Haki, a mysterious energy that can be awakened and cultivated by all One Piece characters, is widely considered to be the most powerful force in the series, surpassing even the abilities granted by Devil Fruits. Those who possess Armament Haki have the ability to create a protective layer of spiritual energy that enhances both their bodies and weapons, while those with Observation Haki gain heightened senses and the ability to foresee future events.
While Armament and Observation Haki can be learned by anyone, there exists another form of Haki known as the Color of Conqueror that is exclusive to a small number of individuals who possess it from birth. Those who possess Conqueror’s Haki often surpass others with their unwavering determination and are even able to enhance their strength by enveloping themselves in their aura.
The most skilled Haki users have the ability to conquer any challenge and emerge victorious against any adversary. As Haki often determines the outcome of battles, it is crucial for the Straw Hat Pirates to master its usage in order to become renowned. It is worth mentioning that some members of the Straw Hat crew were already proficient in Haki before the time skip, while others have yet to develop this skill.
Before the Timeskip in One Piece: Luffy, Zoro, and Jinbe’s Natural Mastery of Haki
1) Protagonist of One Piece – Monkey D. Luffy
Monkey D. Luffy has impressively mastered the advanced versions of all three types of Haki. Before the time skip, Luffy had already been using Haki unconsciously, but during this period, he was trained in its intentional use by Silvers Rayleigh.
Even though he was not fully conscious of his actions, Luffy instinctively wielded the fundamental form of Conqueror’s Haki to intimidate Motobaro. In addition, he incapacitated all the onlookers at Amazon Lily’s arena, the wolves in Impel Down, and the executioners at Marineford.
Despite creating numerous clones of himself in Little Garden, Galdino was unable to deceive Luffy as the young pirate quickly identified the real one. Luffy attributed this to his “instinct”at the time, but in hindsight, it can be seen as an unconscious use of Observation Haki.
During the Paramount War, Luffy inexplicably changed his mind about attacking Dracule Mihawk, as if he had a premonition that “Hawk Eyes”would cut off his hands. While this theory is still debated, numerous fans speculate that Luffy unconsciously tapped into his Observation Haki and predicted the outcome of Mihawk’s retaliation.
It is possible that Luffy utilized Armament Haki during his battle with Crocodile. This is evidenced by the fact that Luffy was able to inflict damage on Crocodile with a kick, despite Crocodile’s claim that he could only be harmed by touching his true form due to the presence of blood on Luffy’s hands.
Roronoa Zoro
During his two-year training under Dracule Mihawk’s guidance, the skilled swordsman Roronoa Zoro learned how to use all three types of Haki, with two of them being in their advanced forms. However, Zoro had already developed this ability much earlier.
Prior to the time skip, Zoro possessed the ability to manifest the image of his body multiplying like a demon through sheer willpower. It is widely known that Conqueror’s Haki is a reflection of one’s inner strength. This suggests that Zoro had been unconsciously utilizing Haoshoku Haki even before the events of the Wano Arc, where he fully unleashed and further developed this powerful form of Haki.
Zoro acquired the skill of cutting steel while training under his master Koushirou in Arabasta. The recent implication is that this ability is an advanced form of Armament Haki, as Koushirou used the same words as Hyogoro did when teaching Luffy how to emit his Busoshoku.
During his fight against Mr 1, Zoro showcased his mastery of both Armament Haki and Observation Haki. By tapping into his Observation Haki, the swordsman achieved a heightened state of awareness, allowing him to evade incoming rocks and locate his sword amongst a pile of debris as if he had x-ray vision.
Throughout his battles, Zoro demonstrated his mastery of Observation Haki, known as the “Breath of All Things.”This ability allowed him to predict his opponent’s movements and react accordingly, as seen when he effortlessly countered Kaku’s attacks while the latter was using the Kami-e technique. Additionally, fans speculate that Zoro also utilized Kenbushoku Haki to enhance his reflexes, as witnessed during his flawless evasion of Kuma’s rapid barrage of air projectiles.
Jinbe
Despite being the last member to join the Straw Hat Pirates in chronological order, Jinbe is the most experienced member of the crew. He has a notable past as a former Warlord and subordinate of two Emperors, Edward Newgate “Whitebeard” and Charlotte Linlin “Big Mom” . Jinbe had already mastered Haki long before becoming a member of the Straw Hat crew.
Despite Jinbe’s natural abilities as a Fish-Man, which enable him to excel in Fish-Man Karate, he is also highly skilled in using Armament and Observation Haki. This is to be expected, as a certain level of proficiency in Haki is necessary for someone to hold such esteemed positions.
Throughout his time as the leader of the Sun Pirates, a Warlord, and an executive for two different Emperors, Jinbe consistently utilized his Haki to defend against highly skilled opponents in the New World. This showcases his mastery of Armament Haki, as he was able to engage in a five-day battle on equal footing with Portgas D. Ace, a formidable Logia user.
Amidst the Paramount War, Jinbe was able to briefly halt Admiral Sakazuki “Akainu”, a powerful Logia user, with his Haki. This feat, although short-lived, surpasses what most Haki users can achieve.
As of One Piece chapter 1124, Brook, Nico Robin, and Chopper’s Haki abilities remain unutilized.
1) Brook
Despite being recognized as a powerful Yonko crew, it is disappointing that many members of the Straw Hat Pirates still struggle with mastering the basic forms of Armament and Observation Haki. This is evident in “Soul King”Brook, the eccentric musician of the crew.
Brook’s swift agility and skilled fencing techniques make him a prime candidate for incorporating Observation Haki into his combat style. Additionally, as a swordsman, he would greatly enhance his abilities by mastering Armament Haki.
It should be noted that Brook’s methods involve using both swordsmanship and the unique abilities of the Revive-Revive Fruit. This allows him to freeze any opponent he comes into contact with using his sword. Thanks to his soul-controlling powers, Brook was able to harm Prometheus, one of Big Mom’s fire-based Homies. This suggests that he may have the ability to injure a Logia user without the use of Haki.
Nico Robin
After two years of training with the Revolutionary Army, it appears that Nico Robin did not acquire any Haki abilities. This has disappointed many One Piece fans, as it leaves Robin vulnerable to Logia users without any means of defense.
Robin has the ability to create multiple copies of herself using the Flower-Flower Fruit, which can sprout from any surface within a certain range. She often employs this power to form large limbs. However, a major drawback of the Flower-Flower Fruit is that the duplicated body parts are connected to the user’s actual body. Therefore, any harm inflicted on the clones will also affect the user’s physical form.
If Robin were to master Armament Haki, she would be able to counteract this major vulnerability by enveloping her body parts in Busoshoku. This would provide her with the ability to protect herself from simple slashing and stabbing assaults. Given her role as a character who frequently engages in espionage and gathers information, she would also greatly benefit from acquiring Observation Haki.
3) Chopper
Despite not receiving as much attention as a fighter compared to earlier in the series, Chopper from One Piece still proves to be a formidable combatant. With the aid of his Rumble Balls, the Straw Hat Pirates’ doctor is able to adapt and transform in accordance with the demands of any given situation.
The use of Armament Haki would greatly enhance Chopper’s abilities in combat. It would amplify the strength of his offensive forms, including Arm Point, Horn Point, and Monster Point, making their attacks much more formidable. Additionally, it would elevate Guard Point to a level comparable to Luffy’s Tankman, providing similar defensive capabilities.
Moreover, the utilization of Observation Haki would greatly benefit from the added speed and agility provided by the Jumping Point. As the final saga of One Piece unfolds, the stakes have never been higher and it is crucial for all of the Straw Hats to make their individual contributions. This may finally be the opportune moment for Chopper and the rest of the crew to grasp the fundamentals of Haki.
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