Zoro isn’t the cold brute some One Piece fans portray him as, and the assumption that he would have lashed out violently at Sanji is misguided.

The rivalry between Zoro Roronoa and Sanji Vinsmoke has always been a standout aspect of One Piece‘s story, often bringing comic relief to intense situations. However, this rivalry also leads to frequent misconceptions among fans about the true nature of their relationship; highlighting the strife between two characters’ fanbases instead of the characters themselves. One such recurring debate revolves around what Zoro would have done if he had been present during the events of Whole Cake Island.

Zoro and Sanji’s bickering in One Piece | Credit: Toei Animation

While many fans argue that Zoro would have turned on Sanji — perhaps even attacking or killing him for what appeared to be a betrayal, this perspective oversimplifies Zoro’s character in One Piece, ignoring his loyalty, wisdom, and respect for his crewmates.

The Misconceptions Around Zoro’s Personality in One Piece

The idea that Zoro would retaliate against Sanji if he was present during the Whole Cake Island Arc of One Piece stems from several factors. Among them, probably the first is Zoro’s zero-tolerance policy on betrayal. His clash with Usopp after his temporary departure from the crew during the Water 7 arc showcased his unwavering stance on loyalty. Fans often cite this as evidence that Zoro would not have tolerated Sanji’s apparent defection during Whole Cake Island.

Sanji attacking Luffy | Credit: Toei Animation

Moreover, the constant bickering and rivalry between Zoro and Sanji sparks the concept that Zoro actually despises Sanji. Some fans mistake their comedic clashes for genuine hatred towards each other, assuming that Zoro would have little patience or empathy for Sanji’s actions.

On top of everything, Zoro’s stoic personality and focus on his goals in One Piece often lead fans to visualize him as cold and unfeeling. This perception led to the belief that he would have reacted with violence rather than understanding in such situations.

How Would Zoro Have Reacted if He was Present in Whole Cake Island?

Zoro himself has often made extreme sacrifices for the crew, most notably when he endured all of Luffy’s pain during the Thriller Bark arc of One Piece. Thus, Zoro’s experience with sacrifice would make him more inclined to understand the motives behind Sanji’s actions. Despite his gruff exterior, he would have recognized the selflessness behind Sanji’s seemingly cruel actions.

Zoro’s rivalry with Sanji in One Piece is rooted in mutual respect. While they frequently clash, Zoro has shown time and again that he values Sanji as a vital member of the crew. For example, Zoro acknowledged Sanji’s contributions during Enies Lobby and trusted him to handle critical tasks, like rescuing Nami and Usopp on the Sea Train.

Zoro Roronoa from One Piece | Credit: Toei Animation

Additionally, despite being highly disciplined and thoughtful, particularly when it comes to his crewmates, Zoro would not endanger the crew’s cohesion by acting impulsively or violently toward Sanji without understanding the context. If Luffy was willing to forgive Sanji and continue considering him part of the crew, Zoro would respect that decision.

Had Zoro been present at Whole Cake Island, he might have confronted Sanji after the events to demand an explanation, voicing his frustration over the harm caused to Luffy. However, this confrontation would have never been driven by a desire for vengeance, but rather by the concern for the crew’s unity. However, some fans have explained how Zoro’s personality is severely misunderstood; highlighting that he would never react violently in that situation.

The belief that Zoro would have killed or attacked Sanji for his actions at Whole Cake Island misinterprets the depth of Zoro’s character in One Piece. Zoro isn’t heartless or impulsive, and his rivalry with Sanji is evidence of their camaraderie, not a sign of hatred.