#There is so much on that alabasta clip to dissect i kept getting derailed actually

[hylianane]

Of course Sanji and Zoro’s rivalry is their thing, its emblematic of them, but sometimes I have to take a step back and remind myself that they aren’t total opposites, and though they don’t always meet eye to eye, they are, in fact, capable of understanding each other even without words.

There’s a couple of scenes in particular in which Zoro just seems to be entirely transparent to Sanji. In Alabasta and in Punk Hazard, Zoro grits his teeth to hide his worry about their Captain- hell, their entire crew- being overpowered. And Sanji right away points it out.

They’ve only known each other for maybe over a month, and already Sanji is picking up on Zoro’s habits. And the way he calls him out on it doesn’t strike me as malicious. I would hardly call it teasing, either. I think he’s trying to goad Zoro into admitting his hesitation so he can overcome it. It wouldn’t do to have the Crew’s now-lead combatant stewing in angry/anxious silence with the long road ahead of them.

It’s this subtle communication, poking at each other when what they really want to say is you’re stronger than this or dont forget I’m standing next to you. “Marimo-kun, are you worried about me?” or “I now have something to look forward to, so don’t die before then.” It’s understanding without words. They don’t butt heads because to some sort of miscommunication, no. They understand each other perfectly. That’s sort of what makes them want to go all out.