After the cliffhanger in Chapter 1198, Luffy is completely out of control in his new feral "Black Nika" form after exploding the Rain God in the village. With Loki crushed by Imu and Gaban in no condition to fight, Zoro and Sanji are the only ones left who can actually handle him - albeit temporarily.
It looks like Oda is setting Zoro and Sanji up to parallel Roger and Garp stopping a Domi-reversed Xebec at God Valley, tying into the whole Sword and Shield of Nika theme:
Zoro as Roger - The Conqueror's Haki swordsman who can match Luffy's offense if the crew is in danger.
Sanji as Garp - The close-quarters brawler with themes of love and application of defensive conquerors coating.
They obviously aren't going to beat Luffy like Roger and Garp beat Xebec, but a 2v1 clash against Black Nika would push both of their Haki to the next level while helping snap Luffy out of his berserk Zoan awakening.
Do you think we're getting a Zoro and Sanji vs. Black Nika fight after the break, or does someone else step in first?
It looks like Oda is setting Zoro and Sanji up to parallel Roger and Garp stopping a Domi-reversed Xebec at God Valley, tying into the whole Sword and Shield of Nika theme:
Zoro as Roger - The Conqueror's Haki swordsman who can match Luffy's offense if the crew is in danger.
Sanji as Garp - The close-quarters brawler with themes of love and application of defensive conquerors coating.
They obviously aren't going to beat Luffy like Roger and Garp beat Xebec, but a 2v1 clash against Black Nika would push both of their Haki to the next level while helping snap Luffy out of his berserk Zoan awakening.
Do you think we're getting a Zoro and Sanji vs. Black Nika fight after the break, or does someone else step in first?