Few characters in One Piece have loomed as large or as terrifying as Kaido of the Beasts. Known as the “Strongest Creature in the World,” Kaido stood as one of the Four Emperors and served as the central antagonist of the Wano Country arc. But after his climactic battle with Luffy, the series has left his fate ambiguous, sparking heated debates and endless speculation online.
As of 2025, One Piece has moved into new territories, but the question remains: Is Kaido truly dead, or is he alive and planning a return? Let’s dive into the latest evidence from the manga, mythology, and fan theories to explore what could be next for this legendary villain.
Kaido’s Defeat in Wano: The Climax of a Generation
The Wano arc was arguably one of the most ambitious storylines in One Piece history. Spanning years in both real time and in-world events, Wano culminated in a titanic showdown between Kaido and Monkey D. Luffy. Kaido had already established himself as nearly indestructible—surviving multiple assassination attempts, sky-diving suicide, and countless battles.
However, Luffy’s awakening of his true Devil Fruit—Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika—changed the game. This transformation into Gear 5 gave Luffy unimaginable power, cartoonish flexibility, and complete creative freedom in battle. It was in this awakened state that Luffy finally overpowered Kaido, breaking through his dragon form and sending him crashing underground into a magma chamber beneath Wano.
This massive final blow marked the end of the battle—but not the end of Kaido’s story. Oda has not shown a body, a burial, or any official declaration of death. So what does that mean?
Is Kaido Really Dead? Two Major Theories
1. Kaido Is Dead – And the Manga Subtly Confirms It
Many readers believe that Kaido met his end in the molten core of Wano. There are a few key reasons to support this:
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Magma is fatal in the One Piece universe. During the Marineford arc, we saw Akainu's magma-based powers kill Ace, and severely injure Whitebeard—two of the most powerful pirates alive at the time.
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Kaido, despite his near-mythical endurance, was critically weakened by Luffy's Gear 5 assault. Falling into magma in that condition may have finally pushed him past the limit of even his body’s regenerative ability.
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Both Kaido and Big Mom were seen falling into the magma simultaneously, implying a symbolic and narrative “clearing of the old generation.”
If this theory is correct, then Kaido’s death would mark the end of an era—the final fall of one of the last old-guard Emperors, making way for the rise of pirates like Luffy, Blackbeard, and others in the final saga.
2. Kaido Is Alive – And Might Still Play a Role in the Final Arc
Despite all of this, many fans still refuse to believe Kaido is gone—and not without reason.
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One Piece rarely kills off major characters without explicitly showing their death. Even Pell survived an explosion, and characters like Bon Clay, Sabo, and even the likes of Enel have made surprising returns or survived what seemed fatal.
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Kaido possesses the Uo Uo no Mi, Model: Seiryu, a Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit based on the Azure Dragon. In Chinese and Japanese mythology, dragons often survive extreme environments, including fire and magma.
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Kaido's body has repeatedly been shown to withstand extreme trauma. If anyone could survive being submerged in magma, it would be him
Moreover, it’s not just about physical survival—Kaido’s narrative arc feels unfinished. His motives, ties to Rocks D. Xebec, and deeper backstory were only partially explored. Oda could easily bring him back in the Final War to provide closure or even to turn the tide once more.
Kaido’s Legacy and Future Role in the Story
Whether Kaido is dead or alive, his impact on the One Piece world cannot be overstated. His reign as Emperor reshaped pirate politics, and his fall destabilized power structures across the New World.
Some possible future roles for Kaido (if alive) include:
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Returning as a fallen emperor seeking revenge on Luffy and the new world order.
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Becoming an unlikely ally against the World Government in the Final War, especially if he shares past grievances with Imu or the Celestial Dragons.
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Providing key backstory on Rocks D. Xebec, Joy Boy, or the void century—topics still shrouded in mystery.
Even if he’s gone, Kaido’s influence lives on through the Beast Pirates remnants, Yamato, and the political ripple effect in the New World. His defeat has already pushed other powers like Buggy’s Cross Guild, Blackbeard, and the Revolutionary Army into more prominent positions.
Gear 5: The Key to Defeating Kaido
Luffy’s use of Gear 5 was the tipping point in his battle against Kaido. More than just a power-up, it was the awakening of Joy Boy's will within him—a crucial moment that bridged the ancient past to the present.
Gear 5’s power gave Luffy not only strength but the freedom to fight in a way that mirrored the lighthearted, free-spirited philosophy of Joy Boy. This was a thematic contrast to Kaido’s harsh, destructive view of the world. It made Luffy not just stronger than Kaido, but more aligned with the spirit of the story itself.
Kaido’s downfall at the hands of Gear 5 wasn’t just a fight—it was a narrative milestone, showing how far Luffy has come since East Blue.
Why Oda Might Be Keeping Kaido’s Fate a Mystery
Eiichiro Oda is no stranger to long-running mysteries. By leaving Kaido’s fate unresolved, he keeps fans engaged and speculation alive. Some reasons he might be holding back include:
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Saving Kaido’s return as a twist in the Final War saga
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Connecting Kaido more deeply to ancient lore—perhaps revealing that his will or powers play a part in unlocking the One Piece
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Allowing Yamato’s character arc to develop in contrast to her father, with or without direct conflict
With the manga expected to enter its final few years, anything left unexplained might become central to the endgame.
Final Verdict: Is Kaido Dead in 2025?
As of mid-2025, Kaido’s fate remains unconfirmed. While all signs point to his defeat, One Piece hasn’t given readers closure. That ambiguity leaves room for either a surprise return or a posthumous exploration of his past.
What is certain is that Kaido’s reign is over. Whether dead or alive, he no longer holds power in the world of One Piece, and that has forever altered the trajectory of the story. As Luffy and his crew move closer to Laugh Tale and the final war looms, Kaido’s legacy—and the truth behind his fate—continues to echo through the seas.
What Do You Think?
Do you believe Kaido is gone for good? Or is Oda saving him for one final twist? Drop your theory in the comments or join the discussion with the One Piece community!
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