The cook of the Straw Hat Pirates, Vinsmoke Sanji, also plays the role of being one of the strongest members of the crew. Thus, his role in the One Piece final saga is quite significant, and he is bound to clash with some of the most dangerous enemies and opponents whom he needs to defeat at any cost. Their defeat might decide the future for his captain and the rest of his crew, which is why he needs to be wary of his adversaries.
As of yet, there are ten speculated characters who are bound to battle the Straw Hats’ chef in One Piece, and their defeat is the only option available for him.
9. Admiral Ryokugyu
Ryokugyu, introduced as Aramaki the Green Bull in One Piece, is one of the Marine admirals who replaced the old officers and now poses a threat to the Straw Hat Pirates. Considering the matchups of the Straw Hat Pirates against the Admirals, it is safe to assume that Sanji might have to clash with Ryokugyu at some point in time and take him down one way or the other.
The final battles are going to be too unpredictable, but the one thing that is certain is the Straw Hat Pirates’ eventual clash with the Navy. Ryokugyu shares a similar style of justice as Akainu, and the best opponent for him would be the Straw Hats’ chef. Sanji’s fire kick attacks, like Diable Jambe, would be the perfect counter for the Navy Admiral.
8. Admiral Kizaru
Kizaru is a veteran admiral in One Piece whose light-based Devil Fruit gives him unmatched speed and long-range abilities. For the longest time, fans have speculated a major clash between him and Sanji, and while we did get to see a glimpse of it in Egghead, the fight was brief and left unresolved. Thus, they need another battle to prove who is better between the two One Piece characters.
Sanji’s ability to keep up with someone who moves at the speed of light will show fans just how far he has come since the pre-timeskip. He has been ridiculed multiple times, but taking down Kizaru would finally bring some respect to his name and establish him as one of the most important characters in the Straw Hat crew and in the series.
7. Crocodile
Sir Crocodile is a recurring antagonist in One Piece
Considering the fact that he is part of the Cross Guild and his plot developments parallel with Sanji, the two are bound to clash. Also, their underrated rivalry during the Alabasta saga, when Sanji played the role of Mr. Prince, suggests that Sanji will have to take on Crocodile and defeat him if the Straw Hats fight with the Cross Guild.
6. Sommers
Saint Sommers is a World Noble and God’s Knight introduced in the Elbaph arc of One Piece. He possesses the Thorn-Thorn Devil Fruit, which allows him to control and manipulate thorn vines. Not only that, he also has other dangerous abilities like near-immortality, which makes him unusually dangerous even among the Nobles of One Piece.
While their clash has not been confirmed, there is a big possibility that Sanji might fight Sommers. If this happens, Sanji will have to defeat him at any cost, as they also have the threat of Imu controlling Gunko’s body and turning everyone else into demons. Sanji is the perfect fit for Sommers’ powers, and he might be the only one who can take him down.
5. Avalo Pizarro
Avalo Pizarro, the “Corrupt King”, is a Titanic Captain in Blackbeard’s fleet, and when the Straw Hat Pirates clash with Blackbeard Pirates, he might be the opponent against Sanji. Pizarro has the power of Shima Shima no Mi, which grants him the ability to completely merge with an island’s environment and manipulate it however he sees fit.
Pizarro might be the perfect opponent for Sanji because defeating him will require an explosive amount of power, and Sanji’s kicks are capable of producing it. The only problem is that separating him from the island and taking him down at a point where his control over the terrain is neutralized will be extremely difficult.
4. Lafitte
Lafitte is the sly navigator of the Blackbeard Pirates and also a Titanic Captain in One Piece. He is deceptively dangerous with stealth, cunning, and leadership inside the Blackbeard fleet, and he also possesses flying abilities that make him the best opponent for Sanji. Within the Straw Hat crew, Sanji is probably the only member who can fight mid-air.
Thus, there is a strong possibility that he might have to face Lafitte, but this battle won’t be easy. Lafitte is cunning and deceitful, which makes him a bigger danger than other Sanji opponents. His defeat will mean a major loss for the Blackbeard Pirates, which is why Sanji will have to take this responsibility.
3. Lucky Roux
Lucky Roux is a senior officer of the Red-Haired Pirates, and he was one of the first characters introduced in One Piece. Since the beginning, he has shown surprising stealth abilities and physicality despite his size, which gives a hint of his subtle combat strength. What makes him a perfect Sanji opponent is the parallels the two cooks share in the story.
Not only do the two characters have culinary skills, but they are also incredibly fast and hold the same position in the crew. Thus, if the Straw Hat Pirates ever had a chance to clash with the Red-Haired Pirates in the final saga, Sanji would surely take on Lucky Roux and defeat him no matter what.
2. Saint Shepherd Ju Peter
Saint Shepherd Ju Peter is one of the Five Elders in One Piece, publicly leading the World Government. He carries the title of Warrior God of Agriculture, and his political position makes him a high-value target for the crew. Although the Straw Hat Pirates clashed with the Five Elders in Egghead, Sanji didn’t really get a chance to clash with any of them.
When the Five Elders attack the Straw Hats again in the future, Ju Peter will surely be Sanji’s opponent. His sandworm transformation and threatening capabilities might prove to be a big danger to the Straw Hats’ cook, but once he lands a kick on him, he might get a chance to actually take him down.
1. Imu
The main antagonist of the entire One Piece storyline, Imu, sits at the top of the world as the Supreme Leader. He will be the most dangerous and difficult villain for the Straw Hat Pirates, and there is a big possibility that Luffy might not be able to defeat him alone. Thus, he will require the power of every member of his crew, including Sanji.
Sanji’s contribution in taking down Imu will certainly help the Straw Hat Pirates reach the conclusion of their journey in One Piece. Sanji will probably be one of the frontline fighters in the battle against Imu, and he needs to give everything he has to take down the One Piece tyrant. Do you think there are other characters that Sanji will have to face in the series? Let us know below!
One Piece is currently available to watch on Crunchyroll.
