The Tragedy of Sanji

[@holloworacle3140]

One of the saddest scenes in the series was seeing Sanji struggle to light his cigarette in the rain

[@gazaalley3862]

Man that shit makes me cry everytime

[@aychazyt6987]

At that point in the story, the lighter was the only light left in his life, quite literally, and he couldn't even get it lit

[@loupe500]

@@aychazyt6987 in my interpretation the light not working is more in the lines of "damn, I am so useless that I can't even smoke a cigar in the last day of my life". And I think that's why he starts crying even more when the light does not work.

[@daviddelapaz113]

Favorite scene, I’ll always remember when I first saw that scene

[@ht_521]

That scene literally broke me. I still tear up whenever I see it

[@twisted4490]

I like to think that his refusal to hit a woman ( in addition to him feeling indebted to zeff) is because the only forms of kindness he felt as a kid were from women. (His sister Reiju and his mum Sora)

[@KaregoAt]

Exactly! That's what I always thought. It's a shame it keeps manifesting into putting women on a pedestal in an annoying way, otherwise it's such a sweet and heartbreaking motivation.

[@matty9020]

It wasn't just his debt to Zeff it's because Zeff threatened to commit Seppuku if he ever hit a woman

[@orbboom6119]

And then there's luffy punching tf out of vivi😂💀

[@maazuponvelocity]

@@matty9020 zeff is stupid, not.

[@derpfluidvariant0916]

@@KaregoAt honestly, yeah. The dude is unironically chivalrous in world of supernatural pirates, many of whom would exploit the hell out of that weakness. He holds on to his morals and doesn't let them go for any reason, which is kinda admirable when he lives in a world filled with, and deals with on a daily basis, the scum of the earth. It has legitimate potential to be a strength to his character, kinda like how Uusop is a pessimist, but he's also hard working, thinks smarter not harder, and sees the good in people while still staying on alert for his crrwmates. I wish we got to see him as the gentleman he actually is, rather than the pervert the gags want to you to assume is his whole identity.

[@pubixcube27]

Many fans felt that Sanji looked bad in chapter 1005 for asking Robin to help him. At the time, they were mostly concerned with how “lame” Oda had portrayed Sanji. They failed to recognize that this moment was the culmination of 300 chapters of patient character progression. The lesson Sanji had learned on Whole Cake Island was finally being exercised right before our eyes. No longer would he operate as the sacrificial lamb or failed martyr we had seen in the past. Without shame, he asked a member of his crew to put themselves in the line of fire for him - and a WOMAN no less. On the other hand, Robin is a character that has time after time been treated as a damsel in distress. As a little girl she was saved by Jaguar D Saul, then spared by Aokiji on several occasions. In Alabasta, it was Luffy who rescued her from Crocodile (who betrayed her). In Enies Lobby, it’s the entire SH crew who come to her aid. Thriller Bark has Brook rescuing her from a zombie spider monkey (ironic). In Sabaody, as the second to last person left, she reaches out to Luffy in desperation against Kuma. During the timeskip she’s spared from imprisonment by the revolutionaries, finding refuge with Luffy's father and brother, no less. Even in Dressrosa, as she’s given the task of protecting Rebecca from Diamante, it is Kyros who fights on behalf of the two in the end. Sanji asking Robin for help shows extreme growth, and retroactively injects Robin with a new sense of purpose/value that she’s seldom received throughout the series. It's a gesture that meant a tremendous amount considering Sanji is several times stronger than Robin to begin with. As Shounen readers, we have an inherent value system that rewards characters for their physical accomplishments. So when Sanji is put into negative situations or is meant to look weak, we feel that Oda hates him or is “dropping the ball”. We fail to ask “Why does Oda keep putting Sanji into these unsavory scenarios?” Rarely does a writer like Oda do things without a reason. Underneath all the negativity was a compelling narrative of a character learning to love himself, as another character is given a chance to shine in the role of the savior for once.

[@level3xfactor]

Beautifully put.

[@ShatteredGlass916]

Another thing is their relationship. In any other media works these 2 would immediately become a typical couple lover, yet Oda turned that into a "friends-passing-the-baton" kinda situation. Which, guess what? Is also what happens in Enies Lobby with Sanji basically "passing the baton" unto Nami to fight Kalifa.

[@audreym3908]

PLEASE post this on any OP platform that said that bs! They need to understand WHY!

[@audreym3908]

@@alexthurman6808 It took Sanji a lot to ask for help when he became a slippery soap.

[@frauleinzuckerguss1906]

People who hate on Sanji for asking Robin for help really Show how they don't understand his character at all. And it also feels like those are the same people that only watch for the Action.

[@PowerSpirit50]

Sanji's smile as he talks about the all blue is something that holds a special place in my heart. Such pure wonder and joy, it actually makes me tear up.

[@livelaughlovesanji]

YESSS omg and whenever they flash back to it, especially in WCI in the heat of the scene where he fights luffy, I straight up just start crying

[@crownjewel9602]

Right! I thought it was interesting when I noticed how he & Luffy have nearly the same face when they smile

[@livelaughlovesanji]

@@crownjewel9602 YES, you can see their unadulterated sense of joy and wonder in their smiles, it’s so infectious that can’t help but grin from ear to ear too 🥹

[@pokenoy4559]

Best written character in the series only second to luffy

[@Yata544]

We all agree that everytime Sanji gives a sincere smile we want to protect that smile.

[@blackchanzx2818]

Sanji Hugging Himself When He Was Having Those Flashbacks Is The Most Heartbreaking Thing Ever

[@thenewmase]

it speaks tons about Sanji how he doesn't have an ounce of hate towards Pudding even after learning her true nature

[@xx_somescenecath0lic_xx888]

fr thts so sweet

[@msp1925]

​@@xx_somescenecath0lic_xx888nah he's just a pervert

[@ChargeQM]

Because she's just like he is. A mistake, a mutant, someone to be used in whatever miniscule way their parents can gain leverage with and then discarded. They just grew into those roles in opposite manners. Sanji didn't exactly reject the Vinsmoke way, but he was unable to fit into it and therefore had no choice but to reject it. His very existence flies in the face of his parent's desires. Meanwhile, Pudding tried to blend into it. She wanted to earn whatever tiny bit of love she could scrabble towards herself. She became conniving, hateful, and as despicable as her mother, because then at least she felt more like she belonged. When Sanji discovered what Puddings shame was, he accepted it because he understood it. At the very least they could be miserable together, two failures clinging together.

[@Phanthief95]

It’s because Sanji sees her as a victim of her terrible family just like him.

[@milanista5303]

@@ChargeQM This is so sweet and sour at the same time, they defo deserve each other… idk why some people like sanji and nami more, maybe because they still mad at pudding cuz of her infamous scene when she “tricked” sanji

[@lemon4125]

The general fanbase reaction to sanji calling for Robin's help disappointed me so bad man, it was so clear that the purpose of the scene went flying over people's heads

[@tintedpalette653]

Some of the most annoying fans in One Piece are those who are obsessed with Sanji and Zoro’s rivalry to the point they regress to low blow insults and bad faith comments that even Zoro nor Sanji wouldn’t think about each other 😂

[@Cattipilat]

YES

[@Geomephysicus]

I feel like some people don't really understand nor care about the emotional scenes in the show

[@jeypatel2520]

Fax

[@marimo8095]

​@@Geomephysicusyea they just focusing power ups fight and never realizing the depth of the story and the annoying thing is they too noisy 🙄

[@water3602]

The iron helmet bit with Judge is also a VERY inspired reference to ‘The Man in the Iron Mask’, where a king’s second son (twins) was unwanted and sentenced to live his life imprisoned with an iron mask sealed onto his head forever, while he is proclaimed dead to the world outside. I always enjoyed that reference lol

[@RickyUzumaki993]

Actually, the Man in the Iron Mask was supposedly also a French historical figure

[@millili7980]

He was an urban legend. If I remember correctly, there is evidence that a man in "an iron mask" was held in la Bastille at the end of the 17th century, but none as to who it was. He became a rumour and a thrilling mystery. The idea that it was a prince was popularized by Alexandre Dumas in the book.

[@NeyamStar]

Damn

[@haileast429]

Don't you love Oda's ability to draw on literature for his work? I caught that reference too :D @water3602

[@msk-qp6fn]

Saaaame, like it was poignant

[@pastaking3639]

Finally, someone who gets the self sacrificing aspect of him.

[@gtsprite]

Right! I watched this video with a friend and she's not as into OP as me yet and she said "Why he just some emo boy that wanna die" 😭🙈 I'm like.. you right... you right.. lol but I love him sm🥺

[@Phanthief95]

Exactly. Sanji always put others before himself because he cares about himself, & that’s what his mother wanted. Sora willingly poisoned herself when she was carrying Sanji & his brothers in order to prevent them from being emotionless like Judge wanted, & it only worked on Sanji. He’s not sacrificing himself all the time because he wants to die. He’s doing it so others can live.

[@NeyamStar]

😭

[@gayman8886]

When I first watched Sanji crying out for his father in the jail cell, it absolutely broke my heart. The voice actor really did make it sound like a child crying out as he’s being punched, kicked, and verbally abused by his own family.

[@groverkiinmuppetborn714]

Chopper's voice never fails to pull my heart strings

[@michaelvossen7253]

You guys better remember that the same voice actress communicated complex emotions using just the word "Pikachu".

[@skeletonghost610]

I think it's also important to touch on how supportive Sanji is to Usopp during Water 7, even if sometimes it was indirect. He knows full well what it's like to feel useless. He kicks Luffy when he was about to tell Usopp that if he doesn't like it he can leave. He explains to Chopper how much he's hurting after the duel and that if he treats him directly it would crush his pride. But he also goes back to the Merry and shouts the warning along with Chopper to tell Usopp about Agua Laguna. During Enies Lobby he plays along with the Sogeking bit, but what was really impactful for me was when he gives the pep talk. He stops playing along and directly calls him Usopp, telling him that so long as Usopp's there that they can save Robin and he'll do what Usopp couldn't (fighting Jabra) so that Usopp can do what he can't (sniping from the tower).

[@TatsubeiYagyu]

I have also come to mention the Usopp support. It was incredibly beautiful to see him understand his pain the entire time. You could sense who Sanji really is in those moments even before the Whole Cake Island reveals. I think it is a testament to Oda's multifaceted writing, where he leaves enough room for character traits to mean so much more the more you know about a character.

[@livelaughlovesanji]

YES. This. His kindness in Water 7 with Usopp and Chopper blew me out of the water (no pun intended)...especially when Franky was like “???” when Sogeking first appeared, and Sanji was like “try to understand how {Usopp} feels.” I was like "damn, this character has so much depth omg" so seeing that multiplied by like 100 in the arcs to come, ESPECIALLY thriller bark, Zou and WCI brought me to tears

[@panjamysy]

YES! Thank you. His treatment of Usopp in those arcs was peak Sanji. He is ultimately kind and that's his best characteristic.

[@tulip5210]

you elaborated it perfectly in pieces I couldnt find the words for.

[@iROChakri]

Sanji is the most well written character in One piece

[@magicalgirlmel3289]

I think there is something so devastatingly horrible/wonderful about the character that is the kindest and perhaps one of the most emotionally intelligent of the crew having the least self worth of anyone there. Robin got her self actualization after just 2 adventures with the crew, it took Sanji literal years.

[@Kanye_Asada]

No one hates and loves a character more than a Sanji Stan - A Sanji Stan

[@Alexa-cz9iu]

wise words... this got me chuckling, sorry-

[@Shohoku00]

Oda does

[@Kanye_Asada]

@@Shohoku00 if oda hated sanji that much ..then why did he a write a whole arc about him

[@Shohoku00]

@@Kanye_Asada I'm saying it the same as your original comment. Oda pours so much time and depth to Sanji's character but also gives him really bad moments (I really dislike the Thriller Bark incident and feel like it was out of character). Sanji is my favorite along with Robin.

[@jesterchester8428]

@@Shohoku00 Sanji stands at the spot where he’s a top tier fighter but is very often used to hype up other fighters or is too strong for most that he gets written out of things for very dumb reasons. Now that he’s a Yonko commander though we are in for some insane and hype moments where we get to eat up him being the fastest Straw Hat and more Observation Haki moments like when Luffy went Gear 5 he was one of the few people that could sense him from far away.

[@eyesofasaint8361]

Zeff punching Sanji was such a big moment, he uses black leg style to preserve his hands for cooking. That's what he taught Sanji and he embodies it throughout the series, but Zeff punched Sanji. By doing this he is basically low key telling Sanji he is just as important as the food they serve.

[@kat.d.clysmic]

Oooooh!!! I never noticed that! That's so good! 😭

[@RickyUzumaki993]

God, I love that moment… 😭

[@johnnychavezjr5379]

This just blew my mind didn't even notice the symbolism 😂(oda really does have a reason behind every thing) 😅

[@taiyoqun]

Even more. He was telling him that he was willing to give up his dream to make him pursue his. He was saying "Either you leave or I'll loose my hands making you leave. You've helped me build my dream, and I'd rather loose it before seeing you abandon yours. If you leave yours to help mine it wouldn't be worth it."

[@RickyUzumaki993]

@@taiyoqun Yes indeed. God, I love this franchise

[@RituPepper]

The most blatant case of foreshadowing imo was always Sanji's wanted poster, how it said "only alive" instead of "dead or alive". I remember wondering about it a lot back in the day and when the revelation finally came I was like "AHA I KNEW THERE WAS A REASON!", honestly top tier foreshadowing.

[@NeyamStar]

Frrrrrrrrr

[@msk-qp6fn]

ITS ALL COMING BACK TOGETHER

[@klaedoe9042]

Sanji may be part of the "women obsessed" gag character group, but unlike most of that group, he's ACTUALLY A CHARACTER. A well-developed character, might I add.

[@royalfun1031]

Yea

[@NeyamStar]

EXACTLYYYYYY the DEPTHHHH

[@noahjoyner8232]

I take no master roshi slander... if u were 300+, retired, and had Goku doing your job, nothing left to be but horny

[@Qewqred2]

Another part of that group I personally feel is Brock from Pokémon.

[@cuthip]

I think Sanji has a lot of parallels to Ace. The self hatred bc of your lineage, the willingness to self sacrifice bc you don't realize how much you mean to others. I'm just glad WCI turned out more like Water 7 than Marineford.

[@Ray_Kaminari]

Yepp and it's phenomenal how both them are so differently executed, they are imo two of the if not the best op characters. I mean i am somewhat baised when it comes to sanji law and ace as they are my absolute favs but can't help lol

[@scramjet7466]

if you think about it, Ace is a combination of Sanji and Zoro. edit: In terms of nature he is like Zoro where is never backs down. Ace is dead but zoro isen't, only because zoro is one of the main characters. But the kind of shit zoro pulls off, he should be dead by now. Examples - the way he fought mihawk. If mihawk was like every other pirate he would have died! The way he got hold of sandai kitetsu. Realistically, he should have lost his arm. and many other instances of him trying to cut himself free of shackles! Lastly there is the Nothing happened moment. In terms of circumstances ace is like sanji where he desperately wanted a father figure to be with him when the world was harsh to him. People have simple goals as adults are just children with trauma. Ace tought he wanted to be pirate king but what he really wanted was a father figure and a family that wouldn't treat him like a criminal's son. This understanding explains why he couldn't run away from akainu's trashtalking.

[@Smd249]

The reach is wild

[@Akechifan]

@@Smd249 where's the reach here?

[@h0bb1t322]

yep i was dead set worried sanji would die there's a scene near the end of the arc where sanji is reaching for someone's hand and a slash from big mom was about to hit him it felt like he was about to die

[@danboru_bakooo1966]

"IM NOT A LITTLE BRAT" says the guy that breaks dances kicking the air while screaming almost crying while he thinks no one is around

[@RJCA]

It’s so hard to be a Sanji fan when he keeps shooting himself in the foot throughout the whole series. But when Oda wants to show off his good side, my god is he among the best, if not THE best character in the entire series.

[@TyandOnGoing]

hard character to love but harder character to hate. Simply a character you can understand.

[@drilltotheheavens1695]

Ironic since he’s all about kicking

[@Josabella]

fr I love Sanji so much but almost everything with him in thriller bark and Fishman Island its just,,,, no,,, please no,,,,,

[@PowerSpirit50]

I miss when he was more of gentleman than a pervert.

[@vincethompson2231]

@@Josabella nosebleed gag was dumb, but the body swap in Punk hazard was way worse for him imo. That lasted too long for him.

[@MetalB1985]

One thing to add about Sanji and his father Judge is, Judge's reaction after he figures out that Big Mom betrayed him: He cries. This felt extremely Sanji like and I believe, that Sanji is the closest to Judge's true nature then anybody else. That's why, he truly hates him. Sanji is a mirror to him and he hates what he sees. He build this fascination of Super Solders, because he has no self worth. That's why in Sanji's bad end portray, he looks like his father and history repeats itself.

[@suumcuique4530]

Nice one!

[@Frozeya1]

yeah we will probably get some explanation when we will see more about the story of the MADS the scientific group Judge was part of with Ceasar Vegapunk and Queen and other unkown people

[@barisgumus5910]

That's pretty interesting

[@MrMojo23100]

Yeah, that makes so much sense, especially how Judge used genetic manipulation to suppress the emotions of his children, seeing things like empathy as a weakness.

[@strepsilsaregood4u]

This is especially hammered in by Ichiji, Niji and Yonji ridiculing and laughing at Judge for crying, just like they did to Sanji in their childhood. Reiju said it herself, its Judge’s own fault that the children he loved ended up heartless monsters.

[@beckhampang191]

Luffy threatened Sanji with the only thing that could really break Sanji Luffy was gonna STARVE to death. That directly challenges Zeff's teachings and Luffy KNEW that to threaten Sanji about it. It was so much for Luffy to know exactly what Sanji stood for.

[@dinamosflams]

and to higher rhe stakes even more its LUFFY we are talking about he can't stand 5min before thinking about food. and this guy was willing to starve for one of his friends!

[@notationmusical]

He also said, he CAN'T be the King of the Pirates without him. And it's such a good moment because this is Luffy we're talking about. He's someone who would never give up his dream, but saying this to Sanji shows how he's grown after the events at Marineford.

[@HalfTangible]

That, and Luffy is the biggest goddamn glutton in the entire series. We just got done watching him not only eat entire houses in town but also defeat a member of Big Mom's Pirates by eating all of his attacks (literally). "I will starve myself if you don't come back" was a serious threat both because of Sanji's feelings on hunger and Luffy's feelings on food. The fact that he'd even consider making that threat - let alone go through with it - shows just how seriously he took the situation.

[@joshuaminton7583]

@@dinamosflamsI just realized he chose to starve in a island and ship made of food

[@ryan-smith]

One Piece is so full of heart that the Netflix' short episodes per season won't be able relay. The live action will only get the new fans who will be amazed by the creative world building, but as they get more curious and start reading manga or watching the anime, they'll be surprised by a roller coster of emotions that each of the One Piece character carry, where even the minor villain has well thought out humanly-relatable back story.

[@norahade6869]

Him asking for Robins help because he didn't want to hurt the spider girl is the pinnacle of manliness, nothing pathetic about that. He stands for what he believes in even in the face of the enemy

[@jeypatel2520]

Fax

[@RealPigeonz]

Aaaand he showed development by letting his crew take care of him. Something that can only be done if he believes he is worth something to them.

[@blakan1478]

It is pathetic Franky even laughed at how pathetic Sanji was but the crew accept that´s just who Sanji is.

[@Mairuzu]

not only that but he believes in robin and in return, robin appreciates sanji’s call for help and even beat the shit out of black maria

[@NeyamStar]

😭

[@noahwilson63]

The lighter during whole cake island, how he struggles to make a flame, how it gets extinguished when he learns the truth eavesdropping on Pudding, how he can't relight it... Then he runs to Luffy the last light in his world... *Chef's kiss*

[@alonedownthere47]

it's one thing she didn't have time to bring up, but the smoking really is a big part of his character. every scene where he lights a cigarette hits different when you know just how deep his self hatred runs. zoro is easily cool enough to be the character that smokes all the time, but he never would, because he has a different relationship with himself and view of his body being a vehicle for fulfilling his dream

[@MouseGoat]

@@alonedownthere47 *laughing snort* yeah sure, except when there is booze😏

[@noahwilson63]

@@MouseGoat Remember during the Alabaster Arc when the straw hats are attacked by Mercenaries? They trick everyone into vices to incapacitate the crew and only Zoro retains his sobriety because he loses the drinking contest on purpose. It's interesting in light of how much he likes booze. He is ever the straw hats defender.

[@alonedownthere47]

@@MouseGoat lmao at least booze won't have you winded in the middle of a fight, his metabolism can handle that

[@jackevans8256]

@@alonedownthere47hard to say how much smoking actually makes a difference when it comes to OP. There are tons of chain smokers but it surprisingly doesn’t affect their health. OP logic, am I right?

[@adeleaslan8182]

Sanji being a kid with simple interests (cooking) turning to excessive reading about them just to escape his familial situation made me cry because I completely understood it. The Cake Island arc made him mean so much to me

[@afont13]

I always tear up/cry when Sanji says “I want to go back to the Sunny”

[@CrimsonHybrid]

Same... He was just like a lost kid that wanted to go home... 😭

[@cvox607]

Love him or hate him , he's the most talked about character in the series And that's something

[@MouseGoat]

indeed, think people are just uncomfortable with him as he hits too close to home for many, yes even his perverted side, most people just don't tell that stuff out loud. I would say: dont have the guts to do it like he dose.

[@mamsdinho19]

@@MouseGoat yep. Whereas as Zoro is the character majority of people want to be, Sanji is the one we truly are and relate to the most.

[@kungfupanda2460]

No

[@---ro1fc]

Idk if he’s the most talked about (just because of the weight a lot of characters like Ace, Luffy, the Yonkos etc. have on the plot)- but whenever he’s brought up I would DEFINITELY say he’s the character who people argue the most about

[@randomduck8679]

@@mamsdinho19 I can think of a few better options

[@moeschmoshow]

Genuinely the most passionate, loving and caring Straw Hat. His chivalry, charity and sacrifice do more than make up for his stupid bits

[@Sam-uk3qn]

Got brought so close to tears so many times watching this. The Robin rescuing Sanji bit ESPECIALLY. OMG. This boy. This pathetic, lovable boy. HUG HIM. KISS HIM. THANK YOU.

[@quwyn6192]

Close to tears!?!? I was balling

[@jamespeake2606]

CLOSE?

[@greatone5245]

At the part when Luffy gives Sanji his unconditional love after only feeling it from his mother made me cry a river, also the straw hats are genuinely relatable

[@paddyjarns]

Yeah I can't believe it had to be spelled out to me how significant this scene was, now that I know I'll never be able to watch it in the same way again

[@rivenrime]

Over the edge into full on sobs, for me. I kind of forgot how powerful WCI was in certain moments.

[@AresMercuryDamien]

i wanna just add that Sanji calling for Robin's help in Onigashima made me realize that he did that with Zoro too. when he dressed up as Soba Mask / Stealth Black and he realized that the possibility of him losing his humanity to his father's tech was high, the first thing he did was calling Zoro, his rival and equal. and Zoro didin't even hesitate to accept his request!! Sanji asked for help TWICE. not to also talk about his internal inquiry about who Luffy would like to have on his crew: an unstoppable killing machine or simply him, and consquently beat the living hell out of Queen after destoying the cylinder. i love him, there are no other words i can use but these.

[@beepboop4833]

Also realizing Zoro could stop him if he needs to. He wouldn't say that out loud.

[@ChargeQM]

Yes, it's a progression. He asks an equal like Zoro first, and finding success and comfort in that, is empowered to ask a lesser combatant, and also a woman, to risk herself for his sake. It's a huge thing for Sanji to do anything that places a woman in even minor peril.

[@frauleinzuckerguss1906]

​@@ChargeQMdidn't the Robin thing happen before the Zoro request?

[@haileast429]

I have to say; thank you so much for saying that Oda loves sanji. After the second backstory dropped there were so many fans that said that Oda hated him, which honestly the thought that it might be true broke my heart. Your video dissecting the character and his writing reaffirmed my own personal belief. Thank you

[@Mimiscellaneous]

People who say that don’t have a grip on reality. 1) Oda’s signature literally includes Sanji’s eybrow swirl. 2)The name of Zeff’s restaurant that Sanji worked at is similar to the name of a restaurant Oda himself worked at when he was young. 3) Oda along with a French luxury brand designer, took the time to detail Sanji’s golden lighter. It has a real design and a real name. 4) Sanji is the only character who got 2 back stories; Zou, WCI, and parts of Wano are all about Sanji and his character development. If anything, the question should be - “Is Sanji Oda’s Favorite?” Because it’s 100% all love.

[@haileast429]

Dude, I had no idea; I love the lighter I hope to get it one day for my cosplay- thank you for the info : ) @@Mimiscellaneous

[@NeyamStar]

Yes

[@fightingmedialounge519]

​@@Mimiscellaneous it more has to dod with their reasons for liking sanji not matching with how oda writes him some time.

[@reinartes7079]

I feel a huge part of why people thought Oda hated Sanji is because they don't understand what Oda likes. Oda has stated that he doesn't want his story to always be serious. He made Katakuri be a donut lover to give a stark contrast of his cool and menacing exterior. If anything, Sanji is an ultimate expression of the kind of character Oda enjoys, someone that embodies both serious and stupid. Oda has zero qualm in making Sanji look pathetic and very cool at the same time. That duality is the core of Sanji's character. If Oda truly hates Sanji, he wouldn't spend so much time developing Sanji and giving him so much focus. Sanji is literally the only Straw Hats outside of Luffy with significant character development post time skip. I hate to use this comparison, as Zoro is also my favorite character, but I feel Zoro got the short end of the stick with how his lineage is relegated to SBS as opposed to being fully explored in Wano. My point is, Oda definitely had to pick and choose what ideas to be included in the manga. Sanji's story is that important that Oda chose to include it.

[@WiiSage]

We all know Oda's favorite character is Buggy, he himself had said so numerous times. But i truly feel that Sanji is the character that Oda relates to the most. Oda tends to show his pervy side through Sanji, the restaurant that Oda used to work has the same exact name of the restaurant we first meet Sanji, Baratie. And of all the women we seen Sanji simp over through the series who is the one he fawns over the most? Nami, even more than Robin, and who Oda married in real life? A Nami cosplayer. So, it baffles me that people ever thought Oda hates Sanji when it's clear Oda puts lot of his characteristics into Sanji than in most characters in the story.

[@livelaughlovesanji]

100%. I can’t find it but there’s either a Reddit post or KZbin video titled “maybe Sanji IS Oda himself” and that he used a lot of his own life experiences when writing Sanji

[@nlc2566]

Odas signature is the twirl in sanjis eye brows as well

[@marocat4749]

That explain a lot, i respect oda as writer and he actuially writes great female characters, but uff, h has trribl pervy humor too.

[@wanopiece2817]

Also Oda is a heavy smoker.

[@ShatteredGlass916]

@@wanopiece2817 i kept forgetting the man himself is a heavy smoker as well

[@WarKittens28]

I finally got around to watching this over lunch today and the small portion of Reiju made me realize something. Reiju was the only person to help Sanji as a kid. HOWEVER, she never did so in such a way that the others would catch. She was willing to help him, but not once was she willing to risk anything or stick her neck out for him. Imagine what Sanji internalized from that. "Yeah people can care for you. But you're not worth getting into trouble for."

[@kakyoin914]

This is so heartbreaking, but yes, I can totally see this🥲

[@sephikong8323]

It's really sad when put that way. Of course you cannot blame her, she was just as terrified of her father and brothers as Sanji was and what she did was in itself courageous (she was willing to help her brother out because of the fact that he had no one else that could do it and she could get into BIG trouble for that), but now that you say it, yes, from his point of view and how he would grow from that, it's a really awful lesson His family life was so messed up but, remove all the genetic amplification thing, what's so tragic is how real it is like there are millions of people in the world who did/do put up with this during their childhood and this is terrifying

[@AnyMEmdq]

And she said it to him herself. Once treating his injuries she apologized for not intervening, but said that if she did, they would start picking on her as well. The one and only time she did put herself on the line was when she let him out, because being the "beta model," she did have empathy, and when an opportunity appeared, she could not take it any longer

[@anitasuhamto7407]

The fact that sanji has a martyr complex and self worth issue is the side effect of that point of view as well 🥲 Well other than how he is called failure and worthless from his sperm donor and his siblings

[@duckyducky2000]

1:22 something I'd like to elaborate on Sanji deviating so much from stereotypical masculinity that I like is how he prides on him being a man, as in, being manly. When he... he's really not. He's cute, he likes cooks, he's bratty, he's overly accomodating to others (I know mostly women but...), he can't hide his emotions (anger, sadness, joy, love... lust) even if his life depended on it, he's overly soft and giving, he wears a lot of pink, he has the overall soft vibe to him even with his temper. All of these things that aren't typically masculine but are very much Sanji.

[@Moody.Smiruai]

One thing about Sanji and in fact USOPP that goes unrecognized often is the relationship dynamic those 2 have throughout the story , especially in Skypeia and Water 7/Enies Lobby. They both seem to lack self-worth and always try to be the best they can be for the crew. Usopp with his bravery and inspiration and Sanji with his constant aid of others. They both have scenes in which they kinda confide in each other too!

[@guiltlessraptor777]

Yes, so much this. They have so much scenes were they recognize each others shortcomings and try to motivate each other. Especially the Tower scene at Enies Lobby were Sanji tells him that he has Skills that no other crewmember has and that he can do things none of them can accomplish. Just so much scenes were they motivate each other to be better. So much character dynamic between these two.

[@audreym3908]

@@guiltlessraptor777 It's many not much and where, not were. The last "much" is fine.

[@jdx478]

The closest thing I can think of is that Sanji does 100% know how Usopp feels of being useless or being the weakest in the crew most of the time due to Sanjis past. Remember that its Sanji who was most angry about Luffy when Luffy tried to recommend Usopp to leave.

[@dinogt8477]

terrible

[@AnyMEmdq]

@@audreym3908 Thank you

[@berimotivated485]

Sanji didn't need to collapse crying after Luffy said what he said to Judge... because I did it for him. I've never cried more for a character than I have for this man and he is one of my favorite characters in all of fiction.

[@Bees_27]

Same....Sanji has made me feel more emotions than any real person ever could 😭

[@Phanthief95]

Luffy is a real one. I still love the moment where Judge asks Luffy why he cares about Sanji & lists the reasons why he thinks he’s a failure & then Luffy tells Sanji “Why is he telling me your best qualities?”

[@ducdantalion2317]

I love the part that went Sanji goes to explain that was an insult the general reaction from the other crewmate is a suprised "what?". Not only is love for how he is by his captain, it's an opinion shared by his fellow crew mate.

[@thenathanbyrne7333]

Zeff is the real father in sanji's life. When he talks to judge about being able to face his father, I want to believe he means Zeff. It only feels right if he did. When I thought about that I cried a little.😢

[@scarlightemperor3410]

Of course. Zeff was strict but they both cared for eachother. Their goodbye signified their bond. Those tears and speech rang in my soul.

[@Noah-je2xj]

I love how Robin is the one to come to Sanji’s help because those two, more than any of the other crew mates know the cruelty and indifference of the world around them and you can see how much it means for both of them to have others that rely on them and to rely on because they each had to grow up without any support and show them kindness

[@TytheGuy44]

I think hes my favorite because no matter what kind of story they're telling in an arc, Sanji just fits into it. He can be funny, badass and emotional all at once and he has great chemistry with just about any other character. He can be the straight man in one scene than the wacky character in the next. And it all still feels like him.

[@sephikong8323]

Easily one of my favorite scenes of Sanji and one that perfectly encapsulates his role and relationship with the crew is in Water 7 when Usopp and Luffy started fighting on the ship, you can see him visibly shocked by what they're saying to each other, physically assaulting Luffy to stop him from saying something he might regret, distressed and saddened by Usopp leaving the crew but at the same time respecting his choice and just like Zoro upholds the values of two men deciding to fight for their honor and refuses to let anyone come in the middle of it. Basically, if we go by family metaphors for this scene (like I have frequently seen done) in this scene Nami was the basically the mother of the crew desperately begging them to stop before it was too late and that everything can be amended and Zoro was the stern father of the crew trying to keep order and morality above all else and to teach a lesson and Chopper the younger brother that didn't understand what was happening and still hoped everything would be okay, Sanji was in contrast the older brother that was visibly shaken by this development and was personally against this feud but understood that it isn't his place to tell others what to do with their life and still wanting to uphold the same values of honor and respect despite this. I really like this approach of "the same moral compass as Zoro but less stoic" he has going on, it's a cool dynamic, a bit of a "good cop bad cop" dynamic in a sense between the two and their role as the straight men of the crew

[@ShatteredGlass916]

And unlike Brook, Franky and (sadly) Usopp, Sanji will get a big fight or two so he's guaranteed to have a lot of spotlight.

[@marocat4749]

And he is really kind, and badass, and the simping is used as funny weakness because else he woul probably too op. (if veery overplayed) . I lik when he how how smart he is. and the same time empathic, like with ussop. And inspiring. And he also is a lover more than a fighter, if he is a good fighter, as he will save people over fighting first.

[@Mustafa.Shakir]

An actual three-dimensional character. One of few in One Piece.

[@ZBoy-rc8zf]

I always have felt that oda uses Sanji when he needs a character to do something

[@wolfindragonsclothing]

You knoe when i saw Sanji calling for help it did not hit me that it was his story arc. But now i fully believe this moment was huge for the both of them. Robin went through a lot and suffer something similar to Sanji. Not that she didnt have people who loved her but she was put in a situation where everyone told her she was better off dead while Sanji truly believe everyones life is more than his own. So for Sanji to call for help valueing his life, and Robin to be called to help, knowing she as well is not a protected item of a crew but someone who can also protect, must of been huge for the both of them

[@rosem.gottschalk9528]

I honestly like him because he tends to show more emotion, but that smile. When he smiles he’s very pretty. Plus he’s a cook.

[@rosem.gottschalk9528]

The way he smiles when no one watches is so pretty. It’s like he gives me hope when he does.

[@KaregoAt]

He is SO PRETTY

[@Lotiel03]

I love his smile!!!!!!

[@triple6alex_]

i grew up in an abusive home, my parents made my childhood and early adulthood life terrible. anime was one of the few escapes for me. i got into one piece a few years ago. when i finished whole cake island, i’ve never felt more love for a character or have i ever felt like i related more to a character ever in my life than sanji. when luffy saw right through sanji that time in the rain and still agreed to help him out even after everything, i couldn’t help but bawl my eyes out. both luffy and sanji have become my favorite characters in all of fiction

[@macaroni6600]

same holy shit, i liked him b4 altho the women gags felt too much but WCI just made me love him

[@emanozair9209]

same he's my fav fiction character too very relatable

[@johnnymorningstar2855]

It really does hit different when you grew up abused by the people who were supposed to protect you. I've heard those exact words Sanji was told as a child and it struck really hard with me. It's almost like I needed to see someone, real or fictional, make it out to the other side without becoming the monsters they were raised by. He lives with it but he's not shaped by his past. It's really inspirational tbh

[@sammyslik8858]

Sorry you had to grow up in such conditions

[@josiahbaumgartner7643]

My father was an abusive piece of shit but my mother tried to protect me and was kind. She tried to teach me to be a empathetic and compassionate gentleman who respects women despite being sick for most of my childhood until she died. I feel like I have a lot of similar trauma to Sanji and the way he was written was so realistic with the ways that it has affected his personality. I blame myself for everything and feel like I’m a burden even to those who love me because my father always told me everything was my fault. I’m emotional and soft and don’t always fit with masculine stereotypes, I love cooking and feel a strong sense of justice / chivalry. Obviously lots of these things are a bit superficial and others are so common to the point that nearly anybody could relate. But man there’s just so many things that I relate to Sanji on that I can’t help but feel connected with him

[@RealPigeonz]

Sanji is the most well written, emotionally deep and interesting character in OP.

[@MrMojo23100]

I love Sanji, my favourite line "Even the bad guys need to eat, If you're hungry I'll feed you, we'll sort the rest out later."

[@ramonavila3847]

That self hatred is also why Sanji got soooo mad at Luffy when he told Ussop " If you are not happy you can just leave". Sanji knows how words can hurt, specially when you feel useless as Ussop did for losing the money.

[@morallycorruptmaleficentti1194]

Coming from someone who grew up with a caring and loving mother until I was 8 then her passing and having to go live with my abusive father, i can relate to Sanji. The reason he would want to save his family is the yearning to be ACCEPTED by them just as Luffy did in the scene you described. Ive done the same with my biological father when he was sick and I was already in Uni. I left Uni to take care of my father but it was a mistake because I finally understood he would never accept me or love me like a father should love their child. After graduating and years of therapy im okay with all of it but it was difficult revisiting those emotions i held shoved deep inside for so long. This is a really well put together analysis. I do agree with a lot of your points but I also think the thought of his mother stops him from hurting a woman. His obsession with women I can relate to as well. Theres a yearning for a mothers love that never leaves when you lose the only person who truly loved you at a young age. This emotion then gets injected into the belief that you will find that one person in another woman, NOT to be a mother exactly but a woman represents something he truly lost as a kid, love. Its deep I know but after therapy, I realized why I held women on a pedestal and always tried to make things work when they were already irreparable. Amazing work! Really glad you made this.

[@Indaelcio]

I think the point is Sanji was designed to have no humanity but instead he was born with the most humanity, as in he experiences all humane emotions and desires harder than most characters, ones his siblings completely lack. For a young man being horny is already rough but imagine that being turned up to 11, poor lad. All in all Sanji is an amazing example of brilliant character writing. Goda never fails to leave me in awe.

[@123321Emile]

Robin's absolute delight at sanji calling out for her mirrored when Sanji fought so hard for Robin left me in tears, Robin gets a pink power up from him and Sanji gets a wink for his acceptance

[@AnyMEmdq]

Her smile was the cutest thing, she was utterly happy and delighted

[@bidoofboy329]

This was genuinely one of the best analyses I've seen in a while. Sanji has always been my favorite character and I chalked it up to writing and cool moments. However I never could put my finger on what it was about him that was so well done. Your point of self sacrifice sums it up perfectly and that's no exaggeration. I've had similar experiences when I was younger of thinking I was less than my peers and undeserving. This might be why he resonated so well with me. He is a tragic, relatable, foreshadowed, and loveable character that will always remain my favorite character. This video was great and worded perfectly, keep up the good work!

[@tulip5210]

I never realized just how deep Sanji was. But honestly like Sanji I gave up my dreams of adventure to be an obedient kid to my parents. I didn't realize how much I related to him.

[@MouseGoat]

feel you man, its touched me for i afther watching this video i want to go back in time smack my self really hard and shout "FOLLOW YOU FUCKING DREAM!! YOU CAN DO IT AND DONT LISTEN TO ANYONE ELSE" That deam seems dead and to later now and convincing me otherwise is waste of time. world has changed and so have I, but maybe i can still pick up the shatted pices left and build something with them. Its like a broken puzzel now with only few remaning pieces, and the world of tomorrow has never seemed darker and more hostile to dream. Yet.... dare i even try. dare I try. I will, wont I? how can i not, if a pathetic man like Sanji can belives in the fiction of all blue, maybe i can believe in the fiction of him, maybe just maybe could make new versions of those missing pieces and find the One Piece that will solve the broken dream. GOda is not human he cant be, hes way to great a story teller. Lole One Piece is cult man, its a freaking cult im too deep in, welp." NO!... Don't Give Me Hope."

[@Moody.Smiruai]

@@MouseGoat Ayy yo....You went off bruh. I agree with you though. One Piece is a cult and we are a big happy family doing Rituals in the woods in a circle of fire praising One Piece like mental Asylum escapees.

[@tulip5210]

@@Moody.Smiruai We are a cult *nods in agreement*

[@marocat4749]

You still can , i mean a bit realism i guess , but also if you hae a possibility, you can do it. And the very least you can have hope finding something you like or are at least ok enough and enjoy doing even if its notexactly the same. Spo dont give up.

[@larachristensen2262]

Thanks guys, now I crying! I was just fine ignoring my own trauma to be the obedient child with no emotional baggage to trouble the family with! Now I might just enter my rebellious fase

[@TrytheGreenOne]

After Pudding trashed him, Sanji still turned around, saw the trauma in her family and the cruel unacceptance of her third eye, and just loved her for it. He didn't repay pain for pain. And that was a fitting cap on Whole Cake. Also in Wano, he told Zoro to kill him if he fucked up - so I don't think we've seen the end of self sacrificial Sanji lol.

[@mari318]

I honestly feel like the only reason Sanji is being more careful of his life now is because Luffy told him he needed him to become Pirate King. Unless there's more development, I suspect Sanji will consider his duty fulfilled once Luffy is PK and go right back to throwing himself in harm's way as if he's the most expendable member of the crew. So of course I'm hoping there will be more development and that Oda isn't done with Sanji's story just yet.

[@LeilaDRalph]

He told Zoro to kill him if he turns out to change into an emotionless monster like his brothers. I think even though Sanji started to care about himself a little and be less sacrificial, the sudden changes in his body were a huge throw back into self hate and fear. I really hope that *SPOILER* now that Vegapunk is with the strawhats Sanji will get analyzed and hears some good news about himself that will put him to peace.

[@sephikong8323]

What I love is that, the whole thing about Luffy being the person that finally broke Sanji's shell and offered him a path where he is love and can love himself ...... is mirrored by the fact that Sanji played the exact same role for Pudding during the arc, and by the end of it you can clearly see that she is very genuine about her love for him (her bursts of "hatred" during the later parts are imo, pretty obviously just her self defense mechanism because she feels vulnerable when opening up to someone like that, definitely not talking from experience here) and her final act of letting him go and removing his memory so that he doesn't feel any remorse is beautiful and just ........ No way there's a girl more deserving of Sanji than her, this is probably one of the best written ship I have ever seen in any Shonen

[@AnyMEmdq]

That request to Zoro is not sacrificial, though. "If I become Germa, if I become what I despise the most, if I become my blood family, please stop it. If I lose myself, don't let Judge get what he wanted" is what he is saying. It's not a sacrifice, but a "don't let me be what I hate." And he asks Zoro because he knows he is the only one that would be capable. Don't get me wrong, G5 Luffy could probably break Sanji like a twig, but Luffy would never accept it. Zoro is the most pragmatic, probably together with Robin. I don't see any other Strawhat who would accept to kill him if it was needed. Even Zoro and Robin would have troubles with it, but Zoro is the one that would honor the request of a now dead Sanji (as Germa 66 Stealth Black would not be Sanji, but just another Vinsmoke drone). Despite all of their bickering and bantering, both Sanji and Zoro had proven they trust and respect each other (stuff like "If they are with him they'll be ok," variants of which were said by both of them, Zoro trying to stop Sanji from charging against CP9 on his own, Sanji looking out for Zoro at Sabaody, "if we get through this we'll be just one step away from seeing Luffy as the King of the Pirates" (or something like that), etc).

[@orangejuice3205]

The difference with the Zoro situation is that Sanji recognizes that if he stops being himself it’ll be something bad. This shows he’s finally embraced who he his

[@Strumpus]

That scene of Judge smiling and hugging his kids then immediately switching to Sanji’s masked face, all alone in the dungeon made my heart drop. It’s a really chilling parallel.

[@triad6425]

Sanji's bad habits ARE EXACTLY WHAT YOU WOULD EXPECT FROM A CHEF. Very consistent the only thing missing is the wild drug use

[@randot6675]

Nicotine addiction is enough lol. And the alcohol abuse. Does meth and heroin even exist in OP

[@VijoPlays]

@@randot6675 can you imagine a Meth-Meth fruit? Just overdose your enemy and you won

[@julianstone1192]

@@randot6675 Caesar got the kids hooked on meth?

[@starwizzyy]

​@randot6675 remember Hordy Jones and his heroin addiction??😂😂

[@nagihiro1382]

I like the point you made with how sanjis kindness is portrayed. A lot of people in the fandom fail to acknowledge his kindness because he doesn't show it in a traditional sense. When you think of kind characters in anime and manga you'd monstly think of characters that are almost pushovers and have kindness revolving around their entire character and personality and have nothing else going for them. But sanji does it in a way that balances out his kind actions and his actual personality that is loud, rude and "not nice to most outsiders" and it almost makes it subtle and hard to notice if you're not paying close attention to what he does because his personality overshadows his kindness.

[@angelodilullo7591]

Most painful, saddest backstory for me. Poor, poor boy

[@gogurtthegreat499]

Sanji is loved by so many women because he exemplifies what they want most in a man someone who isn’t afraid to be kind and love and be vulnerable to the ones they love

[@jensennguyen02]

I would say that last part is pretty interesting because sanji of all the characters on the crew until more recently is the most afraid to show how vulnerable he is

[@lobaetoile8440]

That's not true. Sanji is not consciously emotionally open and vulnerable. Maybe you with positive emotions? But when things get serious, he tries to be more rational and stoic. And a lot of his negative emotions are out of control (like anger issues). The thing is, Sanji CAN'T HIDE HIS FEELINGS because, ultimately, he's an extremely emotional person. He can have a sharp tongue too. The one thing Sanji is transparent with are his actions, not his words. He is consistently generous, caring and giving through his actions. He feeds the crew considering their individual nutritional needs and taste preferences (he makes personalized dishes for all them, almost every day, not just for the girls), whenever they celebrate with friends at the end of an arc, after a fight, he helps with the banquet to feed the entire town, he helps carry bags and resources when they arrive or leave an island, he protects children, women and the physically weaker strawhats or allies (mostly Nami, Chopper, Ussop, also whoever may have injuries at the time) while Zoro and Luffy are running ahead and fighting the bosses, he gathers information, he's an excellent and attentive listener when someone is telling their story or sharing their feelings (unlike Luffy), he opens gates and closes lose ends. He's a helper, a supporter, that person on the back of a team, making sure no one is left behind and keeping an eye on everyone. As for why is Sanji loved by women... Honestly, I believe there are different reasons, because there are a few different ways to interpret his character. Some people may be attracted to him simply because of his complexity. Others for how emotional and dramatic he is (he could be a character from a musical theater piece lol). Others may like that he's flawed. Others may find him relatable. Others may find him funny and like his style (both his fashion sense, his fighting style, his dressing style... It's all very flashy and unique).

[@ravjesus4848]

no , when a woman smells weakness She run away

[@Sorasnoctis]

@@ravjesus4848 not true

[@encrypt609]

@@ravjesus4848 fr

[@GastaoHEsteves]

As a manga reader, I feel ashamed that I didn't trully understand Sanji before watching your video. For example, back in Thriller Bark, I still thought that Sanji was just playing his rivalry with Zoro when he ask Kuma to sacrifice him instead. Didn't understand that it was actually a low self-steem that make him feel like Zoro's life is more important than his. You got yourself a subscriber, lady. Thank you for this video. Going to watch the others now.

[@beepboop4833]

I don't know if that's low self esteem, I think Sanji recognizes that Zoro's dream is more important to Zoro, than his own dream is to himself.

[@GastaoHEsteves]

​@@beepboop4833 If you think that you, your life, or your dreams are less important than the ones from another person even thou this dreams brings you to tears, then it is low self esteem issue for sure. Never put yourself above or below another human being. You are unique and you are important.

[@beepboop4833]

@@GastaoHEsteves Sanji does not care as much about finding the All Blue as Zoro does about becoming the World's Strongest Swordsman. Zoro's dream is entirely the reason for living. I get your point though.

[@zeiva]

@@beepboop4833 That is not true. Sanji first learned about All Blue during his imprisonment. It can be said that to him All Blue is a place of dream, a haven to escape to. One of Sanji's prominent character traits is that he is a dreamer, a romantic, and someone who believes in fairy tales. When he talked about All Blue to Luffy, it's clear that it's an incredibly important dream for him. However, due to his low self worth, he doesn't openly express this externally. He suppressed his true desire in Baratie because he placed Zeff above himself. This has been a running theme of Sanji's character ever since his introduction. He was willing to get himself killed to protect Zeff's Baratie - something that Luffy expressed his disapproval with. When Sanji gives up his dream, it's no different from him giving up himself, because to him, everyone else worth more than him, his dream included. The entirety of Whole Cake Island and Wano addresses how self destructive this behavior is, and he eventually learns to accept himself.

[@m.o.l.a6812]

It's a mix of several things. Like Zoro, Sanji wouldn't hesitate to sacrifice himself for the crew and that includes Zoro, both of them would never say it out loud but that scene practically showed that both Zoro and Sanji wanted to protect the other. Zoro had to knock him out because Sanji wasn't going to give in. Add to that Sanji's terrible self-esteem that places so little value on his life and he believes that he is replaceable. It is likely that Sanji was the Mugiwara who was the slowest to realize how important and loved he was to his crew.

[@magpie8351]

Sometimes when I feel sad I come back to this video literally just to watch the intro because it makes me laugh so hard. It perfectly encapsulates my feelings about this strange freak (affectionate, unfortunately) of a man.

[@cooperknutson3616]

Watching this video also made it click in me another reason why Sanji thought Kamabakka kingdom was such a personal hell for him. I mean not only was he being relentlessly perused and tried to be fit into a dress, but he was surrounded by people that were so confident and loving of themselves and who they are. And Sanji just couldn’t understand why someone would feel that way or hold some worth to their life. This was truly the perfect place to drop him during the time skip

[@dakodareid3807]

That's a new aspect I'd not thought of. I'd still say thejr recipes(that and they were allied with the revolutionieries kuma thought it'd be a good place to send him. I don't think he knew about sanjis ... Ideals but that taught him better cooking skills and how to use .. I think the name of it is geppo, eh f it he can fly now too😊

[@ryan-smith]

Imagine learning to sky walk which is a skill only Cipher Pol agents learn, and learning it by himself, Kamabaka is really a good training ground for Sanji. I think Kuma knows where to send off the Straw hat crew because being associated with Monkey D. Dragon, of course he would be interested to learn about Luffy's crew.

[@ratatouilledrinksclorax9897]

A land of true self acceptance, a utter hell hole for a guy who puts his own self worth lower than others. Who knew Sanji's greatest enemy/lesson was trans people.

[@novucriptor3954]

That's a really really really good take! However... I don't think that's the thing Oda tought of while writing/drawing these. It clearly was a low quality transphobic joke. Anyways ill think your take is what happened because it's beautiful.

[@jmiollion]

@@novucriptor3954 Idk, maybe Oda really did put that much thought into it. This video made me think about sanji and his pervert tendencies. He was constantly abused by the male figures in his life and the only people that showed him love and compassion at that point was his mother and somewhat his sister. So you can see his perverted tendencies as him craving the only love as a child.

[@superymariowest2403]

I had an abusive family. Mother was quite absent, step-dad was cruel, 3 brothers and sister took turns taking jabs at me. I believed I was useless. At age 25, I'm still dealing with the leftover traumas. I'm a simp, self-sacrificial, self-deprecating, and have no sense of self-worth. Oh, and I love cooking. I can relate to Sanji on so many levels.

[@fluffypoof9139]

S-sanji?? Is that you?? 😢😢

[@superymariowest2403]

@@fluffypoof9139 ikr. I'm working on myself and making progress

[@johnanderson3559]

@@superymariowest2403 my friend, now you just need a zoro.

[@christianottley8542]

Glad to hear your recovering, keep at it and always remember that you are worth something and that now or in the future there are or will be people you can rely on

[@fluffypoof9139]

@@superymariowest2403 you'll do fine and be a great person!!! 😍

[@anacoelho4247]

Sanji took my heart the moment he fed someone that popped up out of nowhere in Baratie with a bad atittude just because he was hungry. It was his kindness that made me fall in love with him. I think he is one of the most complex characters out of the crew if not from the whole seriies, if not for the overuse of the the comic relief of being a pervy creep he would be the better and most well written character ever. He has so many layers. Thank you for this video

[@brioche496]

All of this is why I find the scene of *SPOILERS* Sanji smashing the raid suit during Wano so powerful. Pre whole cake Sanji would have thrown away the ‘bad’ parts of himself, and truly forsaken himself in order to become the demon he mentions he would turn into if he continued to don the suit. However, in an act of self love and selfishness, he destroys the suit that everybody BUT him loved, and to fight queen as his true self. Germa augmented or not. I love Sanji so much, thank you for this video you did an amazing job analyzing sanji’s character.

[@MelonTeee]

I wanted to mention that scene, but video was getting too long already! I think it's a very interesting scene because, as you mentioned, it was something everyone but him loved. So him throwing away something others could favour him for is a big step in itself for him. However, he also falls back into bad habits by asking what would be more useful to Luffy before destroying the suit. In that scene we really see the push and pull of his insecurities fighting to get the better of him, it's another masterfully done moment!

[@livelaughlovesanji]

I love this scene so much I cannot wait see it animated and with his voice actor and the music 🤩

[@etchay]

@@MelonTeeeI just discovered your channel and I'm binging it. And you, sweet sweet lady, have a special talent of making character analysis videos such as this. I wouldn't mind watching videos like these even if they are like twice the size. But ofc if shorter videos do well for you then go for it!

[@JotaroKujo-fr7uo]

@@MelonTeee I thought of this mid your whole cake island anyalsis does sanji have a mom complex or maybe just woken in general? Cause only his sister and mother treated him like a human that makes all his weird scenes make a bit more sense

[@randomduck8679]

@@JotaroKujo-fr7uo You'd think so but a flashback confirmed that his "chivalry" is from Zeff.

[@detaaditya6237]

Great video about my boy Sanji! Though I wanna add 3 more interesting things about him: 1. The moment when Luffy was about to say "then you can leave" to Usopp during early Water 7, Sanji immediately kicked Luffy. Though I'm sure everyone feels the same, he seemed to be the most afraid that the Strawhats, his newfound family, to break apart. This kinda foreshadows that Sanji might have had a crappy family in the past. 2. In Sabaody, if you pay attention carefully, he's the most concerned one about Zoro. Despite them being Tom & Jerry Sanji shows how much he cares about Zoro, his kindness is truly something. 3. Robin and Sanji's moment in Wano is such a mutual symbiosis for each other. Sanji finally asked for help and Robin is trusted by her crew for a hand (or, lots of hands). I love how Robin said she'd rather die than leave the SH, which parallels her moment in Ennies Lobby. Also, this kind of debunks those who believe Sanji only "protects women" hell nahh he literally asked Robin to defeat Black Maria.

[@alonedownthere47]

in addition to #1, sanji understands how usopp feels on the deepest level, because he knows what it's like to feel useless. for a second, sanji saw judge in luffy, telling usopp to leave for what Sanji understood as usopp feeling weak, and that was unforgivable to sanji

[@detaaditya6237]

@@alonedownthere47 ahh yes you're right!

[@livelaughlovesanji]

@@alonedownthere47 YES, I was blown away with how he really was in tune with how Usopp felt, with everything mentioned above and with how he told chopper that Usopp would feel even more humiliated if chopper were to tend to his wounds after the duel, and how at enies lobby he said that “you do what I can’t do and I’ll do what you can’t do” thing.

[@Kururu265]

In addition to #1, I recently rewatched the episode in water 7 where Robin tells him she's going to leave the straw hats, and he has a confused, sort of almost terrified reaction before trying (and failing) to stop her.

[@helbramchasity6248]

It was a nice juxtaposition that the man who only uses his feet called for the woman that uses lots of hands

[@artbytrublue288]

Wow Sanji is such a well written character and I relate to him much more than I thought I didn’t realize how much I actually like Sanji

[@HeroofMightandmagic1]

Oh how DARE you end a video like this with "I feel like I left so much out, but the video was getting lengthy"! Never be afraid of going the full 9 miles with op analysis videos! We love the 1-2 hours format!!!

[@mari318]

There's so much to be said about Sanji's character and the way Oda unfolds it, a full analysis would have to be a series of videos. And I'd watch every one if they were made by @MelonTeee.

[@audreym3908]

Maybe their computer couldn't handle the data? idk. But I completely agree with you!

[@tranatkikomi6873]

The moment Sanji became my fave character was when he threw the used dishes in the ocean. He knew he wouldn't get in trouble for feeding Ghin because the restaurant exists so nobody would starve in those waters, but Ghin thought Sanji would. He basically just went "I can't get in trouble if there's nothing to get in trouble for, right?" to reassure him.

[@Bloodpix]

Sanji is top tier character creation. I love you Oda please give him a fitting happiness the mans been through some shitz.

[@scotthalligan3451]

Absolutely spectacular video. A small detail I love about Sanji is his relationship with Chopper and how he gives him jobs to do because he knows how bad it feels to be seen as worthless. Chopper also struggles with his self image and it’s really cool to see how these two have grown through the series, and it’s why Chopper and Sanji are present in each others character moments directly or indirectly

[@davidburlingame6583]

Same thing with usopp. "I'll do what you can't, and you do what I cant"

[@livelaughlovesanji]

This!! I LOVE their dynamic. Chopper went from emergency food supply to his little brother that he takes care of and looks out for 🥰🥹💖 I love the scene where Sanji is supportive of Chopper wanting to warn Usopp about Aqua Laguna, and he even engages in it with him with them shouting “a storm is coming!” …so adorable 😭 I also noticed in a lot of songs the straw hats sing for like special albums and stuff, chopper’s singing parts come right after Sanji’s, and it warms my heart 🥰 In the song “one world” and I believe either “family” or “thousand sunny go”

[@artonprenga3791]

I really do love the scene of Sanji asking for Robin's help in Wano, its a beautiful culmination of everything that happened in Whole Cake Island. And how fucking poetic is it that the person Sanji asked for help from was specifically Robin, the one other straw hat who had low self worth cause of their past and was willing to leave the crew and sacrifice themselves to protect the crew. Plus the scene at the end of Sanji's fight with queen in the manga is great too, had that been pre-Whole Cake Island sanji, he would've used the raid suit, but thanks to Luffy, Sanji made the more selfish decision of staying himself.

[@tymitch95]

As a writer, your videos have helped me understand the complexities of Oda's characters even more which is helping me create better characters in the process so thank you very much for making these videos

[@Tkokat]

I already liked Sanji, but your video allowed me to appreciate his (Oda's) more "realistic" depiction of a trauma-ridden person. It's beautifully written, and I was finally able to fully enjoy his backstory, thanks to you.

[@hyxcynth]

I have no idea if anyone mentioned this but i just love how sanji sometimes(as far as i cld tell) has a nervous tic in stressful situations (ie. WCL) where he would mess with his hair and sometimes scrunch up in a little fetal position. idk what its called exactly but in the manga it almost looks like his pulling at / grabbing his hair or head, which makes me think its something he picked up as a kid with that metal ball round his head and that he still does that today as a way to soothe himself, a reminder that hes not trapped by his father anymore, and maybe a bittersweet way of reminding himself that if it all goes to shit, he might never get to touch his hair again and be locked up in that horrible ball for god knows how much longer than before :') (i love him sm he is my little babygirl malewife and ball of angst)

[@notshalltear4177]

im a year late to this party but I'm honestly so glad a youtuber came out and talked about how great this man is, i love sanji with all my heart. growing up i never got affection from my parents and was hit a lot by my mom for being an arrogant kid and embarrassing her, after becoming a practicing psychologist and looking back ppl always point out how wierdly quiet i am in real life and i never knew that it was because my parents pounded that trait into me. literally, as a kid i thought. as long as I'm quiet and don't bother them, then they might accept me. so as someone with a lack of self worth like sanji who put others before himself and had always let ppl walk over me, i always saw him as a mirror or symbolic brother to me whom i looked up to which also made me really look up to luffy when whole cake island came out, seeing the moment between him and sanji was what broke me next to aces death and him admitting how happy he was that people loved him despite him being so ashamed of being rogers son. this is why one piece stays at the top and will continue to do so. thank you for making this video

[@Dca1998]

"Sometimes kindness needs a few thorns to be protected" I just really loved that line. It gives a lot of credit to Sanji's pros while acknowledging that bad attitude you had mentioned. Without getting into it that line hit me in the emotions pretty hard. Thank you for that Melon. Keep up the great work!!

[@comixproviderftw_02]

I find it impressive that you keep coming up with these descriptions of characters in the intros of your videos.

[@GenericJake]

The fact that the sun came out as sanji was told by Luffy “that’s just how you are”. Feels even weightier knowing WHO Luffy is. “Freer of slaves”, “bringer of smiles”,

[@rushirajsinhrana5029]

And the warrior of liberation, ofcourse

[@Ramsey276one]

Game Off HATS XD

[@hergan416]

Something you said in your Law video was "you don't torture a character like this unless you love them." This is just as true for Sanji. Great analysis as always.

[@igoonx15]

Sanji’s first backstory hits different when knowing what happened to him before... it’s like this child can’t have a break, also i love you so much! It’s rare to see people who actually love Sanji and see his true character and not just his pervy side. He’s my favorite character after luffy, these two have a special place in my heart... again THANK YOU for showing him love because this boy needs all the love in the world.

[@WhyUsochocolate]

The entirety of whole cake arc was tragedy I couldn’t stop crying for Sanji. OP really hammers in on the feels. This whole video almost had me crying again thank you for the perspective

[@gamerfanification]

Gonna be honest I couldn’t stop crying during this. I forgot how much tears I shed when I first read sanji’s whole cake backstory. There’s no way you can’t somewhat love him after that arc

[@n00dyl69]

the first time i saw sanji. he instantly became my favourite character without even knowing his back story.

[@burneynuggets5001]

Same, I just saw him and said he’s the one

[@zoainaiip]

Bro, I was watching the anime with some friends and all of them loved Zoro the second he appear and then later liking Sanji in Arabasta but I was the total oposit, and I am so happy to see so many Sanji simps. Now I don't feel that weird.

[@livelaughlovesanji]

Right?? and then Oda blesses us with a SECOND backstory, and we’re just like “well now I love Sanji even harder”

[@cordellkemp369]

Same here. I’m a cook too and I related to him like I’ve never related to any other character

[@Despair505]

Man's got that suit drip

[@_nagazaki__]

Your analysis is fucking awesome, I've never had such view on sanji.

[@Xanderqwerty123]

In W7 and Enies Loby, having Sanji be the one to outright tell Ussop that he has value is amazing, considering he didn't take his own advice one arc later.

[@nanodose]

The counterpart to Zoro. While Zoro's a shallow ocean, Sanji is a puddle with the depth of the Mariana Trench. Unassuming at first glance, but so deep.

[@tableforone8320]

You know the videos where someone jumps into a small puddle and they just drop all the way down. That’s Sanji.

[@royalfun1031]

​@@tableforone8320daym While Zoro just keeps getting up

[@kayy8672]

I've been really sick for over a week and stuck in one room and watching these videos have been the only thing keeping me sane. Thank you for helping get me through this 👍

[@genuineBenFan]

bruh the line in thriller bark: “what good will come of your death?” hit me so hard reading it as: “i was never any good anyway”. My headcanon for Sanji’s motivation for whole cake island is: “maybe i can be good for something?” and having that shattered by Pudding was heartbreaking. i think though, it showed he was ready to accept being good enough, which is why he turned to Luffy in that dark time. his definition of “good” was instilled in him at a young age as: “satisfactory/obedient son” -> which is why he tried so hard to be that for Zeff. of course he mistrusted the strawhats, who had an entirely different definition of “good,” because he just wasn’t aware he could matter in that way. i like the idea that whole cake island gave him the chance to be the “good son” that he had always tried to make himself valued for, and showed him it was deffo not what it was cracked up to be. this is a god-tier video: rlly loving ur character analysis content!!

[@topcat59]

There’s literally no words to express how great this video is, to finally have videos to express the absolute amazing writing that’s been given to each members of the Strawhats.😿

[@ultradigger6490]

I cried for the whole video. And that shows why One piece is one of the best anime of all time. They may not like the art style or the fights, But the story is the most important part of an anime.

[@gallanoir]

Another addition to the acts of Sanji exemplifying kindness... During Sabaody, Sanji is shown heading towards Zoro while he's injured when Kuma is after the entire crew. He immediately heads for Zoro which is not something you would normally think for his character. But him being the only one on the crew to know he took on Luffy's pain in Thriller Bark kind of adds to that!

[@shirounshiroun7555]

Just want to note that Robin also knows about what happened with Kuma as she was eavesdropping with her DF when the 2 guys were talking with Sanji 😊

[@audreym3908]

@@shirounshiroun7555 Just want to note that Brooke also saw too.

[@SHIN-rz7dz]

Just wanted to note the two people that were on Lola’s pirate crew that saw the incident

[@shirounshiroun7555]

@@audreym3908 Oh yeah I forgot Brook knew too !

[@audreym3908]

@@shirounshiroun7555 it's ok. Most people forget that he doesn't have eyelids Yohohohoho. skull joke

[@pubixcube27]

Whole Cake depicted what a genius Oda is when it comes to subtlety and patience, particularly regarding Sanji’s character. Writing typically happens in 3’s, and throughout the post timeskip Oda has portrayed Sanji as the failed martyr of the Straw Hats on 3 separate occasions: The first was on Dressrosa. Sanji intervenes against Doffy but is frozen by his strings. He tells the SH’s to leave him and escape with a Coup de Burst - But they refuse, and his sacrifice fails. The second came in Zou. Sanji willingly gives himself up to Bege in exchange for his crew's safety. He proceeds to write a note saying he will return in order to prevent Luffy and co. from pursuing him. This clearly doesn’t go as planned, and the purpose of Sanji’s sacrifice fails again. The third, and most impactful moment, takes place on Whole Cake Island as Sanji begrudgingly insults his crew and attacks his captain. This can be taken as Sanji’s last stance to save his friends, even if it meant being hated by them. It seems like the facade was a success in tricking Nami, who tells Luffy they should leave OR maybe she was just upset at Sanji’s lack of respect for Luffy. Regardless - Luffy, being the emotionally intelligent empath that he is, was not fooled. Ultimately Sanji’s attempt at sacrifice fails for the third and final time. By accepting Luffy’s help, he cements the new path he will lead going forward. Throughout the series Oda has portrayed Sanji as the lone wolf. The rogue member of the crew who prefers to do things alone - most likely to prevent those he cares for from getting hurt or being involved in situations that might endanger them. Furthermore, the trend of devaluing one's own worth is something Oda has been depicting with Sanji since the pre timeskip. We can see this on Skypeia when Sanji takes Enels attack for Usopp without any worry for his own life. It’s made even more apparent in Thriller Bark. As Zoro readies himself to take Luffy’s pain, in comes Sanji with the same intent. The only difference being that Sanji saw more value in Zoro’s dream and overall role in the crew than his own. He believed at that moment that he could easily be replaced; telling Zoro that they’ll need to “find a new cook.” This belief is later debunked on route to WCI as Luffy and the crew struggle at sea without Sanji. Sanji’s willingness to sacrifice. To selflessly, yet selfishly, put others before himself - could very well stem from his traumatic childhood. Up until he was 10, he had been told that he was worthless by his father and brothers. That he was a failure and could never live up to the Germa name. Hell, he was a literal prisoner kept in a dungeon for a time. Treatment like this, especially from the people who are supposed to love you unconditionally, can drastically warp a person's perception of themselves. Sanji literally needed to have the message beaten into him by Luffy. That he was worthy to live. That he has importance. And that him asking for help isn’t a burden on his crew: The family who loves him unconditionally.

[@moniontheonion6234]

Ok good take but, this has to be the best use of the word "empath" by far.

[@bradleygalo4775]

@@moniontheonion6234 Yes.

[@huh5950]

And people STILL try to tell me Sanji doesnt have the worst upbringing

[@Swiminatub]

It’s arguable. Law did have to climb through a series of dead bodies and watch everyone that cares for him die or get murder in front of him. Him/Law/Robin are equal but different levels of fucked up childhoods

[@reinartes7079]

​@@Swiminatub I think the difference is Law and Robin are loved by the people who by all means should love them, but for Sanji, the closest people to him were the one who instilled his trauma. It's like the difference between being hurt by your parents versus being hurt by strangers. Both hurt, but one feels more personal than the other. Law and Robin past are absolutely horrifying, but Sanji's story cut deep towards anyone who has experience of being hated and abused by their loved ones.

[@manuelmarce2544]

I just can't describe the emotions I had while watching this vid. As a Sanji fan, and learning to peel his different layers away as I read the series, this video is such an amazing Christmas gift. Thank you so much!

[@Chironofolympus]

What’s crazy is Sanji grew up to be judges strongest kid

[@marocat4749]

Not really when haki is willpower, and for that, you need your human will, which judge didn exactly nurture. Mak me think h will probably in the epilogu aong other things try to with tough love try teaching his siblings cooking and humanity. Also none had zeff as dad.

[@ShatteredGlass916]

If it's raw alone that's debateable. We barely seen what the Germa is capeable of. I'm not saying that Sanji is weak. But if Queen could put up a good fight for such a long time (beaten by Marco, by Chopper, and by Sanji) thanks to enhancements similar to Germa's, then what we see in WCI is barely scratching the surface of Germa's technology

[@Andre-im7eq]

@@ShatteredGlass916germa are weak asf 😂..sanji would be all of his siblings with his eyes closed 😂😂😂😂

[@onionknight44]

I love Sanji. The whole crew really. I get why people hate on Sanji but like you know what he doesn't do? Force people to look at him in a banana hammock as a self proclaimed pervert, or throw himself under skirts to see panties and ask everyone to see them. Plus before Zoro could have his, "nothing happened" moment, Sanji stepped forward to take the sacrifice. Sanji to me, is one of the most human characters because he has flaws. Let's be real, we all know great people with weird or straight up bad bits about them. God I love this video

[@geoimage]

I start reading One Piece when I was 12, and I've never understood why Sanji is my favorite character among the strawhats, I thought the fact that he can freely express his feeling towards women is what attracts me as a character. now I know because of your video, and I thank you for that... What a difficult life I have had. Sanji is so lucky to find Luffy. I wish all the broken men can find their Luffy in their life, in any shape or form.

[@unintentionally_edgy5867]

ive heard that the starving part of his backstory is different in the manga, that instead of "red foot" zeff using an anchor to lop off his leg he eats it which to me is way more impactful- not only giving all his food to sanji but sacrificing his weapon and name as a pirate to help him.

[@VoidStaresback]

Yep that's right

[@knv5761]

Yeah youre right, in the real world zeff could eat sanji along with the food😅😅.

[@MoonGalleon22]

Yeah, Zeff ate his own leg because he gave Sanji all his food. I wonder if Sanji saw that as being more reason to chain himself to the Baratie, though, and deflected how Zeff did this partly to save him? Like "well Zeff did this so he could live and achieve his own dream of running a restaurant, I have to make sure it happens."

[@m.q.m.39]

Sanji's character is so wholesome. I love him so much eventhough many times he annoyed me so much. Such a good character that have been written. His backstories break my heart so much. Thank you for making this video, i cried so much.

[@onionjack4533]

What a great analysis, it's nice to hear someone else that understand this amazing character🥰 Unfortunately Sanji is a very misunderstood character because of what he looks like on the surface. However, I'd like to add that his "perviness" is a crucial representation of what low self worth looks like in a boy: women are arguably the main "source of judgement" and "giver of worthiness/recognition" for a young boy and when the love you try to give feels like it's never enough (because you'll never be enough) you tend to... exaggerate... your love and devotion become extreme. Sanji's perviness comes from a deep love for women, not from misogyny, and this is very often misunderstood. That's why I would argue that Zeff isn't the main reason why Sanji doesn't want to hurt women. Even if he's growing up, he still can't shake off the extreme devotion he feels towards women, especially for the role they played in his life (his mother and his sister saving him).

[@marinlataille1043]

Uhhh... I think this pervy side of him comes more of his ligneage than his extreme devotion from women. Maybe his love for Sora is what has stopped him to be misogynistic but this come from his father. I think too that his character arc in Wano is to recognize and accept his bad side of him - its "voyeur" tendancy and its dream of to be invisible, the fact that he's a Vinsmoke (symbolised by the raid suit), to better triumph over it. Let's just hope that Oda don't write anymore gag of him peeping women in baths! He conserves his pervy side? Ok but NO-MORE-PEEPING!

[@PirateQueen1720]

@@marinlataille1043 I think both points can be true. For boys growing up in a very misogynistic setting, it is easy to pick up some of those ideas and behaviors even if, at the same time, you actually like women. Like, if someone simultaneously has in his head "the only people who have ever treated me like a person are women" AND "the ultimate judgement on my worth is whether women want me" AND "never hit a woman even if she's trying to kill you because women are delicate flowers who must be protected"...boy does THAT add up to a weird pedestal! Similarly, the kind of upbringing he had very likely would have led to the "but me being obsessed with your beauty is a compliment!" thought that makes guys think harassing women who are just trying to do their damn grocery shopping or take their drink order is fine. That doesn't mean this behavior is GOOD, of course. But it does feel like a realistic thing, and the more positive parts of his underlying motivations give some hope that he can grow out of it.

[@bornanime3255]

Sanji after Nami is the closest thing to the crew's mom tbh. Love that guy so much.

[@vedapranav2588]

Nami is in no way shape or form the crew's mom. She's the crew's spoiled little sister who gets away with all kinda shit.

[@Sebster85]

​@@vedapranav2588 You're either illiterate or extremely biased. Nami is presented as the mother figure of the crew. She manages their money, negotiates on their behalf, and talks sense into Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji when they're being reckless. So, either get better reading glasses or stop being a hater.

[@vedapranav2588]

@@Sebster85 This just made me lol so hard.

[@corbanbausch9049]

@@vedapranav2588 bro, the straw hats couldn’t navigate their way out of a paper bag without Nami

[@haylstorm6]

This gave me another perspective that helps me like sanji better, so thank you! He’s never been a fave of mine with how he treats women, but this really did highlight the aspects of him that I’ve liked! And him asking Robin for help in Wano REALLY got to me, so I was happy you mentioned it here!

[@-king-1230]

Thank you Santa for making Melonteee content come sooner