The Hidden Reasons Behind Sanji's Chivalry

Sanji, the Straw Hats cook, is a guy who can kickass anytime but still gets kicked in the nuts whenever he faces a woman. For years, Sanji has been a controversial character that many people have either really loved or hated. His comments and behaviours have angered a lot of women who see him as a pervert who doesn’t respect women enough. His chivalry was also attacked when it interfered with his duty of protecting a crew member in Enies Lobby. Still, after Cake Island, the reasons behind his actions have become obvious to most viewers. Here are the top 5 reasons Sanji would rather die than hurt a woman.

His Mother’s Sacrifice

Vinsmoke Sora sacrificed herself to steal Sanji from his fate as a war machine. She drank toxins to ensure the modifications that Judge tried to apply to all her sons were not successful. Although we learn that as a child, Sanji was never fully aware of her sacrifice, his mother was the first kind figure in his life and the one woman he respected the most. She was also the most fragile human being within Germa 66.

Reiju

The second woman in Sanji’s life was none other than his sister, Reiju, a modified human who was not affected by the modification emotionally, unlike her brothers. Reiju showed Sanji real empathy; she treated his wounds and talked to him when no one else did. Additionally, like his mother, she risked getting harmed to save him and let him out of his cell. Had her brothers seen her, she would have been bullied for years instead of Sanji.

Zeff’s Lecture

At the Baratie, Zeff always instilled all his principles in Sanji, including his Chivalry. When Sanji was young, the chefs at the Baratie begged for a female chef, but Zeff refused, stating that he couldn’t discipline a female chef with kicks. When Sanji complained, Zeff added that if he ever kicked a woman, he would kill him and himself, a threat that was probably etched in Sanji’s mind forever.

His Innate Kindness

Ever since he was a baby, Sanji has shown kindness beyond understanding to any being who is not as strong as him. His scene feeding a rat in his room showcases the extent of his kindness. His Bento delivery scene also showcases that same sentiment. Sanji believes that women are delicate and shouldn’t be hit. His mind understands that there are evil women; however, he also knows they are still weaker than him.

The Straw-Hats Journey

The Straw-Hat’s journey probably added to Sanji’s belief in multiple ways. Starting from Nami to Robin, Vivi, Shirahoshi, Viola and more, Sanji has seen a lot of women who have been victimised in the pirate’s age. While they have all tried to stand up to their fate one way or another, the notion that they should be protected must have been proven in Sanji’s mind more and more as their journey moved on.

Finally, Sanji’s stance on women might be a bit controversial. However, his kindness and quick wit are clearly a great addition to the Straw Hats. His scene calling for Robin during Wano also showcases huge improvements in his mindset. Who knows, maybe we will see a day where he would even call Zoro for help in a battle.