Out of the many different admiral matchups I’ve seen, the two most popular have been Zoro vs Fuji/Sanji vs Kizaru, and Zoro vs Kizaru/Sanji vs Ryokugyu. While this topic has been a bit beaten to death, I’d like to share my take on it.
Personally, I think that Zoro vs Fuji & Sanji vs Kizaru are both shallow connections. The only similarity is that they have similar fighting styles: Zoro/Fujitora are both swordsmen and Sanji/Kizaru are both speedy fighters with strong kicks. Zoro & Fujitora also share an honorable nature, but the same cannot be said for Sanji & Kizaru. Another thing to note is that Kizaru is more of an well rounded fighter, who utilizes projectiles, swordsmanship, and martial arts (including rokushiki).
While mirror matchups can be interesting (Luffy vs Katakuri), I don’t think they need to be overdone or take precedence over stronger themes. In Wano, we saw that Zoro was actually the one matched up against the flying speedster with fire attacks, while Sanji was matched with the slower and tanky powerhouse. Sanji and King were compared twice, which I think was on purpose. You are free to believe otherwise, but I think the theme here was to have Zoro fight a character similar to Sanji, while Sanji simultaneously surpassed that character by using what’s central to him: his passion. King even commented to Zoro that humans cannot surpass someone of his race, and Zoro showed him the strength of pure willpower and tenacity.
I think the pattern of Zoro fighting a character with a fighting style similar to Sanji will persist, with this time having Sanji fight a character with a fighting style similar to Zoro. What I’m expecting is for Sanji to fight the green admiral, while Zoro fights the yellow admiral. Sanji will also undoubtedly surpass Kizaru, as expected of Zoro’s rival.
Sanji also calls Zoro “marimo” or moss head in English, and Ryokugyu is the admiral that wields the power of nature. It’s also interesting that Ryokugyu was introduced with a sheathless sword that looks to me like a black blade. It would be awesome to see Zoro and Sanji defeat admirals that just can’t compare to the comrade that they fight alongside.
Obviously though, I can’t go off of only the relationship they have with each other. These two admirals must challenge the wings thematically. It seems that Kizaru is the unspoken right hand of Akainu, as they have had the longest working relationship as admirals together. They are also often pictured together. Another pattern that many readers have picked up on is that Kizaru has been matched up with various right hand men: Rayleigh, Marco, Ben, and has almost Killed Zoro before. Was it a coincidence that Dark King Rayleigh was the one to save King of Hell Zoro from Kizaru?
Kizaru’s ability is light, yet he is the admiral with “unclear justice.” He seems to be the ultimate emotionless weapon for the marines to count on, as he has no qualms with whatever task he has been given. Zoro on the other hand always has dark and hellish motifs, being called a demon and even using the ability “asura” which is based on this side of him. Unlike Kizaru though, he upholds principles that he believes in, and is a conqueror alongside his captain. This will essentially expand on where Zoro vs King left off, where we see the true power of being the right hand of the pirate king. Zoro often fights opponents that are cold, calculated, or emotionless in nature. Daz Bones played it cool, unlike the flamboyant Bon Clay. Kaku was very analytical in his fighting style, whereas Jabra was more of a hothead who was in over his head. King and Queen further continue this trend. While people make the case for Kizaru being sort of goofy, it’s more like Kaku where their true nature is guised behind what seems to be a lighthearted character. Zoro also usually can’t hit his opponent, due to either their durability or their overwhelming fighting style. Someone fast like Kizaru who spams all sorts of light attacks would be the perfect challenge. This could very well be where we see King of Hell Asura, to break through such a perfect defense (Nik gave me this idea). Zoro would already have the attack potency to take down an opponent like Ryokugyu, by the time he fights Kizaru. Zoro's battles always prove to give him a physical challenge that tests his resolve, so I wonder just how far he will be pushed to the brink...
Ever since Ryokugyu’s introduction, people have compared him to Sanji. He mentioned that he hadn’t eaten for three years, but might change that if a pretty woman wanted to feed him.
This was an obvious nod to our favourite cook, who creates dishes for anyone in need (even his enemies), and loves to impress pretty women. Ryokugyu has a devil fruit that embodies nature itself, and it’s interesting that he survives off of it. While Ryokugyu constantly steals the nutrients of others, Sanji is a man that provides it. Sanji is also very selfless, while Ryokugyu is fine with oppressing anyone to preserve the current hierarchy. As well, all of Sanji’s opponents have been overly emotional, in comparison to Zoro’s. Ryokugyu is probably the most annoying admiral to date, and is extremely reactionary. Sanji always puts these crass individuals in their place, utilizing his own emotions as power. Another thing to note is that like Zoro, Sanji’s main struggle comes from being unable to damage his opponents. While Sanji would likely have the speed to keep up with an opponent like Kizaru, his struggle will be breaking through Ryokugyu’s forest durability. Oda had Raizo attack him with a powerful fire attack, to plant the seed that fire is NOT a weakness for him. Sanji will have to come up with something that has even more firepower than Ifrit to take him down.
Sanji's battle will also likely come with an emotional struggle, such as protecting an individual he cares deeply for (Nami or Robin perhaps). Imagine he makes his leg so hot that it surpasses what his body can handle, and he loses one like Zeff. A kind & selfless man carrying the same will as his honourary father.
The wings of the Pirate King will surely take down the strongest soldiers of the marine HQ!
Tags: @Franosuke @Blexus @ConquistadoR @Indigo @Jailer @kratosś @mly90 @Shiroyru @ThunderSupernova @Warchief Sanji D Goat @zenox @BleakAsh @Admiral Maynard @Jaguark101 @Natalija @Kerkovian @Kurozumi Bepo @NikaInParis @nik87 @God W. Usopp @The White Crane @RoronoaZorro @Salah WG
Did I write too much...?
Personally, I think that Zoro vs Fuji & Sanji vs Kizaru are both shallow connections. The only similarity is that they have similar fighting styles: Zoro/Fujitora are both swordsmen and Sanji/Kizaru are both speedy fighters with strong kicks. Zoro & Fujitora also share an honorable nature, but the same cannot be said for Sanji & Kizaru. Another thing to note is that Kizaru is more of an well rounded fighter, who utilizes projectiles, swordsmanship, and martial arts (including rokushiki).
While mirror matchups can be interesting (Luffy vs Katakuri), I don’t think they need to be overdone or take precedence over stronger themes. In Wano, we saw that Zoro was actually the one matched up against the flying speedster with fire attacks, while Sanji was matched with the slower and tanky powerhouse. Sanji and King were compared twice, which I think was on purpose. You are free to believe otherwise, but I think the theme here was to have Zoro fight a character similar to Sanji, while Sanji simultaneously surpassed that character by using what’s central to him: his passion. King even commented to Zoro that humans cannot surpass someone of his race, and Zoro showed him the strength of pure willpower and tenacity.
I think the pattern of Zoro fighting a character with a fighting style similar to Sanji will persist, with this time having Sanji fight a character with a fighting style similar to Zoro. What I’m expecting is for Sanji to fight the green admiral, while Zoro fights the yellow admiral. Sanji will also undoubtedly surpass Kizaru, as expected of Zoro’s rival.
Sanji also calls Zoro “marimo” or moss head in English, and Ryokugyu is the admiral that wields the power of nature. It’s also interesting that Ryokugyu was introduced with a sheathless sword that looks to me like a black blade. It would be awesome to see Zoro and Sanji defeat admirals that just can’t compare to the comrade that they fight alongside.
Obviously though, I can’t go off of only the relationship they have with each other. These two admirals must challenge the wings thematically. It seems that Kizaru is the unspoken right hand of Akainu, as they have had the longest working relationship as admirals together. They are also often pictured together. Another pattern that many readers have picked up on is that Kizaru has been matched up with various right hand men: Rayleigh, Marco, Ben, and has almost Killed Zoro before. Was it a coincidence that Dark King Rayleigh was the one to save King of Hell Zoro from Kizaru?
Kizaru’s ability is light, yet he is the admiral with “unclear justice.” He seems to be the ultimate emotionless weapon for the marines to count on, as he has no qualms with whatever task he has been given. Zoro on the other hand always has dark and hellish motifs, being called a demon and even using the ability “asura” which is based on this side of him. Unlike Kizaru though, he upholds principles that he believes in, and is a conqueror alongside his captain. This will essentially expand on where Zoro vs King left off, where we see the true power of being the right hand of the pirate king. Zoro often fights opponents that are cold, calculated, or emotionless in nature. Daz Bones played it cool, unlike the flamboyant Bon Clay. Kaku was very analytical in his fighting style, whereas Jabra was more of a hothead who was in over his head. King and Queen further continue this trend. While people make the case for Kizaru being sort of goofy, it’s more like Kaku where their true nature is guised behind what seems to be a lighthearted character. Zoro also usually can’t hit his opponent, due to either their durability or their overwhelming fighting style. Someone fast like Kizaru who spams all sorts of light attacks would be the perfect challenge. This could very well be where we see King of Hell Asura, to break through such a perfect defense (Nik gave me this idea). Zoro would already have the attack potency to take down an opponent like Ryokugyu, by the time he fights Kizaru. Zoro's battles always prove to give him a physical challenge that tests his resolve, so I wonder just how far he will be pushed to the brink...
Ever since Ryokugyu’s introduction, people have compared him to Sanji. He mentioned that he hadn’t eaten for three years, but might change that if a pretty woman wanted to feed him.
This was an obvious nod to our favourite cook, who creates dishes for anyone in need (even his enemies), and loves to impress pretty women. Ryokugyu has a devil fruit that embodies nature itself, and it’s interesting that he survives off of it. While Ryokugyu constantly steals the nutrients of others, Sanji is a man that provides it. Sanji is also very selfless, while Ryokugyu is fine with oppressing anyone to preserve the current hierarchy. As well, all of Sanji’s opponents have been overly emotional, in comparison to Zoro’s. Ryokugyu is probably the most annoying admiral to date, and is extremely reactionary. Sanji always puts these crass individuals in their place, utilizing his own emotions as power. Another thing to note is that like Zoro, Sanji’s main struggle comes from being unable to damage his opponents. While Sanji would likely have the speed to keep up with an opponent like Kizaru, his struggle will be breaking through Ryokugyu’s forest durability. Oda had Raizo attack him with a powerful fire attack, to plant the seed that fire is NOT a weakness for him. Sanji will have to come up with something that has even more firepower than Ifrit to take him down.
Sanji's battle will also likely come with an emotional struggle, such as protecting an individual he cares deeply for (Nami or Robin perhaps). Imagine he makes his leg so hot that it surpasses what his body can handle, and he loses one like Zeff. A kind & selfless man carrying the same will as his honourary father.
The wings of the Pirate King will surely take down the strongest soldiers of the marine HQ!
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Tags: @Franosuke @Blexus @ConquistadoR @Indigo @Jailer @kratosś @mly90 @Shiroyru @ThunderSupernova @Warchief Sanji D Goat @zenox @BleakAsh @Admiral Maynard @Jaguark101 @Natalija @Kerkovian @Kurozumi Bepo @NikaInParis @nik87 @God W. Usopp @The White Crane @RoronoaZorro @Salah WG
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Did I write too much...?
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This guy is who Zoro will fight just accept reality and leave Kizaru alone.
