With the release of One Piece Volume 111, fans have been treated to a new SBS corner from Oda, featuring some intriguing questions and answers. As usual, Oda delivered humorous responses, but a significant portion of the information revealed is particularly fascinating for fans.
One of the most intriguing pieces of information in this volume’s SBS involves the death of a member of the Shichibukai, Hanafuda, who was introduced by Oda relatively recently in the storyline.
Hanafuda, the Shichibukai, fought against Ace in One Piece
Hanafuda is a character that fans may not know much about, as he has not yet appeared in One Piece. However, he has been referenced in the manga, particularly in recent chapters. In One Piece Chapter 1100, Ace was mentioned once again, specifically revealing that he had defeated a member of the Shichibukai. This leads to speculation about a Shichibukai position that Kuma has replaced.
In SBS One Piece Volume 109, Oda shared some information about the Shichibukai that Ace had defeated, and here is what the author said:
Question: In Chapter 1100, during the war where Ace was involved, Kuma and Saturn mention someone. Who is that person?
Answer: He looks like this. His name is “Hanafuda.” His ability is a devil fruit called the Evil Lizard Zoan type. He is currently hiding something about what happened after this event, which is still not known until now. His height is 514 cm. Another name of his is “King of Lizards.”
It is clear that Hanafuda is a formidable monster in battle and is definitely very strong. Based on his character design and nature, he is associated with Kaido, the King of Beasts, especially because of his affinity for the Evil Lizard Zoan type.
How did Hanafuda meet his demise in One Piece?
Fans are aware that Hanafuda has some connection to Kaido, but the nature of his relationship with Ulti and Page One is still uncertain. Now, in SBS One Piece Volume 111, Oda was once again asked about Hanafuda, and this time, the author addressed the connection between Hanafuda and Ulti and Page One.
Question: In SBS Volume 109, it was revealed that Hanafuda still exists. Is he supposed to be the father of Ulti and Page One?
Oda: Huhhh~~~!!! The person… is currently being referred to as the father of Ulti and Page One. The Shichibukai has been defeated by Ace. I thought I had hidden this very carefully… Never mind, it’s just a connection. But the thing fans really want to know is the relationship between Hanafuda and Kaido, right? They used to be allies in the past, but eventually became partners for a common goal. Hanafuda is said to be Kaido’s most trusted subordinate.
His affinity for the Evil Lizard Zoan type allows him to help Kaido become the Pirate King. Hanafuda is one of the many who have been empowered by Kaido’s domain and has also sacrificed himself to help him ascend to that throne. After being defeated by Ace and being removed from the Shichibukai, he may have also been targeted by those who viewed him as a weak link.
As Oda’s response indicates, Hanafuda is a very powerful subordinate and is at a critical point in the story, as he had two children, Ulti and Page One. Hanafuda is also well aware of Kaido, and their connection runs deep, especially since Hanafuda is a Shichibukai.
The fact that Kaido allied with Hanafuda suggests that he is a monster of great significance. Thus, Hanafuda’s potential to become a strong ally for Kaido is significant for Kaido’s ambitions to become the Pirate King.
Ultimately, Hanafuda met Ace and lost the battle against him, and here, fans can speculate that he suffered severe injuries. After being defeated by Ace and removed from the Shichibukai, he might have become a target for those considering him a weak link. After his defeat, Hanafuda was no longer protected by the Marines, making it easier for him to be taken down, especially when facing his children, Ulti and Page One, during the raid on Onigashima.
