Borsalino, more famously recognized by his Admiral alias Kizaru, stands as one of the most enigmatic and enduring figures in the world of One Piece. As the only remaining member of the original Admiral trio—following Kuzan’s resignation and Sakazuki’s promotion—his presence in the current narrative landscape is more vital than ever. Often dismissed by casual observers as a mere "lazy" powerhouse, recent developments in the Egghead Arc have revealed layers of psychological depth and professional conflict that make him arguably the most human of the high-ranking Marines.

The Technical Dominance of the Pika Pika no Mi

The Pika Pika no Mi, or the Glint-Glint Fruit, is widely considered one of the most broken Logia-type powers in existence. It allows Borsalino to transform into, create, and manipulate light. In a world where Haki is the ultimate equalizer, the raw speed of light remains a terrifying variable.

Speed as Kinetic Energy

Borsalino’s famous line, "Speed is weight. Have you ever been kicked at light speed?" encapsulates his combat philosophy. In the physics of One Piece, his ability to travel at approximately 300,000 kilometers per second (or its anime equivalent) translates into massive physical impact. Unlike other Logia users who rely heavily on elemental AOE (Area of Effect) damage, Borsalino uses his fruit to enhance his close-quarters combat. His light-speed kicks can bypass the reaction time of even seasoned New World pirates who lack advanced Observation Haki.

Mastery of the Three Sacred Treasures

Borsalino’s primary techniques are poetically named after the Three Sacred Treasures of Japan, hinting at his elite status within the World Government’s hierarchy:

  1. Yata no Kagami (Eight Span Mirror): This allows him to reflect himself off surfaces to reach distant locations instantly. It is his primary movement tool, making him the ultimate pursuit specialist.
  2. Ama no Murakumo (Sword of the Gathering Clouds of Heaven): A blade of pure solidified light. This technique proves his versatility; he isn't just a projectile spammer but a master swordsman capable of dueling legendary figures like Silvers Rayleigh to a standstill.
  3. Yasakani no Magatama (Eight Shaku Curved Jewel): A barrage of light particles fired from his fingertips. This is his go-to for clearing fleets or pinning down high-mobility targets like Marco the Phoenix.

The Philosophy of Unclear Justice

Every Admiral follows a personal brand of justice. Sakazuki upholds "Absolute Justice," a scorched-earth policy. Kuzan followed "Lazy Justice," which eventually evolved into a more nuanced moral compass. Borsalino, however, operates under "Unclear Justice" (Docchi de mo nai Seigi).

This isn't just a character quirk; it's a survival mechanism within the rigid Marine structure. Borsalino identifies as a "corporate cog." He executes orders with terrifying efficiency regardless of his personal feelings. This detachment makes him unpredictable. One moment he is politely asking a pirate for directions, and the next, he is obliterating a mangrove tree just to test his output. For readers, this creates a sense of dread—you never truly know if he is holding back because he’s bored or because he’s waiting for a specific command from the Five Elders.

The Egghead Tragedy: A Crack in the Sunglasses

For nearly two decades of serialization, Borsalino appeared untouchable and emotionless. That changed during the Egghead Arc. Tasked with the assassination of Dr. Vegapunk—a man he had known for decades and considered a personal friend—Borsalino was forced to confront the reality of his "Unclear Justice."

The Bond with Vegapunk and Sentomaru

Flashbacks in the Egghead Arc showed a surprisingly domestic side of the Admiral. We saw him dancing with Vegapunk, Kuma, Bonnie, and Sentomaru. He wasn't just a Marine Admiral; he was a family friend. When he was ordered to eliminate them, the conflict was visible for the first time in his career. His decision to hide his eyes behind his amber-tinted sunglasses more frequently suggests a desire to mask the guilt he felt while fulfilling his duties.

His fight against Sentomaru, his self-proclaimed nephew, was particularly telling. Borsalino won the exchange effortlessly, but his lack of his trademark sarcasm spoke volumes. He wasn't enjoying the hunt; he was performing a painful chore. This internal struggle elevates him from a mere antagonist to a tragic figure bound by the very system he helps maintain.

Combat Analysis: Borsalino vs. Gear 5 Luffy

The clash between Borsalino and Monkey D. Luffy on Egghead was one of the most anticipated matchups in the Final Saga. It represented the ultimate test: the fastest Marine versus the most liberated pirate.

In this fight, we saw Borsalino’s tactical brilliance. He didn't try to out-muscle Gear 5’s "ridiculous" physics. Instead, he utilized his speed to keep Luffy on the defensive, forcing the Emperor to burn through his stamina. While Luffy eventually landed a devastating blow, Borsalino’s ability to recover and remain a threat throughout the siege highlighted his immense durability. He is one of the few characters who can look at the chaotic, reality-bending powers of a Sun God and respond with a calm, light-speed laser.

The Kunie Tanaka Influence

Eiichiro Oda’s character design for Borsalino is a direct homage to the late Japanese actor Kunie Tanaka, specifically his role in the film Truck Yarō. This influence extends beyond just the facial features and the striped suit; it informs his speech patterns. Borsalino speaks in a slow, drawn-out manner (the "Boshu" dialect), which contrasts sharply with his light-speed abilities. This irony is central to his appeal. He is a man who seems to be in no rush, yet he is always the first to arrive at the scene of a crime.

Legacy and the Final War

As One Piece approaches its conclusion, the question remains: where does Borsalino’s loyalty truly lie? He has seen the dark underbelly of the World Government through his interactions with the Celestial Dragons and the Five Elders. He has been forced to kill those he cared for in the name of a paycheck.

There are several possibilities for his role in the coming conflict:

  • The Loyal Enforcer: He continues to follow orders until the very end, potentially serving as the final obstacle for Sanji or another high-ranking Straw Hat.
  • The Quiet Defector: Not a loud rebellion like Kuzan, but a subtle failure to execute a key order at a critical moment, allowing the "New Era" to succeed.
  • The Broken Man: The emotional toll of Egghead might leave him disillusioned, leading him to step away from the front lines entirely.

Regardless of the outcome, Borsalino remains a masterclass in character writing. He represents the middle ground of the Marine hierarchy—those who are neither zealots nor rebels, but people doing a job that sometimes costs them their soul.

Conclusion

Borsalino is far more than the "Yellow Monkey" of the Marines. He is a reminder that in the world of One Piece, power doesn't always come with a clear moral compass. His light is blinding, but it casts the longest shadows. As we look toward the final chapters of this epic saga, his role will likely be the pivot point for the World Government’s stability. Whether he remains a pillar of the old world or a catalyst for the new, Borsalino’s impact on the story is as permanent as a laser burn on the soul of the Grand Line.