Kaku: From Cold Assassin to Goofy Zoan User
Introduction
Kaku, the former assassin with the oddly square nose, is hardly the figure most would associate with unbridled joy. Yet, he has become one of One Piece’s most memorable characters thanks to his surprising transformation and endearing personality. Once a stone-faced killer operating in the shadows, Kaku’s journey takes a dramatic turn after consuming a Devil Fruit, altering not only his appearance and fighting style, but also revealing a lighter, more humorous side. This article will explore Kaku’s character arc, from his stoic origins to his more lighthearted persona, examining his abilities, his role in the story, and his lasting impact on the One Piece fanbase. This exploration of Kaku will show why he stands out as a compelling character within the vast world that Oda has built.
Early Life and Training with CP
To understand Kaku, it’s essential to delve into his origins as a member of Cipher Pol Number Nine, or CP for short. CP represents the World Government’s clandestine agency specializing in covert operations, intelligence gathering, and assassination. They are the World Government’s dirty hands. Recruits undergo grueling training from a young age, molded into ruthless operatives dedicated to upholding the World Government’s often-questionable version of justice. The CP members learn the Rokushiki martial arts. Rokushiki is a collection of six superhuman techniques.
Kaku excelled in this environment. He mastered all six techniques of Rokushiki. These include Soru (the ability to move at blinding speed), Geppo (the ability to leap into the air), Tekkai (hardening the body like iron), Shigan (piercing the enemy with a finger), Rankyaku (creating sharp air blades with kicks), and Kami-e (dodging attacks with paper-thin precision). Kaku became a skilled swordsman as well, wielding his blades with deadly efficiency. His personality during his time with CP was starkly different from his later self. He was stoic, professional, and utterly devoted to his missions, willing to carry out even the most brutal tasks without hesitation. He completed many assassinations. Kaku had to set aside everything except the mission.
Introduction in Water Seven Arc
Kaku’s introduction to the Straw Hat Pirates and the wider world occurs during the Water Seven arc. To infiltrate the city, Kaku takes on the alias of a shipwright, working for the Galley-La Company, one of the world’s leading shipbuilding organizations. He integrates himself into the community, displaying impressive carpentry skills and quickly earning the trust of his colleagues. This underscores Kaku’s adaptability and intelligence, as he seamlessly transitions from a covert assassin to a respected craftsman.
He interacts with the Straw Hats, particularly Zoro. These interactions are seemingly casual, but upon reflection, reveals that Kaku is observing and assessing the crew. He analyzes their strengths and weaknesses, gathering crucial intelligence for CP. His conversation with Zoro reveals his sharp observational skills. His assessment of the Going Merry, the Straw Hats’ beloved ship, proves his knowledge of shipbuilding. He identifies the damage and concludes that it is beyond repair, setting the stage for the emotional turmoil that follows. These interactions demonstrate Kaku’s ability to blend in. He can assess a person’s fighting capabilities and also judge the state of a ship, revealing an aptitude for both combat and craftsmanship.
The Reveal and Battle in Enies Lobby
The shocking truth about Kaku’s allegiance is revealed during the Enies Lobby arc, triggering a full-scale conflict between CP and the Straw Hat Pirates. Ordered to secure Nico Robin, the only person who can read the ancient Poneglyphs, Kaku and his fellow CP agents shed their disguises, revealing their true identities and intentions. During the chaos, Kaku obtains and consumes the Ushi Ushi no Mi, Model: Giraffe, a Zoan-type Devil Fruit that grants him the power to transform into a giraffe hybrid.
His Devil Fruit powers significantly alter his fighting style. He incorporates his giraffe form into his Rokushiki techniques. He extends his neck to deliver powerful Rankyaku attacks and combines his sword skills with his newfound zoological abilities. Kaku’s transformation is visually striking and adds a layer of absurdity to his character. While his appearance is somewhat comical, his power is undeniable.
His battle against Zoro is one of the highlights of the Enies Lobby arc. The two swordsmen clash in a fierce duel, showcasing their respective skills and determination. Kaku utilizes his giraffe-enhanced techniques, contorting his body into bizarre shapes and delivering unpredictable attacks. The giraffe fruit’s abilities give him an edge. Zoro struggles to adapt to Kaku’s unorthodox style, pushing him to the limits of his swordsmanship. Ultimately, Zoro triumphs, unleashing a powerful new technique to defeat Kaku. Despite his defeat, Kaku’s performance in battle is impressive. He demonstrates his resilience and fighting prowess. This battle raises questions about his motivations. While he follows orders, there are hints that he harbors doubts about the World Government’s methods. His interactions with Zoro suggest a grudging respect, hinting at a potential conflict between his duty and his personal feelings.
Post-Enies Lobby & Cover Story
Following the events of Enies Lobby, Kaku and the remaining members of CP are branded as traitors by the World Government. They are hunted and pursued. The CP members must leave everything behind to survive. They find themselves on the run, struggling to make ends meet. The cover story series, CP’s Independent Report, sheds light on their experiences after their defeat, revealing a more vulnerable and human side to these former assassins. Kaku’s character development is shown in this story. He exhibits glimpses of remorse for his actions, particularly the harm he inflicted on innocent people during the Water Seven arc. He reaffirms his loyalty to his comrades, highlighting the strong bond they share.
This cover story humanizes Kaku. The story turns an assassin, who seemingly only cared for completing the mission, into a person that the audience can care for. It gives the audience a glimpse into what life is like on the run, hunted by the very organization that they served.
Kaku’s Personality and Appeal
Despite his dark past, Kaku possesses a surprisingly humorous and goofy personality. His transformation into a giraffe hybrid accentuates this trait, as his elongated neck and awkward movements lend themselves to comedic moments. He embraces his newfound abilities, experimenting with different giraffe-based techniques and often making light of his unusual appearance.
He maintains a strong sense of loyalty and camaraderie with his CP comrades. He values their friendship and is willing to go to great lengths to protect them, even after their fall from grace. Despite his humor, Kaku is still a highly skilled fighter and intelligent individual. He retains his Rokushiki mastery and swordsmanship, proving himself to be a formidable opponent when the situation demands it. His ability to quickly assess situations and adapt to changing circumstances makes him a valuable asset to any team. Kaku’s popularity among One Piece fans stems from a combination of factors. His relatable personality, comedic antics, interesting design, and compelling backstory make him a memorable and endearing character. His unexpected transformation from a cold assassin to a more lighthearted individual resonates with audiences. He exemplifies the theme of redemption and the potential for change, even in the darkest of individuals.
Theories and Speculation
The One Piece world is rife with speculation, and Kaku is no exception. Fans have theorized about his potential return in future arcs, speculating on his role in a reformed World Government organization or his possible alliance or conflict with the Straw Hat Pirates. Some believe that CP may eventually merge with or clash against CP, the World Government’s most powerful intelligence agency. If this were to happen, this could place Kaku in a difficult position.
His character development and his hints of remorse suggest that he may eventually choose to abandon the World Government and forge his own path. These theories highlight Kaku’s enduring appeal and the potential for his character to play a significant role in the ongoing narrative. The One Piece world is always growing. It would come as no surprise for Kaku to take on a more prominent role.
Conclusion
Kaku’s journey from a cold assassin to a more nuanced and even comedic character demonstrates the depth and complexity of One Piece’s storytelling. His transformation is one of the more profound changes for a character in the series. What started as a stone-faced assassin evolved into something more nuanced and human. The changes he went through highlights the depth of Oda’s writing. Kaku continues to be a memorable and enduring figure in the series. His story serves as a testament to the power of change and the potential for redemption, even in the most unlikely of individuals. The One Piece world is rich with memorable characters, but the transformation of Kaku sets him apart.
