Sanji is one of the most crucial characters in One Piece, not just because of his strength as a Straw Hat Pirate, but also for his genius mind that has saved his friends from tight spots several times. He was introduced in the East Blue Saga and has been one of Luffy’s most trusted friends ever since. Despite Sanji’s dated gag in the manga and the anime exaggerating it to an uncomfortable level, he is still one of the most beloved characters in the series. As a chef with exceptional fighting skills, Sanji has proven himself time and again, before ultimately being able to use Haki during the time skip. Despite how the anime portrays him, the manga creator Eiichiro Oda has never shied away from giving Sanji the spotlight he deserves.
One Piece is known for its backstories that provide certain character depth, but none of the characters got their complete arc as wonderfully as Sanji. His character arc and portrayal led many to believe he’s the best-written character in the series, but there’s never a definitive answer to that since it’s a subjective topic. Regardless, Sanji getting an entire Whole Cake Island Arc dedicated to him not only adds depth to his character but also gives him the closure he needed.
One Piece’s Whole Cake Island Arc Helps Sanji Break Free From His Past Shackles
The Whole Cake Island Arc reveals a second tragic backstory of the character, which explains how he ended up in East Blue as a child and met his mentor and father figure, Zeff. Deemed a failure for not being strong enough, Sanji was always abused by his family in unimaginable ways. Thanks to his sister Reiju’s help, he was able to flee the place after being imprisoned by his father and sailed all the way from North Blue to East Blue. Even after escaping his hellish family, he had to face several trials before he started living a stable life with Zeff.
However, ever since leaving Zou and reaching Whole Cake Island, Big Mom’s territory, Sanji was forced to confront his horrifying past, especially in the face of his father and brothers. The family only sought him out so they could sacrifice Sanji by marrying him to Big Mom’s daughter and form an alliance with her. In order to save his crew, Sanji had no choice but to meet all their demands. However, he didn’t expect that Luffy and the others would risk their lives for him and challenge one of the Four Emperors of the Sea head-on to bring him back.
The fight against the Big Mom Pirates was far from easy, but Sanji and his friends pulled through thanks to their determination and teamwork. By the end of the arc, the Vinsmoke family, who were being held hostage by Big Mom, had no means of escaping. Despite his traumatic past, Sanji saved their lives, staying true to himself and Zeff’s teachings. This act not only helped him cut ties with his family but also gave him the closure he needed.
Sanji’s Kindness Has a Heartbreaking Reason Behind It
One of Sanji’s most charming qualities is his gentle kindness, regardless of whether the person is an enemy or an ally. In the East Blue Saga, Sanji’s kindness toward Gin, an enemy, is what caught Luffy’s eye, and the young pirate was determined to have the chef in his crew. Over the years, we have seen time and again how he puts others before himself, but the Whole Cake Island Arc reveals that there’s more to it than that.
It’s not just his virtue or his resemblance to his mother, but Sanji’s kindness often stems from his lack of self-worth. The constant abuse made him believe he can’t be selfish in life and even led him to think of himself as an expendable part of the crew. This is why he didn’t hesitate to cut himself off from the Straw Hats and never even thought they’d come for him, despite knowing the kind of people they are.
The entire time he was traveling with the crew, his heart broke for Nami after learning about the horrors she faced while being forced to live with Arlong. Not only that, but he also didn’t hesitate to comfort others around him whenever he saw them struggling, including how he called Luffy a monster in the Drum Island Arc to prove to Chopper that they are not very different. And yet, while his heart breaks for others, he thinks his own pain is nothing, which is one of the reasons he never told anyone about his past. It’s also the reason why someone who is always ready to help others wouldn’t even think of holding a hand being extended to him, even if it means cruelly pushing Luffy away when he wants to save him.
Sanji Reaching Out to Robin in Wano Country Saga Proves His Character Growth
Sanji’s habit of never putting his own feelings first is also the reason why someone who is always ready to help others wouldn’t even think of holding a hand being extended to him. This is why he cruelly pushed Luffy away when he wanted to save him. Even after the Whole Cake Island Arc, Sanji’s true nature hasn’t changed; he is still the same person we’ve known since the beginning, but if he has changed in any way, it’s that he is much more comfortable relying on others.
Sanji’s unwavering chivalry has been known since the beginning. He would rather die than lay a hand on a woman, even if she’s an enemy. During the Enies Lobby Arc, he was attacked by Kalifa but refused to fight against her and found himself forced into a corner. He would have been in serious trouble if Nami hadn’t helped him, but it’s not like he reached out to her.
Compared to the past, his actions in Wano were pleasantly surprising when he was captured by Black Maria. Knowing that hitting Maria was out of the question, Sanji didn’t force himself to endure her beatings. Instead, he yelled at the top of his lungs, asking Robin for help, and the crew’s archaeologist couldn’t have been happier to do something for him. His journey is still ongoing, along with the crew, and there’s no doubt we will continue seeing his growth for years to come.
What do you think? Leave a comment below and join the conversation now in the ComicBook Forum!
