Sometimes, the relationship between certain characters isn't clear from the beginning. Sometimes, this is what the author wants because they have a big reveal planned for the future, but other times, there's no plan—it's just a little confusing. In this article, we'll explain such a confusing relationship in the One Piece series, as you'll discover whether Sentomaru and Kizaru are actually related in the series or not.

Sentomaru and Kizaru aren't actually related in One Piece and are, at the time of writing, actually enemies in the series. Sentomaru initially had great respect for Kizaru and called him "Uncle" (Kizaru no Ojiki), but that doesn't really mean much here. Namely, the term used in this context doesn't mean an actual familial relationship but rather a term of respect, as it's a term that's actually used by the yakuza to describe a "boss" figure, so it actually symbolizes someone's utmost respect for someone. On the other hand, considering how the two clashed over Dr. Vegapunk, it's highly unlikely he still has that same respect for him.

The rest of this article will explore the relationship between Sentomaru and Admiral Kizaru, aka Borsalino, while focusing in particular on why Sentomaru keeps calling Kizaru "uncle" and whether this means they are related by blood, which is also the main and main question of this article. If you are not fully aware of the events of One Piece, this article may contain significant spoilers, but we must clarify that no new information will be presented here, as we will be focusing on old and well-known facts about the two of them.

Sentomaru calls Kizaru "uncle" out of respect, but the two are not related.

Now, before we provide you with a proper answer, let us talk a little bit about these two characters, as not all fans know everything they should know about the two of them, especially Sentomaru, who wasn't featured much in the anime and only gained a bigger role in the current Egghead Arc of the manga.

Sentomaru is Doctor Vegapunk's bodyguard and the captain of the Navy's science team. He appears to be the commander-in-chief of the Pacifista, as they generally only travel on his orders. After two years, he claims to have officially become a member of the Navy. Although he claims to be reluctant to speak, he often reveals confidential information; but each time, he claims to have spoken about himself voluntarily and not to answer the questioner.

Sentomaru possesses considerable physical strength and speed. He also boasts the strongest defense in the world. As he himself states, his strength comes not from a Devil Fruit but from his Armament Haki. His weapon is a massive double axe.

He first appears in the Sabaody Islands to capture the Straw Hat Pirates, slightly ahead of Admiral Kizaru, Bartholomew Kuma, and the Pacifista. He reappears during the Battle of Marineford, in which he participates as the commander of a special team of about twenty Pacifistas. In the battle, he attempts to attack Luffy with his squadron, but Boa Hancock stops the Pacifista.

Two years later, he is informed of the Straw Hats' return and is ordered to stop them, taking PX-5 and PX-7 with them. After defeating the imposter Demaro Black, he orders the Pacifists to attack Luffy, but the androids are easily defeated by Luffy, Sanji, and Roronoa Zoro.

Kizaru, whose real name is Borsalino, is a Marine admiral in One Piece. He appears to be a carefree, absent-minded, and forgetful man. He generally speaks in a very calm and collected manner and never breaks down, even in the face of difficult situations, in which he often sarcastically feigns fear or surprise.

Kizaru's entire behavior is based on a concept he calls vague justice: he feels absolutely no mercy for criminals but also refuses to involve innocent people under any circumstances. Kizaru ate the Logia-type Pika Pika no Mi, a Devil Fruit that allows him to become a man of light.

Like all owners of a Logia-type fruit, he can become intangible at will since his body is made entirely of photons that can rejoin if the body is damaged; he is also capable of firing laser-like beams of light, striking the opponent, and moving at the speed of light. His powers have been studied by Dr. Vegapunk, and in fact, the laser he uses was also installed in the Pacifista.

After Luffy attacks the World Noble Saint Charloss, Kizaru is sent to the Sabaody Archipelago to capture him. There, after easily defeating several Supernovae, he attacks the Straw Hat Pirates but is stopped by Silvers Rayleigh and Okuma, who dispatches the pirates to various parts of the world. During the Battle of Marineford, he confronts Marco, managing to injure him after being handcuffed with agalmatolite; he then attempts to prevent Luffy and Law from escaping but is interrupted by Benn Beckman, who arrives at Marineford with Shanks, and Sengoku, who ends the conflict.

Now, what you need to know about Sentomaru and Kizaru's relationship is that both work for the same employer, and although they are part of different organizations, Sentomaru commands great respect from Kizaru, which is why he calls him "Uncle." If you think this is just nepotism and that Kizau brought his nephew into the World Government, you are wrong.

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Namely, the term "uncle" in this context doesn't actually mean uncle, but it is a term of respect that shows that Sentomaru has a lot of respect for Kizaru, viewing him as a mentor-like figure. This is often used among the yakuza to show respect to a leader within the organization, and knowing the structure of the Marines, it actually makes sense that Sentomaru would call Kizaru "uncle."

So no, the two aren't related, but they're on very good terms, and Sentomaru has a lot of respect for his mentor. Or... at least... he did, until recently. Namely, as we saw in the Egghead Arc, the two actually clashed, and it happened because of Dr. Vegapunk.

Namely, Sentomaru is Dr. Vegapunk's bodyguard, while Kizaru is sent to kill Dr. Vegapunk. And in a "battle" of choice, Sentomaru actually chose Vegapunk's side, so the two eventually chased each other. This indicates that Sentomaru has likely lost the respect he had for Kizaru and that the two would no longer be on such good terms in the future. But no, despite everything, they are not related, because that has no way of happening.