8 Times Sanji Showed Respect to Fellow One Piece Legends

Summary

Sanji respects those who show courage and selflessness, like Pedro sacrificing himself for the crew.
Over time, Sanji’s respect for Usopp and Zoro has grown due to their bravery and loyalty.
Sanji values fellow chefs, like Chiffon, who show passion and skill in their craft, earning his respect.

Winning over the esteemed Sanji from the Straw Hat crew, who is known for his kindness and thoughtfulness, is no walk in the park. This is because he holds a rigid moral compass that significantly influences how he perceives others, whether they are friends or adversaries. Yet, if someone respects these values and demonstrates them in their actions – perhaps by showcasing exceptional culinary skills or rescuing a woman in distress – this can serve as an effective way to earn the admiration of one of One Piece‘s most cherished chefs.

Throughout the narrative of One Piece, Sanji has grown fond of several characters due to diverse reasons. Often, it is their selfless act of aiding him and the Straw Hats in chasing their dreams, despite the risks involved. At times, however, it’s not just about their altruism; instead, it’s the sheer resilience and determination they display that catches Sanji’s attention and shifts his perception. As we delve deeper into One Piece’s tale, let us examine the characters who earned Sanji’s deep admiration.

8. Pedro

Sanji Shows Remorse For Pedro, Who Made The Ultimate Sacrifice To Help Him Escape

First Appearance: Episode 754

Following an unwanted trip to Whole Cake Island for a prearranged marriage with Big Mom’s daughter, Pudding, Sanji found himself accompanied unexpectedly by his entire crew, including a band of mighty Minks. Despite Sanji’s pleas for them to stay away, fearing they might face danger, his friends were determined to come to his rescue, particularly Pedro, who went above and beyond in their efforts to free him from the grasp of Big Mom and Germa.

In the aftermath of the Whole Cake Island arc, it was brave Pedro, harboring a deep grudge against Big Mom, who gave his life selflessly by detonating several sticks of dynamite, thereby paving the way for Luffy and their companions to proceed with their rescue mission. Following this tragic event, Sanji, who was meant to be rescued by Pedro, initially felt guilt but also expressed deep admiration for the legendary Mink, acknowledging his respect towards Pedro’s heroic act to Carrot.

7. Usopp

Usopp’s Determination To Become A Brave Warrior Has Not Gone Unnoticed By Sanji

First Appearance: Episode 8

On numerous instances, Sanji has mockingly criticized Usopp because of his cowardly actions. A clear instance of this happened in Thriller Bark when Sanji angrily scolded Usopp for not safeguarding Nami. Despite this, it’s important to note that Sanji continues to stand by Usopp and values their friendship deeply. However, the level of respect Sanji holds for Usopp’s skills within the crew was somewhat unclear at times.

After the time jump, it appears their bond has grown stronger. Usopp’s displays of courage have inspired Sanji to respect him more. For instance, during the Wano arc, Sanji chooses to rely on Usopp to safeguard Nami while they avoid Ulti and Page One. This decision reflects how much Usopp has evolved since the beginning, transforming into a dependable crew member who can defend himself and others effectively.

6. Charlotte Chiffon

Sanji Always Has Respect For A Fellow Chef, Especially One With As Much Passion As Chiffon

First Appearance: Episode 859

As Big Moe’s hunger-fueled frenzy neared its climax during the Whole Cake Island saga, it was evident that only a colossal cake, capable of quelling the Yonko’s appetite, would suffice to pacify her. Despite Sanji being engrossed in baking this very confection, he received an unexpected visit from Chiffon – one of Big Mom’s offspring who had shown hostility towards Sanji earlier in the storyline.

Under the guidance of numerous chefs, Chiffon eagerly joined forces with Sanji to craft an exceptional cake. Despite her colleagues appearing nervous about the challenge ahead, Chiffon was the one who motivated them all to contribute, and when combined with her exceptional culinary abilities, this collaboration made Sanji regard Chiffon as a valuable ally rather than an enemy.

5. Pudding

Sanji’s Bride-To-Be Turns On Her Family To Help Him Escape

First Appearance: Episode 571

Initially, it appeared that pudding was quite pleasant and harmless. However, it didn’t take long before Sanji discovered the real side of her. As he stood outside his fiancee’s home, Sanji unintentionally listened to Pudding discussing how weak-minded Sanji is. She also expressed her excitement at deceiving him during their wedding ceremony. This revelation deeply affected Sanji emotionally and changed his perception of Pudding for a while.

When Big Mom unleashes her rampage across the island, Pudding opts to aid Sanji in baking the cake, showing a surprising change in character. Following the chaos, as they both escape, Sanji expresses his gratitude for Pudding’s assistance and her willingness to go to great lengths to help him, given how menacing her mother can be.

4. Zoro

Sanji’s Respect For ‘Moss Head’ Shows Itself On A Few Rare Occasions

First Appearance: Episode 1

At first glance, it might seem like Sanji and Zoro harbor deep-seated animosity towards each other. However, beneath this apparent hostility lies a much more profound bond. Despite their reluctance to show it frequently, these two characters have an immense amount of respect for one another. One instance that clearly illustrates this is when Kuma appears at the end of Thriller Bark; it’s Zoro who shoves Sanji aside to absorb Kuma’s attack, a move that nearly cost him his life.

During Water 7, there’s an instance where Zoro challenges Luffy for allowing Usopp to dominate him. This time, Sanji, quite unusually, expresses agreement with Zoro and joins forces with him during their heated argument within the crew. Although it’s not always obvious, Sanji harbors a profound respect for Zoro that has steadily grown since they first crossed paths.

3. Bon Clay

After An Epic Duel, Sanji Begins To See Bon Clay As An Equal

First Appearance: Episode 78

In the narrative, one of Sanji’s significant early battles occurs against the trickster Bon Clay, who appears midway through Alabasta with the intention of halting the Straw Hat Pirates. Due to his ability to transform, Bon Clay mimics Nami several times during the fight to prevent Sanji from attacking, given that one of Sanji’s personal principles is to avoid hurting women. However, despite this constraint, Sanji eventually outwits Bon Clay and defeats him, albeit after acknowledging that if Bon Clay transformed into Nami one more time, he would be powerless to act.

Unexpectedly, Bonnie Clay chooses to end their battle, admitting Crocodile beat him honestly, and he’s accepting his execution for not completing his task. Although Bonnie may have used underhanded tactics, Sanji acknowledges it was a thrilling fight, even offering a hand to help his fresh ally rise, showing his growing admiration for the comical Baroque Works colleague.

2. Luffy

Sanji’s Respect For His Captain Has Encouraged Him To Support Luffy, No Matter How Hard Things Get

First Appearance: Episode 1

At the Baratie, when Luffy and Sanji initially cross paths, Sanji hesitantly agrees to join Luffy’s crew with dreams of finding the All Blue someday. Initially, Sanji acknowledges Luffy as his captain, yet he doesn’t conceal his view of Luffy as a bit of an idiot. In fact, he candidly expresses this opinion to Luffy at the start of their adventure. Over time though, Sanji has observed Luffy’s unwavering resolve not just to claim the title of Pirate King, but also to safeguard his companions.

Regardless of Sanji’s attempts to dissuade Luffy from pursuing Whole Cake Island, Luffy, with his unyielding friendship, never entertained the thought of leaving his comrade behind. In the end, it was Luffy who convinced him to think independently for a change. Luffy’s strength has played a significant role in Sanji’s growing respect for his captain, as he recognizes that Luffy possesses the power to defeat some of the most formidable adversaries, such as Doflamingo, Rob Lucci, and Kaido.

1. Zeff

The Man Who Taught Sanji Everything He Knows Didn’t Initially Get Along With The Young Squirt

First Appearance: Episode 20

Zeff and Sanji have had a complex history together. At first, Sanji disliked Zeff because of his role as a pirate captain. However, their feelings for each other shifted dramatically when they were both stranded on a desert island. Believing that Zeff was hoarding food, Sanji thought the larger bag Zeff had was filled with sustenance, but it turned out to be treasure instead. What he didn’t know was that Zeff had sacrificed his own leg by amputating it to provide Sanji with the food from the bag.

Ever since that day, Sanji has held nothing but utmost respect for Zeff; the man who imparted all his knowledge to him, from his noble character to his exceptional culinary talents. Regardless of how often Zeff might reprimand him, Sanji’s steadfast loyalty and adoration for the master chef will always remain.

2025-03-08 23:47