This chapter didn’t really seem to lean into Kuzan having a change of heart, as he didn’t seem to show regret over Garp getting stabbed and Koby almost getting hurt even though they used to be on the same side.
So if anything, maybe it could possibly leaning into Kuzan going closer to the dark path despite what he told Smoker.
After all, what he said to Smoker was in the past, but the present is now, one where he didn’t hold back in going up against his former comrades, if Chapter 1087 is anything to go by.