One Piece honors Kizaru and Akainu’s brotherhood in chapter 1124

Despite being portrayed as a formidable and merciless Navy admiral dedicated to the World Government, Kizaru’s character in One Piece is humanized in the Egghead Arc. This arc delves into his emotional connections with Bartholomew Kuma, Jewelry Bonney, Sentomaru, and Dr. Vegapunk, revealing a softer side to his persona.

Previously, Kizaru had many moments with Sentomaru, Kuma, and the rest of the group. However, the World Government’s command to eliminate Vegapunk erased all of those happy memories. This caused Kizaru to struggle with conflicting emotions and his sense of duty, as he was unwilling to harm those he cared for.

Ultimately, Kizaru ultimately decided on the second option and dealt a fatal blow to Vegapunk, resulting in his death. The latest chapter of One Piece, chapter 1124, sheds further insight into Kizaru’s inner struggle and highlights his surprisingly strong connection with Fleet Admiral Sakazuki “Akainu”.

Please be aware that this article includes significant spoilers from the One Piece manga, up to and including chapter 1124.

Latest One Piece Chapter Frames Kizaru’s Inner Torment While Revealing His Fraternal Bond With Akainu

Borsalino "Kizaru" (Image via Toei Animation) — Borsalino “Kizaru” (Image via Toei Animation)

Scheduled for its official release on August 26, 2024, One Piece chapter 1124 delves into the events following the Egghead Incident. With the passing of Dr Vegapunk and the conclusion of his broadcasted message, the Straw Hat Pirates are getting ready to embark on their journey to Elbaf. At the same time, Akainu attempts to reach the Navy fleet stationed at Egghead.

Despite attempts to communicate, none of the Marines were able to respond as all the officers had been incapacitated by Emet’s release of Joy Boy’s Haki blast. It was only when Kizaru, who had been knocked down by one of Luffy’s attacks, regained consciousness and heard Akainu’s call that he was able to respond to his superior. Until then, Kizaru had been lying on the deck of a Marine ship.

Sakazuki "Akainu" (Image via Toei Animation) — Sakazuki “Akainu” (Image via Toei Animation)

Despite Akainu’s criticism, Kizaru tearfully questions if he has ever had to kill his closest companion. Memories flood back to Kizaru’s first encounter with Vegapunk and the tragic moment when he had to end the scientist’s life.

Upon seeing Kizaru burst into tears, he shouted at Akainu to come to Egghead and test his capabilities if he truly doubted them. Akainu, taken aback by Kizaru’s outburst, surprisingly apologizes to his fellow Marine and speaks words that no one could have ever imagined him saying.

“My bad. Sorry… brother.”

Akainu and Kizaru’s Comradery: A Strong Bond Between Two Admirals

Admiral Kizaru and Fleet Admiral Akainu (Image via Toei Animation)

One Piece often portrays Kizaru as a lighthearted individual who doesn’t take things too seriously. He is carefree, mischievous, and easygoing, giving the impression of being careless or forgetful. On the other hand, Akainu has always maintained a serious and uncompromising demeanor. Therefore, the unexpected emotional exchange between them in One Piece chapter 1124 was truly shocking.

The Egghead Arc had already started to showcase Kizaru’s character development, revealing his emotional depth and the conflict within him as he grapples with the decision to either protect his relationships or sacrifice them in order to fulfill his duty.

Despite Kizaru’s typically calm and laid-back demeanor, his emotional response in the latest chapter was completely unprecedented.

Vegapunk's death was too much for Kizaru (Image via Toei Animation) — Vegapunk’s death was too much for Kizaru (Image via Toei Animation)

Similarly, fans were taken aback when they witnessed Akainu, known as the most merciless Marine, offering an apology and displaying genuine empathy towards someone. The situation was made even more surprising as Kizaru openly criticized Akainu, despite the fact that Akainu was his direct superior, yet Akainu did not take offense.

It is worth mentioning that Akainu referred to Kizaru as his “kyoudai”, a Japanese term for “brother”. This is the same word that was used by One Piece author Eiichiro Oda to depict the bond between Luffy, Ace, and Sabo.

Kizaru’s character is widely known to be heavily influenced by Yakuza-themed movies. In the Yakuza culture, the term “kyoudai”signifies a person who has pledged their loyalty and formed a strong bond of brotherhood, known as a “sworn brother”.

This mutual respect between Kizaru and Akainu is evident in the fact that Kizaru can openly reprimand Akainu, even going as far as calling him a brat, despite the fact that Akainu is actually his superior.

Despite the usual leader-subordinate etiquette, there was a brief moment where a more genuine bond between brothers-in-arms took precedence. Though the backgrounds of Akainu and Kizaru are mostly shrouded, One Piece has disclosed that they both enlisted in the Navy at a similar age, were mentored by the same individuals, and ascended the ranks side by side.

In One Piece chapter 1124, the interaction between Kizaru and Akainu is further contextualized by the fact that Kizaru is approximately three years older than Akainu. It is worth noting that both of them hail from the North Blue.

Therefore, it is not only a fact that they have been comrades since they became Marines, but it is also highly probable that they were friends prior to enlisting in the Navy.

After the time skip, it becomes apparent that Borsalino “Kizaru”has taken on the role of Akainu’s closest advisor among the three Admirals. This is indicated by the fact that Kizaru is slightly older than the current Fleet Admiral, as it is common for right-hand men to be older than their leaders.

Zoro is senior to Luffy, Benn Beckman is senior to Shanks, Killer is senior to Kid, and so on.

Fans eagerly anticipate the revelation of Akainu and Kizaru’s backstory, solidifying the three original Admirals known as the “Color Trio”as some of the most captivating characters in Eiichiro Oda’s narrative. Kizaru, in particular, has garnered widespread praise for his multifaceted role in the Egghead Arc.

The possessor of the Glint-Glint Fruit viewed himself as a mere component of the system, a subordinate who blindly follows the commands of his superiors. Nevertheless, his inner turmoil highlighted the fact that, despite his assertions, he is not immune to challenges and predicaments.

It is not at all unexpected, considering that Kunie Tanaka, the renowned Japanese actor who inspired Kizaru, frequently starred in movies centered on ethical complexities.

Upon reflection, Kizaru realized that he should have brought a pair of sunglasses with darker lenses to conceal the tears in his eyes. When he completed his mission of killing Vegapunk, his close friend, a part of his soul also perished with the scientist.

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