Oda drew the Ivankov with Kaido's fruit in that sbs and just keep thinking to himself, "This is too good and I need to find a way to actually incorporate this into the manga."
I had to stop and just giggle at that page. Here we are in a high stakes battle with life and death under discussion and Oda finds a way to not only draw the most ridiculous thing but it also make it. completely work for the story and the moment. This is the sort of thing that can only happen when the artist loves their work.
Somehow I want Qillingham to get an even worse beating than Sommers. Dude be making the kids and their parents suffer so much
A conqueror’s haki infused ifrit diambe to his horse face would be so satisfying, hope he gets burned and panics that he couldn’t regenerate anymore lol
Given these steel-hearts seem to be made of some nigh-indestructible black metal (I’m thinking similar to black blades) they remind me of these compressors that a lot of fridges have. This took all of my tools without so much as a dent.
My point is that piercing it is practically a powerscaling feat. One I’m excited for.
I was just thinking about Luffy mourning Ace...but I did not even think about Dragon doing the same for Clover and Ohara. I need to read Wano and Egghead again.
I also think no one could have delivered the theme and message of self-love better than Iva and his okama/nakama. I love that the reason he was represented as Sanji's MMA because he saw right into Sanji's core and identified his "veakness".
Also to have a flaw and weakness is not a bad thing in itself, but the crux and key is to become more aware and conscious of it and to strive for self-respect from it.
That being said: God I really miss the pre-timeskip Sanji look. ._.
God I have to wonder how far back Oda had this planned. I wouldn't be surprised if he had this in mind all along. Between Mr Prince and knowing about Noland... his backstory was foreshadowed for so long.
There truly is no group better to deliver a message on the important of loving yourself than the okamas.
I assume Iva can only be talking about Dragon there, right?
Man it sucks the story has been going on for so long and Dragon is still so shrouded in mystery. He’s arguably one of the most moral characters in the story but we still know so little about him.
Dragon, Mihawk, Shanks and Akainu are endgame level characters, I have 100% confidence that Oda has something really good in store for these characters, but like always it has to be the right time for him to tell their stories to us.
Actually I'd assumed he was talking about Kuma, given their past together, and the fact that this flashback happens after Ivankov interacted with robo-Kuma at Marineford.
But yeah I could believe either interpretation.
We don't know much about Iva and Dragon's relationship yet, but that'll presumably be elaborated on whenever we finally get some focus on Dragon
What I love about this is that Oda has stated that Luffy, Zoro and Sanji's respective Haki aptitudes are Conqueror's, Armament and Observation. And this matters because the only advanced form of non-Conqueror's Haki Rayleigh has been shown using is Armament, whereas Gaban has demonstrated future sight but, as far as we can tell, not advanced Armament.
This ties in beautifully with Sanji's character because, much like Katakuri, he has the potential to become exceptionally good at dodging attacks if he's particularly gifted in Observation Haki. Yet he's often deliberately taken so much damage because of his lack of self-love. Now that he seems to have confronted that side of himself, I think he's not only going to unlock Conqueror's Haki but also start putting his natural aptitude for Observation and his blinding speed to much better use. Beautiful character writing! Bravo!
This kinda lines up with how fast Sanji could become whenever he stopped doubting himslef and just locked in, like when dodging Katakuri's jelly bean or fighting Queen.
As an add on to this, something tells me that Sanji is the one most likely to first unlock, if not discover, the CoO side of advanced CoC, where Luffy and Zoro got down the CoA side of it.
IMO this has been subtly foreshadowed throughout the series, but the ability I’m thinking of is Probability Manipulation, or Choosing the future by observing with CoC (spreading it out thinly is the opposite of condensing it into a coating, ofc.)
It's probably observation killing like Shanks and with the context I also suspect Iva would have observation killing we've just never seen a moment where it would be mentioned.
As someone who is currently struggling with depression and a lack of self confidence this chapter hit me like few others have. Halfway through I had to take a breather cause Iva’s message hit so hard.
This has to be up there with one of the best written chapters in Elbaph, if not all of OP.
It actually made me reflect on some parts of myself that I felt was a bit different than how others would act in similar situations.
Turns out that, yeah... I lacked a bit of self-love as well.
It brought up some feelings and memories of when I was younger. That's why Sanji resonated with me since the beginning, but I couldn't understand why until now.
Yesterday, I just sat still and reflected on some things after I read the chapter.
Dang, One Piece still manages to make me feel things... 🥲
I really appreciate the way this chapter resolves his mental health struggles. Because at the end of the day a lot of people who are helped with mental health feel anger towards the person trying to help. But then you get better, and think about what they’re actually saying, and it stops being something you hate and starts being something you appreciate. Iva was giving Sanji lots of love, and he just wasn’t ready for it.
I’m not struggling with depression. Not this year. I’m good, I’m safe but it’s still not working because I treat myself like a cutting board just waiting for a piece of meat to cut against myself and none of that is good.
From now on... I'd like to think this is the ONLY attack Sanji was never truly able to dodge in the series.
Zoro saving his life here carries even more weight. Even with the gag of Zoro constantly brawling with Sanji, I'm sure he picked up on Sanji tendencies.. and here in thriller bark he would not let Sanji readily give himself up for slaughter cause of masochistic reasons.
In hindsight, Sanji was never going to be the choice for Kuma's ultimatum. Cause it was never about hastily throwing your life away for Luffy. It was about the gravity and weight of what you were giving up so Luffy would become PK.
And that begins by loving yourself and loving your own dream to understand the significance and value of what you are giving up when you put your life on the line for someone else.
another important point here is that the fact that Sanji offered himself as better 'sacrifice' other than Zoro who has big dream being the best swordman show how little he value himself. he probably think that his loss doesnt change things much. he even said to find another cook replacement which is probably what he see himself among the crew. just another cook.
Yeah their willingness to sacrifice themselves at that moment looks similar on a superficial level, but that was the nuanced, subtle difference at the end. Sanji was ready to die for his Nakama, Zoro was ready to protect them (while having the ironclad conviction not to die until he can fulfill his own dream in becoming the world's strongest swordsman (*or at least, the conviction to put that dream on the line for others, and the willingness to "rather die" if he would never be able to fulfill it) - a perspective that Sanji has yet to learn).
Yea the way I see it is Sanji was willing to die because he didn't value himself. Zoro was willing to die despite valuing himself and his dream of being the greatest swordsmen.
This is a true blindside, making it a rare exception from the new necessity to look at just about every other time Sanji's ever been hit and ask "but could he have dodged that one?"
It immediately made me think of Saniji versus Gin. He literally stops fighting him to take the hits and said "that's fine as long as Chef Zeff gets to keep his restaurant because I (Sanji) literally owe him my life l."
In hindsight, only 3 people saw right through Sanji, Zoro and Kuma at TB and Iva.
I really love how Oda shows us the mechanics on how CoC really works. First, Zoro said he thought that CoC are for captains only or the likes. All these years I thought it's only for those who have a high dreams like Luffy and Zoro. It turns out, it's all about conquering ones self and putting yourself above all else. It's all about not breaking your spirit.
Luffy definitely did. He's just not the kind of guy to sit around and discuss someone's emotional issues. He just tells people to snap out of it when moments are intense.
Don't you just love it when your opponent doubles as your therapist? How useful to manifest your worst fear for you to identify!
Seriously though, "one who does not love themselves cannot love another" and "the love of someone willing to die has no true value" are very good life lessons to learn
Had in another comment that usually it’s the LGBT characters that are taught self love when it comes to storytelling
I like that they’re the ones teaching it to the straight character and that they’re just a bunch of strong people full of confidence and life, something Sanji really needs as the embodiment of death and despair
It also follows the theme of Rocky Horror Picture show and Frank N Furter who is the inspiration to Ivankov (maybe Odas tribute to Tim Curry's passing)
There is still a tiiiny bit of mixed messaging. But the perving is consistent with Sanji’s and this panel is chef’s kiss: Sanji drowning in self-hate and not seeing all the love being poured in his direction
I absolutely love how Oda has reframed Kamabakka Kingdom in such a positive light. Before Elbaf most people (myself included) would've said the island was a mean spirited joke at best. This chapter reframes everything and you can tell this was Oda's intention with the island all along.
I'm personally not going to say it was Oda's intention all along, but what he did in this chapter was masterful nonetheless!
I grew up in Japan in the '90s and early '00s, so I'm kinda desensitized to the okama caricature in manga and other media. But I think Oda has never made the fact that his okama characters are okama their main purpose in the story. In other words, their identity was never really used as a plot device. (The Scary Pink Lady a.k.a. MelonTeee shares her take more cohesively than I could and I agree with her mostly.) ...Until Sanji was sent to Kamabakka, that is. Sanji running away from them because they grossed him out certainly felt immature, backward, and intolerant, though undoubtedly funny that he was put in that situation and it felt good for his character for him (at the time, at least). I thought he was be less of a perv after the experience.haha
This chapter completely turned that around for me, too. Granted, I'm not LGBTQ+ (though I'm certainly not "a man's man"; traditionally "manly" things have never interested me the way they did my peers, if you know what I mean), so I'm not sure how much weight my perspective carries. But all I can say is that reading this chapter really strengthened the respect I already had for Oda as a person.
A lot has changed socially in our world since Alabasta, Impel Down, and 3D2Y, and this chapter demonstrated how Oda has kept up with the times and grown, which is the most anyone can expect out of people.
I think you're right, it was not a 4D anticipation of the character development and the story. The simple solution is the most credible, he made transsexuel joke characters in 1995, an obviously manly man with masculine features and hairy legs, dressed as women and overtly sexually aggressive with other men.
Then Oda grew up and decided he wasn't confortable anymore with the situation and introduced more nuanced and realist queer characters. And now, he added even more depth to his initial stereotypical joke characters.
It’s also one the MOST HYPE Sanji moments of all time. The “It’s time you lower your damn head” is one Sanji’s best lines all time. I love too that we’re getting a look into what Sanji and Zoro worked on during their Traning pre time skip. I have a feeling we’re gonna get to see a glimpse of everyone’s Traning hopefully
Same. I don't take care of myself the way I should sometimes. This chapter is making me examine that behavior. Curse this silly pirate comic for making me want to be a better person.
I bet Oda pulled from his own experience here. In the past the dude worked so hard just to make us happy it broke down himself. He has a much better work balance now and hopefully this is telling us why
Killingham, a god knight, not knowing Ivankov,, the right hand man of the most wanted man in the world, is the peak of Celestial dragon ignorance or indifference.
Ignorance in any sense can cause the downfall of anyone. In this case the God's Knights think so highly of themselves the are not keeping tabs on potential threats to their agenda.
Sanji is the best written character on the Straw Hats easily. Zoro is the most hype for his "aura" moments, but Sanji's development has been the most rewarding to me as a long time reader.
It's interesting to see the nature of his fear, as if this was before whole cake, it probably would have been either a Germa version of himself, or better yet, his own father. However, since facing his family, Sanji has been able to put this chapter of his life to a close. However, there still is the root issue of his personality, that so far, Ivan is the only one who's directly mentioned/confronted Sanji about it. This is probably why Sanji's "fear" is Ivan due to the fact that Ivan represents the "self-love" that goes against Sanji's established character that he is so afraid of. He is afraid of loving himself, or being "selfish" enough to protect himself.
It's interesting as this can tie directly back to Ace and why he seemed to never unlock Conq. As was theorized back then, Conq. plays a direct role in how the individual portrays themselves and their goals. Ace had extreme self-hatred about himself. Probably more than Sanj. Which is why, despite being Roger's son, he never unlocked Conq.
Ace did use Conq as a kid to protect Luffy though. But with what we know now, it can be assumed he only momentarily let go of his self hatred to protect something he deems more important.
After this we nvr seen him use it, although it seems like he is aware he has it.
Actually, Luffy heard the story about Zeff and related it to Shanks. He also noticed Sanji's self-harm tendencies and immediately called him out for it. Luffy mentioned this all the way back in Chapter 59.
I know Zoro doesn't have the same problem Sanji has but I've been enjoying Sanji's progression towards conqueror's much more.
EDIT: The line about sticking around to protect him till the very end reminds me of what Zoro did for Luffy back on Thriller Bark. He didn't take Luffy's pain intending to die, he took it to protect his captain and intended to stay alive to continue to protect him.
I think it is an underrated, meaningful key scene for both character depictions in hindsight (and for some future moments probably too), because Sanji was apparently ready to sacrifice his life/ready to die when he was about to take the pain memory blow from Kuma, but since it was Zoro who had the confidence to endure it because of his own conviction that it was simply his duty & his position to protect them and that he would die either way if he wouldn't be able to fulfil his dream (as he has sworn in front of Luffy and Mihawk back at the Baratié), he was able to survive it as "nothing happened". He has the confidence to bet "everything" on his dreams while he also values the safety and dreams of his nakama the same time.
An ironclad assurance for his own ambitions and dreams that Sanji had yet to discover for himself.
It's Zoro's rational mindset that makes him pretty straightforward, while Sanji's emotional nature makes his character development more layered. Sanji's strength has always been tied to his compassion, his willingness to sacrifice himself for others, and his internal struggle between his kindness and his pride. That's what makes the possibility of him developing Conqueror's Haki more compelling narratively. It would represent not just his strength, but his ability to reconcile his selflessness with his own sense of worth and ambition. With Zoro, Conqueror's Haki feels like a natural extension of the ambition he's always had. With Sanji, it could be the culmination of a much more personal journey.
I really like these past few chapters where it all about finding your self-worth. It does make sense as kings sometimes or most of the time have high self-worth and love.
This chapter also re-contextualizes his nightmare of a memory on Kamabaka Kingdom. Yes, he is afraid of okama people there at first, but he later became more tolerant or accepting of them, but still consider his time there hell. Now, the most important reason is they reminded him of his then-unsolved weakness of lack of self love
I really hope it recontextualizes his “hate” against the okamas in the panels (he realizes it) and how he became so insane back in Sabaody during the reunion, and it was all because he was “proving” the okamas wrong about him having worthless love for the ladies, but just unknowingly since he suppressed those memories.
As someone working late into the night instead of sleeping, this was a very welcome chapter. Self-love is really important. Especially in a world right now where a lot of us don't prioritize ourselves when we ought to; not to be selfish but to allow ourselves to take a breath and cut ourselves some slack. Time to log off and go to bed.
I know because of the digital nature of how most of us read it kinda gets glossed over often, but the "page turn" from "we have something you lack, tell him everyone" to "SELF LOVE" was really touching to me. What an impactful transition from panel to panel.
With the recent chapters, I had to think of her Sanji vs Self-Love related videos and her recurring subjects a lot, ngl, haha. She pretty much nailed it years ago already
I love when OP does stuff like this because amidst the chaos of the fight and the absurdity of the Killingham/Iva fusion, etc, there's a complex character learning about himself and conquering his demons. Oda gives us a quick little moral lesson about how to live our lives to the fullest and it comes naturally and smoothly to the story. It doesn't feel like a forced message at all because Sanji has been written and developed in a way that taking this step for his character comes off as natural and expected. Great chapter and I CANNOT WAIT to see Sanji kick Killingham's ass next chapter
Also great LGBTQ+ representation using them for the message of loving oneself. People rag on Oda's depiction of the Okama (fair), but them being the representation of self-love in the story is a really important takeaway for real life. It does not matter what other people think of you and your identity because if you love yourself for who you are, whoever you are, you're already doing better than the haters
As a queer person myself, I find nothing but awe in Oda's depictions. Idk if anyone has noticed this, but every single queer character in One Piece is heroic -- not villainous, not even neutral.
It's like seeing a few key storyboards of a movie and then rating it 2/5... You haven't heard the dialogue, seen the acting, the sets, but you've already decided it's trash.
I wish we could get scans without any other form of leak, the scans were the first "Spoiler" available.
Between their contributions at Impel Down/Marineford, motivating Kuma and the slaves to get out of God Valley, and now therapising Sanji, Ivankov is one of the most consistently GOATed characters
as someone who had a freakishly similar childhood, i feel this too hard.
when you grow up listening to words that put you down, you'd come to think that's what normal life is. but when something happened that make you finally realize "i wasn't supposed to be treated like this", that's the big turning point. you gained the perspective, you know to change your views, but the old habits, the valuing yourself lower than anything, that can't go all at once, that needs chipping, over and over again. for as long as it needs.
and at that last panel, i'm telling you, sanji just chipped it in half. something new unlocked in him.
the old sanji would never say "Lower your damn head". he would insult, sure, but someone with inferiority issue does not pick that type of insult. this is new, and i dare say CATHARTIC as fuck.
I feel the buildup for this has a good pacing! Something so important like a powerup shouldnt be done in a single chapter, specially given the context of Sanji's past.
Break next week its kinda unfortunate this time tbh.
Great chapter as a Sanji fan. That last panel and line from Sanji was so tough. His character arc over the series has been incredible. Also really glad it's back up to 16 pages.
Constant breaks aside Elbaph has been full of surprises and great character work since Imu showed up. Really interested to see how the last stage of the arc plays out. Still wondering what Oda meant when he said it'll end abruptly and chaotically.
Zoro & Sanji beat Sommers and Killingham in 1197 and join Luffy and the others in 1198?
Personally I think the message behind that Conqueror's haki from Mihawk can be interpreted in multiple ways based on the candidate's own individual, unique weaknesses/experiences. "One's self" for the one can mean "not having any trace of self-doubts to overcome every impossible challenge", while in turn, it can be more crucial to "become more aware/accepting of their own weaknesses/self-worth" for the other. Wouldn't be surprised if we will learn even more diverse key factors to unlock Conquerors potential in the future.
I never thought a chapter would resonate so strongly with me personally to make me cry. And with Sanji… Thank you Oda
And to all the nakama that are going through self worth issues, know that it can get better.
You can really tell how out of touch the celestial dragons are. Killingham does not even recognize one of the founders of the revolutionary army. You know the people currently attacking Marijois?
Oda going out of his way to write the Holy Knights as privileged idiots that are victims of Imu's own success is great. Willingham specifically stating he doesnt recognize the face of one the prime movers of the RA and also one of the only people to escape Impel Down really shows you how little the affairs of the "lower world" are to these ghouls.
Suppose it would make sense the Holy Knights who can fight would still have coddled, out of touch takes because theyre still world nobles who get everything they want and use the world as their doormat.
Imagine up till very recently, the Revolutionary Army was considered too small time to be considered a legitmate threat to the World Nobles/Imu who offload dealing with them to the Seven Warlords/Marines as we saw during Kuma's flashback.
Oda doesnt even hide at this point. Sanji has the best character development and hes apparently Oda's favorite child. Dude goes "I said bow down" to a god damn celestial dragon who serves as a high ranking holy knight official. This is a crazy alpha KING vibe like he is not afraid to accept who he was born to be anymore. Killingham is a definition of "Fuck around to find out", and "Dont take kindness as weakness"
If Sanji wants to help Luffy, which he is as kind as he is, he will have to love himself first before he can love other people. Its not his fault he was born a prince and came with the most broken hacks and gifts. He absolutely does not have to be ashamed of his royal blood and how his dad scientifically engineered his DNA to be a super human.
The best chef. The kindest person. The strongest prince who is about to be the KING of HEAVEN. Oda is cooking. We're gotta eat so well in few weeks, lol
PS. I am looking forward to seeing Sanji (The King of Heaven/Jesus) vs 'Jesus' Burgess who eats a Strong-Strong DF. Lets see who is truly stronger and who truly deserves the title "Jesus".
Fascinating! I never really got the impression that Sanji was light on defense at all. If anything that is how Zoro fights, strait forward with little defense. But yeah, I agree with Iva, Sanji needs to fucking value himself more! I love that huge panel of Iva, power pose Queen!
Ever since he was introduced, there was numerous instances where he sacrificed himself for the sake of others:
- against Gin, he didn't defend to protect Zeff's dream
- At Sakura kingdom, he saved luffy and Nami from the avalanche
- In Thriller Bark, he didn't defend himself against the invisible man to protect Nami
- against Jabura, he intentionnaly took a massive hit to lend the final blow in order to save Robin
- he wanted to be the sacrifice against Kuma
- In Dressrossa, he stayed behind and faced Doflamingo on his own to help the crew escape
- the whole "whole cake Island" arc
- In Onigashima, he didn't even try to defend himself from Queen while he tried to figure out what was happening to his body. He even asked himself if Luffy needed him if it meant he had to lose his sanity.
This really brings new info on Sanji's timeskip. We once understood it as Sanji never being able to rest for fear of being ambushed by the Okama. But it's clear here that he is constantly being taken care of after combat.
This might be one of my favorite chapters ever, Oda managed to find the perfect way for Sanji to level up and it’s completely in line with the way his character has always been written
I can't lie instead of taking the easier route of having his nightmare be Judge or maybe Stealth black or even anyone from Germa, Oda went a step further and made it be Iva because he forced him confront his weakness.
When it was leaked that Iva would be the one who appeared as his nightmare, icl I was a bit disappointed that maybe Oda was going for a gag but I should've know better to doubt Oda like this.
What a beautiful way to parallel the struggles and lives of the people of Kamabakka kingdom with Sanji struggle. I know that some people don't like how Oda has done the Okama but o think that's a very surface level way to look at it.
Even from the beginning, while yes to someone not used them, they appear weird, he has always portrayed quite deftly. One of my favourite lines is from Bon chan when he attacks Hina to help the straw hats.
This just drilled the point even further home. It doesn't matter how they appear to the world, ultimately you have gotta love yourself to fully reach your potential, whether it's accepting your queer nature, not caring how the world sees you or accepting the love others have shown you even if you feel you don't deserve it as in Sanji's case.
I think that's a far deeper acknowledgement of this than anyone gives him credit for.
"Anyone would die for someone they love, but would you live for them?" Oda tugging hard at the heart strings. This goes hand in hand with another recent post on here talking about how OP highlights the other forms of love besides romantic. Really makes you rethink what it means to "lay down your life" it doesn't have to mean you die.
Surprised no one else said this. The dream went poof. Once someone isn’t scared of their nightmare, it disappears. This will be relevant in the coming chapters
When Killingham called Sanji a コック (Kokku) 'Cook' last chapter, the Kanji for it was 給仕 (kyuuji) for 'Waiter', or 'Server'. Probably the same this chapter as well, but I can't confirm since I can't see the original dialogue in the raws.
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u/_smorales_2 7D4W 4d ago
Iva was destined to become a dragon.