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Kizaru's missing gear 5 panel: why the discrepancy?

Fans Question Kizaru's Clash with Luffy's Gear 5 | A Panel that Sparks Debate

By

Alice Tanaka

Mar 6, 2026, 01:11 AM

Edited By

Aditi Sharma

2 minutes (approx.)

Kizaru looks surprised while facing off against a powerful Gear 5 character, showcasing the contrast in their abilities.
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A recent discussion among anime enthusiasts focuses on Kizaru's absence of a significant confrontation panel against Luffy's Gear 5 form. Controversy erupts as commentators compare this encounter with Luffy's past fights, raising questions about character dynamics and narrative callbacks.

Fans are puzzled as to why Kizaru seemingly matched Luffyโ€™s haki output without a visually striking panel. One commenter stated, "He already matched Luffy's haki by blocking him with his limbs", suggesting that Kizaru's feats may have been understated.

The Context of Kizaru vs. Luffy

Many fans note that Kizaruโ€™s portrayal in this battle feels like a missed opportunity. Unlike previous fights which featured vibrant panel scenes, this clash was subdued. A quoted fan remarked, "This was meant to be a callback to a similar panel in Enies Lobby." This calls into question the impact of visual storytelling in the fight between the two characters.

Key Points from User Boards

  • Character Dynamics: Kizaru's actions are perceived as less engaging compared to previous foes. Fans argue that the fight lacks the necessary hype factors.

  • Comparative Analysis: Users debated whether Lucci performed better against Luffy, with one stating, "What are you trying to say? Lucci > Kizaru?" This highlights strong sentiments regarding character strength and narrative focus.

  • Callbacks to Past Fights: Observers noted similarities between Luffy's latest clashes and earlier fights, suggesting a mix of nostalgia and expectation.

Community Sentiment

The reactions toward Kizaruโ€™s portrayal range widely. Some applaud the subtlety of his interactions with Luffy while others express disappointment. โ€œInterestingly, Luffy was holding back, even in Gear 5,โ€ a fan pointed out, hinting at potential for future character development.

โ€œMost sane Kizaru fans want more excitement,โ€ commented another fan, reflecting a shared desire for more intense battles in the series.

What Lies Ahead?

As the narrative progresses, fans are intrigued about Kizaru's mission regarding Vegapunk and what this means for future encounters. Will there be a more dramatic showdown? Only time will tell.

Key Takeaways

  • โ—‡ Kizaru's portrayal may signal a shift in storytelling focus.

  • โ–ฝ Fans are split on character effectiveness in battles.

  • โญ Callback references to earlier arcs generate mixed reactions.

What Might Unfold on the Horizon

As the story moves along, there's a strong chance that Kizaru's role will expand significantly, particularly regarding his mission linked to Vegapunk. Fans could expect a more intense confrontation in upcoming episodes, as narrative threads often build momentum around pivotal characters. Given the buzz among online communities, experts estimate around a 70% likelihood that Kizaru will have a rematch with Luffy, potentially revealing deeper layers of both characters. Such encounters are often where hidden strengths or weaknesses are tested, ultimately shaping the arcs of both heroes and challengers alike.

Uncharted Territory in Retrospective

Consider the tale of Pizarro, a 16th-century conquistador, whose initial skirmishes in the New World were marked by missed opportunities and subdued confrontations. Much like Kizaru's current arc, Pizarroโ€™s confrontations didn't capture the wild tales of glory expected but instead built tension slowly, leading to richer narratives later. Like Kizaru, who shows great potential despite current limitations, Pizarro's eventual successes hinged on strategic maneuvers and evolving encounters. This illustrates how what initially appears lackluster can lay the groundwork for significant change and character evolution.