SPOILERS!! SPOILERS!! SPOILERS!!
Okay, so, I just finished reading chapter 1005 and it was a wild ride. First off, Oda was really playing up our expectations by using Black Maria’s ladies as representations of (what I imagine) is the beliefs of many readers (except more smitten lol). They’re so sure that Sanji is going to remain stoic and silent and refuse to call for Robin –
And then he didn’t!! He didn’t act “manly” and suffered the pain – he called out for help! He was emotional! OPENLY VULNERABLE. Sanji didn’t play off his predicament as anything less than DEADLY.
I’ll be honest here, at first I wasn’t sure what to think or feel. I went into the chapter with no real expectations beyond knowing that Robin would come help him eventually. But I didn’t anticipate Sanji doing that and I hadn’t expected it to be broadcasted to Onigashima as a whole!! One of Hawkins’s subordinates says “how pathetic!” and Franky comments “what kind of man does this!?” – reflecting what a lot of readers likely felt as they read it. I actually felt a vague sense of embarrassment when I did – isn’t Sanji supposed to be among the strongest of the crew?? This is how one of the weakling trio would act! … And you know what?
Thinking back to Zou and Whole Cake Island, this moment shows just how much Sanji has developed as a character. The Sanji before bottled up his fear and his pain and withdrew from the others. He didn’t want them to get dragged into his problems and risk getting hurt. It took Luffy punching him and yelling at him to tell him what he actually wanted for him to finally reach out and ask for the help he so desperately wanted and needed.
Sanji now didn’t hesitate to reach out and he didn’t care if it made him look “weak”. Because he trusts his crewmates and believes that they are strong enough to deal with what he cannot. Robin being a woman does not change this perception – she is an incredibly capable character and since Sanji drinks his respect-women-juice religiously he doesn’t underestimate her in the least. This moment shows both his character growth and how secure he is in his own strength and masculinity – he knows his limits and he is no longer afraid of asking for help when he needs it! Also, it subverts toxic masculinity beautifully and I find it quite refreshing.
Also, just look at this! He’s openly crying with relief and joy!! My man Sanji doesn’t give a single fuck about your traditional masculinity bullshit! (also, Robin is looking fine here, god damn)
And she’s so happy that he’s trusting her abilities! Look! At! That! Smile! It’s beautiful!
Also, let’s take a moment to appreciate Brook’s outfit?? It’s so simple and elegant?? I like it!
Heheh, yet again, Sanji understanding his own limits and relying on the others <3 Their response is also <333
Some will in this situation ask - are you Robin or are you Brook? And my answer is yes. But who?? The answer remains yes.
Lastly! ... Momo... you lucky little shit.
... And I’m going to make a separate post about Marco. I just. I. Hrgnh.
