority over the region and its inhabitants, a role he maintained until he was stripped of this position at some point in the past.

In the present day, Yasuie displayed a remarkable combination of cunning and eloquence. He used his sharp wit and cleverness to deceive authorities, assuming the guise of Ushimitsu Kozo.

This ruse provided him with a platform to carry out a brilliant plan aimed at outsmarting Orochi and his forces. Yasuie's ability to use his intelligence and persuasion to navigate complex situations made him a formidable figure in the face of adversity.

Toko

Toko holds a special place in Yasuie’s heart, he lovingly took her in as his adopted daughter following the tragic passing of her parents. Their bond deepened when Toko accidentally consumed a defective Smile Fruit, prompting Yasuie to join her in this peculiar fate, ensuring she wouldn't suffer alone.

Despite being separated when Toko was sold into labor in the Flower Capital, their emotional connection endured. Toko dutifully sent her earnings to Yasuie.

In a daring act of love and loyalty, Toko braved great danger to reach the Flower Capital when she learned of Yasuie's capture and impending execution. Yasuie's final thoughts before his execution included an apology to Toko for leaving her behind, showcasing the depth of their relationship.

Kozuki Family

Yasuie's unwavering support for the Kozuki Family defined his character. He was willing to sacrifice his life to aid them and steadfastly rejected the possibility of becoming shogun when rumors suggested it might be bestowed upon him after Sukiyaki's demise.

Yasuie firmly believed that the Kozuki Family alone should hold such power. His expectations for Oden were exceedingly high, and he took on the role of disciplinarian during Oden's upbringing, ensuring Oden understood the gravity of his future responsibilities as the potential shogun. Yasuie also held the belief that Momonosuke, Oden's son, would eventually become the shogun, following in his father's footsteps.

Yasuie was one of the four daimyos who courageously opposed Orochi, expressing their profound dissatisfaction with the shogun's cowardly methods of securing his title. Witnessing Oden's tragic end brought Hiyori, Oden's daughter, to tears.

While Yasuie supported Oden's dream of sailing overseas, he insisted that Oden first prove himself as a great samurai.

Even during the five years when many in Wano lost faith in Oden, Yasuie remained a loyal friend. Oden entrusted Yasuie with the crucial task of protecting his family when he confronted Kaido, underscoring Yasuie's unwavering commitment to the Kozuki Family and their vision for Wano.

Ninja-Pirate-Mink-Samurai Alliance

Yasuie stood resolute alongside Oden during the tumultuous events of the Beasts Pirates' takeover of Wano Country two decades ago, showcasing his dedication to their cause. When he stumbled upon the secret message sent by Kin'emon, Yasuie immediately expressed his eagerness to join the fight, offering his support to Kin'emon's group without hesitation.

It's worth noting that during this time, neither Shinobu nor Kanjuro could recognize Yasuie, which created an awkward situation. However, when Yasuie's true identity was unveiled as his hair was exposed at the execution site, both Shinobu and Kanjuro came to realize the significance of his presence. Kanjuro, in particular, deeply regretted not recognizing Yasuie earlier and considered his death a grave mistake.

Remarkably, despite being unaware of the Straw Hat Pirates and Law's connection to the Kozuki Family, Yasuie opened his home in Ebisu Town to provide them with shelter. This gesture exemplified Yasuie's generosity and his commitment to aiding those who fought for the Kozuki cause.

Tragically, upon Yasuie's death, the citizens of Wano began to laugh and cry in a seemingly disrespectful manner. This deeply offended Zoro, who, in his characteristic protective manner, attempted to halt the display, believing it to be an affront to Yasuie's memory.

This act led to a commotion instigated by Zoro and Sanji, as the Straw Hat Pirates present at Rasetsu Town were determined to retrieve Yasuie's body and ensure he received a dignified farewell.

Ebisu Town

Yasuie, living in Ebisu Town under the alias Tonoyasu, dedicated himself to the well-being of its impoverished residents. He displayed remarkable compassion by personally checking on households and offering his own food rations to those in need.

His kindness knew no bounds, extending to the elderly, the infirm, and the youth, even embracing their playful and carefree antics, constantly exuding a cheerful and jovial demeanor.

Yasuie's heart was profoundly moved when he learned that they had rushed to the Flower Capital in a valiant attempt to save him from execution. This deepened his contentment, and with pride, he declared that he would embrace his fate as their friend. His selflessness endeared him to the town's residents, who were devastated by his tragic execution.

Kurozumi Orochi

In a grim twist of fate, 41 years ago, Kurozumi Orochi served Yasuie, and Yasuie's generosity extended even to him. However, Orochi displayed ingratitude by stealing from Yasuie and attempting to falsely accuse Oden. Yasuie, wise and discerning, harbored doubts about Orochi's accusations. It was only much later that Yasuie discovered Orochi's true lineage as a descendant of the Kurozumi Family.

Yasuie harbored an intense and visceral hatred towards Orochi, seeking to deliver a final message to him while boldly labeling him as "stupid." During his execution, Yasuie unleashed a torrent of scathing insults, condemning Orochi for his cowardice and insatiable greed, referring to him as a pest.

Yasuie's ultimate act of defiance was to shoulder the blame for the captured alliance members, publicly humiliating Orochi by exposing his paranoid and cowardly nature regarding the potential return of the Kozuki Family.

Wano Country Citizens

Yasuie's extraordinary benevolence and generosity during his time as Hakumai Daimyo earned him immense popularity and adoration among the citizens of Wano Country. Oden himself acknowledged that countless individuals would support Yasuie in succeeding Sukiyaki as the shogun due to his widespread appeal.

Even after losing his status and authority, the people of Wano continued to hold deep love and respect for Yasuie. When news of Yasuie's capture and impending execution reached them, they expressed profound relief and joy at his survival.

They were profoundly shocked by Yasuie's audacious insults against Orochi and his revelation about distributing the Kozuki Family revolution symbol around the Flower Capital as a prank on Orochi, yet they showed a remarkable understanding of his intentions.

Flower Capital

Upon Yasuie's capture and the revelation of his true identity, the residents of the Flower Capital rallied in support, gathering to demand his release, a powerful testament to their affection and admiration for the former daimyo.

• Yasuie's name potentially references Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of Japan's last feudal shogunate.

• His appearance, particularly as Tonoyasu, seems to be inspired by a popular Hyottoko mask.

• A taikomochi is a male geisha.

• The method of his execution, crucifixion followed by a firing squad, resembles an old Japanese crucifixion ritual and the legend of Torii Suneemon.

• Despite Yasuie's Vivre Card indicating that he did not consume a SMILE fruit, later it was revealed he had eaten from the same batch as Toko.

• The alias "Tonoyasu" may have hinted at his true identity as a former daimyo, as "tono" means "lord."

• Yasuie's favorite food is white rice.