Oda’s latest One Piece art already hinted at Zoro and Sanji’s Gororsei matchups

This past weekend, fans eagerly awaited the release of the 1113th chapter of Eiichiro Oda’s original One Piece manga series. However, the chapter also announced a temporary hiatus for the series due to the Golden Week holiday in Japan. The series is expected to resume on Monday, May 13 at 12 am Japanese Standard Time.

Despite the break week being disappointing, One Piece fans were still treated to several exciting developments, including the start of Dr. Vegapunk’s message, which uncovered a shocking revelation about the world. Additionally, there were hints of a potential showdown between Sanji and Gorosei member Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro, much to the disappointment of those eagerly anticipating a battle between Zoro and the Gorosei’s resident swordsman.

Regrettably, it appears that this will not happen as One Piece chapter 1113 reveals that Sanji will be directly facing off against Saint Nusjuro alongside Franky, Bonney, and a group of Giants. Additionally, the color spread preceding the events of the chapter may provide additional evidence that Sanji will be battling Nusjuro while Zoro takes on the Gorosei.

Possible Showdown Between Zoro, Sanji and the Gorosei in One Piece

In the color spread for chapter 1113, Nico Robin was depicted playing a game of chess with her Straw Hat crewmates as the different pieces. Of particular interest were Sanji and Zoro, who were both portrayed as knights in full armor, equipped with lances and shields decorated with intricate designs.

In the latest release, readers observed that Sanji’s shield, adorned with a fiery horse design, was a striking combination of red and yellow. Meanwhile, Zoro’s shield featured a bird motif in white and navy blue. As the battle commenced, Sanji faced off against Saint Nusjuro, whose Yokai form took on the appearance of a skeletal, flaming horse known as a Bakotsu.

Based on the clear correlation to Sanji’s shield in the color spread, many One Piece fans speculate that Zoro’s potential opponent in a fight against the Gorosei will be Saint Marcus Mars. This assumption is supported by the fact that Mars is the sole member of the Gorosei whose Yokai form resembles a bird, specifically the Itsumade, a creature known for its reptilian bird-like appearance.

Despite not being a definitive confirmation of these matchups, Oda has a history of foreshadowing future developments through supplementary official artwork for the series. This has been seen in popular examples such as the hint of Luffy’s Devil Fruit, the foreshadowing of Ace’s death, and even the inclusion of future plotlines and arcs, such as the Whole Cake Island arc.

Similarly, there is speculation among fans that these are the correct matchups for the conclusion of the Egghead arc, if not the ultimate battle between the two factions. Additionally, the former appears to be more plausible as Sanji has already encountered Saint Nusjuro in chapter 1113 and both Zoro and Jinbe are currently located near Saint Mars on Egghead Island.

Despite the article’s publication, all information remains speculative at this time. The only confirmed details are the chapter 1113 color spread and the fight between Sanji and Nusjuro in the upcoming issue. While fans eagerly anticipate the series’ return, they hope to find answers in the next installment regarding the potential matchups in the end-of-Egghead arc.