The Lazy Admiral: An Exploration of Borsalino (Kizaru) in One Piece

Who is Borsalino? – A Closer Look

The vast world of *One Piece*, filled with pirates, Marines, and the mysterious World Government, is renowned for its complex characters and intricate storytelling. Among the powerful figures navigating this tumultuous sea are the Admirals of the Marines, the strongest fighters within the organization, serving as the ultimate law enforcers. One of these formidable figures is Borsalino, also known by his codename, Kizaru. With his signature laid-back attitude and devastating power, Kizaru presents a fascinating study in contradictions – a man who wields incredible destructive capabilities while appearing completely nonchalant. This article delves into the world of Kizaru, exploring his character, his incredible abilities derived from the *Pika Pika no Mi*, and his significant role in the unfolding drama of *One Piece*.

Appearance

Borsalino, the man, is instantly recognizable. His physical presence is defined by a tall, slender frame, lending an air of casual grace to his movements. He almost always appears in his signature yellow suit, a bright splash of color against his more serious demeanor, often accessorized with a crisp, white shirt and a tie. But perhaps the most iconic element of his appearance is his sunglasses, perpetually perched on his nose, masking his eyes and adding to the mystery behind his stoic expression. This meticulous attention to his appearance reflects an almost paradoxical blend of professionalism and insouciance.

Personality

His personality is the cornerstone of his enigmatic appeal. Kizaru is the epitome of cool, radiating a sense of effortless calm even in the most chaotic situations. His voice, a slow, almost drawn-out drawl, contributes to this aura of relaxed indifference. He is known for his dry wit and penchant for making sarcastic remarks, often delivered with a disarmingly innocent expression. He takes situations at face value, often being indifferent to the gravity of the situation. His casual and unhurried attitude contrasts sharply with the sheer power he wields, making him an unpredictable and unnerving opponent. He rarely appears to be in a rush, even when actively engaged in combat.

Motivations

Beneath this relaxed exterior lies a ruthless professional. While he might seem to lack a strong moral compass, Kizaru’s loyalty to the World Government is unquestionable. He carries out his orders with ruthless efficiency, demonstrating a willingness to use his immense power without hesitation. This lack of apparent personal investment in the conflicts he’s involved in can be interpreted in multiple ways – either as a sign of his unwavering commitment to duty, or as a more detached acceptance of his role in the grand scheme of things.

This brings us to the intriguing question of Kizaru’s motivations. Is his loyalty to the World Government genuine, or is he driven by a sense of duty? Does he truly believe in the ideals the Marines represent? His character has never been defined by intense emotions or clear-cut allegiances. His actions suggest he’s a pragmatist, choosing to follow orders regardless of their moral implications. He is driven by what is required of him as an Admiral and the orders he is given. This ambiguity makes him an interesting character, a source of internal conflict, and perhaps a key to understanding the complexities of the World Government and their control.

Unleashing the Power: Kizaru’s Abilities

Kizaru’s incredible strength stems from his mastery of the *Pika Pika no Mi*, a Logia-type Devil Fruit that grants him the power of light. This power turns Kizaru’s body into pure light, allowing him to manipulate, generate, and become light at will. This gives him a wide range of tactical advantages that make him one of the most dangerous characters in *One Piece*.

Advantages of the Pika Pika no Mi

The primary advantage of the *Pika Pika no Mi* is its elemental nature. Because he is made of light, Kizaru can pass through most physical attacks, making him incredibly difficult to harm. He can also travel at the speed of light, allowing him to traverse vast distances instantaneously. In combat, this translates into an unmatched advantage in speed and maneuverability.

Techniques and Attacks

Beyond pure speed and invulnerability, Kizaru uses his light-based abilities to create a variety of devastating attacks. These techniques include:

• Light Clone: Kizaru can create clones of himself from light, allowing him to overwhelm his opponents with numbers or distract them from his true position. This further enhances his already formidable fighting capabilities.
• Yata no Kagami (Mirror of the Eight Spans): One of his most unique techniques. Kizaru bends light to create a path of light for himself, allowing him to travel at the speed of light to a specific location in the blink of an eye. This makes him nearly impossible to track and creates opportunities for surprise attacks.
• Ama no Murakumo (Sword of the Heavens): He can create a sword of pure light, which is incredibly powerful and capable of cutting through even the toughest defenses. This adds a brutal weapon to his arsenal.
• Light-based Kicks and Lasers: He can unleash powerful kicks and laser beams from his hands, creating both long-range and short-range attacks. His attacks are typically named with a reference to light such as “Holy Light,” “Laser Beam,” and “Light Kick”.

Kizaru’s power also relies on his mastery of Haki. While the specifics of his Haki use are not always explicitly detailed, it is reasonable to assume he is proficient in both Armament Haki, which allows him to coat his body in an invisible armor to hit Devil Fruit users and protect against attacks, and Observation Haki, which enhances his senses and allows him to predict his opponents’ movements. This combination of Devil Fruit powers and Haki mastery makes him a truly formidable opponent. The skill and application of these abilities demonstrate Kizaru’s exceptional combat prowess.

Kizaru’s Place in the Story

Kizaru’s appearances in *One Piece* have been impactful, leaving a mark on the narrative and shaping the overall development of the story. He doesn’t make frequent appearances, but when he does it is with immense consequence.

Early Appearances

His initial introduction in the *Sabaody Archipelago* arc demonstrated his power and the threat he posed to the Straw Hat Pirates. He arrived to dismantle the pirate activity in the area. His pursuit of the Straw Hats, and his relentless assault on the crew, showed the gap in power between the Straw Hats at that time and the Admirals. The incident served as a brutal wake-up call for the pirates, highlighting the dangers of challenging the World Government.

Marineford Arc

The *Marineford Arc* was a pivotal moment for Kizaru. He played a critical role in the war against the Whitebeard Pirates. His actions during the conflict highlighted his unwavering loyalty to the World Government. He demonstrated the full extent of his powers, clashing with multiple powerful characters, showcasing his devastating attacks and incredible speed.

Character Interactions

Kizaru’s interactions with the other characters have further shaped his presence in the story. He is a key component of the Marine’s defense against threats to the World Government. His cold efficiency and lack of remorse when delivering justice have made a mark on the other characters involved in the story. The combination of his personality and role in the story has created a character that readers have been keen to understand.

Analysis and Further Exploration

The ambiguity surrounding Kizaru’s character raises the question of his true allegiance and morality. Is he truly evil? He has committed acts that can be viewed as ruthless and inhumane. However, his actions are always carried out under orders, which places him within a framework of duty rather than personal malice. He seems to believe in the World Government and the authority of the Marines, even though his motivation is open to interpretation.

Comparisons to Other Admirals

In comparison to the other Admirals, Kizaru presents a different perspective on justice. Akainu, for instance, embodies absolute justice, willing to do anything to eradicate evil. Aokiji, on the other hand, had a more laid-back approach and believed in justice through his own moral code. Kizaru stands somewhere in the middle, an enigma who can be loyal to the orders placed on him by the World Government.

Future Predictions

Considering his current position, the question of Kizaru’s future role in *One Piece* remains an open one. The story continues to expand, and new challenges are emerging. As the story progresses, it is likely Kizaru’s place and purpose will continue to be developed. His actions will continue to shape the landscape of the series, and readers will likely begin to see a true picture of Kizaru’s motivations.

Conclusion

Borsalino, known as Kizaru, is one of the most compelling characters in *One Piece*. His unique combination of immense power, a seemingly carefree attitude, and unwavering loyalty makes him a fascinating and unpredictable force. He is a vital part of the Marines’ forces, and his actions have had a great impact on the story. The way his character unfolds has a great impact on the overall story of *One Piece*. His future will surely continue to influence the direction of the ongoing conflict. The mystery surrounding his true intentions and the potential for his character to develop make him a compelling figure. We are left wondering whether the world will eventually witness his true colors emerge.