Highlights
The Vinsmoke siblings played a significant role in the Whole Cake Island arc, with their story arcs deeply tied to Sanji's character.
Initially, Oda had intended for Sanji to have siblings, although the specific number was determined at a later stage. Drawing inspiration from his daughter's fondness for Osomatsu-san, he decided to make them quadruplets.
While the destiny of the Vinsmoke siblings remains uncertain, they have managed to elude Totto Land and team up with Caesar Clown, indicating that they will continue to have significance in the narrative. The intricate history of the Germa Kingdom and its connection to the World Government are yet to be uncovered.
The Vinsmoke Siblings have played a crucial role in the post-timeskip storyline of One Piece, maintaining their significance even now. They were central to a monumental arc in the Four Emperor Saga, with their individual storylines closely intertwined with Sanji, the Straw Hat Pirates' talented chef.
By introducing the Vinsmoke siblings, Oda elevated Sanji's character and brought forth greater depth. Nevertheless, Oda initially envisioned distinct plans for the Vinsmokes.
The Introduction Of The Vinsmoke Siblings
The Vinsmoke siblings made their debut during the Whole Cake Island arc, where Sanji, a prince of the Germa Kingdom, was announced to marry Pudding, one of the 35th daughters of the Charlotte Family. Sanji sacrificed himself to protect his crew and family on Baratie, leading him to Whole Cake Island. It was on this island that fans first encountered the Vinsmoke Family, as revealed by Oda. Throughout the arc, the Vinsmoke Family played a crucial role, with Judge at the helm as their leader and the ruler of the Germa Kingdom. In the past, the Germa Kingdom held immense power in the North Blue, believed to have dominion over the entire region. However, they were eventually overthrown by deceitful means. Determined to regain their former glory, Judge orchestrated the marriage between Sanji and Pudding as part of his efforts to restore their kingdom's influence and authority.
The Role Of The Vinsmoke Siblings
The focus in this arc revolved around Judge and his children, with special attention given to their character development. As a brilliant scientist, Judge had masterminded the genetic engineering of his offspring, molding them into emotionless warmongers. The firstborn child, Reiju, was known by her alias, Poison Pink. Following her birth, Judge expanded his family with the arrival of quadruplets: Ichiji, Niji, Sanji, and Yonji.The Vinsmoke Siblings played a significant role in the Whole Cake Island arc. Oda brilliantly explored Sanji's past with them, revealing how he ended up in the East Blue despite being born in the North Blue. Fans also gained insight into the complex relationship between these characters. Sanji, labeled a failure among the quadruplets, endured a difficult life and was abandoned by their father. With the help of his sister, he managed to escape their clutches and eventually found his way to the East Blue.
Sanji harbored a deep resentment towards his siblings, particularly his father, due to their cruel treatment. This abusive dynamic played a pivotal role in the Whole Cake Island arc. Despite the revelation of the Vinsmoke Family's plan for a massacre, Sanji's compassionate nature shone through as he still aimed to save them. Ultimately, the Vinsmokes forged an alliance with the Straw Hat Pirates, joining forces to thwart the Big Mom Pirates and save the day. This arc, filled with twists and turns, has left a lasting impression on fans, many considering it the standout arc post-timeskip in the One Piece series.
Oda's Inspiration Behind The Creation Of The Vinsmoke Siblings
The inspiration behind the Vinsmoke siblings was a well-thought-out plan by Oda. Sanji having siblings was something that Oda had planned for a long time, but he hadn't decided on the exact number until much later in the story. So, even before the Whole Cake Island arc, Oda had already chosen that Sanji would have siblings, and they would make their appearance in the series at a later point.
It is unclear what would have happened to the sibling's role if Oda had stuck to his original plan. However, he did make a slight alteration to his plans. Instead of sticking with his initial idea, Oda decided to include Sanji as one of the quadruplets born to Sora. The reason behind this change was simply because Oda's daughter had a great fondness for an anime called Osomatsu-san, which featured sextuplets. To make his daughter happy, Oda drew inspiration from this anime and incorporated it into his own story. This gesture by the author highlights his deep love for his family. It also demonstrates how seemingly small things can have a significant impact on storytelling decisions. Oda's ability to make last-minute changes based on unrelated influences has greatly influenced the plot of One Piece in ways that fans truly appreciate.
What The Future Has In Store For The Vinsmokes
Fans can expect to see more of the Vinsmoke siblings in the future. After their escapades in the Whole Cake Island arc, they managed to successfully flee Totto Land and even rescued Niji and Yonji. They teamed up with Katakuri, Oven, and with the help of Caesar, they were able to escape. Now, the group has joined forces with Caesar Clown and reestablished the MADS. Additionally, it's important to note that the Germa Kingdom is now independent from the World Government, making them a powerful entity on their own. It's inevitable that the Vinsmoke siblings, as well as Judge, will resurface later in the story and have a significant impact on the plot. There is still much of the Germa Kingdom's history that remains unexplained to fans.
The judge hinted at this backstory during the Whole Cake Island arc when battling against Big Mom, but it wasn't fully explained. The Germa Kingdom's mobility has a purpose that will be revealed in the future. At the moment, fans can only wish that Oda continues to draw inspiration from unexpected sources and seamlessly incorporates them into the storyline to maximize its quality.