As one of the “Monster Trio” alongside Luffy and Zoro, Sanji has consistently evolved throughout the One Piece series, developing new techniques and power-ups to keep pace with his crewmates. However, despite his impressive Ifrit Jambe introduced during the Wano Country arc, it seems like we haven’t seen Sanji’s full potential just yet.
The mastermind behind One Piece, Eiichiro Oda, has always been carefully balancing the growth of each Straw Hat member. With Luffy reaching his ultimate Gear 5 transformation and Zoro fully embracing his Asura, One Piece fans are left wondering: What’s next for Sanji? Oda may likely give Sanji one final power-up that will surpass even his Ifrit Jambe, completing his evolution and ensuring his place among the strongest in the One Piece world.
The Changing Dynamic of Power-Ups: Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji
Sanji’s growth throughout the One Piece series has been consistent. During the Enies Lobby arc, Sanji gained access to his first significant power-up, Diable Jambe, which allowed him to heat up his legs and perform fire kicks that significantly improved the power of his attacks.
Diable Jambe continued to be a key weapon in Sanji’s arsenal, especially during the Sabaody Archipelago arc, where he, Zoro, and Luffy fought a Pacifista using their Enies Lobby power-ups. However, it soon became clear that Sanji’s Diable Jambe was no longer enough for the opponents they faced.
Thus, in response, Eiichiro Oda introduced a new level for Sanji during the Wano arc: Ifrit Jambe. This advanced form of Diable Jambe ignited Sanji’s kicks with blue flames, increasing both the heat and destructive power of his attacks. The Ifrit Jambe proved to be vital in Sanji’s battle against Queen, one of Kaido’s top commanders, and showcased that Sanji’s abilities had evolved to rival Zoro’s and Luffy’s most powerful forms.
But even with Ifrit Jambe, fans sense that Sanji’s growth isn’t finished yet. The dynamic between the “Monster Trio” has always been central to One Piece, and Oda’s storytelling suggests that Sanji is due for one final, ultimate power-up.
Why Sanji will get a Final Power-Up in One Piece
Eiichiro Oda’s structure of power-ups for the Straw Hat Pirates over the years perfectly explains why Sanji has yet to receive another potential power-up. Luffy’s Gear 2 and 3, Zoro’s Asura, and Sanji’s Diable Jambe all appeared to be on par with one another during the Enies Lobby arc, demonstrating the trio’s growth into a cohesive force. But after the time skip, the balance started to change.
This shift in the dynamic between the trio’s power-ups hinted at something important: Zoro’s Asura was special. It wasn’t just a combat technique but a reflection of Zoro’s true potential as a swordsman. Similarly, as Luffy progressed through Gear 4 and finally unlocked Gear 5 during the battle against Kaido, it became clear that Luffy’s ultimate form had been solidified. But for Sanji, even with Ifrit Jambe, his ultimate power-up feels incomplete by comparison.
In Chapter 1127 of One Piece, this power dynamic was highlighted once again. In their battle against the Cat Monster, Luffy used Gear 3, Zoro employed his three-sword style, and Sanji used Ifrit Jambe. The repetition of earlier patterns indicates that Irfit Jambe is the counterpart to Luffy and Zoro’s standard techniques. Just as Luffy reached Gear 5 and Zoro unlocked the true power of Asura, Sanji is fated for an ultimate transformation.
Moreover, Sanji has always been a vital part of the Straw Hat crew, and while his Ifrit Jambe is undoubtedly powerful, it’s clear that Eiichiro Oda has one final power-up in store for him. His ultimate transformation will likely be tied to his personal journey, reflecting his growth as both a fighter and a person who has embraced his true identity.
One Piece is currently available to read and watch on Viz Media and Crunchyroll, respectively.
