Witnessing the cruelty of the World Government and the elimination of old friends could ignite Kizaru’s long-dormant sense of justice.

In One Piece, the recent events of Egghead Island go beyond the Straw Hat pirates having a run on every island and leaving unscathed. Egghead Island’s conflict is so grand that the Five Elders left the comfort of Marie Geoise to make a powerful appearance. Apart from the Straw Hats hope to leave the Island alive, the Egghead arc has unraveled certain mysteries in the series and drive more importance to some characters.

While Bonny and Kuma are two of the arc’s most important characters, Kizaru’s appearance and his shift in behavior cannot be overlooked. The Admiral’s demeanor as he faces friends who are now foes of the World Government raises the question of whether he will shift allegiance. The events of Egghead hint at a simmering discontent and moral struggle in Kizaru as cracks in his loyalty are beginning to show in One Piece.

A Glimpse Into The Past: Kizaru’s Connection To Egghead

The current events on Egghead Island have unraveled some of One Piece’s mysteries, especially details about Kuma’s past affiliation with the Straw Hat. Also, the backstory to Kuma’s past showed some characters that were a part of Kuma’s journey during his scientific modification by Vegapunk. Sentomaru and Admiral Kizaru were present on Egghead Island and even enjoyed some jolly good times with Bonney, Kuma, and Vegapunk in the past. In this way, Kizaru has some form of bond with those on the Island during these times.

Moreover, knowing how Kizaru carries out his missions with obedience and to the satisfaction of the World Government, the good times he spent on the Island show a soft side to the Marine Admiral. However, the chaotic events on Egghead Island showed that Kizaru had to face people that were once his friends and must eliminate them. The familiar faces on Egghead and Kizaru’s concern for Bonney, Sentomaru, and Vegapunk have given a sense of internal conflict to the Admiral, and this could be a seed that can blossom into a full-blown rebellion.

Specifically, Kizaru and Sentomaru shared a bond and camaraderie that transcends mere fellow marine officers. Apart from the good times spent on Egghead, they go way back in their times as fellow marine officers. Witnessing Kuma’s tragic fate – stripped of his will and forced into servitude by the Celestial Dragons – could be a pivotal moment for Kizaru. The realization of the cruelty the World Government inflicts on those who served them faithfully could shatter his willingness to obediently continue to serve them and ignite a desire for a reform. During Kizaru’s fight with Sentomaru, he did not want to hurt his friend, but the World Government’s will prevailed at the end of the fight. At this point, the fact that the Admiral will have no choice but repeat the same process of hurting the people he once shared a bond with is a core reason for the subtle shift in Kizaru’s behavior. In other words, Kizaru might have no choice but to confront the true nature of the organization he serves.

A Previous Admiral Betrayal

In the tumultuous events of the Egghead arc, fans see Kizaru question orders, albeit subtly, and display a level of resistance unseen before. In Sabaody, Kizaru did not hold back to eliminate the Straw Hat pirates even though they fought back against the oppressive Celestial Dragons. However, the issue on Egghead Island is different, as the Admiral needs to turn his back on his friends rather than eliminate mere pirates. Kizaru’s subtle change in behavior hints at a growing disillusionment with the organization he serves. Perhaps he has been having internal struggles with the true nature of the World Government even before the Egghead Island events, and the dilemma he now faces on Egghead is forcing him to confront the dissonance between his perceived duty and his moral compass.

Also, Aokiji’s defection from the Marines to join the Blackbeard pirates can serve as a point of reflection for Kizaru on the World Government’s oppression and ill methods in acquiring their goals. Kizaru and Aokiji were colleagues and long-time comrades who rose through the ranks together. When Aokiji left the Marines, Kizaru might question Aokiji’s motives, but the very act of defying the established order could plant a seed of doubt in Kizaru’s mind. This way, Aokiji’s breakaway from the World Government sets a precedent for Kizaru’s potential betrayal. Perhaps Aokiji’s defection is a symptom of larger issues within the Marine, and Kizaru might harbor similar reservations about the World Government’s cruelty. With Kizaru’s conviction and the due elimination of his friends on Egghead will force him to confront his sense of justice. The Egghead arc might be the tipping point for Kizaru and a spark that will ignite his buried discontent.

A Catalyst For A Grander Narrative

Kizaru betraying the World Government wouldn’t be just a character development but a narrative bombshell. It would force the Marines to grapple with internal conflict, potentially fracturing their organization. It could even lead to a temporary alliance between Kizaru and the Straw Hats. This fascinating dynamic would reshape the entire power structure and add a layer of complexity to the ongoing battles for freedom. Kizaru’s betrayal will impact Marine officers like Smoker and Tashigi, who already disagree with how the World Government uses its power. Also, Kizaru’s laid-back personality might make him hesitant to take a drastic step, as there is no doubt that his long-ingrained loyalty to the World Government will be a significant hurdle to overcome.