Luffy and Kizaru’s fight is over – for now, says every One Piece fan who witnessed the relatively brief but incredibly intense battle between the protagonist, Monkey D. Luffy, and the seemingly unbeatable Admiral Kizaru. Engaged in what appeared to be an epic setup for a long-drawn battle, the unexpected three-chapter culmination of their skirmish has both baffled and satisfied fans in diverse ways. The arc promised intense action but, concurrently, it bequeathed us with a myriad of questions about the future of both characters and the series itself.
As the chapters unfolded, the storyline remarkably exemplified Luffy’s tremendous growth, showcasing his deft ability to utilize his formidable new form, Gear Five, effectively. His triumph over Kizaru was decisive, yet he didn’t resort to deploying all his strength or his mightiest attacks to vanquish the Admiral, which hints at a deeper reserve of power yet to be unleashed.
The Expectations vs Reality of Luffy vs Kizaru
Many fans projected the narrative to bequeath Luffy a win, especially given the Straw Hats’ historical defeat against the Admiral. The fascinating aspect was “how” this victory would unravel, considering the prodigious abilities of his opponent. Expectations, primarily based on Kizaru being perceived as the final antagonist of the Egghead Arc, were for a prolonged, intense battle that stretched across numerous chapters. Consequently, the brevity of their confrontation, spanning merely from Chapter 1091 to 1094, introduced a fascinating twist to the unfolding arc and deviated significantly from the widely anticipated narrative.
In the light of Luffy’s recently acquired Emperor title and power, and the associated elevated expectations, his competence to validate his new status against an Admiral was a subject of doubt. Gear Five was indeed potent enough to enable Luffy to overpower Kaido, but his mastery of this form and its sustainability in protracted battles, particularly against a nimble adversary like Kizaru, was ambiguous. Despite expectations of Kizaru’s light-speed movements and adept battle prowess proving to be formidable, Luffy’s adaptation to his opponent was notably effective, underscoring his growth and mastery over his abilities.
Just making sure you saw him. #OnePiece #NYCC pic.twitter.com/rIrgAK1Kmg
— One Piece (@OnePieceAnime) October 13, 2023
The Ambiguous Future of Admiral Kizaru
Post Luffy’s decisive punch, the future actions of Kizaru remain shrouded in mystery and speculation. Chapter 1094 presented a simple depiction of him crashing into a building while Luffy deflated, leaving the subsequent course of events conspicuously ambiguous. While this might symbolize the end of their battle, presuming that Kizaru will remain inactive for the remaining arc might be premature.
The pivotal role that Kizaru has played thus far can’t be disregarded. His involvement not only served to exhibit the substantial development Luffy and his crew have undergone but also preserved his legitimacy as an antagonist. Whether he rises to instigate further tumult in subsequent arcs or makes an unforeseen return before the culmination of the Egghead Arc remains to be seen.
Conclusion: The Perpetual Enigma of One Piece’s Arc
One Piece, with its intricate plots and artful character developments, continues to unravel in a manner that keeps its global fanbase perpetually on tenterhooks. The Egghead Arc, especially the unexpected Luffy vs Kizaru showdown, while brevity, didn’t deprive fans of an engrossing battle but instead left them ruminating about potential future developments and confrontations.
Amidst all this, Kizaru’s future role remains one of the most captivating enigmas. His potential return as an antagonist in a subsequent arc can’t be ruled out, and the depth of his character certainly alludes to more tales to be told in the future. For now, the One Piece world turns its gaze towards Saturn, the arc’s true final antagonist, with bated breath for the impending dramatic confrontations and narrative surprises that surely lie ahead.
Ultimately, One Piece yet again affirms its standing as a mesmerizing blend of anticipation, action, and adept storytelling, ensuring that fans will remain ardently attached to every forthcoming chapter and arc.
