His arc during Whole Cake Island serves as a "second chance" at a life he tried to escape, forcing him to confront his abusive biological family to protect his romantic interest and friends. Community Perspectives

Most of his storylines follow a "tragic hero" template. He often finds a deep connection, only to sacrifice his personal happiness for the sake of his "found family," the Straw Hat Pirates.

Sanji’s "Black Leg" style and his refusal to use his hands for combat (reserving them only for cooking) mirrors his romantic philosophy. He views himself as a servant to women, a trait that often puts him in peril but also earns him the loyalty of former enemies.

“I love that it prioritizes the care of women but hate how skepticism ruins the fantasy of the genre... this skepticism fuels my research.” Journal of Popular Romance Studies · 3 years ago Review: Black Leopard, Red Wolf by Marlon James