One Piece Headcanon: Reworking Haki
I will say that I am among people who feel that ever since Haki was formally introduced, it greatly diminished a lot of what made the fights in One Piece unique. Haki quickly became the answer against everything (sorta like Usopp's Pop Greens, but I'm not gonna get into that here).
Now, that isn't to say that Haki isn't or shouldn't be relevant. It was Oda's answer to being able to fight Logia users.
I think what I would do is just omit Advanced Haki all together, because it kinda feeds into the whole 'Haki solves everything'. Also, Haki would not nullify nor negate DF powers.
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So, let's get into the three types of Haki and their fundamental traits and my changes.
Observation Haki -- Enhanced Senses
There's...not really much to change here. Actually. Just that having Observation gives you enhanced senses. As for Katakuri's Future Sight...just let it be a rare trait. It's basically ESP.
Armament Haki -- Enhanced Physical Offense and Defense
The most utilized of the three, I believe, and the worst offender of the problems with Haki. Armament helps to make someone more durable as well as able to hit harder than the average person. This is also how you can attack Logia users, plus cause significant damage to whatever you can't damage as a normal person. However, no one is necessarily immune to feeling the effects. Able to punch Kuzan? Your hand still gets covered in ice, but at least you were able to land a hit.
Conqueror's Haki -- Will of a King
Honestly...this is the only example of advanced Haki in general. I know what I said before but, hear me out. The reason I say this is because Haki...well, let's remember what Haki is. Or rather, what Haki means. It means ambition, aspiration, drive, vigor, domineering spirit, will... This is the very foundation of Haki. In this context, everyone in the cast can very well have Haki, so as long as they have the drive. They have their ambition. And, I can see characters like Nami and Usopp, who believe in Luffy so much, exuding their will against a foe as a show of determination. (Think Reiatsu or Spiritual Pressure from Bleach) What makes people with Conqueror's Haki different is the will to rule/conqueror. The will to be a reckoning force. Willing to shake the world.
Again, I'm not focusing on the powerscaling here. Power is not dynamic. In fact, the will of the user is integral to how effective the Haki is.
Also...I've heard of the whole rock-paper-scissors thing and I sorta want to apply it here.
Important Note: This isn't the end all be all. Sure, there could still be resistance/effectiveness, but it will depend on the person. Usopp may have an affinity for Observation, but it does little for him against Zoro's Armament.
Observation Beats Armament (thanks to prediction and avoidance)
Armament Beats Conqueror's (through grounding endurance against a powerful will)
Conqueror's Beats Observation (overwhelming senses)
Edited -- I forgot to add limitations:
So, I will be using the Superpower Wiki for this:
Observation -- Enhanced Senses -- Cognitive overload (sort of like what happened to Koby in Marineford), Environmental Noises
Armament -- Enhanced Body -- Energy depletion. Some major fatigue could factor in, especially during an ongoing battle. Also, they are not invincible. And, I can see that there is a limit to how long a person can use Armament. After all, I think with Luffy, he can't use Haki for a while after using Gear 4.
Conqueror's -- Will of a King -- Equal-Will Backfire, Emotional Fragility, and Collateral Friendly-Fire
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Haki Affinity
I'm only using the Straw Hats as an example here. As I've said before, everyone in this crew has Haki (with access to both Armament and Observation post-timeskip) because they have grand ambitions.
During pre-timeskip, everyone sort of have nascent versions of their form of Haki (Zoro and the Breath of All Things/Asura ability and...maybe Nami and her capability to sense weather patterns). It wouldn't be until their timeskip training is when they actually hone their Haki skills.
However, affinity for a specific form of Haki is still at play here, depending on profession and preferred fighting style.
Observation
Besides Usopp and Sanji, let's have Nami, Chopper, and Jinbe have it too. Where Sanji and Jinbei, I think, is the most basic, Usopp, Nami, and Chopper's Observations are more developed to suit their professions.
Armament
Besides Zoro, I wanna give Robin Armament because of the vulnerability of her Hana-Hana limbs, Franky, and Brook (to protect his bones). I think it is confirmed that Jinbe has Armament and I honestly think he can just have an affinity for both.
Conqueror's
I'm totally fine with just Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji having Conqueror's...but I will include Vivi because she is a princess. Luffy, of course, has greater Conqueror's since he is the captain.
I'll probably make a tier list of who has the better Armament and Observation overall...is this still considered powerscaling??? Well, I think the affinities help on the matter that not everyone has a well rounded power set. Like, sure. Zoro has better Armament than Usopp, but Usopp has better Observation.
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The Colors of the Will
With names like the 'Color of Observation' or 'Color of Armament'...you'd think there would be more color.
...but it's mostly black...and that's a little bit disappointing.
Granted, Haki is supposed to be invisible, although, I'm sure with the use of Observation, a user can see the 'color' of someone's Haki.
I find it funny how some people (mainly thinking about Tekking101; I think he's the only one I've come across who said this) refer to this blackening as vulcanization, which is a range of processes of hardening rubber and...well--
And, if I'm being for real, I would not mind if Luffy was the only person where you can actually see his Armament Haki because of him being made of rubber XD. Like...think about it for a minute. Look at all of his Gear 4 techniques...and remove the black coating because Armament is supposed to be invisible XD.














