Oda reveals Zoro And Sanji's prototypes before One Piece, and it explains their fighting spirits

Modified Jul 06, 2024 22:00 GMT

Oda reveals Zoro And Sanji's prototypes before One Piece, and it explains their fighting spirits (Image via Toei Animation)

Early on before the creation of the iconic One Piece series, creator Eiichiro Oda was already envisioning and crafting the foundations for some of the Straw Hat Pirates' most beloved characters. Amongst these early conceptualizations were the prototypes of the formidable swordsman Roronoa Zoro and the skilled chef Sanji, two pivotal members of the Straw Hat crew.

Oda's unpublished work from three decades ago, titled GREAT SWORDSMEN (Samurai vs Knights), offers a fascinating glimpse into the origins of these iconic characters.

In this early prototype, Zoro's counterpart was a samurai named Ryuma, while Sanji's equivalent took the form of a knight known as Romeo. Though their identities were initially distinct, these early incarnations already hinted at the unique personalities, fighting styles, and deep-rooted influences that would ultimately shape Zoro and Sanji's roles within the Straw Hat Pirates.

One Piece: Roronoa Zoro's prototype character, Ryuma

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Zoro's character personifies the traditional samurai virtues of unwavering loyalty, strict honor code adherence, and unrivaled sword mastery. In Oda's unpublished GREAT SWORDSMEN (Samurai vs Knights) work, Zoro's prototype, Ryuma, exemplifies these samurai traits. Zoro's fierce resolve, dedication to Luffy and the Straw Hat crew, and three-sword style mastery reflect the ingrained samurai spirit.

Roronoa Zoro during the Wano Country arc (Image via Toei Animation)

His Wano roots, sword reverence, 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.

One Piece: Vinsmoke Sanji's prototype character, Romeo

Vinsmoke Sanji has always been famous for his chivalry (Image via Toei Animation)

On the other hand, Sanji's counterpart, Romeo, symbolizes the gallant and honorable principles of knighthood. Knights were celebrated for their fearlessness, steadfast commitment to shielding the defenseless, and an ethical code revolving around reverence for women. These traits shape Sanji's persona, guiding his actions throughout the anime series.

Sanji as shown in the anime series (Image via Toei Animation)

Sanji's princely status within Germa Kingdom, unwavering loyalty to crewmates, and refusal to harm females, even in perilous situations, mirror a knight's code of honor. His culinary mastery, providing food for allies, echoes a knight's role as a provider and protector. Prioritizing comrades' safety over his own exemplifies Sanji's knightly spirit.

Furthermore, Sanji's romantic nature and belief in love's power, exhibited through his "love is a hurricane" moments, align with a knight's reputation for courtly love and chivalry.

Final thoughts

Zoro and Sanji have been rivals from the beginning of the series (Image via Shueisha)

Eiichiro Oda's prototype work GREAT SWORDSMEN (Samurai vs Knights) offers an intriguing peek into the origins of Zoro and Sanji. These two characters are among the most iconic Straw Hat Pirates. By using samurai and knight archetypes as inspiration, Oda infused Zoro and Sanji with layers of complexity beyond surface differences.

As the Straw Hat crew keeps voyaging through One Piece's vast, perilous seas, the impact of those early prototypes and enduring archetypes will surely continue shaping Zoro and Sanji's adventures and growth. This cements their status as two of the series' most beloved characters.