Summary
Warning: SPOILERS for One Piece chapter #1123
In chapter #1123, theOne Piecemanga revealed that the death of the brilliant scientist Vegapunk was not an unfortunate consequence. Most of the events that occurred during the exciting Egghead Arc of the series had already been foreseen by the World Government’s former inventor, including his untimely demise.Sanji tried to save the scientist from being killed, but Vegapunk begged the cook to allow him to die.
This is heavily implied to be the reason why the blonde Straw Hat pirate did not displayhis incredible skillsduring the battle against Admiral Kizaru. For many months, the lackluster performance of Sanji while fighting the Marine caused chaos among fans of the series. While this revelation may put these concerns to rest, new issues may arise from it, as the Germa Kingdom Prince seeminglywent against Luffy’s orders to keep Vegapunk safe.
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Sanji Is Not a Weak Fighter, But He Could Have Disobeyed Luffy
Vegapunk Asked Sanji to Let Him Die
After learning about York’s betrayal, Vegapunk devised a plan to prevent the World Government from keeping the truth about his studies about the Void Century from the public. He recorded a video in which he talked about his research, the truth about the gruesome war that occurred 800 years before the series, andthe power that the coveted One Piece treasure holds. The scientists programmed the Transponder Snail in which he filmed his confession to be activated once his heart stopped beating. When Sanji explained that he would prevent him from being harmed, Vegapunk begged him to let his death occur.
When the genius died at the hands of Kizaru during chapter #1108, many fans of the series wondered why Sanji was unable to save him. A large portion of the fandom believed that the Straw Hat cook was suddenly weaker than previously believed, while others tried to defend Sanji by claiming he could not save Vegapunk from his fate. Chapter #1123 may settle the controversy, proving that Sanji is indeed not a weak fighter, he just respected the scientist’s wishes and allowed Kizaru to kill him for his plans to continue uninterrupted.
If this interpretation of the events is correct, while it settles the controversy about Sanji being powerless against Kizaru, it’s also sure to stir up more debate among the fandom.Luffy had asked Sanji to keep Vegapunk safejust before the battle against the World Government commenced. By allowing Kizaru to kill the genius inventor, Sanji went directly against his leader’s commands, which may not be seen too favorably among his crewmates. This issue is likely to become relevant during the upcoming Elbaf arc, resulting in tensions rising once more between Luffy and Sanji.
Was Sanji Right in Going Against Luffy’s Orders?
Vegapunk’s Death Triggered the Message That Changed the World
If Sanji really ignored the orders of his captain, there is an argument that he was not in the wrong by letting Vegapunk die. After all, if this was the scientist’s wish, neither Sanji nor Luffy had any right to go against it. While saving Stella could seem the best outcome,Vegapunk’s death triggered the broadcast of his message around the world, and this event is perhaps the major blow that the World Government suffered in its long history.
The repercussions of Sanji’s decision are likely to be revealed sooner than later as the story ofOne Piecemoves into the Elbaf arc. WhetherSanjiacted righteously or not will be determined by his friends and captain, and it could be an interesting plot point going forward.
