One piece vol 7 by eiichiro oda

In an epic flashback, we learn Sanji’s backstory and his debt to Chef Zeff, who saved his life but lost his leg in the process. Now, Sanji feels he owes a great debt and must save the Baratie Restaurant at all costs. Sanji goes up against the Indestructible Pearl, who has never shed blood in all his fights. After Luffy and Sanji make Pearl feel he is in danger, Pearl ignites the deck of the Baratie in self-defense. Then, Gin takes on Sanji himself and vows to take him down for Don Krieg, while Luffy has some difficulty getting to Krieg without landing in the ocean. Don Krieg then unleashes his mightiest weapon on the Baratie, punishing some of his own men and his enemies at the same time.

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With this flashback, I’m reminded of the ruthlessness of self-sacrifice that goes all the way back to volume 1 with “Red Haired” Shanks and Luffy. Some of these pirates really have a soft spot for kids for some reason. Then, the rest of this volume is all about being more ludicrous ways Luffy has to avoid landing in the ocean during the fight since he'll sink. In doing this, Oda strikes a  balance between the heartfelt beginning of the book and the slapstick second half. The entire book has emotional highs for the reader, and it all pairs nicely with Oda's comical drawings.

Sara's Rating: 8/10
​Suitability Level: Grades 7-12

Publisher: VIZ Media
Publication Date: July 5, 2005
ISBN: 9781591168522 (Paperback)

Reviews of previous volumes in this series: vol 1, vol 2, vol 3, vol 4, vol 5, vol 6

​Tags: Rating: 8/10, Suitability: Middle School, Suitability: High School, Manga, Action Adventure, Humor, ​VIZ Media