One to thing to consider about the "Deities" in Wano is the story of how they became Guardian Deities. The Akazaya Samurai were considered Guardian Deities of Wano and the readers have seen their journey to rising to fill such a position. Luffy too in Gear Four has been considered a Guardian Deity by Hyogoro and I suspect the story of behind this feeling resides in the past of Wano. Joy Boy likely also possessed (or created) the Nika Fruit and given how connected Joy Boy was to Wano (using the Kozuki clan's Stonemason skills to produce the Poneglyphs, asking Wano to protect one of the Road Poneglyphs and Wano even closing their borders to wait for the next Joy Boy) there is a story to be told about how their relationship began. Joy Boy from 800 years ago may have becomes a Guardian Deity to Wano.
I am not sure if Dragons were a Guardian Deity symbol but Kaido did have a Dragon statue in Onigashima. With how the Wano Kuni Arc is positioned though, what seems likely to happen is Momonosuke transforming the Dragon into a symbol of Liberation for Wano. The Dragon form Momonosuke takes (Peach Dragon) appears to also be set-up to become a Guardian Deity of Wano.
Yamato's Okuchi no Makami has been stated by Kaido to also be a Guardian Deity of Wano. But beyond that, details for why Wano would worship a wolf have not been revealed yet. What story exist to substantiate such a relationship with Wano? For Wano to worship it (if Kaido is correct), a past Okuchi no Makami user (or THE Okuchi no Makami) must have done something significant to assist Wano. I have in the past theorised why Wano could have worshiped the Okuchi no Makami and that still may be the case:
@Syphin:
The Inu Inu no Mi, Model: Okuchi no Makami having a certain overlap with the Mink makes a lot of sense.
Considering the intimate relationship Wano has with Zou, it follows that a Devil Fruit Form that has overlap with the Mink visually would be a form respected/revered by the people of Wano.
The potential history of Wano hinted at through the Okuchi no Makami Devil Fruit conveys a further relevance for both Yamato and the Mink in regards to Wano. I can see where the argument of Yamato remaining in Wano comes from and that is a legitimate view but I am interpreting the presented information in a difference light. Wano is going to challenge/stand against the World Government once the borders are open and Yamato will be the piece Momonosuke uses to see about the arrival of the Dawn i.e. sending Yamato beyond Wano Kuni to see the journey Joy Boy left unfulfilled, complete.
@Syphin:
Going even further, Yamato’s Inu Inu no Mi, Model: Okuchi no Makami, it looks awfully a lot like a Sulong awakened Mink. What if a Mink from the past was indirectly responsible for the Devil Fruit’s existence? Such an honoured Devil Fruit within the Wano Kuni culture also being linked to the Mink would make a lot of sense. The reason for its worship could be its known connection to the Mink or at the very least, a indirect response from the Wano people’s inherent bond with the Mink. Is this why Oda has avoided having Mink encounter Yamato? In order to avoid a scenario he wishes to save for later? Could Yamato not only be the representative for Wano Kuni but also the Mink through the Okuchi no Makami form he possesses sourced from the Devil Fruit he consumed? It's possible but I really do wonder.
!
Until further information is provided, it is unclear how the Okuchi no Makami is significant to Wano but considering the close relationship Minks had to Wano, it is noteworthy to consider them especially when you consider that both the Samurai and Minks were close to Joy Boy. Wano closed their borders for Joy Boy to await his return and Zunesha, one of Joy Boy's closest companions, housed and protected the Minks for hundreds of years. To have a character that represents both Wano and Zou who also wishes to fight on Joy Boy's side, there is a meaningful relevance to that.
In addition to the story behind the Okuchi no Makami being Wano's Guardian Deity, I am also curious about the story before that. Did the user of the Okuchi no Makami and Joy Boy fight together in the past? It has been conveyed by the Five Elders that Zoan Fruits have a will of their own, and if that is the case, do they also have a will to see past allies reunited? Without having met Luffy directly, Yamato wholeheartedly believed in Luffy and prepared for the day he would arrive in Wano. It is fascinating how strongly Yamato attached himself to Luffy once he aligned his will to helping him. Could the Okuchi no Makami have influenced Yamato's desires to extend it further once he came to the decision to follow/help Luffy? Luffy too, upon meeting the son of his enemy, decided to accept his help and even free him. Sure this is Luffy's general nature but it could be more. What I am curious about is how Luffy would interact with Yamato with his Gear Five active (i.e. Joy Boy awakened).
I am not sure if it is anything but not all Mythical Zoans have the element the Nika and Okuchi no Makami Fruit share - the cloud/cold air ribbon present on their upper body. I wonder if that is a Wano specific thing:
!
In the past it would sense for an ice user and Joy Boy (rubber body) to have fought together since cold (to an extent) makes rubber softer and stretchier. Their powers do synergize well together.
@Roosta:
P.S.- Only just noticed that AP is back up, nice to see everyone again :)
Hey Roosta! Nice to see you again too. I missed you and your insights.