This article contains spoilers from One Piece's Elbaf Arc.
In the final saga of One Piece, Haki is as important as ever. It goes without saying that this power system was always going to be pivotal when it comes to the big battles in the New World, but recently, with the introduction of immortality and infinite regeneration in the Final Saga, it has become abundantly clear that this might just be the most important ability that one needs to fight at the highest level.
Say Hello To One Piece's New Nika After Monkey D. Luffy
Monkey D. Luffy isn't the only Nika in One Piece. Oda introduces another character who can turn into Nika.
It was confirmed long ago by Oda that Haki has many levels. It isn't as simple as three abilities that offer the same level of power to everyone. Haki can and must be trained in order for someone to reach the top levels, and in the recent flashback, Oda has officially confirmed the strongest level of Conqueror's Haki.
Oda Confirms Conqueror's Haki With Critical Mass Is The Strongest
When speaking of the strongest form of Haki, all of them hold a special place in One Piece. For instance, Observation Haki grants a sixth sense that greatly aids people in battle. Similarly, Armament Haki is specifically used because it doesn't yield to Devil Fruit powers, as confirmed by Roger himself. But, the strongest form of Haki, when it comes to offensive and defensive capabilities, is Conqueror’s Haki.
With this form of Haki, the offensive and defensive powers are taken to the next level. It also allows one to counter the powers of immortality, and in the God Valley segment of the Elbaf flashback, Oda went on to confirm this.
In the fight between Rocks and the duo of Roger and Garp, Oda practically confirmed that Conqueror's Haki with enough mass behind it can counter immortality. Not just that, but when enough Haki is applied, it can even cancel out the effects of Domi Reversi, which is an incredibly dangerous ability utilized by Imu. In other words, the Demonic Contract itself can be broken.
This Haki Can Sink A Whole Island
When Roger and Garp took down Rocks, they used the maximum mass of Haki in their final attacks. This attack was so strong that it sank the entire island of God Valley. Now, fans might be wondering what exactly Haki mass manipulation is, and the answer to that question is very straightforward.
Hurry, we need to escape. The whole island is sinking. — Roger Pirates to Roger
After 15 Years, One Piece Finally Introduces A New Haki Power
Haki is king, and Oda just revealed a brand new Haki ability in One Piece.
To manipulate the mass of Haki, one only needs to apply less or more of it. However, finding the right balance to overcome immortality is the key. Hitting someone with a critical mass of Haki means unleashing every ounce of Haki. This is the power that is key to breaking Imu's spell.
Listen Rocks, I think you're Nika. The warrior of liberation who will destroy the world. — Loki
Luffy Will Need To Learn Conqueror's Haki Manipulation Of The Highest Level
Luffy already has access to Conqueror's Haki, however, he cannot use the highest form of this Haki yet. Gaban taught Luffy that using Conqueror's Haki in a specific way can allow him to counter immortality. Right now, Luffy doesn't have the experience to do that. However, as he fights the Holy Knights and potentially even Imu, he will learn to do this.
Listen, Straw Hat, bear in your mind how you use Conqueror's Haki. They're not immortal. — Scopper Gaban
For now, Luffy will have to develop his strength greatly in Elbaf and learn how to manipulate Haki mass to get the better of the immortality of his enemies. The better he gets at manipulating the mass of his Haki, specifically at the point of contact, the less Haki he will waste and the more damage his attacks will do. In this way, Luffy will achieve the ultimate level of Haki in One Piece, which will then make him ready for enemies such as Shanks and potentially even Imu.
Eiichiro Oda's One Piece will be featured in this week's Weekly Shonen Jump Issue. The official release date of One Piece Chapter 1167 is November 30, 2025. In Japan, One Piece drops at 12AM JST on Monday, which is 11:00 AM EST, or 8:00 AM PT. Fans can read the chapter for free on Manga Plus and the Shonen Jump apps.