Explained: Shanks as the Youngest User of Conqueror’s Coating in One Piece

Note: This article contains spoilers from the Elbaf arc of One Piece.

Article Overview

Shanks’ Mastery: Discovered as the youngest Conqueror’s Haki Infusion user, achieving this expertise before turning 15.
Conqueror’s Haki Explained: This powerful Haki allows users to intimidate opponents, induce unconsciousness, and envelop themselves in this formidable energy.
Technique Acquisition: Shanks independently mastered the Divine Departure (Kamusari) technique, learning it solely by observing Roger without any formal guidance.

Within the vast universe of One Piece, Eiichiro Oda presents numerous pathways through which characters can garner strength, with one of the most formidable being the mastery of Haki. Practically everyone possesses a basic form of Haki, but it’s the rare Conqueror’s Haki that truly distinguishes the few who possess it from the rest. This powerful ability is typically reserved for individuals born with extraordinary potential—estimates suggest that merely one in a million individuals may inherit this capability.

From the outset, Shanks emerged as a prodigious figure within the realm of Haki users, often considered one of the preeminent masters of Conqueror’s Haki in the entire series. Uniquely, he also holds the distinction of being the youngest user of Conqueror’s Haki Infusion, making his accomplishments even more noteworthy. While Oda has been somewhat reticent in revealing the specifics of Shanks’s unique skills, small insights shared during his Q&A sessions provide tantalizing hints.

Understanding Conqueror’s Haki and Its Advanced Application

Intimidation Factor: The ability to instill fear.
Limited Mastery: Only a few exceptionally strong individuals can utilize Conqueror’s Haki in its advanced state.

The awe-inspiring capabilities of Conqueror’s Haki were introduced early in the series, notably when Shanks saved Luffy through its use. Initially, the nature of this power was shrouded in mystery until it was later clarified during Luffy’s training under Silvers Rayleigh, the Dark King. It was during these crucial episodes that fans began to grasp the true depth of Haki, particularly Conqueror’s Haki, which Rayleigh described as an extraordinary ability gifted only to a select few individuals.

As Rayleigh aptly stated,

“To never doubt yourself, that is true power!”

Holders of Conqueror’s Haki often embody regal qualities and can exert an overwhelming pressure, allowing them to dominate weaker opponents without any physical confrontation. In cases where the difference in willpower among the contenders is stark, the victor can incapacitate the rival without additional effort. This power extends beyond mere intimidation; it can also be harnessed to tame fierce creatures, as Luffy’s experiences testify on numerous occasions.

However, the basic applications of Conqueror’s Haki merely skim the surface of its potential. Those who delve deeper may discover the advanced aspect known as Conqueror’s Haki Infusion. This technique empowers users to envelop themselves in Haki, significantly amplifying both their offensive and defensive capabilities, thus allowing them to stand toe-to-toe with the mightiest foes in the One Piece realm. It is noteworthy that while many characters possess Conqueror’s Haki, not all have mastered its infusion. Luffy, for instance, recently unlocked this ability during a fierce showdown with Kaido, where he realized its mechanics after experiencing the technique firsthand. His proficiency has subsequently improved; however, he still falls short when compared to Shanks’ extraordinary prowess.

Shanks: The Youngest Conqueror’s Haki Infusion User

Mastery Before Age 15

Shanks stands out as one of the premier Haki users in the One Piece narrative, his prowess widely acknowledged as amongst the strongest throughout the entire history of the series. His status was long established before he even demonstrated advanced Haki abilities, drawing accolades from titans like Whitebeard, who recognized Shanks’ spectacular strength at the time.

Shanks’ formidable power transcended even the expectations of the fans during the Wano Country arc, where he unleashed a surge of Conqueror’s Haki that rendered Admiral Ryokugyu immobilized and inflicted real pain upon him. This showcased the staggering scale of his Haki abilities, further confirmed by comments from Jinbe and other Straw Hats acknowledging his incredible capabilities, albeit likely restrained.

Recently, in Egghead, Shanks showcased his groundbreaking technique, Kamusari, against formidable foes Kid and Killer, both of whom share a combined bounty near 4 billion berries. In employing this advanced technique, Shanks exemplified his mastery of Conqueror’s Haki Infusion. What’s even more astounding is Oda’s revelation that not only is Shanks’ Haki on an unparalleled level, but he also refined the supreme technique of Divine Departure before he even turned 15.

According to Oda,

“Shanks was such a genius that Roger’s crew was amazed he learned Divine Departure on his own, a feat no other member could replicate.”

The Divine Departure, or Kamusari, represents an advanced technique encompassing the ability to coat weapons with Conqueror’s Haki and deliver a devastating blow akin to a shockwave, fueled by pure Haki energy. Originally, this technique belonged to Roger, yet Shanks’ keen observational skills and innate talent enabled him to master this skill without any formal instruction.

Shanks’ journey underscores his extraordinary achievement as the youngest user of Conqueror’s Haki Infusion, a capability he likely honed before he even turned 14, coinciding with the disbandment of the Roger Pirates. By the age of 13, it’s likely he had already begun to wield this remarkable power, solidifying his status as a uniquely formidable presence in the One Piece universe. The Red-Haired Emperor remains an incredibly powerful figure, arguably the strongest player in the ongoing narrative, especially now that One Piece is entering its climactic arc where his significance grows ever more pivotal.

For avid readers, One Piece is accessible through Viz Media. Fans can also enjoy the series for free via the Shonen Jump and Manga Plus applications. The upcoming chapter, One Piece 1141, is scheduled for release on March 2, 2025.

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