One Piece: The Case for Kizaru as the Most Underrated Admiral in the Series

One Piece: The Case for Kizaru as the Most Underrated Admiral in the Series

Essential Insights on Kizaru in One Piece

  • Kizaru stands out as one of the most powerful Admirals in One Piece, equipped with the formidable Pika Pika no Mi abilities and exceptional speed.
  • His adept use of Haki and remarkable combat skills render him a challenging adversary, even against the elite pirates of the series.
  • While he embodies the power of the Marines, Kizaru’s complex character and tumultuous past add a unique layer of depth to his role in the narrative.

The Admirals in One Piece are among the most feared figures, with power dynamics that often rival those of the series’ strongest pirates, known as the Emperors of the Sea. This rivalry places them frequently at odds with one another, showcasing their immense strength. The series consistently illustrates that a single Admiral can dismantle entire pirate crews without assistance.

Currently, there are three active Admirals, with Kizaru being the third introduced after Akainu and Aokiji. Despite his impressive capabilities, Kizaru often receives less recognition than his peers in discussions regarding the most crucial Marines. This article delves into Kizaru’s significant strengths and contributions within the One Piece saga.

Kizaru’s Legendary Strength

Power Befitting an Admiral

Marine Admirals

Kizaru, formally introduced during the Sabaody Archipelago arc, embodies the reason why Admirals instill fear throughout the seas. His arrival coincided with the emergence of the Worst Generation, and he nearly decimated their ranks single-handedly before they could penetrate the New World.

The strategic placement of Sabaody close to Marijoa spurred the World Government to dispatch Kizaru to neutralize these emerging threats quickly. His display of power against numerous crews proved why he is labeled the Navy’s ‘Ultimate Weapon’, facing only a formidable opponent in Rayleigh, showcasing Kizaru’s unparalleled combat prowess.

A Master of Light: Unmatched Speed

Kizaru possesses the Pika Pika no Mi, a powerful Logia-type Devil Fruit that grants him complete command over light. This unique ability allows him to launch high-speed light projectiles and create solid constructs, such as swords, rivaling even the legendary Dark King’s weaponry. His mastery over light also enables him to traverse through reflections, making him the fastest character in the entire franchise.

Interestingly, his laid-back demeanor contrasts sharply with his astonishing speed and power, evidenced during the Summit War, when he had the audacity to confront Shanks—only holding back due to Benn Beckman’s presence.

An Incredibly Skilled Fighter

Many perceive Kizaru’s dominance as solely derived from his immense Devil Fruit abilities. However, he is also an adept combatant who proficiently wields Haki, essential for survival on the Grand Line. His expertise in both Observation and Armament Haki sets him apart, as higher-ranking Marines, such as Vice Admirals, must master this skill to compete at such levels.

Kizaru’s fight against Rayleigh serves as a testament to his fighting skill, as he matched the legendary swordsman despite Rayleigh being past his prime. Kizaru’s contributions during the Marineford War, where he engaged numerous pirates, further solidified his reputation as a formidable force within the Navy.

An Underrated Character

A Layered and Sympathetic Character

Kizaru's Conflict

Beyond his formidable abilities, Kizaru emerges as a multi-faceted character with a compelling backstory. The recent Egghead arc offers a glimpse into his past, revealing his time as an apprentice under Dr. Vegapunk alongside notable figures such as Kuma, Bonney, and Sentomaru. A pivotal moment in Kizaru’s life occurred when he was forced to choose duty over personal relationships, culminating in a tragic confrontation that profoundly impacted him.

This internal conflict showcases Kizaru’s complexity as a Marine who grapples with the consequences of his actions. His sense of justice and duty compels him to act, even when it conflicts with his personal feelings, leading to moments of vulnerability, such as his confrontation with Akainu regarding his methods. Kizaru’s character development adds significant emotional weight to his role, distinguishing him as one of the most nuanced figures within the One Piece narrative.

For fans wishing to delve deeper into the adventures of One Piece, episodes are available for streaming on Crunchyroll.

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