Haki has become a core element in One Piece since the timeskip. With each new revelation about the post-timeskip era, the importance of Haki grows even more. Oda has expanded this concept by introducing various types of Haki, including the advanced Conqueror’s Haki that made a strong impression during the Wano arc.
Since then, Oda hadn’t introduced many new Haki abilities, but chapter 1165 of One Piece officially changes that. For the first time in years, fans finally witness a brand-new level of Haki, all thanks to Rocks D. Xebec.
Rocks’ Haki Can Nullify Opponents’ Attacks
In chapter 1165, fans see Rocks demonstrate the ability to nullify any attack using his Conqueror’s Haki. Essentially, Rocks unleashed his Haki at its highest state to fend off powerful fighters like Roger and Garp during the battle at God Valley.
Since both Roger and Garp wield advanced Conqueror’s Haki, their attacks should have harmed Rocks. However, Rocks created a Haki shield so strong it effortlessly neutralized all their strikes, leaving him unscathed. This Haki shield is a completely new defensive ability never before seen from any Haki user in One Piece.
To break through this Haki barrier, Roger and Garp had to take a huge risk: combining their Haki into a final attack. If they failed, both would have died. Their combined Haki was powerful enough to pierce Rocks’ defense and ultimately defeat him.
Clearly, this new Haki ability will play a crucial role in the final chapters of One Piece.
Luffy Must Master the Haki Shield
This Haki shield introduced by Rocks D. Xebec is an incredibly powerful ability, and Rocks isn’t the only one who can use it. Top figures like Imu and Shanks may also possess it. This means Luffy, the series’ protagonist, has new Haki skills he needs to learn and master.
Luffy must upgrade his Conqueror’s Haki at all costs, and to do so, he needs to grow stronger. As his power increases, his Haki will develop these advanced traits.
Right now, Luffy needs to master two main Haki powers to prepare for the final battle. First, he must develop advanced Haki to counter immortality abilities and learn to wield powerful Haki-infused attacks, similar to how Rocks and Roger used it with their swords. Second, he needs to master the Haki shield, granting him absolute defense necessary to face opponents like Imu.