Chapter 1031 gave us one of Sanji’s best character moments. Oda did a fantastic job of presenting Sanji’s inner turmoil. I like the choice in how he reacted at the possibility he broke his code at striking a woman. It wasn’t overreaction, as expected, but subdued sadness. He’s coming to terms with the idea he’ll cease being ‘him’ soon enough.
But instead of wallowing on what it means for him, he’s concerned with what it would mean for his crew. The chivalrous Sanji, a man with a code of ethics that’s unbreakable to a practical fault, someone you could count on to never let go of his ways no matter the circumstances, is now forcefully being changed forever. Sanji’s principles have done a lot of good for his friends, but they’ve been considered setbacks for them in the eyes of some. The Straw Hats have enjoyed and been irritated by him on equal measures.
Who they’ve come to know, love, and get annoyed at may be gone by the end of this Raid. As a replacement, it would be a cold and efficient soldier, with no exploitable weaknesses or ethics. He could prove an asset to most Pirate Crews, but Luffy and the others aren’t like other crews.
It’s something Sanji contemplates. He has always hated his family and what they stood for, but he has devoted himself to the Straw Hats. He once believed that setting aside his hatred could help the crew. It’s why he put on the Raid Suit to begin with. But how much further can it go? Would Luffy appreciate a friend sacrificing their whole self just to make his dreams come true?
Sanji ultimately decides he’ll go down with the ship, destroying the Raid Suit as his last statement against his family and a declaration of the man he truly is.
I loved the last exchange Sanji and Zoro had at the end. It displays the level of respect Sanji has for Zoro to entrust his faith to him, and an understanding that Zoro can shoulder any burden, such as taking the life of a crewmember if it must be done. Zoro, however, can tell Sanji’s troubled and chooses to mask any concern via their usual macho spats. Zoro isn’t ready to give up on Sanji, and encourages him to see this battle to the end.
Sanji’s Hell Memories finally return, but rather than trauma empowering it, it’s, as the closing captions say, his resolve, and the possible last bastion of self he probably has left, all concentrated on Queen.
*by KiriNigiri
