Zeff (ゼフ, Zefu?) is a supporting character in the manga and anime series One Piece. He is the former leader of the Cook Pirates and the owner/head chef of the ocean-going restaurant Baratie. Serving as a mentor and father figure to Sanji.
He is voiced by Kōji Yada (Episode 20-320) and Ben Hiura (Episode 794+) in Japanese, Jamie Meldrum in the Odex dub, Robert O'Gorman in the 4kids dub, and Grant James untill 2019 and Garrett Schenck after this in the Funimation dub. In the live-action he is portrayed by Craig Fairbrass.
Biography[]
Zeff, once a feared pirate known as "Red-Leg" for his devastating kicks, was the captain of the Cook Pirates and a man with an unwavering dream—to find All Blue, the legendary sea where all fish from the world gather. Despite a year-long voyage into the Grand Line, his crew returned empty-handed, but Zeff's ambitions remained.
His life changed dramatically when he raided a cruise ship and encountered a young kitchen boy, Sanji, who shared his dream of finding All Blue. A violent storm struck, sinking both ships, and Zeff, in a moment of impulse, saved Sanji from drowning. Stranded on a barren island with only two bags—one of food and one of treasure—Zeff sacrificed his own survival, giving all the food to Sanji while secretly sustaining himself by consuming his own severed leg. For seventy days, they awaited rescue, and when Sanji discovered Zeff's self-sacrifice, he broke down in tears. In that moment, they made a pact: if they survived, they would open a restaurant at sea to ensure no one else would suffer starvation.
Against all odds, they were rescued, and Zeff fulfilled his promise, using his remaining wealth to build the Baratie, a floating restaurant that would become legendary among sailors, Marines, and pirates alike. Over the years, he raised Sanji as both a cook and a fighter, instilling in him strict discipline, impeccable culinary skills, and an unshakable respect for feeding the hungry.
Their bond was tested when Don Krieg, a ruthless pirate, attacked the Baratie. Zeff, holding firm to his code, provided Krieg and his men with food despite their hostility. During the battle, Sanji revealed his past and swore to protect Zeff, repaying the debt for the old man's sacrifice. As Luffy fought to defend the restaurant, Zeff recognized his fearlessness, declaring that true strength lies in those unafraid of death. After Krieg's defeat, Zeff encouraged Sanji to leave and pursue his dream, knowing the young cook was destined for more. Though their farewell was reserved, Sanji wept as he left, bowing in deep respect for his mentor.
Years later, Zeff remained a guiding force in Sanji's life, even in his absence. When Sanji's bounty poster declared him “Only Alive,” Zeff pondered its significance, and when the Baratie was threatened by the Big Mom Pirates, Sanji was willing to sacrifice himself to protect his mentor. True to his values, Zeff continued to feed all who sought a meal, including the Gally Pirates, reaffirming his lifelong commitment to his creed. In the Final Saga, Zeff and his crew tuned in to Vegapunk's global broadcast, staying ever watchful of the tides of history—just as he had always been.
External Links[]
- Zeff on the One Piece Wiki
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 Heroes
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