In the epic world of One Piece, the Straw Hat Pirates have captured the imaginations of fans across the globe. Among them, Sanji Vinsmoke, the crew’s enigmatic cook and formidable fighter, stands out for his unique combat style and unwavering loyalty. As the series nears its climax, Sanji faces a series of formidable adversaries that will test his strength and resolve. Here are ten pivotal characters Sanji must overcome in the final saga of One Piece.
10. Jesus Burgess
First Introduced: Episode 146, “Stop Dreaming! The City Of Ridicule, Mock Town!”
Jesus Burgess, helmsman of the Blackbeard Pirates, is known for his remarkable physical prowess. Before the timeskip, Burgess demonstrated his strength by lifting entire buildings. Post-Marineford, his powers have amplified, thanks to the Strong-Strong Fruit, a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit that grants him extraordinary strength. As Sanji prepares for the inevitable clash with the Blackbeard Pirates, Burgess will likely be his primary opponent, given his ability to match Sanji’s enhanced superhuman attributes.
9. Judge Vinsmoke
First Introduced: Episode 793, “A Seafaring Nation – Germa’s King Judge”
Judge Vinsmoke, Sanji’s estranged father and ruler of Germa 66, has a history of animosity towards his son due to Sanji’s lack of genetic modifications. Despite a brief confrontation in the Whole Cake Island arc, Sanji’s victory was hampered by his humanity. With Sanji’s genetic modifications fully awakened, a final showdown with Judge is inevitable. This battle will not only test Sanji’s strength but also serve as a statement about the power of emotions versus cold ambition.
8. Lucky Roux
First Introduced: Episode 4, “Luffy’s Past! The Red-Haired Shanks Appears”
Lucky Roux, the cook of the Red-Haired Pirates and a Yonko commander, is a potential adversary for Sanji. Known for his hearty appetite and combat skills, Roux employs his bulk in battle, rolling into enemies and utilizing Armament Haki. Should the Red-Haired Pirates and Straw Hats come into conflict over the One Piece, Sanji will likely face Roux in combat. This encounter will test Sanji’s culinary prowess and fighting skills against another top pirate cook.
7. Admiral Ryokugyu
First Introduced: Episode 882, “The Paramount War – The Inherited Will Of The King Of The Pirates”
Ryokugyu, also known as Aramaki, is a formidable Marine Admiral with the power of the Woods-Woods Fruit, a Logia that controls plant life. His ability to rapidly regenerate and his intent to eliminate Luffy make him a significant threat. Sanji, with his Diable Jambe and Ifrit Jambe techniques, is well-positioned to counter Ryokugyu’s plant-based powers. A confrontation between them will be crucial, especially given Sanji’s history of risking his life for Luffy.
6. Charlotte Katakuri
First Introduced: Episode 825, “Liar – Luffy And Sanji”
Charlotte Katakuri, former commander of the Big Mom Pirates and a user of the Mochi-Mochi Fruit, is another key figure Sanji may face. With his advanced Observation Haki and mastery over mochi, Katakuri is a formidable opponent. If he allies with Blackbeard to protect his sister Pudding, a showdown with Sanji will become unavoidable. This battle will not only test Sanji’s strength but also his commitment to Pudding.
5. Roronoa Zoro
First Introduced: Episode 1, “I’m Luffy! The Man Who Will Become The Pirate King!”
Sanji’s rivalry with Zoro is legendary, marked by frequent bickering and competitions. As both members of the Straw Hat crew, their rivalry adds a personal dimension to their potential final duel. With Zoro’s advanced Conqueror’s Haki and Sanji’s awakened powers, their inevitable clash will serve as a dramatic conclusion to their long-standing competition.
4. Kuzan
First Introduced: Episode 225, “The Man Of Pride! Foxy The Silver Fox”
Former Marine Admiral Kuzan, now a member of the Blackbeard Pirates, possesses the Chill-Chill Fruit, allowing him to control ice. His previous encounter with Sanji saw him freeze Sanji’s leg, demonstrating his formidable abilities. As Sanji might seek to rescue Pudding, Kuzan will likely intervene. The battle will test Sanji’s ability to counter Kuzan’s ice powers with his fiery Haki-infused kicks.
3. Admiral Kizaru
First Introduced: Episode 398, “Admiral Kizaru Moves! The Sabaody Archipelago In Chaos”
Admiral Kizaru, with his Glint-Glint Fruit, commands light itself, delivering devastating attacks at light speed. Having previously overwhelmed the Straw Hats, Kizaru’s return to confront Sanji is anticipated. After Kizaru’s role in the Egghead Buster Call and the death of Dr. Vegapunk, Sanji’s potential battle with Kizaru will be both a test of his abilities and an act of vengeance.
2. Saint Jaygarcia Saturn
First Introduced: Episode 151, “The 100,000,000 Man! The World’s Highest Authority And The Pirate Blackbeard”
Saint Jaygarcia Saturn, one of the Five Elders and a formidable Celestial Dragon, wields immense Haki and a Mythical Zoan-type Devil Fruit. His ability to immobilize opponents and his role in the Egghead incident, where he clashed with Sanji, set the stage for an intense future confrontation. Sanji’s chivalry and protective nature will drive him to battle Saturn once more, making it a critical fight in the saga.
1. Imu
First Introduced: Episode 885, “In The Dark Recesses Of The Holyland – A Mysterious Giant Straw Hat”
Imu, the enigmatic ruler of the World Government, is shrouded in mystery and potentially immortal. As the final antagonist, Imu’s battle with Luffy and the Straw Hats will be pivotal. With the potential to control fire and a powerful array of abilities, Imu represents the ultimate challenge for Sanji and his crew. The final showdown may require the combined strength of all the Straw Hats to overcome this formidable foe.
As One Piece approaches its grand finale, Sanji’s journey will inevitably lead him to confront these powerful adversaries. Each battle will not only test his strength but also his growth as a character, cementing his place in the storied legacy of the Straw Hat Pirates.