! @Lord:
! > Okay I'm splitting this into three parts its pretty long and filled with grammar errors, i think this thread fits the best for it and I can move it to another thread any time:
Now what spurred this on is what I think is basically some people on twitter (I imagine Greg and some posters here could figure out whom I’m talking about) who don't really get it imo, not the best place to start a thread but its close enough and even then I've wanted to write something like this for a while, plus some earlier talks in one of the One Piece Chapter threads:
Sanji & Pudding, Charlottes & Vinsmokes and how I think this will end.
But before we head into said topic I want to lay some ground work…. this is gonna be a long one.
Family and Environment
One of the main elements in this arc is family, from positive ones to ones found at bottom of the barrel. Ones family and environment have a major impact on childhood development: positive or negative, young and older pick kids tend to pick up things from these two areas and helps shape them who they are so I would like to spend time looking at both families whom are rulers and the land they created by looking at there Patriarch and then the Matriarch.
Judge Vinsmoke, scientist and current ruler/leader of Germa 66 a nation that prides itself on being strong and its history of conquering to where the population is mostly male if I remember right. To facilitate said strength Judge has used science around him to create weapons to help him conquer but the two biggest additions his science created:
1. Clone Soldiers
2. Modified Children
The Clone army makes up the bulk of Germa forces created in the lab for the sole purpose to follow the royalty of Germa, as we seen just with a command these created lives are ready to die for their shit bag rulers cause they born to listen and obey their commands no matter. Now some Vinsmoke fans would try to argue with you that creating life for the sole purpose to advance your needs with military servitude/service and ready to jump in front of danger for you and follow your every whim is not bad and there is not morally wrong…. but those folks are wrong.
Now lets move on to the kids; Judge modified there genetic to not only make them stronger, faster and have iron bodies but he seemingly left a condition that they must obey Judge commands/orders force said children to follow his will even against their own, even if Reiju has a bit of resistance with switching the cuffs she still can't 100% avoid the control. The big one is the removal/lessining of certain emotions (or most notably a big emotion Empathy) that would help create perfect soldiers that are unable to feel/remorse for there so-called enemy, heck most normal people would not act they same they did when the man was talking about all he lost during the war while they were just nonchalant about the pain of loss and death.
Judge entire nation prides itself on strength and by extension of his family being of a higher order with others being below them that even though they are not on Mariejois they show the same attitudes as the Celestial Dragons.
Sanji could have been modified just like his brothers, but thanks to the actions of his dear mother (who tried to save the others) made sure that Sanji would not be like them at the risk of her own life.
Sanji was the polar opposite of his family and Judge beliefs during his time at Germa whcih wasen't the best time for him: physically being tormented by his own brothers and Judge pretty much allowed it, rejected Sanji wishes of cooking, looked down on him for showing concern and such for those supposedly lower than him, locking him away and was only fine with Sanji leaving cause Judge would never see him again and wouldn't disgrace the name. Judge and his bros only accept him back when he can be used as a sacrificial lamb to Big Mom.
All because he was considered weak.
Who knows what would have happened to Sanji if he didn't get his chance to escape and flee, would he still be locked away in his cell for the rest of his life to be beat by his brothers? Would he have after all the time become so depressed have taken his own life? Or would he have succumb and try to be more like his family and loss himself?
Luckily we don't have answers to these questions (though I would like to here some of our guys thoughts) cause Sanji was able to leave his blood family (even though he still has scars from his time) and find a place that was able to give him the home, family and development he needed with the Zeff and the Baratie. Even with hitting Sanji over the head and being hard on him, Zeff and the environment he created helped create and foster the Sanji we see today for better or worse from instilling in him a talent and love for cooking, to helping those hungry no matter what to even his actions with Woman. It's not some two-way street with only Sanji caring, Zeff clearly wanted the best for Sanji and wanted to push him out to see cause he knew it was best for Sanji that culminates here:
(came a long way from planning to kill Zeff to get his food)
Through OP you can see what traits Sanji picked up, which he didn't and how his early years shaped him into who he is today.
Charlotte Linlin AKA Big Mom, Mother of the Charlotte family and Captain of the Big Mom Pirates, prides herself on creating the land that her Orphanage house-mother; Mother Caramel hope to create a land where everyone could live together in harmony just like her little orphanage. Big Mom herself worships the lessons and parenting style of Mother Caramel and adopts it not only to Totland, but her own family.
Even if people like Pekoms believe in the dream of Big Mom even ignoring the fact that Totland/BMP is built on the dealings for protection and such that have blood and threats laced into its core, there is proof living proof even outside the giants being excluded that shows Totland the land of harmony isn't what its built up to in the stories.
Even Big Mom family is twisted, the lessons and guidance of Mother Caramel has made its way into the family, to her own kids tend to treat each other (Lola (wanting to kill her) Pudding, Chiffon probably)), having dis care of life for even former husbands of hers, to even priding usefulness over the value of family, twisted in there own right
Then there this:
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/l1jfWckEsFGFKjWhvQ1N4UPtIvkitm-TztFUUIGr_VmGxR0EAxr_CzPjm1i_DBzETt-Gmpci8Jho=s0?title=009_1478088500.jpg
(would like to use Viz, but I can't log in on my computer atm)
Forget your own kids being violent towards each other like one saying he gonna kill one of there own, accept the fact and get along. Reminds you a lot of what Mother Caramel said to Linlin when ever she did something wrong:
https://i1.wp.com/jaiminisbox.com/reader/content/comics/one-piece-2_58650da78040f/866-0-natural-born-destroyer_59268e4a60ea3/09.png?quality=100&strip=all
(even a simular smile and face that Big Mom uses in the panel above)
Mother Caramel and her teaching have had this drastic of an effect on Linlin after all these years and have spread since then, all the while not knowing MC true nature and her actions/beliefs were all a façade and not punishing and being a true parent to Linlin that teaches was all to appease her so Linlin could be her biggest success when the dear Mother sold Linlin to the government.
Then even after Mother Caramel is digested, Linlin being manipulated by others doesn't end cause as soon as MC is gone her comes pirate cook Streusen whom already was a shady figure whom influenced her and we know what the two go up too.
Now the living proof that not Totland (and by extension Mother Caramel teachings) were wrong is in fact the three eyed woman we are all familiar with; Pudding.
In the land of Totland with weird people (to us) from Minks, Fishman, Snake Necks to even Tonttas all these races together, the one that faced one whom faces adversity from the populace of being called a monster, to be creepy for something you are born with by your own Mother and told to hide it away, to being tormented and force to show what you are aganist your will even if you were told by others to hide it and ridiculed for it (I imagine it happened even in the family) all this to happen just because of an extra eye on her forehead even though she is the most normal one of them all (especially if you look at her family).
Hell I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of the stuff from the past stopped as soon as Big Mom learned Pudding potential use to her, and as soon as she failed in the families eyes her own brother slaps her away pretty much calling her a failure to commit first degree murder.
But unlike Sanji, Pudding wasn't able to escape her family or her environment and it consumed her (will go deeper later)
Well we can see neither family gonna win any awards for parenting or sibling-hood but there are some similarities between the two:
-Both sides acted fake in front of the other and both had plans to screw over the other (Judge planned to take Pudding with Germa and use her as a bargaining chip so they would get the benefits of the BMP but have power over her and avoid doing certain stuff, Big Mom Pirates behind pleasant pleasantries planned to kill all the Vinsmokes and steal their tech to advance their own goals)
-Both have brought life into the world with unnatural means (Germa with using tech to create clones to serve and die for them, Big Mom breathing life into so far the nonliving objects)
-Both have used their black sheep of their respective family that were tormented in their youths as the groom and bride for their nefarious schemes.
-(more like a fun fact) Both Sanji and Pudding used knives in acts of aggression/plans of there; Sanji planned to stab and kill Zeff so he could get his food bag, Pudding used a knife to fight back against her tormentors.
No parent here escapes unscathed except for: Sora Sanji mother and Pudding father (whom she may not know and have no idea if they would have been a good parent).
While the other two have abused their kid until they fully pushed them away/able to escape and until they presented some use in to the parental figure. (though even know in this arc there still some family abuse with the brothers beating on Sanji and Pudding getting slapped away).
! @Lord:
! > Sanji & Pudding Arc(WHY YOU NO GO WHERE I WANT YOU TOO):
One aspect of this arc that tends to be brought up by fans is, why was this arc about Sanji if all he does is not grow or change as a character like for example his relationship/experience with woman even after the evil pudding reveal. As soon as it was revealed you have thread after thread on other sites about how Sanji would change from it, to possible hitting Pudding and what he would do, what would his reaction to be when he meets Pudding again.
Same could be said with Pudding throughout the arc about weither she was evil or not, was she lying, when she was revealed to be evil and many claimed (I think even Greg said so) she would not be redeemed, to with the wedding (which I saw and knew the twist with the third eye torment coming) and her reaction to Sanji words, to what people wondered what her she would be like after the cake fell.
Before I delve into my takes over certain moments through out this arc with both characters.
https://68.media.tumblr.com/5b312c6f3b89b1043cf63602753113e7/tumblr_oplatoPduy1t45pbyo2_500.gif
I will be breaking this stuff into parts since its long.
Marriage and Precious Family Chapter 828:
During Pudding sit down with the strawhat pirates she begins to tell the crew some details of Big Mom family, how Big Mom uses her kids uses her own kids marriages as a means of strengthing her pirates crew (even if she is playing an act she ins't lying here), that its accepted amongst the family that they really have no choice but to unless they want to escape. During said discussion with no segue into it, Pudding begins to talk about her sister whom while the strawhats don't know yet but the readers do is clearly Lola.
https://img.duniaku.net/2016/06/One-Piece-828-Pudding-Lola.jpg
I think with this bit here Pudding drops her acting ability/breaks character as she reminisces about Lola reminded of her when she thinks about her family and marridge, that she was the only one that has the ability to choice and find a husband suitable for her no longer under Big Mom grasp. As we learn later on, I don't think other members of her family (besides Chiffon) would talk about Lola in such a way like Pudding did because they follow along Mama train of thought of finding her with punishing her, but here Pudding is more so admires/wishes she had the same fate of Lola to choice her own love. AS I said at least in my mind this is un prevoct so no reason for Pudding to go unlike this to keep the act of fooling the Strawhats, its more meant to be more clues that Lola being a Big Mom daughter but also gives us a bit more into Pudding as a character.
Sanji Vinsmoke Family Reunion Chapter 833-whatever:
When switch to Sanji we see him un-plused about the nation even after all this time and that even bribes/advantages of being royalty (like handmaidens) brought up by Reiju doesn't sway Sanji to going along with the marriage and insults the garish picture Judge put up of himself conquering like imperialistic ruler (he kinda is).
https://12dimension.files.wordpress.com/2016/08/one_piece_ch832_p016-e1470832454597.png?w=741
Agian sorry for the water mark.
Judge comes and unlike before where Sanji was more submissive in his past he strong enough know and stands up to his father telling him he is not his dad and sates he beat up Sanji and that one of his precious children he bred to be strong was weaker then him. Sanji injuries Judge a bit whom has the gaul to act like its a surprise and be outraged that the son he abused might not think of him to highly with Sanji response being they are not his family bringing the wedge up to the front where Judge thinks Sanji would ever reign himself back to his family and through out the fight showing that he won't follow Judge ways: Judge taught him to use a sword/fight with the hands, Sanji refuses to ever use them in battle, Judge expects to be loved because he is the father while Sanji says whats so special about birth father to be respected especially one like Judge, Judge uses his grown life to be able to land a good hit against Sanji not caring for it while Sanji cares about even the Germa Soldiers in his way not to strike them to get at his dad.
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQmGIwREkUL50i0YdxCcdrhDhOmVqCmYka03GkxfDXqsaxbvPj_
As soon as the fight is over Judge uses underhandedly means to make Sanji cooperate by threatening his very livelihood if he doesn't comply something Sanji would never do. During dinner Assface tells how the brothers would joke about the ways Sanji would die out there, un-reactive Sanji tells Niji to finish his meal Niji which he won't and Sanji calls pretty much calls him a little unappreciative shit who doesn't know foods value. Triggered by the way Sanji disrespects him Niji try to take it out on the chef and fails when Sanji being his chivalrous self stops the thrown plate and compliments her cooking while saying Niji a lower then dirt for trying to hit a woman. Niji again triggered and insulted by what Sanji is doing what he believes in (you know not being garbage) thinks he is disgracing the name and tries to strike calling him an embarrassment which shitstain number #1 Ichi agrees with saying they set there own rules. Sanji again says that they are the embarrassing ones being such garbage and they are the exact opposite of his ideals (the right), Judge decides to stop Sanji outburst and pulls his ultimate weapon by using Zeff life as a way to get Sanji to comply, stop his "nonsense" and go along with the wedding stopping so low to use the threat of beheading to get Sanji to comply.
https://i0.wp.com/onepiece-fan.com/wp-content/uploads/judge839.png?resize=600%2C361
Its no surprise since there all shit stains that Niji beats chef girl when Sanji away (since Sanji would have beat the shit out of him, Vinsmoke fans on oro would try to paint this as Sanji and the victims fault cause of course and there was nothing wrong with what Niji did) the events following such lead to Sanji being more disgusted by his family when he learns the soldiers are basically disposable people they grow again just like Judge in order to get a good hit in and make sure Sanji doesn't beat them the family hangs a life over Sanji head.
Chapters with Sanji and his family is meant to show the moral/character difference between the two, the dichotomy where this ain't the same Sanji they are used to and he will not take their ideals, in fact he finds them disgusting.
https://i2.wp.com/onepiece-fan.com/wp-content/uploads/vinsmoke839.png?resize=600%2C322
One little note before we go, when Sanji getting patched up by Reiju he makes a mention that the ways of Zeff and by extension him are the ways of the dinosaur sorta acknowledge they are old beliefs and not to favorable for todays time but ones he still follows.
Sanji vs Luffy Deny Those Feelings Chapter 844:
https://78.media.tumblr.com/cf078845a253e7c30066bc0d7c78ecc3/tumblr_ofch0uRuEv1th8tuuo6_1280.jpg
Next we finally get the confrontation between Cook and Captain, Sanji whom has finally decided to play his role in this twisted marriage and makes the effort to drive Luffy and Nami away claiming to be the son of Germa and he would rather be with them then the crew that they don't have what it takes to get to the top to be King of the Pirates that he was lying all this time, while Luffy sticks to his guns of brining back Sanji no matter what and what he saying makes no sense. The proceeding fight is pretty brutal even in the damage Sanji inflicts to Luffy being more hard hitting and bloody then any hits Cracker got in cause unlike there Luffy ins't fighting back its like watching a defenseless person get beat and you are unable to do anything.
https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xpp44m7SbT0/WBIVs5LP7BI/AAAAAAAAABU/4KsFlCyczBQdrWyqljKcZ8jnM_elbN-QQCLcB/s1600/005.png
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/onepiece/images/7/7c/Sanji_Attacks_Luffy.png/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/337?cb=20161108185131
Fight ends with Sanji strike Luffy with a Concasse that knocks him to the ground, Nami slapping Sanji and bids goodbye but even after all that Luffy refuses to go down: calling out Sanji lies, that he can't drive them away, that he feels Sanji pain and that he cannot move on without him, so he refuses to do so even if he starves because he needs him to accomplish his dreams. This fight proves that despite all the beatings and mean words thrown at Luffy he is always willing to stick by his crew no matter what even when they are beating him senselessly, Sanji even while he trying to drive him away is brought to tears by his Captain belief in him and refusal to abandon him.
Sanji & Pudding Acceptance and Marriage Chapter 845:
https://i2.wp.com/onepiece-fan.com/wp-content/uploads/sanji-845.png?resize=600%2C336
Sanji finally learns how the Strawhats were able to get this far, they had help from Pudding and even had a plan ready if it wasn’t for certain circumstances that prevented it from being carried out, Pudding pleads Sanji to forgive her for putting his friends in danger and for him to leave when the wedding comes when he says we wouldn't have come to the shore. Sanji begins to let it all out there about his situation to Pudding; the cuffs are already on, his friends & Sanji's true father life (the people that gave him the happiness he needed) depend on this wedding and his family are total shit-stains that beat him to this day that he has no one to depend on so the life he forged after leaving his family is ending and he plans to plead with Big Mom to let those close to him go.
https://67.media.tumblr.com/1ea256f99d05913ef414421a6b1aa78d/tumblr_og0xt6Yu7s1uobutdo1_500.png
Pudding broken down to tears over Sanji dilemma, proclaims with tears in her eyes that she promises in there married life that she will not be hell to him that he will have someone to depend on and give him that happiness he is letting go of. Pudding begins to back off as soon as she realizes what she says and the effects it has on Sanji, saying that she was too forward that trying to make this situation Sanji views in a negative light any better is a fruitless endeavor and that they only just meet not to long ago and there no way she can fill the hole in Sanji heart.
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSgKM7vrqvoCIODTjPd770PpAsYplb2n4YhcKNYmaEvnau2hp6M
Sanji grabs Pudding pulls her close, proclaims her to be his savior (among those like Zeff and the crew) and proposes they get married tomorrow.
Sanji himself is at the lowest point so far in the arc having next to no hope in his predicament watching the world he left Germa for the one he didn't know exist at that time being lost to him forever now is crushing but he deiced to go through it too protect others, even though he clearly depressed. Once his monologue is done, Pudding offers him hope of a better life in his impending hell offering Sanji solace, warmth and offering him what he left Germa for that he found in Zeff and the strawhats . So Sanji clings to Pudding who at the time would be like the world Sanji leaving, a world that cares for him and would love him and help him bear the tough world.
I think there a bit more going on here with Pudding but I will cover the obvious first, that Pudding whom unbeknownst to Sanji is still acting decides to use this moment of vulnerability to her advantage to get him to fully commit to the wedding while being non the wiser to what the Big Mom family is planing but I think there a bit more to this. Going along the lines of Pudding dropping her act during tea time with the strawhats when she brought up Lola, hearing Sanji dilemma (at how it sorta relates to her own troubled history with her family) brought down her walls for a brief moment during there talk most notably when she confess to Sanji about not wanting to make his life a hell, a brief moment like that causes Pudding to course correct with backing up and even said genuine comment from Pudding throws Sanji detector with woman for a loop causing him to fully believe and lay doubt, cause for that moment she was telling the truth.
Pudding Inner Thoughts & Actions Chapter 847:
https://78.media.tumblr.com/61f73e9742b0bbdcb301afaaa6391f69/tumblr_ohijb7mmcV1uobutdo1_1280.png
Now Pudding learns of the straw hats encounter with Lola and the fact they have Big Mom vivre card (a card which is special with how useful it is against the homies but we still don’t know how Lola got the card, maybe from Pudding) but unlike other member here Pudding has no idea what Lola condition is, cause when the other BMP found it they suspect the SW killed her.
https://i.imgur.com/su8CJCx.png
After such revelation Pudding goes out to the balcony with no coat on when its pouring she in deep thought: She thinks of her Mother of how she would instruct Pudding to always follow her ways to make things easier, even to to point of what she wears for her own wedding and how her mother compares her to a doll. She remembers the last time presumably she saw Lola, how happy she was unaware of the dangers that would come her way when she departs.
https://opforum.net/attachments/pudding-jpg.5989/
Again sorry for watermarks.
I would say at this point Pudding believes something has happened to Lola which caused the straw hats to get the Vivre Card. Lola is also the only on that escaped Big Mom control and as I said to Pudding something as great as her death may have happened crushing her own wants of leaving the grasp just as Lola did. This revelation may have pushed her into meeting and talking with Luffy in Nami in the prison cell. They supposedly hurt or killed her beloved sister so she decides to crush any hope and reveal the plan to send them into despair just like said news brought to her.
Sanji and Evil Pudding: The Official Roast of Sanji Chapter 850-851:
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/iTN4MTfvRCo/hqdefault.jpg
Now we get to the chapter that shattered the internet and got more views and comments then a lot of spoiler on all sites for this year and the last.
Pudding pulls the Rabiyan over Sanji's head and reveals her “true” self and the plans of the Big Mom pirates, that she not the bubbling sweet girl but an actress playing the role as one to lure Sanji into the trap, that she and her family plans to kill not only him but his family execution style at the Wedding. She talks about how even her own mother doting on her is getting tiring most likely because its not genuine that he is a fake(will get deeper into this soon, talks about Sanji being a sap and an idiot for falling and later calls him a pervert) while making may great wacky faces and jokes at his expense. Soon after she reveals the power that will be the key to this arc and where I think it will go.
https://thumbs.gfycat.com/WigglyTastyAmethystgemclam-size_restricted.gif
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/onepiece/images/c/ca/Pudding_Clear_a_Path_Using_Flashback.png/revision/latest?cb=20170828062313
Sanji this chapter doesn’t say anything but we can judge by his reaction, body movement and such his truth, he is heart broken: Shocked by the “true” Pudding actions, strugles to light a cigarette that even in sad moments or when he was down he could still light, and the sorrow and sadness that not only is his crew and family not safe but his one hope in the world and the girl he did like seemingly never was on his side.
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR_qw1sYitT-fC60lPYl35QLMSKZ9Rtg5b7Y1IJEL0e3ILwE-OyiA
I think mouth breathing Sanji fans and or shippers you see on certain sites (you can tell they use the same names) like Perma Negra forget or at least say Sanji faked his emotions to Pudding but I would say they were not, Chapter 848 that Sanji is fooling himself that he likes Pudding or never did like her but I wouldn’t say thats the case.
Sanji does believe Pudding even in the bit with Pudding telling the strawhats there first meeting he admits he wants to marry Pudding (remember he says he can’t get married not because of Pudding but because he can’t leave his crew) that even in the bit with him going love mode is more so putting on a front so Pudding doesn’t worry about him which we all do, we mask our emotions and what were going through to protect/not worry others we care about.
https://78.media.tumblr.com/548ed29667867b216d50771df802219f/tumblr_ohiywrHkFb1sog6e2o2_1280.png
https://78.media.tumblr.com/cf60a30795e771b38d468ef869328dca/tumblr_ohiywrHkFb1sog6e2o3_1280.png
Anime does it better by playing Beethoven ode to Joy
The dish he makes, the worrying in chapter 848 is not about Sanji not having/faking feelings for Pudding more so that Sanji isn’t ready yet and still wishes to be on the crew, that even though he has feelings/emotions towards Pudding in his heart, he cannot abandon his cremates that they are the most important people in his life (for now) which again goes back to 828 in what he said to Pudding; “I want to marry you, but I can’t I need to get back to my crew” (for now) which is consistant.
http://onepiecepodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/sanji-turns-down-a-girl-pudding-crew-shocked-1.jpg
So again this also makes it even more laughable that Sanji would hit a woman much less Pudding, that again people I complained about above wanted to happen.
But we will get deeper to that at a later point.
! @Lord:
! > Part 2 Boring Chapter 852:
I call the chapter boring because for the most part it is doesn't really us any new info we didn't know or could piece together but the main point is to further show the gap between Sanji and his family and to emphasise his kindness and the crew.
Sanji was the only one born with emotions that the others in said family lack that not only make him stronger, but a better person then anyone in his family as we have seen and will come too. Said action took Sanji mother life and Judge is clearly added one the fact but it brings up GoT where Judge blames/directs his feelings of anger and such at Sanji most likely blaming him for his wife passing.
During the scene where Reiju tells Sanji to just leave them and escape with the crew since he canít abandon them you see Luffy fighting his way to Sanji emphasizing that.
Meeting before the Wedding Chapter 861:
https://opforum.net/attachments/one-piece-chapter-862-pred-png.5293/
I skipped Luffy and Sanji reunion for now because I think it would better to talk about with the moment with Sanji and Judge later on.
But before we get to the big chapter lets go here, even though Sanji knows what Pudding is seemingly up too he is unable to resist her charms even with fighting himself he suffers a Fishman Island tier nose bleed at the mention of kissing Pudding (going into the wall eyes roll back into his head) and his body and his mind pretty much have little resistance.
http://www.pandemonium.com.mx/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/One-Piece-861-Sanji-Ero-Prince-Pandemonium.mx_.jpg
Now Pudding continues with her monologue inside with Sanji being a pervert, chapter ends with Capone thinking Sanji acting when the audience knows he really isn't.
I also remember people thinking the whole Sanji bit wasnít a gag and Sanji was acting clearly not turned on, shows what they know.
Sanji & Pudding, Beautiful Eye, Genuine Sincerity, Questioning of the Life Chapter 862:
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT4oABuiCRGaTY8GrqByyOaFhJkArVAvWSYhRsbfyksuXqhkuyu
We are finally at the big chapter that changes not only the direction of this arc but Pudding character as a whole and defiantly set off a certain fanbase lol.
Chapter begins with both Sanji and Pudding holding each other close saying how happy they are, while on the inside Pudding is saying this will be Sanji last day pretty much while Sanji is comedically struggling to hold things together. While all the chefs that made the cake sing a song about love,don't know if this is foreshadowing or Oda wanted to include a song but I like it: ìThere are times when Love is tough and times when Love is Rough, but after all your tests and trails you'll finally walk down the aisle come rain or come spears don't let that hand go.
https://pm1.narvii.com/6436/958692863aae7b103b47e2150a0e02a5914ff4cc_hq.jpg
Zeus flys them up to there altar, the in on the plan priest reads the vows, Katakuri sees a vision of the future of Pudding on the ground, Capone worries about Katakuri, Sanji lifts the wedding veil and Pudding thinks to herself asking Sanji to get a good look at what has caused her a lot of torment, ridicule and doubt, a natural occurrence for her people that she finds disgusting: Her Third Eye.
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQjY03F48W3q7fjlGsIEDStUGub5lXiBpk_t4JbEqdMfUhYk_gZ
But as we know what the Big Mom Pirates expected/believed what would happen didnít, the reaction Pudding anticipated from Sanji wasnít what she believed would be, what years of reactions to said eye conditioned her for was no where to be see. All that was there was a sweet honest genuine reaction straight from Sanji heart (who by the way is fully in character and even up close shows no perversion nor his chivalrous joke stuff, just Sanji) a comment that would not only change the course of the arc but a character to how much it touched her and made her question herself:
What a beautiful eye.
https://78.media.tumblr.com/f77bab11b258cdca392c2c436e74379c/tumblr_oocq3y7fNK1uobutdo2_540.png
(Well it says that in the english translations)
Those simple words lit the spark and began the change.
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcT4oABuiCRGaTY8GrqByyOaFhJkArVAvWSYhRsbfyksuXqhkuyu
As I stated above with the environment, we learn in this chapter even in the land of Totland the land that prides itself on diversity and accepting of all others is pretty much a lie. That seemingly the most normal one of them all is the one that is ridiculed, scorn and openly riviled for her differences from not only the general populace but her own family and Mother.
https://i.imgur.com/w9YW8aE.png
From Lucille Bluth type comments from her own mother, to people calling her monster gross and such on the street, to invasion of personal space, privacy and (even though I canít think of a better/more appropriated word) putting Pudding as a three eyed girl as a child (revealing something so sensitive without personal consent) even with hiding this piece of herself. Its no coincide that both parents; Judge and Big Mom had there kids hide aspects of themselves. Hell both cover their last eye with hair.
After Sanji touching speech Pudding is left with tears in her eyes, not only denying what Sanji said but such a strong reaction wouldnít be possibly if she wasnít touched by it and questioning herself.
https://i.imgur.com/7fnL39S.jpg
Now I would say why the comment was such a shock to Pudding was because its genuine and touching comment from Sanji side, one I donít think Pudding has ever really seen. Now what do i mean by genuine well this all goes back to Totland and the Big Mom Family herself, Totland itself isnít genuine in the way it presents itself with its message and faker then Disney Land view of history; to Pudding since she clearly faced challenges due to her own natural physiology ie traits of her race that may have only stopped after she began to fight back or somekind of interference most likely Big Mom and the family learning the usefullness of the eye and Pudding skillset.
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/onepiece/images/f/f5/Charlotte_Pudding_as_a_Child.png/revision/latest?cb=20170417022449
Big Mom herself told Pudding herself it was disgusting and creepy and told her to hide it, her own brothers and sisters most likely felt similarly to there Mother like they been shown to do, heck probably took it even further like sibiling and this family tends to do. The family most likely stopped there actions once they realised again how useful Pudding third eye and skill set could be for them thus promoting her to embrace said eye and skills even though through most of her life they did nothing but lambast her for it and only really stopped when she could be useful to them.
So just like a swred of a mother dotting on her child so she can exploit their child skill/talent when its advantageous for them, Big Mom does the same with Pudding. Showering fake love and praise so Pudding is on her side but no love for her genuinely as a person.
Now we see with Lola just how quick this family can turn on you when you outlive your usefulness/purpose since they (Big Mom) want to find Lola and kill her.
https://78.media.tumblr.com/22eec9afe0a8012a1d72423038318613/tumblr_oh5x8pWkS81sog6e2o5_1280.png
The only one who seemingly never had such animosity towards Pudding was Lola but even Lola left Pudding early on but even after all that time Pudding still holds Lola in such high regards compared to the rest of her family (besides Chiffon maybe since she is Lola sister, maybe Katakuri).
So throughout her life Pudding been conditioned to be viewed as such by others (Monster, freak, oddling, etc) and it only really stopped when it was convent to others to be nice to her and I don't think this went unnoticed by Pudding. This created a lack of trust and belief in people since all those around her were fakers a lack of geniuses that has continued onwards even with the straw hats and Sanji.
But here comes Sanji shattering that world view and facade she had built for protecting herself, all while being himself and Pudding is in denial because her life taught her that no-one could actually be like Sanji.
Now I remember some criticism about how one word couldn't cause such a change in a person from some people even the two twitter people I'm talking about but…...
I suffered through a lot of anxiety, self confidence and depression in my early years of Junior High and mid way through High School I was an emotional wreak through late middle school to my last years of high school, suffering panic attacks during classes, inability to really speak, and closing myself off to others. I really only began to help dig myself out of the hole I was in after a word from a complete stranger to me in High School at the time that really spoke to me. Now Iím more confident then ever in myself, Iím the healthiest Iíve ever been, happiest I ever been and I even help some of my friends with there issues they go through. So yes while me and Pudding didnít go through the same issues we both wore masks not true to ourselves and hid your pain, we were both touched by someone with just a simple word or phrase that help us change and better ourselves.
And i know not everyone going through stuff like this can be effected like this but some can and it can be the stepping stone they really need to pull themselves up, so I just found it really ignorant to see people act like such a thing couldnít happen.
The Pudding that presented herself in chapter 850 as the true self was a lie, a facade, a mask, created to protect herself from the environment she was in the only way she knew how (to be like her family, to be something she is not, to become what people painted her as), that really only began to see cracks when someone who went through similar experiences as her, someone who she thought was nothing but a fake, and someone who is as kind and genuine as he presents himself appreciate her for what she was born with.
Pudding or at least up to this point is a product of her upbringing and environment, she believed herself to be a monster who could never know love or acceptance that was pretty much beaten into her not only by her community but her own blood family as well, that even with all that the Big Mom drills into her kids that only by following her can there lives go smoothly and her family are there only true family so much so that some of them don"t view there step fathers as even family. She has no place outside of her "family", she's the "monster" that has to hide her "real" self and "fit in" to be the favourite and only because of her abilities no of any real genuine care for her. Pudding never had a Sora, a Reiju or even a Zeff the closest she may have had was Lola who left and we still don't know there full relationship yet (though i do disagree with greg interpretation of what it could have been especially the Loki marriage).
Monsters aren't born they are made.
Now when it can to Sanji ever kicking a Pudding again the only ones I saw expected to happen were again the dumb shippers and Sanji fans you see on the internet like Perma Negra who just wanted Sanji to hit her to protect name for shipping nonsense that make you puke.
Sanji weither your a fan or not has his code to never hit woman and it was established in such a way in EL that should have left no room for this discussion point to come up again.
http://www.comicpow.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/comic-pow-one-piece-chivalry-chapter-403-even-if-it-kills-me.png
He was not willing to hit Kalifa back only self defend/protect (which he even did this arc with Big Mom so its consistent).
https://static.comicvine.com/uploads/original/11117/111173941/4568751-7042384573-37391.jpg
https://t00.deviantart.net/WFW–DmDZpVh1qcOgnh-or-JAsE=/300x200/filters:fixed_height(100,100):origin()/pre00/1b2b/th/pre/i/2017/180/f/0/one_piece_870___luffy_and_sanji_vs_big_mom_by_ganedikt-dbehm4l.png
When even in such a situation he was putting not only his own life and Robin's, but Namiís, Luffyís and the rest of the crew life in danger that he could have prevent/not risk if he would have fought back, but guess what he didnít. Its been established thought the series how he is with woman and that code is so strong he says he would rather die then hit a woman, hell he would go all the way back to Okama island rock that dress he wore, deal with the pain of high heels and run around and frolic with all the other okamas then hit a woman.
Its Sanji equivalent to Tenma reluctance not killing anyone even someone like Liebert, to even saving his life in the end keeping with his own ideals of All Lives are Equal. While not as deep as Tenma ideals they are still to Sanji and unlike what some people think he ain't doing it for some approval of Zeff. Even besides the stuff Zeff told him and the actions of his mother and boring sister. Its not some work ethic for Sanji its deeply psychological to the point he again would rather die circumventing his survival instinct/will to live then to ever hit a woman.
All for a moment that would make him no different then his family and actively make the situation worse, all for some reader inability to understand Sanji character not getting he would throw away a good amount of it and even his depth of forgiveness just for some cheap moment of getting back and some shipping nonsense like if Pudding tried to hurt Nami barf.
Instead what Sanji did up there was not only uniquely Sanji but no other person in One Piece could have gotten the reaction he did out of Pudding, which makes it more memorabl and special then what they wanted.
Seriously, it can not be stated enough to get over this already. Yes i understand people misgivings about it especially with tinges of sexism, but at this point I don't see how you havn't made peace/begrugendly accepted the fact it isn't gonna chnage. Expecting Sanji to change this aspect is like expecting a moderate darling not to be a disappointment in the senate.
Denial of Truth Chapter 864:
https://orig00.deviantart.net/b57e/f/2017/128/3/a/sanji_y_pudding__one_piece_chapter_864__by_0hebihime0-db8hkz9.png
Next time we focus on Sanji and Pudding (we saw in 863 he picked Pudding up and got her to safety meaning he at least cares for her well being), we see not Pudding trying to drive Sanji away denying what he said to her up there and her own thoughts and internally conflict atm, but she also trying to fulfil the mission she was given with taking his life and failing (with Sanji dodging the shots and probably what is made clear in a bit).
What Pudding is saying is not only directed at Sanji but mostly at herself trying to rationalise what has happnened and denying herself by saying what she presents is the true self that Sanji/Her inner self fighting is disillusioned that she fooled others so their by what she tates is true. Sanji rebutal to this is a question, that has she fooled herself into this role she is playing?
She denies but we as reader aren't meant to take that at face value since not only can we not see Pudding face but we see her physical reaction, Pudding struggles to hold the gun straight and her body is shaking said body language speaks louder then her words.
Sanji comes in and saves Pudding from being hit by Daifuku Entrance (so I guess Daifuku was planning to strike h to hit both with his attack), so when he makes his appearance not only does he call his little sister useless and says she done here (even with Pudding pleading he says she failed her chance) he bats her away with a hit to the face. Yeah even in high stress situations a brother doesn't start hitting his sister/siblings willy nilly, usually since he does it in the open hints at a sign that its a common practise/family has a history of sibling abuse. Sanji is obviously mad/shocked that much a thing has happened.
Now to deiverge from OP for no I would like to talk about another issue, while Iím no expert I would like to explore mansplaining.
Mansplaining, is the interrupting/speaking over woman already knows under the assumption that he knows better then her own experience or expertise particularly gendered issues.
Video example:
With that established I donít think what happens in this chapter is really an example of Mansplaining or at least a good one, this coming from a poster who has been critical of Oda handling of woman for along time.
Sanji never interrupts or speaks over Pudding neither does he assert he knows more then Pudding just cause he is a man like in the video above, Sanji is able to call out Pudding because he himself played up a facade this arc earlier with trying to drive away Luffy and even has a history of fooling others with a facade (Nami, Crocodile, Marines) heck I beat if Pudding was there in that moment she see straight through Sanji just like Sanji is seeing straight through her, just that one is in denial. Both Sanji and Pudding put of facade/masks to protect one self or others and both were revealed openings in said facade with tears.
https://data.whicdn.com/images/121124577/large.jpg
! @Lord:
! > Part 3
The Look Chapter 869:
This one will be brief, while this moment could be used to say Pudding is jealous of other woman with Sanji and yes while I understand how one can reach that conclusion I really don’t think it is. For one we don’t see Pudding facial reaction to the moment nor really good enough body reaction like in 864 with the gun to really judge Pudding state of mind.
Two even later Pudding seemingly didn’t have a negative reaction to Nami later on in 876 like another love struck woman in the series would have and react if it was her man or react even like her.
I would more so say the moment was just another chipping away at Pudding facade and her questioning of weather Sanji is what he says and presents himself as you know genuine, she most likely solidifies her opinion of Sanji being what he is and not Pudding preconceived notions of him.
The Shutting of the Door Chapter 870:
Now we get to this moment, as we learned previously in chapter 856 we learn one of the three reasons why Sanji cannot leave just yet is that he cannot abandon his shit-stain family even if he has nothing but open contempt for them to there current trajectory, Luffy being Luffy decides to help.
https://api.asm.skype.com/v1/objects/0-cus-d2-6474360e002353bbdb15bd3e0140e925/views/imgpsh_fullsize
Here we dive more into Sanji reasoning beyond what was stated previously, why would Sanji ever save his family by there patriarchs own words fell into the enemies trap (whom would not do the same previous if the situation was reversed).
https://api.asm.skype.com/v1/objects/0-cus-d4-85f1d176d6e02b3caf04db8e32dfd7be/views/imgpsh_fullsize
Because he couldn’t stand to disappoint not only himself but his father, no not ball chin Judge his actual Father Zeff, that if he couldn’t separate/move past the scars and damages of his past to save his family or really anyone then he really couldn’t face his father again if he was such a small tiny tiny man.
Asserting that he didn’t do this out of some form of love for his blood father, that the Sanji that fled Germa and was a part of the Germa family that they remembered had died that day and will never be back, because he doesn’t consider himself a Vinsmoke much less he considers Judge his father.
https://78.media.tumblr.com/bd442d89eebd8bc4092363e75f361871/tumblr_inline_osbpkvi6Sp1s7kvse_540.png
So just like that faithful day 13 years ago where Judge casted Sanji out of his life, now Sanji a man is casting Judge and his family (Brothers most likely minus Reiju) out of his life wishing to never see them again.
As with earlier Judge seems to hold on to the idea that Sanji is his son and a member of the Family: Why do you hit your father, why do you forsake your family, you’ve come back to me my son.
Judge himself believes/holds on to the idea that Sanji has this belief/hidden love for the family that he will respect him since he is Sanji dad, ultimately what Sanji says to judge here tarnishes that being the ultimate proof that “Vinsmoke Sanji” is dead that this love he believes Sanji has for the Vinsmokes is non-existent, so Judge has not only lost a son not being able to control them, but lost the love of one.
Half Truth & Hidden Means Chapter 873:
https://file-comic-4.anyacg.co/images/36/17/3617e9d5582f600f8513530629e9c0fcc8780f3c_281240_870_1252.jpg
Now we reach the chapter that should have fully confirmed the cake theory with Sanji and Pudding baking it, but again people claimed Sanji would never cook the cake for Big Mom cause so and so reasons, or Pudding haters like Flower on & shippers like the aforementioned SaNa shippers online like Perma Negra (remember a bunch of other shippers just parrot what he says and agrees here) claimed see Pudding not doing it for Sanji and crew she won’t be redeemed.
Well of course those people were wrong and probably missed obvious stuff in The Last Jedi but just incase they missed it.
https://78.media.tumblr.com/019219be76ef91c9e5ffe6311dc7a443/tumblr_p2d66nryZn1w6j24yo1_500.gif
After Pero gets Big mom on the straw hats trail, he and the rest of the family panic on what to do next. While they gotten rid of Big Mom for the time being that still leaves the matter of the cake, a task that not only took days to make with special ingredients but one that made Big Mom imagination run wild one she has never tried before will only satisfy her.
https://i.imgur.com/wJbBTLV.jpg
Her comes ray of light Pudding to the rescue saying with her chocolate skills and Chiffon cake skills that they can make the cake together, even if she has to use other means to get Chiffon to come along and that Sanji humiliated her so if Big Mom wipes them out she deserves a reward.
http://www.pandemonium.com.mx/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/One-Piece-873-Pudding-se-compromete-a-hacer-el-pastel-Pandemonium.mx_.jpg
To anyone that isn’t blind in there ways, Pudding was clearly not truthful to her family right there as we find out later on, but even then with Pudding thinking back to Sanji during the wedding, if people remember that moment its not emotions of embarrassment she expressed, it was emotions of being touched emotionally and shaken, those shippers that you see on online tend to just flat out ignore stuff they want to like Sanji saying the evil side was pretty much a mask, I wonder why its oh so easy for them to forget.
Even what Pudding says at the end with rewarding Big Mom and Sanji embarrassing her brings out confused expression from her family with ?!.
https://i.imgur.com/MrQVlDI.png
Without Pudding plan for the cake, the strawwhats would have no way to stop or even prevent a wipeout by the Big Mom pirates, with this cake or Pudding they would have meet their grossly end.
https://lparchive.org/Tales-of-Vesperia/Update%20157/129-tovxx_quadruple-rita047144.jpg
The Eyes tell the Truth 864:
http://i.imgur.com/jBkxIfy.png
Now we get back to Capone as he uses his Tank treads to escape Big Mom forces, while Pudding comes down from the sky to get Chiffon to join her cause and save the strawhats (really obvious but again shit shippers and bad posters like Perma Negra and Flower didn’t see the obvious) in the best panel that chapter that is not only adorable with Pudding but a great expression from Bege.
https://78.media.tumblr.com/20fa8c08998d7e08fd26de8832b85871/tumblr_ou8duaWYUZ1th8tuuo1_1280.jpg
Even with a gun pointed at her and threats by Bege known killer who wouldn’t hold back, Pudding is steadfast in her resolve and mission to talk and get her sister Chiffon. Even with the knowledge of Big Mom hunger pains returning and the threat it poses Chiffon doesn’t want to help Pudding and just like Lola before she is leaving Totland behind her.
https://i.imgur.com/RMB3pFl.png
Pudding makes one last plea that revealing the motive behind her actions isn’t what Chiffon expects, she isn’t doing this to save Mama, her family or even Gotland itself, she needs to stop Mama before she kills him and all his friends.
http://i.imgur.com/jBkxIfy.png
The veil is lifted, the pretence has dropped what she said back to her family was a lie to get them to go along with her plan of saving the straw hats and the truth of her actions were saved for Chiffon, someone whom would whole heartily help those that saved Lola (Is pudding aware of the past on Thriller Bark?).
Pudding has clearly fallen for Sanji at this point, and even the next chapter proves it even more with Pudding reaction to seeing Sanji again, her heart starts beating faster she begins to freakout a bit and even has heart in her sentences awww (again said previous shit shippers thought she was still evil at this point even ignoring the sound effects)
https://12dimension.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/one_piece_ch875_p017-e1503618027726.png?w=858
Why My Pudding is this Cute and Dere Adventures of Baking the Cake Together Chapter 876:
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/8Swh2wY_28k/hqdefault.jpg
Now we get to the second most controversial chapter this arc judging by the reactions it produced, 100% confirmation not only was Pudding not lying to Chiffon about wanting to help the strawhats meaning no ulterior motive, her love for Sanji, but that the cake baking that our own Greg made was leaving the hype station full speed ahead. I can remember the comments now, and visual representation of what shippers, "sanji experts" (including the bad shippers I talk about) and detractors were like with this chapter:
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/agk/images/3/3d/Agk_internet_people.gif/revision/latest?cb=20130704145443
Fuck you Greg
Why is Sanji helping Pudding baking the cake she lying to them
Why is Pudding helping them
She betrayed his trust why is Sanji going along with Pudding
Pudding turning good makes no sense
Sanji would never bake for Big Mom
He better poison that Cake or else
The Cake won’ t stop Big Mom
Fuck this and fuck Greg
Yeah just a few moments from people online form mostly bad poster like the ones mentioned above, but to me nothing that happened was out of character for Pudding, Sanji or even the man himself Oda he clearly set this all up to happen.
Pudding coincidently appears right after Big Mom trots her way out of the crater produces by Zeus, within reason Luffy and the others are weary for Pudding appearance considering what has happened not only in the jail cell but at the wedding, but Pudding swears she means no ill will with her appearance.
Sanji understandably is glad Pudding is here and that she is pretty much unharmed considering all that has happened since the last saw each other in 864 and for the first time ever not only is Pudding happy Sanji was worried about her but its the first time we ever saw a reaction like Sanji from a woman especially to Sanji complete with heart eyes in all three eyes and gurgling in the mouth.
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/onepiece/images/2/2e/Sanji_and_Pudding.png/revision/latest?cb=20170828062313
Pudding called out of her love mode by not only Chiffon telling her to focus but the incoming berserk Big Mom hot on their tail, but before the Pudding plan is explained we have the cute, funny, and threatening Mayadere moment of her relishing in the current situation the straw hats find themselves in, of course Chiffon corrects Pudding and helps get the straw hats caught up with why Mama is chasing them, another mayadere moment pops out but asking Sanji to join her (foreshadowing for whats to come up next). Chiffon takes a hold of the situation and asks Sanji if what Pudding told her was true that he was a great chef, Sanji confirms Pudding statement which leads to Chiffon asking to come with them and help make this Cake to save them.
https://api.asm.skype.com/v1/objects/0-cus-d3-0a8b4750c60c44fe76a0c523eda2b607/views/imgpsh_fullsize
https://api.asm.skype.com/v1/objects/0-cus-d4-0b53ac8d5624c9b2ef32bfb928be9704/views/imgpsh_fullsizehttps://i2.wp.com/onepiece-fan.com/wp-content/uploads/chiffon-876.png?resize=600%2C294
Now we get into prime Tsundere territory with the best panel (and one of Pudding best faces) in the chapter of her while denying but ultimately revealing why she has come this way and why she come up this plan; She Came to stop Mama because she didn’t want Sanji (particularly him) and his friends to die. Leaving the others shocked by her statement and Sanji getting the picture to come along and help with Pudding tsundering out.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DIAFXWBUMAAB–a.jpg
https://api.asm.skype.com/v1/objects/0-cus-d1-9953b7e273a331a9b4452c48606c9e56/views/imgpsh_fullsize
With the gang together they head out but not before Pudding can save the crew again from Big Mom, by dealing with the Seducing woods from impeding their path so they meet with Big Mom by using her DF powers to clear the path to the Sunny
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/onepiece/images/c/ca/Pudding_Clear_a_Path_Using_Flashback.png/revision/latest?cb=20170828062313
Sanji thanks Pudding, Pudding is shocked to see Sanji on not noticing he jumped on while making a face quite similar to one Pudding displayed before back in 851 with what she imagined Sanji expression of shock would be with her third eye. Pudding and Sanji have a back and worth that include Sanji heart compliments and pudding being bashful. Chapter ends with Sanji not being worried about his crew saying they need to hurry and whip up the cake that will knock Big Mom out.
https://www.alltalksnewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/AAA-1-832x400.jpg
Lets start from the top:
Greg is not at fault at all for what Oda does, hell i doubt any fan has any real/huge influence on what Oda does with his series so, Greg making a theory about a total Oda way to end this arc perfectly while keeping the power balance while ending it in a unique way that made sense with what he has built up. Be lucky that Greg if anything has some impact cause if it was me:
https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lHTEq-75GLg/WnYAbId9fdI/AAAAAAAAIvY/MZQjdj9XGgAT7c6Jpws4Oi3Rs4Od0X9HQCLcBGAs/s1600/weirdshitgif.gif
(and get Oda to watch a bunch of Twin Peaks David Lynch stuff)
Pudding isn’t lying to the strawhats, her intentions have been clear as day from when she first brought up the cake plan to her family back in 873, Sanji can tell that Pudding is being sincere in her attempts to save to only him but the others and being honest with herself unlike how she was in 864 so he Sanji can believe and put his hopes again in his Ray of Light.
Pudding herself as stated from the 862 till now has gone through a metamorphosis, Sanji shattered her preconceptions of not only the world, herself and himself in there time during the Wedding, yes while Sanji still is a pervert like she know he is Sanji himself is deeper then that and the inner humanity, kindness and genuine he showed Pudding in 862 and beyond help her along with Sanji stating that Pudding was lying to herself about her true self. She fell in love with him and still has a ways to go with her character I imagine.
Yes while she did betray his trust earlier, this is ignoring not only the change in situation but the change in both characters. This isn’t the same Pudding who laughed at his expense and shot his boring sister, Sanji is also not the person Pudding previously thought he was, Sanji has called out the true Pudding and is seeing her current actions and characters atm, Sanji character this arc has been emphasising his kindness which also stands to forgiveness. Either Sanji fully has forgiven remains to be seen (Pretty sure he has its Sanji) but Pudding is actively trying to make up for what she has done and build trust between her self, Sanji and the Starwhats.
Hell she saved them from being caught by Big Mom.
I think I done a pretty good job so far with explaining and showing why her helping and her change of heart makes sense or atlas give more insight as to why it does make total sense, if you disagree its fine….its fine….your good….its fine….
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/onepiece/images/f/f5/Charlotte_Pudding_as_a_Child.png/revision/latest?cb=20170417022449
:P
It was never a question of weither Sanji would cook for Big Mom, one of Sanji defining aspect as a character especially in his early chapter was the willingness to help anyone who needed food. Either you be rich or poor, beautiful or ugly, kind or conniving no matter what Sanji would always cook for those who needed it. Thats why he cooked for Gin all those years ago when he came to Barriette when all other chefs like Patty refused not only showing his kindness but also giving us more insight to his character as he learn later he knows what its like to starve and he would never let that happen on his watch.
https://pm1.narvii.com/6137/63b018b07feb0396d4b355dde0ffe087cb4c82a2_hq.jpg
Even if you want to use the panel of Sanji saying he only cooks for his friends (guess what Luffy said he would never run away again in Dressrosa and guess what he’s doing now), when the situation calls for it he will change his mind here. I mean do people expect Sanji to sit on his hands on not helping with the only way to stop Big Mom?
I’m sorry Luffy that your flesh is being cut by a hat sword I can’t cook for big mom, sorry Nami your burning to death with flesh being seared from your bones but hey I stuck by what I said, Brooke life won’t be so bad as a toy or in a book right I couldn’t live with going against what I said earlier? Chopper at least you won’t be going to wast and they will make a fine stew out out of you, besides you can easily rationalise Sanji is doing this to save his crew so is he really cooking for Big Mom?
This plot point of Sanji poisoning may be the one of the dumbest perpetuated/considered by fans who know nothing like Flower thats so ludicrous and ignorant of Sanji’s character they go right next to the shit shippers who didn’t see obviousness of Pudding turning good (hey guess what Flower is both). If anyone ever even for a sec thought Sanji would ever consider to poison/sully food not only do I question your understanding of Sanji character but One Piece as a whole.
Literally in Sanji first introduction shows his dedication to food, that even when Fullbody requested the wine that he knows the taste of to impress his date Sanji didn’t listen and knowing Sanji character he brought out the wine that best suited their meal like a real chef who respects food would do.
! https://images1-focus-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?container=focus&gadget=a&no_expand=1&resize_h=0&rewriteMime=image%2F*&url=http%3a%2f%2f2.bp.blogspot.com%2f-qWAB75dMgos%2fV4RgEQGou0I%2fAAAAAAAA_-M%2fYoPfZRxpQ0sZL71QG_PJIo_FcbLcn5JTACHM%2fs16000%2f0043-011.png&imgmax=25000
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When Fullbody put the fly into his soup to try a ruin Sanji reputation he wasn’t made at his attempt to sully his rep he doesn’t care for that he cared about Fullbody wasting food and beat the shit out of him for it.
https://edogama.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/chef.jpg?w=645
(It says wasting in the better translations)
People like to bring up the bit of Sanji putting razor blades into Zoro food, but they miss the point when: A). its a gag, B). Zoro asked for them directly, C). Sanji would never harm someone with food if they couldn’t handle it, D). Zoro handled it and like it.
So if your telling me your a Sanji and and understand One piece, that you could look at the examples above and through out the series with Sanji and his ethics with food and you can tell me with a straight face that you think its 100% possible for Sanji to do it, I don’t know what to say.
The Cake will work a be a part in the ending of this arc, but I don’t think it will be the golden ticket and thats all thats needed, there will be more but I will go further into that later.
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/onepiece/images/d/d3/Sanji%27s_Wedding_Cake_Completed.png/revision/latest?cb=20180115071148
Leaving the Door Open Chapter 879:
As George Lucas said
https://thumbs.gfycat.com/DefinitiveConsiderateHypsilophodon-size_restricted.gif
So I will wrap this up here (maybe I will do more of this later), but before we move after thinking about it there a tiny moment here in 879 that I didn’t put to much thought into until now.
Sanji, Pudding and Chiffon are near Cacao Island and while Pudding is wrapped up in Rayibn she still converses with the others but most notably about Lola.
https://i.imgur.com/94RnGHU.png
We learn that Lola herself was the Minister of chocolate, a position thats been left open ever since Lola departed on her own journey but only because the one that can only fill the void Lola left is Pudding and she keeps rejecting the position having no desire for it.
https://i0.wp.com/onepiece-fan.com/wp-content/uploads/879-3.png?resize=600%2C334
Pudding herself refuses to fill the position holding out on the idea that if Lola were to ever return she would have her old job/position, in vain knowing if Lola were to ever return she most likely would be killed she holds on to the idea of seeing her again.
The Minister of Chocolate is one of the last vestiges of Lola being on Whole Cake Island if that position is filled what reason is there for lola to ever to return, meaning Pudding will have to let go of Lola of possibly ever seeing/talking to her again. When you lose someone be it death, leaving or another reason so young, you protect and lock away whatever you have of them as a way of holding on to them and not letting go.
This job is the same for Pudding, this is the last thing on WCI of her sister if she takes it Lola is gone.
Character:
One aspect of this arc that tends to be brought up by fans is, why was this arc about Sanji if all he does is not grow or change as a character like for example his relationship/experience with woman even after the evil pudding reveal. As soon as it was revealed you have thread after thread on other sites about how Sanji would change from it, to possible hitting Pudding and what he would do, what would his reaction to be when he meets Pudding again.
Same could be said with Pudding throughout the arc about weither she was evil or not, was she lying, when she was revealed to be evil and many claimed (I think even Greg said so) she would not be redeemed, to with the wedding (which I saw and knew the twist with the third eye torment coming) and her reaction to Sanji words, to what people wondered what her she would be like after the cake fell.
Sanji this arc wasn't supposed to see a huge change/shift in his character and the way he operates; more so the year of Sanji was to delve into his past a bit more insight to his character and for us to again get to know what has made Sanji such a fan favourite character after the "flanderization" with his actions he did this arc, it wasn’t supposed to challenge him character wise. It wasn't an arc of change but to fall in love and show what has defined Sanji.
Pudding was too show just how ones own environment and family life has such an effect on you, how much one can be a product of it without a helping hand from loved ones who care for you, like making you hide yourself and build up a facade to protect oneself thats not true to whom you are, that just having one person be there for you, say something that is genuine and from the heart can change the world for you, to help lays the stones and ground work for you. That she will move on from the past that defined her and move forward dealing with her past and the actions she may have caused.
A sentiment that I've seen online (shippers included) regarding Pudding coming/ongoing redemption arc, that Sanji and by extension Oda absolving of what Pudding did that Sanji has no reason to forgive her so condoning what she did just cause of looks or that she has no reason to help them and hasn’t done enough yet. While I disagree with the setament she wasn’t done enough yet, I can see her doing more to make up for it,no one is absolving Pudding of what she did but her redemption and forgiveness is possible (if not already forgiven by Sanji the one who really has final say) and will most likely happen.
Maybe I should do a part 4 about where I think alot of stuff goes now that WCI has wrapped up and we might be seeing the Big Mom Pirates sooner then we thought.
Put the stuff in spoilers since it was long as hell.