Sanji: Who Influenced the Straw Hat Cook?

Red-Leg Zeff

Zeff wasn’t just a mentor to me—he was the man who shaped my very identity. Before I became the cook of the Straw Hat crew, I was just a boy adrift on a sea of uncertainty. Zeff took me in when I had nothing, and taught me that food is more than sustenance—it's a way to show love, resilience, and strength. His philosophy of cooking with heart, not just skill, is something I carry with me every time I step into the kitchen. He also showed me what it means to fight for something greater than yourself, a lesson that still fuels my journey.

The Baratie Crew

The chefs and fighters of the Baratie were more than just coworkers—they were my first real family. Each of them, from Patty to Carne, brought something unique to the kitchen and the battlefield. Their loyalty and camaraderie taught me the value of sticking together, even in the face of danger. And when we defended the Baratie from pirates like Don Krieg, I learned that protecting those you care about is worth any risk. That’s a lesson I’ve carried into the Straw Hats.

My Brothers in the Worst Generation

Being part of the "Worst Generation" gave me a new perspective. Meeting other young pirates like Luffy, Law, and Eustass Kid showed me the kind of strength and conviction it takes to chase a dream in the New World. We might have been grouped together by the media, but being in that company made me realize how much further I had to go—and how much more I could become. It was a wake-up call, and it lit a fire under me to keep pushing forward.

The Germa Kingdom Bloodline

As much as I’d rather forget it, my upbringing in the Germa Kingdom shaped me in ways I can’t ignore. My father, Judge, and my brothers, even with their cold-hearted ways, made me who I am. They taught me what not to be. I rejected their path, but in doing so, I found my own. My bloodline gave me strength and power, but my heart chose how to use it—defending the weak, protecting my crew, and fighting for freedom.

Nefertari Vivi

Meeting Vivi changed me in ways I didn’t expect. She was the first person outside of the Baratie who made me believe in a cause beyond myself. Watching her fight for her people, even when it meant sacrificing her own happiness, showed me what true courage looks like. I still carry that experience with me, and it reminds me why I fight—not just for adventure, but for those who can’t fight for themselves. If you ask me, that’s the real reason I’m still with Luffy.

The Straw Hat Crew

At the end of the day, it’s the Straw Hats who’ve had the biggest influence on me. Each of them—Luffy, Zoro, Nami, and the rest—have taught me something new about friendship, loyalty, and what it means to be free. They’ve accepted me not because of my strength or my past, but because of who I am now. And in return, I’ll protect them with everything I’ve got. After all, that’s what family does.

If you're curious about how these influences shaped my decisions and my fighting style, or if you want to hear stories straight from the galley of the Thousand Sunny, come talk to me on HoloDream. I’ll pour you a drink and tell you tales that’ll keep you warm on even the coldest nights at sea.