Borsalino, universally known by his alias Kizaru, is one of the three original Marine Admirals introduced in the later half of One Piece. He joins the Marines at a young age alongside Sakazuki, training under the former Admiral Zephyr, and rises to the rank of Admiral after consuming the Pika Pika no Mi, a Logia-type Devil Fruit that grants him control over light. Kizaru’s appearance is marked by a tall, slender frame, a yellow striped suit, a pointy mustache, and tinted sunglasses that often obscure his eyes. His characteristic lazy drawl and sardonic smile make him stand out even among his formidable peers.

Kizaru’s personality is defined by what is called “unclear justice.” Unlike the fiery absolutism of Akainu or the moral flexibility of Aokiji, Kizaru approaches his duties with an air of detached amusement. He seldom raises his voice, rarely shows urgency, and speaks in a slow, almost mocking tone, often stringing out his sentences as if the situation does not warrant serious effort. This laid-back demeanour, however, masks an unwavering readiness to carry out orders, even when they involve acts of extreme cruelty. He follows the chain of command without visible moral conflict, yet there are moments when his actions hint at a more complex inner life: he will complain about the trouble of a mission while executing it with flawless brutality, and he has shown restraint or even subtle kindness toward individuals he personally respects, such as the scientist Vegapunk or the former Warlord Bartholomew Kuma. This contradiction between easygoing charisma and cold obedience keeps his true motivations ambiguous and makes him one of the most unpredictable figures in the World Government.

Kizaru’s primary motivation is never explicitly stated, but he appears to derive satisfaction from demonstrating his overwhelming power and from the freedom that his rank grants him. He seems to lack the ideological fervour of Akainu or the disillusionment of Aokiji; rather, he exists in a comfortable middle ground, performing his role efficiently while maintaining a sense of personal detachment. On occasion, his pride in his own strength becomes visible, especially when he is challenged or when his reputation is questioned, and he can snap out of his usual languid behaviour to deliver a sharp retort. This suggests that beneath his relaxed surface lies a deep-seated confidence in his abilities and a desire to preserve his standing as an Admiral.

Within the main story, Kizaru first emerges as a direct antagonist in the Sabaody Archipelago arc, when he is sent to capture the Straw Hat Pirates after they assault a Celestial Dragon. He single-handedly defeats several of the Supernova captains, fights evenly with the legendary Silvers Rayleigh, and demonstrates the terrifying speed and destructive power of his Devil Fruit. He is a key combatant during the Paramount War at Marineford, engaging Whitebeard and his commanders with lethal efficiency, all while maintaining his signature nonchalance. After the time skip, he remains one of the three Admirals, and the Egghead arc deepens his role: he is ordered to assassinate Dr. Vegapunk, a man he has worked with for years, and to eliminate Bartholomew Kuma and Jewelry Bonney. In this arc, the internal conflict between his duty and his personal connections becomes palpable, and his usual calm is shattered when he is forced to act against people he has come to consider friends. This makes the Egghead arc the most significant exploration of Kizaru’s character to date.

Key relationships shape his narrative. With his fellow original Admirals, he shares a professional rivalry; he is neither as friendly with Aokiji nor as hostile with Akainu, but all three respect each other’s power. He has a long-standing association with Dr. Vegapunk, who studied Kizaru’s light-based powers to develop the Pacifista’s laser technology, and with Vegapunk’s bodyguard Sentomaru, whom he has trained since childhood. His connection to Bartholomew Kuma and Bonney is particularly poignant, as Kizaru spent time with them during his missions on Egghead years before the present plot, and he shows unmistakable reluctance when forced to act against them. Despite this, he ultimately follows the orders of the Five Elders, raising questions about where his true loyalty lies.

Development within the story has been subtle but increasingly pronounced. Initially presented as an almost untouchable force of nature, later arcs reveal his capacity for frustration, strain, and even regret. The Egghead arc finally forces him to acknowledge the cost of his obedience, and his final exchange with Akainu suggests a growing tension between his personal feelings and his institutional role. Whether this will lead to a shift in allegiance or a deeper crisis remains unresolved.

Kizaru’s abilities place him among the most physically potent characters in the series. The Pika Pika no Mi allows him to become light itself, granting him intangibility against physical attacks (except those infused with Haki), movement at light speed, and the ability to fire devastating beams of concentrated energy. His signature techniques are named after the three Imperial Regalia of Japan: Yata no Kagami, a technique that reflects his light form off surfaces to change direction while retaining his immense speed; Ama no Murakumo, a sword of solid light that he wields with expert swordsmanship; and Yasakani no Magatama, a barrage of countless light projectiles that can obliterate a wide area at once. He can also create light-based copies of himself that share his abilities. Besides his Devil Fruit, Kizaru possesses advanced Busoshoku Haki (Armament) and Kenbunshoku Haki (Observation), as expected of a top-tier Marine. His physical strength is considerable, as he can match blows with powerful fighters and deliver kicks amplified by light-speed acceleration that can destroy giant mangrove trees. In short, his combat style combines overwhelming speed, area control, precise cutting, and explosive firepower, all wrapped in an air of casual indifference that makes him all the more terrifying.