Sanji & Roronoa Zoro

"Rivalry" is the best word to describe the relationship between Sanji and Zoro. It's easy to say that these two guys absolutely hate each other. They're constantly at each other's throats and are always arguing about everything. However, the two actually do like each other. It just happens that they're too damn macho to admit it to themselves, let alone anyone else (especially each other).

When Sanji and Zoro first met at Baratie, sparks flew. Zoro didn't like the way that Sanji acted so classy and cool. Sanji didn't like Zoro's attitude towards Nami later at Kokoyashi Island, when the two met as members of the Straw Hat Pirates for the first time. What it all comes down to is that both guys made judgements of each other based on first appearances and they're both too stubborn to admit that maybe they were wrong.

On a number of occasions, even though they like each other, Sanji and Zoro's attitudes have clashed. Going back to Kokoyashi Island, Sanji attacked Zoro, in order to protect Nami... the two hardly knew each other at the time but I bet if Zoro ever looked back on that event, he'd be glad that Sanji stopped him (or else their navigator'd be mince meat). They also constantly compete against each other, even over the simplest of things... like the time they were at Little Garden and ended up in a hunting contest to see who could bring back the most kilos of meat. Even after they returned to the Going Merry, they began to argue over who had the bigger catch.

When it comes down to it, no matter how many times that Zoro and Sanji fight with each other, compete with each other, etc... they trust each other enough to back each other up in battle. I think that when two people can get to that point, where they can fight together and not worry about being caught off guard, it really shows how close they really are. Especially with two rather manly guys like these two who take fighting really seriously. On top of that, these two guys also respect each other for their accomplishments and their abilities... they really are close companions, but hell if they'd ever admit it. ^o^

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