Updated October 19, 2022 by Ernie
One Piece might be known for its crazy Devil Fruits. A fruit that grants its user permanent power depending on its type and kind, yet its drawback is that the user will not be able to swim. This has been a source of powers for various villains, and even our hero, Luffy. There’s even a point wherein fake devil fruits were manufactured.
Table of Contents
As powerful as it might seem, there’s one power that rivals the strength of the devil fruit. Haki.
Also read: COMPLETE One Piece Filler List (UPDATED 2022)
LUFFY FINALLY LEARNS HAKI!
What is Haki?
Literally translates to will, it is a power that allows a person to use their spiritual energy for various purposes. It can be in an offensive or defensive way. Unlike the Devil Fruit wherein it needs to be consumed to get its power, Haki is innate in everyone, it just needs to be awakened. However, not everyone can awaken their Haki or is even aware they have a Haki.
Haki has three primary types; the Observation Haki, the Armament Haki, and the Conqueror’s Haki.
The Observation Haki allows the user to predict their enemy’s next move giving them the opportunity to either counter or dodge it and for some who have reached an advanced level of his Haki, may even see the future.
The Armament Haki allows the user to cover themselves with their spiritual energy to block incoming attacks or to defend themselves. Advanced Armament Haki however, will allow the user to emit it and destroy anything or anyone from within.
While the Conqueror’s Haki is the rarest Haki of all. It allows the user to emit their spiritual energy to overpower their enemies. This will easily subdue weak or weak-willed foes. It is also known to be a rare type of Haki. It is believed that those who hold such power have qualities of a King.
In Wano, they do not call it Haki, but Ryuo (literal meaning blooming flower), is an advanced type of Armament Haki. Instead of it covering them, they emit their haki to tear through defenses.
Now, Luffy not only has the legendary Zoan-type Gomu Gomu no Mi but he has also practiced all types of Hakis (at some point mastered some).
You might be interested: COMPLETE One Piece Movies Watch Order (Official)
When Does Luffy Learn Haki?
Luffy has known about Haki for a long time but unconsciously used it, specifically his Conqueror’s Haki in Episode 479 in his attempt to stop Ace’s execution. But at that time, he had no idea of what “power” he used and didn’t even know where it came from. But those who witnessed it knew it was a Conqueror’s Haki.
At that point, Luffy has been depending on his own skills and strength, improving himself in order to be better. But after what happened in the Marineford War, Luffy’s desire and drive to be stronger heightens, not only did he face a lot of formidable Haki users, but he also witnessed the death of his sworn brother, Ace.
The Straw Hat Crew then honed their crafts by themselves in order to prepare for what they might face in the New World. This occurred during the 2 year timeskip.
For Luffy, after recovering physically and mentally, he decides to train and learn Haki from Silvers Rayleigh on the island of Rusukaina. For two years he was taught the three basic Hakis and even became proficient with it.
Luffy Does Advance Haki?
He might have learned its basics, but it was his future battles that made him reach greater potential.
Luffy was able to hone his Observation Haki when he was in a pinch against Katakuri in Episode 865. In tapping in his spiritual energy despite being beaten up, he was able to dodge the multiple hits Katakuri threw at him.
When he was trapped in Udon (Episode 916), Luffy remembered how Rayleigh used his Haki to attack an elephant without touching it; he practiced under Hyogoro the use of his Armament Haki. This is to be able to bypass Kaidou’s tough scales.
His Conqueror’s Haki may be even stronger by itself as noted by Kaidou.
How can this help Luffy?
Currently in the manga, Luffy is already the new Sun God Nika as he achieved Gear 5! Why would Luffy even need to use Haki anymore? Well for starters, Luffy can’t use Gear 5 for a long period of time as it can strain his body, another reason is Blackbeard can neutralize and absorb Devil Fruit powers using his Yami Yami no Mi, there can still be threats similar to that in the future, and with the World Government preparing to
With limitations and threats like these, Luffy can’t solely depend on one trick. Well, ever since the Sabaody Archipelago arc, Luffy has mastered and skillfully utilized his Haki in battles, it has been quite a lifesaver for him as Haki has aided him in multiple scenarios most notably how his Observation Haki helped him in his fight against Katakuri in the Whole Cake Arc. While his Armament Haki was incorporated into his Gear 4 form.
Check this one out: ALL of Luffy’s Forms Transformations in One Piece (RANKED)
Conclusion
Kaidou stated that the Haki is the determining factor whether a person can conquer the sea or not as it transcends the Devil Fruit. All the more reason for Luffy to hone and perfect his Hakis, maybe in the future, if really aims to be Pirate King.
Luffy is known for his adaptability in every battle and for his creativity with his powers. With the ongoing status of One Piece, we’ll see more tricks up Luffy’s sleeves as he faces stronger, fiercer, and weirder enemies! This is perfect as Rayleigh stated that a person’s Haki grows stronger when faced with a bigger threat. He’s gonna need all of it as he gets closer and closer to the One Piece and more and more people are trying to take him down.
And most importantly, will Luffy be the Pirate King using his powers?
Want to know who? One Piece Quiz – Which Straw Hat Pirate Are you?
