This article contains spoilers for One Piece.
Key Revelations
- Eiichiro Oda hinted that Zoro and Sanji will be equals, known as the Wings of the Pirate King.
- Zoro’s greater bounty does not necessarily indicate he is stronger; bounties can be misleading.
- There is no established hierarchy within the Straw Hat Pirates; Zoro is not the vice-captain.
When considering notable rivalries in anime, iconic pairs such as Goku and Vegeta or Naruto and Sasuke often come to mind. However, a fierce competition equally deserving of recognition exists within One Piece: the rivalry between Roronoa Zoro and Sanji. Contrary to expectations, this rivalry does not involve Monkey D. Luffy but rather emphasizes the unique bond between Zoro and Sanji.
The dynamic between these two characters has always been characterized by a friendly yet competitive spirit. Among fans of shonen anime, there is an ongoing debate about who stands stronger. However, evidence presented by Oda suggests that both characters are intended to be viewed as equals, challenging the notion that fans must choose a side.
Proof of Their Equality
- Zoro and Sanji are depicted as equals in various contexts.
- Numerous indications confirm this interpretation.
Oda has gifted fans with substantial hints that Zoro and Sanji will ultimately be portrayed as equals, notably referring to them as the Wings of the Pirate King. This metaphor emphasizes their interdependent relationship—just as wings must be balanced for flight, so too must Zoro and Sanji share equal standing in their abilities.
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Critics may point to Zoro’s bounty, which surpasses Sanji’s, as a sign of superiority. Yet, it is essential to understand that bounty figures are based on various factors unrelated to strength. A pertinent example is the bounty assignments following the Onigashima battle, wherein Luffy received a bounty of 3 billion berries, equal to that of Law and Kid, despite Luffy’s significant victory over Kaido. If bounties were truly reflective of strength, one would have to reconsider the abilities of Law and Kid in comparison to Luffy.
Misinformation Fuels Debate
Another common misconception in these debates is the belief that Zoro holds the title of vice-captain, a claim which Oda himself has refuted. He clarified that Zoro is neither the first mate nor holds any official position within the Straw Hat faction. Many fans mistakenly assume this title due to Zoro being the first member to join the crew.
In reality, the Straw Hat Pirates operate without a formal hierarchy, aligning with Luffy’s aspirations of freedom. Each member brings their skills and strengths to the table, making the role of a designated vice-captain unnecessary.
Elbaf Arc: Further Proof of Equality
Oda’s Additional Insights
Fans have long recognized parallels between the Straw Hat Pirates and the historical Roger Pirates. Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji serve analogous roles compared to Gol D. Roger, Scopper Gaban, and Silvers Rayleigh. Gaban and Rayleigh were essential in Roger’s journey to become the Pirate King, suggesting that both played equally pivotal roles.
Recently, with the introduction of Scopper Gaban in the Elbaf arc, who has been dubbed the “Pirate King’s left arm,”the implication of balance is reiterated. Similarly, Rayleigh represents the right arm, reinforcing the theme of equality. Since Zoro and Sanji parallel Gaban and Rayleigh, this further bolsters the notion of their equal standing.
As the Elbaf arc unfolds, Zoro and Sanji are poised to face unprecedented challenges, particularly with the emergence of formidable foes like the God Knights. Given their collective experience against high-ranking adversaries, fans are eager to see how they rise to these new challenges.