Following in the footsteps of previous installments, Shokugeki no Sanji returns for a fourth course of a side story prepared by Yūto Tsukuda and Shun Saeki, the creators of Food Wars!. Just as earlier entries explored key moments of One Piece where protagonist Sanji's culinary expertise could shine, Chapter 4 of this fascinating crossover focuses on the pirate chef's training during the timeskip.
With most of the training the Straw Hats went through being largely unexplored, this is a true treat for fans -- especially those who missed Ivankov and their shenanigans. Sanji's training during those two years largely revolved around cooking, with actual combat training being more of a secondary priority or means to an end.
Tasked with beating the many queens of the Kamabakka Queendom in order to acquire the 99 Vital Recipes of Attack Cuisine, Sanji has his work cut out for him. Struggling greatly at first due to lack of nutrition and sleep, Sanji knows he can't just rely on his fighting skills and strong body to win.
Using his years of experience on the Baratie as well as many adventures on the Going Merry and Thousand Sunny, Sanji realizes the only way to beat the Kamabakka Queendom is to out-cook them. Even when forced to resort to guerrilla-style cooking, Sanji proves his skills and knowledge are greater than even Ivankov could have predicted.
As expected, Shokugeki no Sanji soon goes into a familiar Food Wars! trope. Preparing two protein dishes with sides and flavors that perfectly balance the meal, Ivankov's tastebuds are sent into an orgasmic, hormonally-charged tailspin powerful enough for them to completely switch sexes. Unable to understand how Sanji had the energy to muster up even one of these dishes, Ivankov quickly realizes it's his overwhelming desire to please women (specifically Nami and Nico Robin) that gave him the strength he needed.
From there, Sanji spent his days learning how to survive while being hunted by an entire island. This didn't just help make his body stronger for his eventual bouts with the recipe holders, but it also forced him to become a much more crafty and resourceful chef. Eventually, Sanji claims his first victory when he beats Lady Caroline and gets the Vital Recipe for Sea Pork Offal Soup.
Rather than run from the rest of the Kamabakka Queendom afterward like normal, Sanji instead asks for a ceasefire so he can practice his first Vital Recipe. While the Queendom agrees, they are taken aback both by his ability to prepare the dish and his kindness as he serves them.
Sanji's compassion is one of the main facets of his character, and much like the cast of Food Wars!, cooking is how he chooses to express it to others. Being an expert in the culinary arts and serving food, Sanji effortlessly makes the Kamabakka Kingdom feel so comfortable and happy as they eat his dish that they practically fall in love with him on the spot. Unfortunately, these aren't exactly the ladies Sanji was hoping to impress, and so the chase resumes.
Shokugeki no Sanji might not have an emphasis on fights, but it makes up for it with stylish cooking segments and laugh-out-loud humor. While it would have been a treat to see Sanji learn Haki, Chapter 4 chose to show a different side to Sanji's character, one that deliciously provides even more depth.