Kyo,^[1] also known as Silver Axe, is a mobster-turned-pirate, a former member of the Rocks Pirates,^[2] and a rival of Shiki.^[1]

Appearance

Over 38 years ago, Kyo appeared as a tall and well-built man. His silvery hair was kept in a short crop with sideburns, his full-lipped mouth was usually in a scowl, and his broad chin had an X-shaped scar in the middle. A dark tattoo spread across the left front of his torso: two strokes forming an X above what resembled a five-petaled half-flower motif. For attire, Kyo donned a dark-colored kimono patterned with double-bladed axe shapes of light color, held closed by a light sash, as well as dark gloves and sandals; slung over his shoulders was a long, hooded, light-colored coat trimmed at the bottom with a dark flaming tongue pattern,^[1] and featuring the kanji 凶 for Kyo's name on (at least) the left breast portion.^[3] Kyo's eyes were covered by dark sunglasses, each lens marked with a bold X, and on his back was strapped his massive, single-bladed axe.^[1]

Gallery

A closeup of Kyo's face.

Kyo's full appearance while donning his cloak.

Kyo's color scheme in the manga.

Personality

From what little has been seen, Kyo has a staunch and somber personality with a volatile temperament whose reputation as a dangerous mobster and hitman preceded him. He may have had an opportunistic streak, having seemingly joined the Rocks Pirates of his own accord by traveling to Hachinosu rather than being forced into membership by losing a Davy Back Fight against Rocks.^[1]

Like almost all his male crewmates, Kyo easily fell victim to the charms of the Kuja Empress Shakuyaku after laying eyes on her once.^[3]

Relationships

Rocks Pirates

Rocks D. Xebec

Not much was shown between Kyo and Rocks but the former was interested in joining his crew of his own volition and was welcomed into the crew. He was also annoyed by how Rocks was wasting time talking to Harald when the crew needed to save Shakuyaku.

Shiki

Kyo had a rivalry with fellow mobster-turned-pirate Shiki that predated Kyo's time on the Rocks Pirates,^[1] and it was not uncommon for them to come to blows and try to kill one another amid the crew's ventures.^[4]

Abilities and Powers

Kyo was mentioned by Sengoku as having been a noteworthy pirate together with Shiki, Ochoku, and Captain John.^[2] Given said notoriety as well as Kyo's rivalry with Shiki,^[1] whom he had no trouble clashing with,^[4] Kyo was likely a very powerful individual.

Physical Abilities

Kyo has great strength befitting his physique, thanks to which, without any effort, he can lift a grown man into the air with one hand, grabbing him by the head.^[1] He could survive a powerful bomb being dropped on him in a confined space that almost buried him under rubble, though not without some injuries.^[4]

Weapons

Kyo owned a massive, single-bladed axe that was strapped on his back when not in use.^[1] His skill with the weapon, while unknown, was possibly the reason behind his epithet.

History

Around 44 years before the present,^[5] several months after the Rocks Pirates had taken over Hachinosu, Kyo arrived on the Pirate Island to join the crew. He had already garnered a prior reputation as a violent hitman and as Shiki's rival, implying that the two mobsters had clashed beforehand.^[1] At some later point, Kyo participated in a looting raid of Foot Colony with his crew, where he grew angry at Shiki tossing a bomb at Kyo and company to stall them and allow himself to get a bigger cut of the loot, leading Kyo and Shiki to clash.^[6] Forty-two years ago, Kyo was present when Shakuyaku, who had quit as captain of the Kuja Pirates, arrived on Hachinosu to open a bar there; just like all his crewmates, Kyo was struck by the Kuja Empress's beauty.^[7]

Following her capture 39 years ago, and the subsequent leaking of her whereabouts to Hachinosu a year later, Kyo departed to God Valley with the rest of his crewmates, intent on saving her. On the way, they encountered King Harald. Rather than fighting, Rocks chose to have a chat with his former friend. Both Kyo and Shiki were annoyed, as time was of the essence. Eventually, after talks broke down, they were able to proceed to God Valley, arriving just in time.^[8] Just before they disembarked, Rocks made it clear that the prime objective was to rescue Shakky, and that any treasure they found could be divided up later. When it was mentioned that Shakky herself could not be split, Kyo agreed to the idea that the one to rescue her first would effectively "win", and gain her love. After the arguments ended, the crew began its rampage on the island.^[9]

As the invasion ensued, Kyo competed with the likes of John, Shiki, Ganzui, Gloriosa, and Gill Bastar to reach Shakky first. Despite their efforts, Silvers Rayleigh was able to reach her first.^[10] However, plenty of treasure was still available to be stolen, with Edward Newgate ordering the remaining pirates to prioritize stealing it. In the process, Kyo ended up clashing with Polo Gram.^[11] Later, Kyo led a group to steal a ship in order to escape the island. When questioned as to why they would not simply use Rocks' ship again, he revealed that none of his crewmates planned on returning to Hachinosu, making the Rocks Pirates effectively dissolved.^[12]

The tumultuous battle on God Valley would come to be known as the God Valley Incident. Following the disbandment of the Rocks Pirates, Kyo continued to make a name for himself,^[2] though he never became as well-known as other members.^[13]

Major Battles

• Rocks Pirates vs. Foot Colony guardians
• Rocks Pirates vs. Roger Pirates and Marines
• Kyo vs. Polo Gram

Trivia

• Kyo is one of few characters with a kanji-based Japanese name: 凶（きょう） (Kyō) can mean "misfortune, bad omen" or "evil, wickedness" (including with a murderous connotation).
  • The "X" motif present in Kyo's design seems to reference the abovesaid kanji (which is fully depicted in his tattoo and in his sunglasses), since it contains the X-shaped "cross" radical 㐅.
• Kyo's and Shiki's rivalry might be reflected by their respective epithets, which designate them as "Silver" and "Gold" respectively. Furthermore, they both are mobsters who became pirates, have Japanese-sounding names (though only Kyo's is written with a kanji), and wear kimono.

References

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