The fate of Kaido, the Beast Pirate captain and one of the Four Emperors (Yonko) in One Piece, remains a hot topic among fans. Many believe he could still be alive, despite his apparent defeat. Given Kaido’s immense durability, history of survival, and the storytelling patterns of Eiichiro Oda, is it possible that he will return?
Let’s analyze the evidence surrounding Kaido’s possible survival and the implications it could have on One Piece’s final saga.
Kaido's Defeat: What Happened?
Kaido’s battle with Luffy was one of the most intense fights in One Piece history. After an extended battle where Luffy unlocked Gear 5 and his true potential as the Warrior of Liberation, he landed a devastating final attack on Kaido. The Bajrang Gun sent Kaido crashing deep underground into molten lava beneath Wano, where he supposedly met his end alongside Big Mom.
However, the question remains: Is Kaido truly dead?
Reasons Why Kaido Might Still Be Alive
1. Luffy Never Kills His Enemies
One of the biggest arguments for Kaido’s survival is Luffy’s character. Throughout One Piece, Luffy has never killed a major antagonist. Instead, he defeats them in ways that leave them broken, stripping them of their dreams and ambitions.
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Crocodile was defeated in Alabasta but later reappeared in Impel Down.
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Enel was launched into space but never confirmed dead.
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Doflamingo was defeated and imprisoned, not killed.
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Kaido’s dream was to die an honorable death like Oden, yet he didn’t get that wish.
Oda has consistently followed this pattern, so it would be out of character for Luffy’s biggest victory yet to break this rule. If Luffy didn’t kill Kaido, then there’s a chance he is still alive.
2. Kaido’s Unbelievable Durability
Kaido has been labeled as the strongest creature in the world. His body is so tough that he:
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Survived a 20,000-meter fall from a Sky Island.
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Was captured 18 times by the Marines and rival Yonko without being executed.
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Withstood multiple advanced Conqueror’s Haki attacks from Luffy, Zoro, and others.
One of Kaido’s most impressive feats was enduring Zoro’s strongest attack, the Nine Sword Style: Ashura Bakkei – Moja no Tawamure. This attack barely left a scar on Kaido, even though Zoro was wielding the legendary sword Enma, which once belonged to Oden.
If Kaido could survive all these punishments, then falling into lava—even though it seems lethal—may not be enough to kill him.
3. The Mystery of the Lava Scene
Kaido and Big Mom were seen falling into the magma chamber beneath Wano after their defeat. However, there was no direct confirmation of their deaths. Instead, the narration stated that magma erupted from below, creating the massive volcanic explosion that was seen near Wano’s seas.
However, consider this:
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One Piece has never shown a character die explicitly unless Oda wants to make it clear (like Ace or Whitebeard).
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We never see Kaido’s lifeless body.
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Big Mom, who fell with him, is equally durable and likely not dead either.
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The World Government was already planning to seize Wano’s Pluton, a powerful ancient weapon. Could Kaido be a part of their plans?
These open-ended details suggest Oda left room for Kaido’s return in the future.
4. The Importance of Kaido’s Character
Kaido’s personal dream was to die in an epic battle, much like his idol Kozuki Oden. However, his supposed "death" in Wano did not fulfill this goal.
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Would Oda really write off Kaido’s character without a satisfying end?
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If Kaido does return, he may have a new role—perhaps as a villain in the final war, or even an ally if he undergoes a change of heart.
Given the narrative patterns of One Piece, a character as major as Kaido may not disappear so easily.
What If Kaido is Alive? Possible Future Scenarios
If Kaido is alive, how would he return to One Piece’s story? Here are a few possible ways:
1. Captured by the World Government
If Kaido survived the lava, the World Government might have taken him into custody. With Wano’s Pluton potentially in their grasp, they might need Kaido for some nefarious purpose. This could lead to an epic rematch if Kaido escapes or is used as a weapon.
2. Kaido Regains His Will to Fight
Kaido was obsessed with finding an opponent strong enough to kill him. If he survived, he might realize that he has unfinished business. He could challenge Luffy again, perhaps stronger than before.
3. Kaido's Role in the Final War
With the final war approaching, Kaido could return as a wildcard. He may become an anti-hero rather than a villain, aiding in the battle against the World Government. Since he values strength above all, he may recognize Luffy as a worthy leader in the fight against Imu and the Gorosei.
Conclusion: Will Kaido Return?
While Kaido’s fate remains uncertain, there are strong arguments suggesting he is still alive. His durability, the lack of direct confirmation of his death, and the storytelling trends of One Piece all hint that we haven’t seen the last of the "Strongest Creature."
If Kaido returns, it will undoubtedly shake the world of One Piece to its core. Whether as an enemy, an ally, or a prisoner, his comeback would set up an incredible battle for the final saga.
What do you think? Is Kaido still alive, or is his story truly over? Let us know your thoughts!
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