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Three decades ago, Oda created an unpublished work titled GREAT SWORDSMEN (Samurai vs. Knights), which provides an intriguing look into the origins of these well-known figures.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 Zoro’s prototype, Ryuma, represents these samurai characteristics in Eiichiro Oda‘s unpublished book, GREAT SWORDSMEN (Samurai vs. Knights).
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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.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Sanji’s original prototype in Eiichiro Oda’s early work?
According to the article, Sanji’s prototype was a knight named Romeo, from Oda’s unpublished work “GREAT SWORDSMEN (Samurai vs. Knights).” The knightly ideals of courage, protecting the weak, and respect for women are presented as the roots of Sanji’s personality.
How does the knight prototype explain Sanji’s refusal to fight women?
The piece links Sanji’s well-known refusal to harm women to the chivalric code embodied by his knight prototype, Romeo. That same knightly heritage is also framed as the basis for his cooking (a knight’s duty to provide and defend) and his romantic, love-driven disposition.
Was Zoro also based on a prototype character from the same work?
Yes. The article states that Zoro’s prototype was a samurai named Ryuma in the same unpublished work, embodying loyalty, an honor code, and sword skill. Those traits are presented as shaping Zoro’s devotion to Luffy and his goal of becoming the world’s greatest swordsman.
