What Happened to Izou After the Wano Arc? Explaining His Status

One Piece boasts a plethora of supporting characters who have gained just as much recognition as the main protagonists. Figures like Katakuri, Bon Clay, Marco, and Izou have earned high levels of admiration within the One Piece universe. In the Marineford arc, Izou was introduced as a member of the Whitebeard crew, assigned with the task of rescuing Ace.

During the Wano arc, Izou made a reappearance as a member of the Scabbards. He faced many adversaries, including a direct confrontation with Kaido. While the Scabbards were unable to defeat Kaido on their own, Izou bravely sacrificed himself to save Luffy, ultimately leading to Kaido’s defeat.

Please be aware that this article contains massive spoilers for the One Piece series.

Who is Izou in One Piece?

Izo and Kiku as shown in the One Piece anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Izou, formerly the leader of the 16th division of the Whitebeard Pirates, is a samurai, a loyal servant of the Kozuki Family, and a part of Oden’s Nine Red Scabbards. He was born in Wano Country and raised in his family’s dancing school until his father’s imprisonment resulted in its ruin.

Despite their difficulties living on the streets of Ringo, they were eventually saved by Kozuki Oden who took them in and cared for them. As Oden rose to the role of Daimyo, Izou became his loyal follower and was trained in the ways of a warrior.

When the Whitebeard Pirates departed Wano in secrecy to prevent Oden from joining, Izou, aware of Oden’s intentions, decided to follow him. Eventually, Whitebeard granted Oden permission to join the crew and Izou became a part of the team, joining them on many exciting journeys.

Even though Izou begged Oden to come back to Wano for the sake of his family, Oden remained dedicated to his journey. When Oden decided to join Gol D. Roger on his last voyage, Izou made the choice to remain with the Whitebeard Pirates. After Oden’s passing, Izou was promoted to lead the 16th division and oversaw the acceptance of Ace into the crew.

Despite having a minor role in the Marineford arc, Izou still played a crucial part in the battle to save Ace. However, it was not until the Wano arc that his character, as well as Marco’s, was given more depth and development, highlighting his unshakable loyalty and fierce warrior nature.

Izou’s Role in the Wano Arc

Izou confronting the beast pirates as shown in the One Piece anime (Image via Toei Animation)

After joining Nekomamushi and Marco during the Raid on Onigashima, Izou returned to Wano Country. He reunited with his sister Kikunojo near the back entrance of Onigashima and joined the other Scabbards in their mission.

Izou, like Kin’emon, was also consumed by a desire for vengeance against Kaido. Together, they launched a fierce assault on Kaido and his All-Stars. Despite their valiant efforts, however, Kaido proved to be too powerful and ultimately defeated them.

Despite facing intense battles against formidable opponents such as Kanjuro, Beasts Pirates All-Star Jack, and CP0 agents, Izou never wavered in his determination. Despite sustaining multiple wounds, he persisted in fighting, displaying his unwavering resilience and unwavering commitment to their cause.

Although they were defeated by Kaido, the Scabbards’ dream remained alive; Luffy continued to fight against Kaido, determined to make their dream of a liberated Wano a reality.

What Happened to Izou, Explained

One Piece: Izo confronting CP0 agents as shown in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

After Law transported him, Izou quickly departed for another floor to rescue Kinemon and Ussop. Once he had successfully saved them, he placed the responsibility of protecting Kiku and the other injured individuals in Ussop’s hands.

Despite sustaining severe injuries, Izou bravely made his way to the Basement Floor where he confronted CP0 agents who were after the Straw Hats. The agents initially ignored him, but Izou refused to back down.

Despite being outnumbered, he bravely fought against the two agents and ultimately gave his life in the battle, securing Luffy’s ability to continue fighting. Following the conclusion of the raid on Onigashima, Izou was laid to rest in Ringo alongside his beloved pistols.