The popular anime and manga series One Piece appears to be progressing toward the climax of the current Egghead Island storyline arc. Fans are theorizing about how this arc involving the characters of Bonney and Bartholomew Kuma might conclude.
Additionally, some devoted One Piece fans have put forward an intriguing theory that Sanji, one of the main characters, might play a pivotal part near the resolution of this arc.
Sanji had a memorable encounter with Kuma during the Thriller Bark storyline years ago. This connection that longtime One Piece followers recall has fueled speculation that Sanji could feature prominently at the culmination of Kuma’s narrative thread that has spanned the series since his introduction.
There is speculation coming from multiple perspectives that the much-loved Sanji might be integral to bringing final closure to Kuma’s journey within the overarching One Piece story as it builds toward its finale.
Sanji’s Potential Role in Concluding the Egghead Island Arc
A prevalent fan theory proposes that Sanji will take on a major role by the conclusion of the current Egghead Island story arc in One Piece. This prediction stems from the meaningful parallel presented between Sanji and Bartholomew Kuma during the earlier Thriller Bark arc.
Back then, Sanji stepped forward ahead of Zoro and declared himself the crew member destined to someday oppose the World Government most defiantly.
This latest theory suggests Sanji may now risk his own safety or even humanity to halt the formidable Mother Flame power station. His unique genetic gifts could allow him to withstand the sacrifices required for this act.
Such a moment would also serve as a fitting bookend to Sanji’s earlier poignant scene with Kuma. It would reinforce parallels between these two characters that attentive fans may identify upon deeper reflection.
Some believe these connections foreshadow Sanji playing a pivotal role that brings Kuma’s overarching story thread to a close by the end of this arc.
Sanji’s Potential Crucible and the Thematic Parallels with Bartholomew Kuma
Both Bartholomew Kuma and Sanji have demonstrated a willingness to sacrifice their own humanity to protect those they care for deeply over the course of the One Piece story.
However, they’ve each found ways to carry on while retaining fundamental aspects of their identities. This parallel between the two figures presents rich thematic potential.
Some fans theorize Sanji may soon face a selfless crucible echoing his past acts of self-sacrifice for his fellow Straw Hats. If he again risks everything while managing to preserve his core being, it could evoke Zoro’s iconic “Nothing happened” statement.
It might also serve as a fitting callback to earlier moments when Sanji repeatedly vanished to take on great perils alone for the sake of his friends, before their two-year separation.
Seeing Sanji’s unwavering dedication fully come to fruition in a possibly humanity-testing trial focused on Kuma’s storyline would allow these resonant parallels to ring true in an ultimate sense.
Both men’s care for others shining undimmed after so many storms would signify a profound victory.
Sanji’s Evolution and the Call for Substantial Growth
Sanji stands as one of the most prominent characters within the entire One Piece franchise, by virtue of his core role on the central Straw Hat crew.
He was afforded an even greater dimension via an extended origin storyline devoted to his background and motivations, the Whole Cake Island arc. Such a singular spotlight remains a relative rarity for Straw Hats at this late stage of the manga.
In the wake of that arc, some fans have expressed divided opinions regarding Sanji’s subsequent portrayal and evolution. That said arc was widely praised for adding welcome nuance beyond Sanji’s longstanding comedic obsession with women that some argue had worn thin.
It touches on a wider critique that recent arcs have arguably emphasized superficial characteristics for certain Straw Hats over meaningful growth.
After an arc exploring his rich history, Sanji’s return to static gags rings hollow for portions of the fanbase hungry to see wider progress.
As One Piece builds its endgame, a climactic Sanji-focused arc bringing closure to lingering threads may present an opportunity to unite fans by spotlighting his most substantial qualities over shallow antics.