In recent One Piece developments, Luffy, the determined captain of the Straw Hat Pirates, achieved a remarkable feat by triumphing over Kaido, one of the four fearsome Pirate Emperors. Despite this success, a new opponent in the story has left Luffy even more apprehensive than Kaido ever did. This formidable adversary is none other than Admiral Borsalino, also known as “Kizaru,” whose unexpected entrance onto the battlefield caused a visible unease in Luffy, a reaction not seen even when facing the world’s “Strongest Creature,” Kaido.
The narrative has taken a riveting turn with the unfolding Egghead Island arc, as tensions escalate between the World Government’s forces and the alliance of Dr. Vegapunk and the Straw Hat Pirates. A pivotal encounter transpired when Luffy confronted the Five Elders, initiating a confrontation that showcased the World Leaders’ scheme to Vegapunk Satellite York, a captive and traitor on Egghead Island. However, the course of events swiftly shifted with the entrance of Admiral Kizaru in chapter #1090, a development that instantly grabbed Luffy’s attention and revealed a level of fear that he hadn’t shown even in Kaido’s presence.
Luffy’s past encounters with Kizaru have been marked by trepidation. Before the series’ time skip, Luffy’s actions led to a clash with Admiral Kizaru, whose light-based powers and incredible speed proved overwhelmingly challenging for the Straw Hat crew. Their subsequent defeat at Kizaru’s hands catalyzed their decision to train and grow stronger during their two-year hiatus. With the crew now significantly more powerful, an imminent rematch between them and the Light-speed Admiral has captured fans’ anticipation.
Despite Luffy’s mastery of his Devil Fruit powers and his new Gear Fifth technique that aided him in defeating Kaido, his reaction to Kizaru’s arrival raises intriguing questions. Admirals like Kizaru were once considered top-tier adversaries in the One Piece world, yet their mystique has somewhat faded due to the rise of even mightier characters, including the Pirate Emperors. However, Kizaru’s reemergence suggests a potential resurgence of the Admirals’ significance, hinting at a new challenge for Luffy and his crew.
Devoted fans, who recall the Straw Hats’ powerlessness and despair in their encounter with Kizaru on Sabaody Archipelago, have eagerly awaited this rematch for fifteen years. This impending battle holds the promise of showcasing the growth and strength the Straw Hat Pirates have achieved since then. Luffy’s clear unease at Kizaru’s reappearance implies a formidable adversary that even his advanced abilities might struggle against. As the story progresses, readers will anticipate the clash between Luffy’s powerful Gear Fifth and Kizaru’s overwhelming abilities, possibly placing Kizaru as one of Luffy’s most challenging foes to date, and solidifying his role as a compelling contender for the title of Luffy’s toughest adversary yet.