One Piece: Eiichiro Oda Might Have Gone Overboard With Sanji’s Love for Women But His Original Prototype Explains it All
- Eiichiro Oda created the prototype for his One Piece characters three decades ago
- Roronoa Zoro personifies the values of a traditional samurai
- Vinsmoke Sanji stands for the noble and chivalrous ideals of knights
Even before the creation of the beloved series One Piece, Eiichiro Oda already envisioned and crafted the foundations of the two most popular Straw Hat Pirates. The prototypes of the two most crucial members, the formidable swordsman and the skilled chef Sanji, were amongst the early conceptualizations.
Three decades ago, Oda created an unpublished work titled GREAT SWORDSMEN (Samurai vs. Knights), which provides an intriguing look into the origins of these well-known figures. In this prototype, Zoro’s counterpart was a samurai named Ryuma while Sanji’s equivalent was a knight named Romeo.
These early iterations, albeit having different identities at first, already suggested the distinct personalities, fighting styles, and ingrained influences that would later mold Zoro and Sanji’s roles in One Piece.
Roronoa Zoro’s Prototype Character, Ryuma
Zoro’s persona epitomizes the ancient samurai values of unshakable loyalty, rigorous commitment to the honor code, and unparalleled sword skill. Zoro’s prototype, Ryuma, represents these samurai characteristics in Eiichiro Oda‘s unpublished book, GREAT SWORDSMEN (Samurai vs. Knights).
Oda says Samurai & Knights are the prototype for Zoro & Sanji!!!
Oda's manuscript for his unpublished work 'GREAT SWORDSMEN (Samurai vs knights) ' 30 years ago
Oda :"Ryuma the samurai has appeared along with the dragon in my prototype works, MONSTERS. I always want to draw… pic.twitter.com/pZxI5tjv3D
— Pew (@pewpiece) July 6, 2024
The engrained samurai attitude is reflected in Zoro’s ferocious resolve, his devotion to Luffy and the Straw Hat crew, and his mastery of the three-sword method.
His Wano roots, veneration for swords, and steadfast sense of duty resonate with samurai core values. Zoro’s relentless pursuit to become the world’s greatest swordsman, willingness to endure immense pain and challenges, and stoic demeanor embody the samurai code Oda infused into his character.
Vinsmoke Sanji’s Prototype Character, Romeo
On the other hand, Sanji’s counterpart, Romeo, stands for the noble and valiant ideals of knights. Knights were revered for their courage, unwavering dedication to protecting the weak, and moral code centered on respect for women. These characteristics mold Sanji’s character and direct his behavior in the anime series.
Sanji embodies the values of a knight’s code of honor through his princely standing within Germa Kindom, his undying commitment to his crew, and his refusal to harm women—even in dangerous situations. His ability to cook and feed his comrades is reminiscent of a knight’s duty to provide for and defend. Sanji’s knightly character is demonstrated by his willingness to put his allies’ safety ahead of his own.
Furthermore, Sanji’s romantic disposition and faith in the power of love, demonstrated by his “love is a hurricane” moments, are consistent with a knight’s reputation for chivalrous and courtly love.
