Hotei

Hotei is the former captain of the Mimawarigumi, a samurai police force in Wano Country that served the shogun Kurozumi Orochi until he was deposed by Kaidou.

Due to his actions and role, he is a minor antagonist in the Wano Country Arc.

Appearance

Hotei is a man of above-average height with long puffy light green hair that is gathered into a ponytail down his back. He wears a pair of sunglasses that cover his eyes, and has a small amount of beard stubble on his chin. He wears a light-colored kimono with dark circle patterns that leaves his hairy chest exposed, dark-colored bottoms, and a cloak with a dark jagged design on the bottom.

Personality

While under the command of Kurozumi Orochi, Hotei served the shogun loyally, showing no disapproval at the corrupt administration. However, Hotei was not faithful to Orochi as an individual, as once the shogun was beheaded by Kaidou, the Mimawarigumi captain unhesitatingly switched his allegiance to the latter, when given the option of submission or death, going against the standard samurai code of loyalty. He seems to greatly enjoy the annual banquet held at Kaidou’s lair during the Fire Festival.

Abilities and Powers

As the captain of the Mimawarigumi, Hotei commanded a legion of 5000 powerful samurai until the group was disbanded following Orochi’s deposition.

Weapons

Hotei wields two swords on his waist, and used one of them during his battle against Hyogoro, who easily defeated him and his entire squad, while breaking the sword in the process.

History

Wano Country Saga

Wano Country Arc

After the Straw Hat Pirates escaped after instigating a fight in the Flower Capital during Shimotsuki Yasuie’s execution, Hotei and the Mimawarigumi began patrolling the capital streets to protect Kurozumi Orochi and capture the pirates.

A week later, the Mimawarigumi accompanied Orochi to Onigashima to party with Kaidou and the Beasts Pirates during the Fire Festival. Before heading out, Fukurokuju told Hotei and the samurai to inform everyone that Kyoshiro would be looking over the Flower Capital during the event, and Hotei remarked that the yakuza boss was unlucky to have to miss out.

While the Golden Kagura festivities were occurring, Hotei drank alongside Orochi. Later, Kaidou came to the Performance Stage to announce his “New Onigashima Project”. When Orochi protested this project, Kaidou beheaded him. He then gave the Mimawarigumi and Orochi Oniwabanshu the ultimatum to join his pirate crew or die, and Hotei pledged the Mimawarigumi’s service to him.

As the Ninja-Pirate-Mink-Samurai Alliance waged an all-out war in Kaidou’s stronghold, Hotei noticed Fukurokuju wandering off somewhere.

After Queen unleashed the Ice Oni virus, Hotei and his allies found themselves under attack by those who were infected. After Queen gave Apoo the antidote, Hotei ordered his allies to retrieve it. After Hyogoro had been infected by the Ice Oni virus and physically returned to his prime self, Hotei and the Mimawarigumi challenged him, but they were struck down by the former yakuza boss.

Major Battles

• Hotei, Jigoku Benten, Hanzo, Daikoku and two Mimawarigumi members vs. infected Beast Pirates
• Hotei and Mimawarigumi vs. Hyogoro

Trivia

• Hotei is possibly named after one of the Seven Lucky Gods in Japanese mythology, much like several members of the Orochi Oniwabanshu including their leader Fukurokuju.

References