Quick thoughts about chapter 1031
A little late for the party but been slowly trying to catch up with One Piece. Wano has been quite eventful arc but so far this here became one of my favorite Wano chapters so far.
Sanji’s part of the Reasons to love Mugiwaras-series was written 6 years ago and it focused heavily on WCI arc’s revelations (his past, reasons for his certain ways of behavior i.e sacrifical nature etc.) and we got plenty of answers during the arc and he even received major character developments there.
There is another thing that was well explained in WCI: why Sanji is competitive around other guys (for example why the bounties always were a big deal for him). I think @movedbento summed it up in their post: It’s in his childhood, he was always put in comparison against his siblings and was ignored by his biological father. Since he was the only who didn’t have the monstrous superpowers and always ended up being the last one, displeased Judge wiped out Sanji’s existence basically. So, because of the neglection he went through as a child, he has the inner need to be needed and therefore puts his own needs aside and this is what explains the tendency for self-sacrifice.
While leaving the Whole Cake island, Sanji got the raid suit capsule and he also fulfilled one his dreams in Wano, being invisible and sneaking around the women’s bathhouse. First he thought the suit was great but when arriving to this chapter, the problems are stacking up.
Sanji starts to see the downside of the Germa raid suit and although his durability and fighting skills are increasing inhumanly, he notices that he is turning into his brothers. On top of that there was a beaten woman and obviously he started to hesitate whether he did it under the influence of the suit or not. So, all this leads him struggling with a huge decision, whether to trust on his own skills or becoming a Germa soldier.
Well, he had very conflicting thoughts about the capsule already the first time he saw it and whereas Luffy and Chopper were super excited about it, the cook even stated that he prefers to get stronger by natural ways, not relying on Germa science
So far, Sanji acknowledges the good sides such as how easy it would be to win Queen or fight against ladies (which has been one of his weak points because it’s against his foster father’s teachings). However, he is also truly afraid of losing the human side of his (the one that makes him who he is). So. again this dilemma is highlighting his strong traits: self sacrifice and kindness.
Although he learned in WCI arc that he is valuable and important person, at this moment of hesitation in Wano, Sanji still keeps putting people first by thinking what would his captain want instead of what he himself wants.
What makes Sanji’s final decision even more meaningful storywise is the fact that it’s reflecting towards one of the main themes of this series, freedom. He got away from his birth family and tried to forget them but eventually bumped into them again and got trapped. Later he got the chance to tell Judge that Zeff is more father to him than the Germa leader ever was which was a great moment itself but now that he has erased the final piece that links him to their family, I think this was what Sanji really needed when it comes down to character development.
So, this chapter is basically him finally breaking free for good. Of course this or WCI didn’t magically heal all the trauma he carried inside years that’ll need years of therapy like all Strawhats need but at least now he is on the right track when it comes down on recovering and becoming stronger for his crew’s sake.
This alone made this chapter great but also the ending was another chefs kiss-emoji. Would be cool to see how the original dialogue goes but at least now his request (made because he is afraid things will still still end up with worst case scenario) sounds harsh but on the other hand is completely understandable.
Most interesting thing is that Oda chose him to ask this from Zoro but somehow he’d be very logical reason compared to other crewmates. Anyway, asking for this kind of huge “favor” tells that no matter how much they bicker in the end, their nakamaship is more than just competing and annoying each other. They have utter trust for each other.
What tells about their bond as well is that Zoro doesn’t even question Sanji’s request. It’s probably because he knows so well Sanji’s sacrificial nature and that he hates his brothers so much he’d rather die than turn into them. Zoro’s reply is great: basically he accepts the request replying the way he’d be expecting to say but at the same time he also “ignores” it by telling Sanji he better stay alive no matter what and therefore pushes and motivates Sanji to move forward (because he knows that Sanji will kick Queens ass and just like the others, the cook also has a dream to reach).
Anyway, all I can say is, amazing work again from Oda! *thumbs up*
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Usopp vs the Scary Duo, an ongoing battle
I love that you can pick 2-4 of any Strawhat combo and you'll form a group.
Scary Duo: Robin, Zoro
Gossip Queens: Nami, Usopp
Food Motivated: Luffy, Chopper, Sanji (but in a different way)
Drink Motivated: Zoro, Franky
Dirty Boys: Luffy, Zoro, Brook
etc, etc
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