There's been an interesting pattern with the original Admiral trio when it comes to their character development.
Aokiji was introduced from the start as someone who questioned his faith in the Marines by letting Robin live at Ohara, and not outright killing Saul. His decision at the end of EL to not capture Robin furthers that soft spot. Post-TS, he's broken free of the Admiral position and is no longer subservient to Mariejois' demands. Even if he still might be an undercover SWORD agent, there's a clear story of defection from his rank.
Kizaru had his duty completely turned upside its head when he was forced to kill Vegapunk. His entire performance at Egghead was full of half-committals and mixed emotions, showing that there's still a human side underneath his unbothered/easygoing personality. Kizaru's inner-conflict might not result in a defection, but it definitely challenged him and broke down a character who was always portrayed as coolheaded.
So, what arc are you expecting for Akainu? Is he too committed to his ideals to defect? Too ruthless to actually change? We've seen him murder defecting Marines and sink the fleeing ships at Ohara, both pretty violent and brutal acts when compared to the other 2 admirals. We've also seen Oda draw him nursing a Bonsai tree in a cover page, and if Hibari does turn out to be his daughter, he has a basic capability of empathy in that he allowed her to resign and join SWORD. I'm genuinely interested in seeing how he'll be handled, since the brief characterizations of the other trio have been some of the most impactful in the series despite how infrequent the admirals actually show up. There is zero doubt in my mind that Akainu won't get the same treatment.
Aokiji was introduced from the start as someone who questioned his faith in the Marines by letting Robin live at Ohara, and not outright killing Saul. His decision at the end of EL to not capture Robin furthers that soft spot. Post-TS, he's broken free of the Admiral position and is no longer subservient to Mariejois' demands. Even if he still might be an undercover SWORD agent, there's a clear story of defection from his rank.
Kizaru had his duty completely turned upside its head when he was forced to kill Vegapunk. His entire performance at Egghead was full of half-committals and mixed emotions, showing that there's still a human side underneath his unbothered/easygoing personality. Kizaru's inner-conflict might not result in a defection, but it definitely challenged him and broke down a character who was always portrayed as coolheaded.
So, what arc are you expecting for Akainu? Is he too committed to his ideals to defect? Too ruthless to actually change? We've seen him murder defecting Marines and sink the fleeing ships at Ohara, both pretty violent and brutal acts when compared to the other 2 admirals. We've also seen Oda draw him nursing a Bonsai tree in a cover page, and if Hibari does turn out to be his daughter, he has a basic capability of empathy in that he allowed her to resign and join SWORD. I'm genuinely interested in seeing how he'll be handled, since the brief characterizations of the other trio have been some of the most impactful in the series despite how infrequent the admirals actually show up. There is zero doubt in my mind that Akainu won't get the same treatment.
