I like the Admiral backstories for Fuji and Ryo and hope Oda will actually integrate it into the plot.
Gotta say though, I think the revelation that Kizaru fed Luffy has just made the character a shambles. Somewhat redemption powerwise, but all over the fucking place as a character. “Unclear Justice” is not an excuse for absolutely incoherent actions.
So he feds Luffy in secret. Presumably because he wants to save his friends and thinks Luffy is the only way to do it, and not just because he worships Nika, but I’ll put that one on hold for now.
But he’s also blatantly attempting to murder his friends throughout the arc with zero guarantees that Luffy and the Strawhats will actually be able to save them? Like, the Sanji blocks light scene, wtf was Kizaru expecting to happen there? What happens if Sanji does not have a totally unexplained, science defying ability that Kizaru has no way of knowing about? Is he just launching the laser and thinking “ah it’s cool, I’m sure one of the Strawhats will do something about this.”
Then the great moment at the end where he gives Akainu both barrels for doubting his commitment, well, turns out Akainu was totally right, wasn’t he? Kizaru absolutely botched it. More than that, he deliberately botched it. Wtf is he getting furious at Akainu for? Akainu’s 100% right. Brilliant moment for the character utterly ruined.
Am I just supposed to buy that Kizaru is both a fabulous actor and an absolute mastermind genius who has perfectly orchestrated multiple scenarios of him looking like he has put his friends in mortal danger but is somehow aware of the fact the Strawhats will be able to save them? Except for Vegapunk, who he just gave up as dead, and in fact murdered.
Or Kizaru is not, in fact, planning anything, is basically acting on the seat of his pants the entire time and can’t make up his mind about what he actually wants to do, but still gets grossly offended when called out on it.
Really sours his arc on Egghead for me.