Kouza
Kouza is the leader of the rebel forces opposing King Cobra in Alabasta. He originates as a village boy who rises to command the Sand-sand gang and later the broader rebellion, driven by the country's drought and lack of aid. Kouza is known for his direct confrontations with Princess Vivi, his refusal to abandon the fight despite revelations about the true cause of the crisis, and his eventual role in ending the conflict after the rain returns.
Throughout the events, Kouza maintains leadership among the rebels even after being injured, directing advances toward Alubarna and responding to attacks on civilians. His actions include striking down doubters, preparing for a final battle, and confronting Crocodile upon learning the truth about the drought.
Appearance
Kouza wears a patterned vest and head covering in his initial appearances as the village boy. He later adopts a long dark coat along with the same head covering while leading the Sand-sand gang. His face displays intense anger marked by gritted teeth and sweat drops during confrontations.12
In later scenes Kouza appears with a scarred face, spiky hair, and tinted glasses while riding into battle. He is shown bandaged and sweating after sustaining a bullet wound from Nanohana. His clothing becomes torn during the confrontation at the palace.345
Personality
Kouza asserts his longstanding role as leader in his village when challenged by Vivi over gang command. He refuses to stand by while towns dry up one by one and demands rain from the king during their palace argument. These statements reveal a persistent drive to act rather than wait for natural resolution.67
Kouza shows concern for an injured child by embracing the boy and later inquires about a comrade's bullet wound from Nanohana even amid battle. He resolves internally to end the country's situation after witnessing civilian harm and orders preparations for the final battle. Such responses illustrate his protective stance toward those under his leadership.8910
History
Early leadership
Early rebellion preparations
Kouza remains inside the tent while his followers secure weapons for the coming fight. The group later moves through the streets where an injured child receives care from nearby fighters before Kouza himself takes the boy into his arms.1415
Kouza decides the moment has come to end the current situation after tending to the wounded boy amid burning buildings and smoke. He issues orders for the final battle and directs contact with all detachments despite protests that weapons remain insufficient.1615
Confrontation with the king
Kouza argues with King Cobra inside the palace over Dance Powder and the drought, insisting a small amount of rain could stop the rebellion. He declares he has changed and can fight now before walking away with the vow to steal the rain. In the present he rides furiously across the desert while questioning Cobra's actions.7
Rebellion advance
Kouza leads the rebels from the base in Katorea toward Alubarna while striking a turbaned man who urges trust in Cobra. He continues advancing even after being shot and later directs the charge through smoke near the capital gates. After the rain falls he commands the rebels to disarm before the truth about the attacks is revealed to the crowd.171819
Relationships
Crocodile identifies Kouza and Vivi as childhood friends and orders that they must not meet. Kouza places a hand on Vivi's shoulder to announce her vice-leader role after their fight and later rides past her unrecognized amid smoke during the advance on Alubarna.20221
Kouza receives an urgent directive from Crocodile after being summoned while injured and kneeling. He later attacks the Warlord and sends him flying into a wall before hearing Vivi call out in an urgent desperate voice.2223
Major battles
Kouza fights Vivi directly to settle leadership of the Sand-sand gang while rebels cheer him on without mercy. He declares he has always led in his village and charges into rapid strikes before the outcome leads to Vivi's appointment as vice-leader.624
Kouza leads the rebel charge across the desert toward Alubarna and continues forward despite smoke and cannon fire. He later reacts with shock to the escalating violence in the streets and is shot by one of his own during the chaos before the rain halts the fighting.2526