‘One Piece’ chapter 971 release date: Is Kanjuro the traitor or the enemies are lying about having an informant?

Some of the most expected events happening in “One Piece” chapter 971 is the execution of Kaido and the burning of the Kozuki Castle. However, the preceding chapter has once again made a reference to the mysterious traitor making many fans expect that the next installment will be the time the spy’s identity would be revealed.

‘One Piece’ chapter 971 spoilers: Is there really a traitor?

Some fans are not totally sold that there is a traitor among the Nine Red Scabbards. To be fair, seeing how they heroically fought alongside Oden in chapter 970 makes this theory believable as well. However, there have been several references to the traitor both in the past and in the present, and it would seem futile to just announce in “One Piece” chapter 971 that it was only a red herring all along.

Also, in chapter 955 titled “Enma, the last page showed Orochi reading from a piece of paper that the converging point of the alliance was changed for the Onigashima attack and that Hiyori is alive. Considering that he actually received a written report that not even the entire Beasts Pirates is aware of makes it much more likely that a traitor really exists. With the flashback to Oden’s adventures coming to an end, fans are hoping to reconcile all the loose ends, especially about the traitor in “One Piece” chapter 971.

‘One Piece’ chapter 971 release date, predictions: Is Kanjuro the traitor?

Most of those who believe that a traitor is in the midst of the alliance think Kanjuro is the likely spy. Fans will have to meticulously read the chapters before “One Piece” chapter 971 if they want to catch up on the pieces of evidence, and there are a few details that seem convincing enough to buy into this theory.

The alliance’s failed attack of Onigashima was foiled because they lost the element of surprise, thanks to the traitor. As mentioned, Orochi knew the ins and outs of their plans as well as the whereabouts of Hiyori. While many people knew about the plans and the changes, only those closest to the Kozuki clan and Oden’s retainers know about Hiyori.

Another detail specifically involving Kanjuro makes a good case of him being the traitor was the implication that he was not surrendered to Kaido or Orochi and was not heavily punished possibly. Fans think those were the most logical things to happen because he is one of Oden retainers, and the only thing that might have saved him from all that was because he already flipped sides.

The two-week hiatus is now halfway over. “One Piece” chapter 971 will be released worldwide through official channels on Sunday, Feb. 16.