One Piece Chapter 1197: LOVE IS DEFENSE

This chapter really hammers home the ideas and themes of this Sanji mini-arc. Sanji says it outright, he has been disgusted with his body, with the way it associates him with the Germa men. He resented Iva for being the only one to see to the heart of his insecurity, I think this is a good subtle retcon of what was and has been for many years a somewhat tasteless gag. While it doesn’t change some of the depictions, it is now firmly rooted in Sanji’s insecurities which shows how much Oda has grown as a writer.

Sanji has steeled himself as a warrior of love, which is just perfect for him, someone who shows love through cooking, serving others, has decided to become the shield of the Pirate King. Sanji, while strong, has never primarily been a fighter so this evolution makes a lot of sense. Finally understanding his role as a protector. Loving himself is loving what Zeff and Sora did for him and treasuring them in his heart. Finally Sanji aims to train his armament haki, to protect himself and the crew. With this as well, Sanji’s Germa brow curls back to his normal inverted state.

Sanji seemingly gives up on achieving Supreme King Haki, content with beating Killingham within an inch of his life, however as Sanji learns to love himself, Killingham notices that Sanji has in fact begun to slow his healing. Killingham suits up in dark Omen armour, a new ability as far as I know. Sanji battles with Killingham, getting through his defenses bit by bit. With Iva’s words ringing in his ears, Sanji lights his leg on fire, with his new Supreme King coating, Sanji realises the flames no longer hurt. Revealing to us that all this time, Sanji’s signature move has been hurting him. With his newfound self respect, Sanji’s abilities will be all the more effective. The way he describes Supreme King Haki is also new and insightful, making the wielder make taking blows feel like landing them.

The art as this chapter wraps up is incredible, with Sanji’s ifrit aura creating a spiraling trail behind him. The panelling and perspective shots this week have been something else, you can always feel the love Oda has for Sanji in his fight choreography, the way his body twists and bends and the way his anatomy is used to frame panels. I think it’s fair to say this fight is wrapping up, and soon we’ll head back to Luffy and the Giants, and Brook and Gunko’s situation. Though Zoro needs to land the decisive blow on Sommers yet. This has been a really beautiful and important character journey for Sanji, and a long time coming, I can only imagine how much stronger he’ll be going forward with him actually caring to protect his own body. I have said it prior but I absolutely love how Supreme King Haki has finally been explained. Having an unwavering sense of identity is such a powerful motif, especially with a character like Yamato who is queer, and has Supreme King Haki, being oneself is key to being strong.