The paradoxes of light speed
Kizaru's ability to move at the speed of light thanks to the Pika Pika no Mi makes him theoretically the fastest character in the One Piece world. However, Oda has clearly stated that this power has been balanced in such a way that it does not fully reflect the physics of light in the real world. In other words, Kizaru's speed advantage does not give him infinite reaction time; he is as fast as light, but he is also subject to the timing of martial arts.
Inspired by a real model
Borsalino's facial features, expressions, and even his manner of speaking are based on Japanese actor Kunie Tanaka. In particular, Tanaka's portrayal of mafia-like, laid-back characters directly inspired Kizaru's “I don't care about anything but I'm deadly” vibe. This reference is key to understanding the character's ability to be intimidating without being serious.
The technological echo of laser power
The light beams Kizaru creates are not just organic attacks. Vegapunk managed to transform his abilities into laser weapons in the Pacifistas. Thus, Kizaru is not just a warrior but also an indirect architect of the Navy's scientific progress. His existence forced enemies to fight not only against humans but also against machines.
Even his speech pattern is tactical
Kizaru's slow and lazy way of speaking may seem careless at first glance, but it is a conscious tactic to manipulate his enemies' perceptions. His constant dismissive comments, such as “oh, how scary,” can shake his opponent's confidence or lead them to overconfidence. His words become a battle strategy.
Lack of loyalty, not dedication to duty
Kizaru's status as a marine does not mean that he is ideologically loyal to the World Government. On the contrary, his character is positioned in a gray area. He does not act blindly for justice like Akainu, nor does he act based on his conscience like Aokiji. He simply does what his duty requires; he doesn't care who is right. This makes him susceptible to manipulation but also unpredictable.
The psychological showdown at Shabondy
His solo battle against the Supernovas in the Shabondy Archipelago was not just a display of physical strength. There, he clearly sent a message to the new generation of pirates: “I can crush you before you even begin.” This scene positions Kizaru not as a threat but as a test. He symbolizes not the sailors but the absolute power of the World Government.
Clothing and glasses are a conscious choice
Kizaru's classic striped suit and dark-colored glasses are not just a style choice but also character signals. The glasses are not meant to protect his eyes when moving at the speed of light but to maintain his expressionless face. This allows him to hide his emotions and deceive his enemies. His outfit, resembling a classic figure from another time, solidifies him as a fixed authority.
The fine line in his relationship with Luffy
Kizaru could have stopped Luffy multiple times during the Marineford War, but he didn't. His decision not to kill him suggests that he possesses an inner balance that transcends orders. His existence is not about winning the war but fulfilling his duty, which prevents him from emotionally investing in the events. He doesn't even care if Luffy survives because he has no ideology.
He stood on the same ground as Saturn
In the Egghead Arc, Kizaru's attack on Dr. Vegapunk coincided with the first appearance of a Gorosei (Saturn) on stage. This shows that Kizaru can carry out even the orders of the World Government's highest authority without hesitation. However, this episode also hints at the inner conflicts he faces for the first time.
A character whose development has been put on hold
After introducing Kizaru, Oda pushed him into the background for years. This was a deliberate choice because keeping the character mysterious maintained his aura of being an “invincible state power.” If Kizaru had appeared too much, his invincibility might have been undermined. So, his limited screen time makes him seem more dangerous and unpredictable.
Attacks he misses despite his speed
In battles, Kizaru is sometimes seen failing to dodge enemy attacks. Especially when he hesitates after Marco's sudden strike or Ben Beckman aims his weapon at him, it shows that his speed is subject to theoretical limitations. These details prove that Oda portrays him not as an absolute power but as a force that acts like a “nuclear threat.”
His surprising stance against Beckman
In battle, Kizaru's hesitation when Ben Beckman simply aimed his weapon at him showed that he had never hesitated against an opponent before. This scene sparked lengthy debates among fans: “Is Beckman that strong, or was Kizaru just playing a part?” Many theories suggest that this scene implies that Kizaru was actually analyzing his enemies as part of a larger plan. But still, this scene shows his conscious control behind his frivolity.
His inner conflict revealed in Egghead
In the Egghead Arc, it was clearly shown that Kizaru was reluctant to attack Vegapunk. This was the first time his inner conflicts were clearly revealed. A portrait of a man caught between his sense of duty and his personal ties was painted. This was one of the most important dramatic turning points that made him a real human being rather than a robot.
Uncertainty of his sense of justice
While Akainu defends “Absolute Justice” and Aokiji defends “Comfortable Justice,” Kizaru's definition of justice is never given. This ambiguity makes him both impartial and potentially the most dangerous figure. His refusal to question orders or justice stems not from a lack of conviction but from the absence of his own system. This stance symbolizes not absolute loyalty to authority but obedience born of indifference.
Fans' choice for “the most terrifying admiral”
In numerous polls and discussions within the fandom, while Akainu stands out for his physical strength and Aokiji for his emotional complexity, Kizaru is deemed the most terrifying due to his unpredictability. It is unclear when he will become serious or which power he will use at any given moment. What makes him unique is his emotional detachment combined with his absolute physical threat.
His former connection to Vegapunk
Kizaru's relationship with Vegapunk goes beyond a mere command-and-control dynamic. They have worked together for years, and it is known that Kizaru's fruit power was experimentally used in the Pacifista project. This connection explains his indecision at Egghead. Even if it's not a friendship, there's a mutual understanding built over the years.
Humorous references to “light”
Kizaru also represents the theme of ‘light’ in a humorous way. For example, before attacking the Supernovas, he says things like, “Am I fast or not? Let's see,” which is a way of belittling his power and demoralizing his enemies. His “as fast as light but as indifferent as light” attitude is an example of dark humor.
The “atomic bomb” function assigned to him by Oda
Eiichiro Oda designed Kizaru to be different from other admirals in that he does not react to events but instantly changes their tone. That's why tension rises whenever he appears on stage. His character is positioned more as a kind of “disruptive weapon” than as a dramatic progression. Just like a nuclear power that creates a threat simply by its existence.
The arbitrary bending of the laws of physics
Kizaru's light-related powers are theoretically controversial from a physics standpoint, but Oda overlooks these logical inconsistencies for the sake of the story's entertainment value. For example, it is technically impossible for someone moving at the speed of light to deliver a physical blow; yet Kizaru can kick effortlessly. This absurdity contributes to his image as a “rule-breaker.”
Like a player, but like an observer
Although Kizaru is always involved in events, he often chooses to act as an observer rather than directly intervening. He prefers to “watch” many moments in Marineford and Sabaody. This attitude suggests that he is more interested in testing events than in controlling them. Watching how people react may be a source of satisfaction for him.