Sanji Haters Must Admit That Sanji Can Be Stronger Than Zoro but His Dream Just Won’t Allow Him To: Unpopular One Piece Opinion

Among the tapestry of debates in the One Piece fandom, the rivalry between Sanji and Zoro stands out the most. While both characters serve as vital members of the Straw Hat Pirates and are undoubtedly strong, they embody vastly different philosophies when it comes to combat and personal growth.

Sanji’s character is much more complex than it initially seems | Credit: Toei Animation

One unpopular opinion that has gained traction among fans suggests that Sanji could surpass Zoro in strength if he truly wanted to, but his dream, personal code, and pride are intentionally holding him back.

This opinion may be difficult for some fans; particularly Sanji haters, to accept. However, understanding Sanji’s character, combat philosophy, and priorities reveals a complicated story of Sanji’s self-restraint in his dream of finding All Blue in One Piece.

Sanji’s refusal to use his hands in combat in One Piece

One of the most standout aspects of Sanji’s fighting style is his refusal to use his hands in battle. From the very beginning of One Piece, Sanji established that his hands were similar to that of a sacred tool; solely meant for cooking. This principle doesn’t seem like a quirk; it’s possibly a reflection of his deep respect for his craft and his belief that cooking is integral to his identity.

By not using his hands in combat, Sanji partially handicaps himself, as he refuses to utilize a significant portion of his potential skills. Despite not being a swordsman like Zoro, Sanji seems to be skilled in wielding blades as weapons, which was briefly demonstrated during his fight against the Ramen Kempo CP agent in the Water 7 arc of One Piece. However, he chooses not to rely on them; preserving his hands for cooking and cooking alone.

The only time Sanji used a weapon in a fight | Credit: Toei Animation

This self-imposed limitation forces Sanji’s combat style to mainly revolve around his legs, which he has honed to near perfection with techniques like Diable Jambe and Ifrit Jambe. Throughout One Piece, Sanji’s raw potential as a fighter is undeniable. 

Unlike Zoro, whose fighting style revolves around brute strength and mastery of the sword, Sanji employs a versatile and tactical approach. If he were to abandon his self-imposed restrictions and use weapons or his hands in battle, his combat capabilities could rival, if not surpass, those of Zoro.

Sanji’s dream in One Piece: The real source of his limits

Ultimately, Sanji’s limitations in One Piece are not due to a lack of strength or skill but rather his unwavering dedication to his dream of finding the All Blue. This dream is intertwined with his identity as a chef, and he has made it clear that nothing will jeopardize his ability to cook. Injuring his hands in battle would compromise his dream, a risk he is unwilling to take.

The rivalry between Zoro’s fans and Sanji’s fans is intense | Credit: Toei Animation

Sanji’s self-restraint and focus on his dream may not appeal to fans who prioritize traditional measures of strength, but it’s an integral part of what makes him such an interesting character.

While Zoro’s path to greatness is somewhat straightforward and rooted in combat and pure training, Sanji’s journey is more complicated; requiring him to navigate the balance between his responsibilities as a fighter and his identity as a chef in One Piece.

In the grand scheme of One Piece, Eiichiro Oda has most likely created Sanji’s story as a complex portrayal of power and its consequences. His commitment to his dream and his ability to protect his crewmates without compromising his values make him one of the most admirable, and also misunderstood, characters in the series. Whether fans love or hate him, his journey proves that strength takes many forms, and sometimes, restraint is the greatest show of power.

One Piece is currently available to read and watch on Viz Media and Crunchyroll, respectively.