Sanji Vinsmoke, the chain-smoking chef of the Straw Hat Pirates, faces off against Queen the Plague in a monumental fight during the Wano Country arc. Their explosive battle pushes Sanji to awaken new heights of power and culminates when he definitively defeats the All-Star in chapter 1035.
This long-awaited victory cements Sanji as a top-tier combatant and highlights his growth over nearly 1,000 One Piece chapters. But when and how does Sanji finally topple the cyborg behemoth Queen?
The Road To Wano
Ever sinceSanji was introduced in the Baratie arc, his prowess in the unique Black Leg Style martial art was apparent. However, he often took a backseat in fights against main antagonists. Even after two years training with Ivankov, Sanji lacked the pure destructive power of Luffy and Zoro.
All that changed when the Straw Hats reached Wano Country to take down Kaido. After being forced to don Germa 66’s Raid Suit, Sanji began awakening dormant genetic modifications. This foreshadowed a coming breakthrough…
Sanji’s Pre-Timeskip Fights
Pre-timeskip, Sanji showed great skill but struggled against top-tier opponents:
| Opponent | Chapter | Victor |
|---|---|---|
| Pearl | 43 | Sanji |
| Gin | 67 | Gin |
| Arlong | 80 | N/A |
Sanji held his own but couldn’t match the strongest enemies. The Mr. Prince rescue remains an epic moment though!
Enter The New World
In the chaotic New World, Sanji’s clashes with top fighters like Vergo and Doflamingo revealed a wide gap:
| Opponent | Chapter | Victor |
|---|---|---|
| Vergo | 692 | Vergo |
| Doflamingo | 723 | N/A |
But Wano would change everything…
When Does The Fight Against Queen Begin?
After traveling to Wano incognito, Sanji reunites with Luffy’s faction in chapter 933. He soon learns about chef comrade Wanze’s execution by Queen and charges into battle.
In chapter 1031, Sanji confronts Queen’s patrol squad.
With a blazing kick, Sanji sends the massive Brachiosaurus careening backward. Queen himself emerges, recognizing Sanji’s member of the infamous Vinsmoke family. He fires several rounds from embedded gun ports but Sanji dodges with keen observation haki.
When Queen attempts to crush Sanji underfoot, Sanji unveils Ifrit Jambe and launches him into the air. Their real fight begins!
The Long-Awaited Sanji Power Up
A key factor in Sanji’s victory is his Raid Suit-assisted awakening. The technology and lineage factor upgrades push Sanji’s strength to the next level with Ifrit Jambe.
The Raid Suit
In chapter 933, Usopp presents Sanji with Germa 66’s technologically advanced battle armor. Though reluctant, Sanji accepts the power boost and gradually unlocks its capabilities:
- Invisibility
- Jet-propelled flight
- Projectile resistance
- Physical ability amplification
Combined with his own skills, the Raid Suit makes Sanji exponentially stronger and more versatile.
Awakened Mods
Sanji’s dormant genetic enhancements also begin awakening in Wano per Judge’s confessions. These include:
- Tough skin – like real iron
- Strength/speed augmentations
- Rapid regeneration
- Improved durability
The mods activate subconsciously in moments of extreme duress.
Ifrit Jambe
When pushed to the brink against Queen, Sanji consciously taps into both power-ups. He ignites his Raid Suit-sheathed leg with hotter-than ever flames—dubbed Ifrit Jambe.
Ifrit Jambe scorches fiery kicks exceeding 2000°C. It also shields Sanji’s body. The explosive heat turns the tide against Queen!
Blow-By-Blow Of The Epic Fight
Sanji and Queen wage all-out war across chapters 1031-1035 of the One Piece manga. It features multiple plot twists and Sanji debuting his ultimate techniques.
Oni Take
In chapter 1031, Sanji unveils “Oni Take” – propelling himself like a Javelin into Queen with jet-boosted kicks.
It inflicts some damage but isn’t enough to put Queen down. The ancient zoan’s durability and munitions keep Sanji on his toes.
Hell Memories
At the onset of 1034, Sanji uses Ifrit Jambe to launch his strongest move yet – the reality-warping “Hell Memories.”
It visually manifests Sanji’s traumatic memories into scorching heat blasts.
Despite searing flames, Queen remains standing and reveals an unexpected laser beam inside his mouth!
Final Clash
In chapter 1035, Sanji is on the brink when he recalls Zeff’s sacrifices and finally activates his full-body Ifrit Jambe. He relentlessly assaults Queen with his fastest, strongest kicks ever.
Befitting his name, Queen unleashes ancient weapons like rocket launchers but can’t withstand Sanji’s primal onslaught.
In the climax, Sanji pivots midair and concentrates all his rage into one final, blazing “Hell Memories” kick that defeats Queen decisively. The All-Star topples defeated as Sanji’s brothers watch in disbelief.
Aftermath And Significance
Sanji’s conquest of Queen shakes up the battle and his character going forward:
- Proves Sanji as top-tier fighter comparable to Luffy and Zoro
- Boosts faith in Strawhats beating Kaido & Beast Pirates
- Unexpected Germa-esque techniques shock siblings
- Opens door to Sanji teaching peers Ifrit Jambe
Queen seriously threatened Zoro earlier, so defeating him is an outstanding accomplishment for Sanji. It also demonstrates that with passion and Conviction, one can exceed presumed limits.
Key Takeaways
- Sanji defeats Queen in chapter 1035 of the Wano Country arc
- His new Ifrit Jambe grants the power to match Queen
- Activating dormant genetic augments and Raid Suit pushes Sanji higher
- The battle helped Sanji overcome internal turmoil
- Sanji rises as MVP of raid after Luffy and Zoro fell
No longer the third wheel, this win cements Sanji as integral to toppling Yonko like Big Mom and Kaido. His growth in Wano sets the stage for greater things ahead.
And Sanji doesn’t just save the day for himself, but his allies in Beast Pirates’ clutches—including gravely injured Zoro!
Closing Thoughts
- Sanji’s struggle culminated in finally blossoming amongst Wano’s flames
- Ifrit Jambe is a well-earned power highlighting passion’s true potential
- Defeating Awakened Zoan Queen proves Sanji’s place as a top fighter
- Hell Memories stands out as a visual stunner & perfect finisher
What did you think of Sanji unlocking Ifrit Jambe against Queen? Where can he go from here? Sanji overcoming hatred of his family to tap hidden strength made the moment extra impactful.
One Piece continues escalating towards a earth-shattering climax. But Sanji beating Queen will remain an all-time great fight – forever immortalized after over 1000 chapters of history!
