Randomly came to my mind while reading how a bunch of folks speculate Sanji vs Kizaru the same way they speculated Sanji vs King based off of similar themes in certain regards.
But when you think about it, the antagonists with somewhat similar combat/appearance themes as Sanji are for most parts set up to be Zoro's opponents. It all started in Wano:
Look at King:
That's few a few were saying that he could be Sanji's future opponent during start of Onigashima, specially when the cook came rocking those gloves and stuff.
Look at Shiryu:
Bunch of similarities towards Sanji. Yet obviously set-up to be Zoro's opponent as per being BB's second best on top of a Swordsman.
Look at Kizaru:
Yet, IMO, he's obviously set-up to be Zoro's opponent as he's essentially Akainu's Right Hand Man, on top of being the Admiral who has always fought/faced-off against First Mates (Rayleigh, Benn, Marco). Hell, he even humiliated Zoro in Saboady and iirc didn't fuck up any Strawhat other than Zoro, so it's sort of personal. Meanwhile there's zero narrative hint or set-up towards him facing Sanji, and it goes against trends for most parts, too.
Think this is intentional on Oda's part? Or just a couple coincidences?
But when you think about it, the antagonists with somewhat similar combat/appearance themes as Sanji are for most parts set up to be Zoro's opponents. It all started in Wano:
Look at King:
- Fire powers
- Black suit
- Can fly
- Perverted(?)
That's few a few were saying that he could be Sanji's future opponent during start of Onigashima, specially when the cook came rocking those gloves and stuff.
Look at Shiryu:
- Black coat
- Invisibility
- Cigar
Bunch of similarities towards Sanji. Yet obviously set-up to be Zoro's opponent as per being BB's second best on top of a Swordsman.
Look at Kizaru:
- Yellow theme
- Is fast. Shares the general theme of speedsters and speed = power stuff
Yet, IMO, he's obviously set-up to be Zoro's opponent as he's essentially Akainu's Right Hand Man, on top of being the Admiral who has always fought/faced-off against First Mates (Rayleigh, Benn, Marco). Hell, he even humiliated Zoro in Saboady and iirc didn't fuck up any Strawhat other than Zoro, so it's sort of personal. Meanwhile there's zero narrative hint or set-up towards him facing Sanji, and it goes against trends for most parts, too.
Think this is intentional on Oda's part? Or just a couple coincidences?
