One of the greatest mysteries in One Piece is how Shanks won against Kaido unscathed when he stopped him from killing Whitebeard while on his way to Marineford, but what if we were looking at it the wrong way? Now that we’ve witnessed his past with the Rocks Pirate, there’s a possibility that Kaido wanted to assist his former crewmate because he looked up to him.
Everything that we know about Kaido’s goal and his clash against Shanks is through hearsay. The series has never directly shown us what transpired. Our only source was the Marine who informed Momonga, which makes it unreliable and remains a mystery to us. Eiichiro Oda has switched our perspective on Rocks D. Xebec. So, why not Kaido as well?
Kaido Admired Rocks D. Xebec and Whitebeard as a Young Pirate
Kaido hasn’t had the easiest life in One Piece. He was born in the Vodka Kingdom, which thrived on looting other towns to gain the World Government’s affiliation. He was the strongest soldier at 10 years old, but when he questioned why they would obey Celestial Dragons, the king sold him off.
He escaped the Marine ship and got a bounty of 70,000,000 Berries on his head. Kaido would go on to purposefully get captured, to eat a good meal, and then promptly escape. He continued this cycle until, at the age of 15, he was invited by Whitebeard to join the Rocks Pirates as an apprentice.
During his time under the command of Rocks D. Xebec, arguably the strongest pirate in the series’ history, he formed a sibling-like bond with Big Mom. However, it was more evident that he admired his captain and Whitebeard a lot more due to their superior strength and power.
As a teenager, he seemed eager to please Rocks and keep his reputation. In Chapter 1156, he suggested they force King Harald to obey, which earned him a scolding. Kaido grew up around violence, so it could just be his sadistic tendencies speaking up.
Later on, he also expresses jealousy towards Whitebeard’s powers and his bond with Rocks. The Gura Gura no Mi is undoubtedly the most powerful Paramecia Devil Fruit, as demonstrated during the Marineford Arc and in Chapter 1157, when he sank an entire island. He advises Kaido to take his time and choose the right Devil Fruit.
It all becomes clear in the latest chapter, which depicts Kaido using the Uo Uo no Mi, Model: Seiryuu, for the first time. He instantly flies to show it off to Rocks and Whitebeard, looking for praise and to test his new strength. He’s finally on equal grounds with them.
Kaido Might Be More Complex Than One Piece Fans Give Him Credit For
From what we’ve witnessed of Kaido’s past, you could surmise that he went on to admire Whitebeard. They were rival Emperors in the present timeline, but they were first and foremost crewmates. Knowing how paternal Newgate was and that Rocks was also a loving father, he longed for a bond with them.
Thus, it changes the way we see Kaido intercepting Whitebeard on his way to Marineford. While it’s more likely that the antagonist was out for blood, it’s interesting to see the other side of it. Perhaps he made an army, not out of cruelty, but also to live up to Rocks’ legacy.
Once Whitebeard died, however, he no longer had the two people he admired. Rocks had long perished, and so did his former crewmate. Shanks’ intervention had made sure he wouldn’t be able to assist. This also makes his attempted suicide more tragic, as he could have been grieving instead.
Is Kaido more layered than he’s shown to be, or is this take a reach? Let us know your opinion in the comments below!
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