Summary
One Pieceis a series known for its rich lore, including an intricate system for grading weapons. This system ranks weapons into four tiers: Supreme Grade, Great Grade, Skillful Grade, and Grade, withthe most powerful weapons often falling into one of these categories. Each grade reflects not only the weapon’s craftsmanship but also its historical significance and combat potential.
However, not every legendary weapon inOne Piecehas been formally ranked. Some, like Kaido’s Hassaikai, remain ungraded despite their immense power and iconic status. Despite its lack of official classification, Oda has stated that if Kaido were to leave the Hassaikai behind, it would surely become a “legend” in its own right. But what makes this massive, spiked kanabo so unique?
The Origins and Abilities of Kaido’s Hassaikai
Kaido’s infamous kanabo, the Hassaikai, has been his weapon of choice for most of his known pirate career. Whether he’s in human form or his towering Human-Beast form, Kaido uses this formidable iron club for the vast majority of his melee attacks. His raw strength, combined withhis mastery of Supreme King Haki, allows him to channel incredible destructive force through the weapon. With a single swing, Kaido can send enemies flying over great distances, leaving them severely wounded—or outright unconscious.
Wielding the Hassaikai one-handed for speed and two-handed for maximum power, especially during his more powerful attacks, Kaido uses the weapon both offensively and defensively. It’s capable of deflecting even the most dangerous strikes. Despite the extensive use of the weapon, its origins remain shrouded in mystery. WhenKaido first joined the Rocks Pirates as an apprenticeover 40 years ago, he already carried the Hassaikai. Over the years, the weapon has seemingly evolved alongside him, becoming an extension of his overwhelming strength.By the time he fought Luffy in Wano, Kaido had mastered eight distinct techniques with the Hassaikai, each inspired by the Eight Precepts of Buddhism.
The Eight Techniques of Kaido’s Hassaikai
Though it lacks a formal ranking, the Hassaikai hasdemonstrated a range of deadly techniquesthat reflect Kaido’s brutal combat style. These techniques are not just about raw power—they carry a symbolic weight, each named after and inspired by elements of Buddhism. However, in Kaido’s hands, these spiritual principles are twisted into forces of chaos and destruction.
These techniques, while heavily inspired by Buddhist symbolism, are far from peaceful—they embody violence and destruction.
Hassaikai and the Eight Precepts: Buddhism Flipped on Its Head
Kaido’s Hassaikai is named after the “Eight Precepts,” a core set of ethical guidelines in Buddhism. These precepts emphasize restraint, morality, and self-control. Yet, Kaido turns these teachings on their head (as expected of a ruthless and power-hungry pirate). His very existence and fighting style are contradictions of Buddhist virtues, and his Hassaikai is the perfect symbol of this perversion.
Abstaining from killing
Slaughtering Drunk- Embracing violence and bloodshed.
Abstaining from stealing
Abstaining from sexual activity
Spoiled Flirty Drunk- Embodying indulgence and lust.
Abstaining from telling lies
Angry Drunk- Truth is distorted by rage and madness.
Abstaining from intoxicating drinks
Drunken combat modes- Highlighting Kaido’s fondness for intoxication.
Abstaining from eating after noon
Depressed Drunk- A reflection of Kaido’s mood swings exacerbating his violent outbursts.
Abstaining from entertainment
Laughing Drunk- Representing Kaido’s utter disregard for moral restraint and indulgence in excessive entertainment.
Abstaining from luxurious furniture
Kaido’s lifestyle of excess- His lavish kingdom in Wano and his insatiable thirst for power reflect his complete rejection of this precept.
Kaido is more than just a brute force villain; he embodies chaos, indulgence, and a deep inner conflict. The reversal of the precepts, which emphasize self-restraint, morality, and purity, mirrors Kaido’s descent into a life of excess, violence, and spiritual corruption. Oda may have been trying tohighlight Kaido’s tragic fall from grace—a powerful figure who may have once held potential for greatness (he believed he was JoyBoy, after all) but ultimately became consumed by his own destructive nature.
The Hassaikai, ungraded yet legendary, is a symbol of Kaido’s rejection of order and discipline, amplifying the theme that strength without moral grounding can lead to one’s downfall.
One Piece
Cast
One Piece is a Japanese manga written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda. The series follows protagonist Monkey D. Luffy and his Straw Hat Pirate crew as they explore the Grand Line to find the King of the Pirates' ultimate treasure, the One Piece, to become the next king. The manga’s popularity helped it spin off into a larger media franchise, including an anime with more than 1,000 episodes.
