Note: Spoilers from the Elbaf arc of One Piece are included in this article.
Key Highlights
- Joy Boy is recognized as having the most potent Haki ever featured in One Piece, showcasing incredible capabilities.
- Oda has confirmed that Shanks surpasses Joy Boy as the strongest Haki user currently alive.
- Shanks’ Haki is unparalleled, proven by his ability to incapacitate Marine Vice Admirals with mere presence.
The Elbaf arc in One Piece promises to showcase some immensely formidable characters, along with those long-established in earlier narratives. Among them, Shanks, one of the revered Four Emperors of the Sea, stands out as a character audiences are particularly eager to see explored further.
Despite his limited appearances thus far, Oda tantalizingly hints at Shanks playing a critical role in the Final Saga, stirring excitement among fans. Renowned for his extraordinary Haki prowess, Shanks has officially been deemed the strongest Haki practitioner of the current era, a fact that heightens the anticipation surrounding his character.
An Insight into Joy Boy’s Haki
- Joy Boy’s brief appearance in Egghead
- A display of Joy Boy’s awe-inspiring Haki
In a landscape filled with powerful Haki users, Oda has meticulously selected a few to exhibit unparalleled Haki strength, with Joy Boy being a key figure. Fans caught a glimpse of Joy Boy during the conclusion of the Egghead arc. As the Straw Hat Pirates found themselves in peril, Emet unleashed an astounding burst of Haki, which linked back to Joy Boy through a momentary flashback. It became evident that Joy Boy had protected Emet, preserving his powerful Haki through a unique sealing mechanism.
When this sealing was eventually activated, the aftermath was unprecedented: the sky was split, Marine Vice Admirals were rendered unconscious, and even the formidable Elders were incapacitated. The sheer magnitude of this Haki was a shocking revelation, demonstrating why Joy Boy’s legacy continues to instill fear among the 20 Kings who once faced him.
“Listen, Emet! I’ll store my strongest Haki in you. Use it only when the time is right.” – Joy Boy
Furthermore, it is essential to note that Joy Boy was not merely a historical figure; he was the first pirate to inherit the powers of the Nika fruit, which likely contributed to his extraordinary Haki capabilities. However, the heartbreaking twist in this tale is that while Joy Boy’s strongest abilities have been showcased, fans will never witness him wielding this power again, as both he and Emet have passed.
While Oda may choose to delve deeper into Joy Boy’s past through flashbacks, the pinnacle has already been set. Future Haki users will have a daunting benchmark to meet, as Joy Boy’s Haki remains unparalleled thus far.
Comparing Shanks and Joy Boy
Giants’ Right Dilemma
As we progress into this new era of One Piece, fans are eager to witness encounters between characters wielding formidable Haki. Shanks, however, is poised to emerge as the strongest among them. This revelation shouldn’t surprise anyone, as Shanks’ mastery of Haki stands unparalleled, a fact highlighted in his decisive victory against Kid’s crew with a single swing of his Conqueror’s Haki-infused sword.
Moreover, Oda has drawn direct comparisons between Shanks and Joy Boy, especially following the significant Haki display in the Egghead arc. The Giants, Dorry and Brogy, found themselves pondering whether Shanks’ Haki could rival that of Joy Boy, leaving the question unanswered but implying a recognition of Shanks’ superiority.
“So this is the Haki of Red Hair Shanks? Even the Vice Admirals couldn’t maintain consciousness!” – Kizaru
Hints regarding Shanks’ formidable Haki capabilities were also dropped in the film One Piece Film: Red, where it was revealed that Shanks possesses the ability to overwhelm his opponents’ Observation Haki. His power was demonstrated strikingly as he unleashed a potent blast of Haki that overwhelmed Marine Vice Admirals, echoing Joy Boy’s earlier displays. The likes of Kizaru and Fujitora found themselves disconcerted and opted for caution in the face of Shanks’ force.
Shanks’ Unprecedented Power
Unmatched Might of Shanks
Currently, Shanks has cemented his position as the most formidable pirate in the One Piece universe. Despite Kaido previously holding the title, it is evident that Shanks’ latent power has only recently come to the forefront during the Final Saga. Had he been more aggressively pursuing the One Piece, he would likely have outstripped Kaido and Big Mom in their quest for glory.
Shanks’ Haki presents a gargantuan threat, with few in the realm of One Piece able to match his might. While it is anticipated that Luffy will eventually rise to contend with Shanks, surpassing him in Haki, the upcoming arcs will reveal significant developments in Luffy’s abilities. As Shanks and Luffy inevitably clash, fans can expect a showdown that might redefine the power dynamics within the series.
For readers eager for updates, One Piece is accessible through Viz Media, and fans can enjoy the latest chapters for free on the Shonen Jump and Manga Plus platforms. The release for One Piece Chapter 1136 is scheduled for January 19, 2025.
Leave a Reply