Awakening powerful abilities like the Conqueror’s Haki usually comes during times of great peril in One Piece, but Luffy’s case was quite different.
The ability to use Haki is an important element of any character’s strength in the world of One Piece. It allows a person to sense and control their surroundings, as well as manifest their willpower into a powerful force. One of the three types of Haki is Conqueror’s Haki, also known as the Color of the Supreme King Haki. This rare and formidable ability is said to be possessed only by a select few, and those who have it are considered to be among the strongest in the world.
One such fighter is Monkey D. Luffy, the captain of the Straw Hat Pirates. But when exactly did Luffy awaken his Conqueror’s Haki? Given the ability’s powerful image, many One Piece fans might assume it came during an epic battle or confrontation — but the truth is that it happened during a more mundane moment.
Luffy Quietly Knocked the Bison Motobaro Down With His Haki
The rather unremarkable scene in which Luffy awakens his Color of the Supreme King Haki occurs during the “Sabaody Archipelago” arc. At the time, the Straw Hats have just met Camie the mermaid and Pappag the talking starfish, and on the two’s tail are the Flying Fish Riders. The Straw Hats, however, make easy work of the bandits. Seeing their might, Camie and Pappag seek their help to rescue their other captured friend: Hachi the octopus Fish-Man.
The Straw Hats eventually agree and set out to meet with Hachi. That’s where they also happen across the leader of the Flying Fish Riders, Iron Mask Duval. Interestingly, Duval himself has a beef to settle with the Straw Hats, specifically Sanji. He turns out to share the same face as the one in Sanji’s wanted poster, which turned his peaceful thug life into a living hell. As a result, he aims to murder the Straw Hats’ cook at all costs. Riding his trusty pet bison Motobaro, Duval charges at the Straw Hats — but Luffy knocks it out without any visible attack. As for Duval, he gets a much-deserved facial restructuring form Sanji’s kicks.
Luffy’s Conqueror’s Haki Is Integral in His One Piece Journey
Upon further inspection, it is revealed that Luffy quietly used his Conqueror’s Haki to defeat the bison. While his initial display of this type of Haki may have seemed underwhelming compared to other characters’ use of it, it is still a significant achievement. The Color of the Supreme King Haki allows the user to exert their willpower over others and knock out weak-willed individuals. It is considered rare, as not all characters in One Piece can awaken it. The fact that Luffy did so is proof he has what it takes to become a renowned persona.
Despite the lack of an epic showdown or dramatic circumstances, Luffy’s awakening of the Color of the Supreme King Haki is a testament to his strength and potential as a pirate. It also serves as a crucial setup for his character development, especially as he will shortly join the epic war between the Whitebeard Pirates and the Marines. Soon, Luffy will finally show the full terror this ability is capable of sowing.
