This article contains spoilers from One Piece's Final Saga.
Haki and Devil Fruits are two of the most important powers that exist in the One Piece world. Fans saw the first Devil Fruit being introduced in the very first chapter, and this power system has since been the primary one in the story. Over the years, Oda has introduced countless Devil Fruits, and he continues to introduce new ones to this day.
Meanwhile, Haki was properly introduced to the fans around the midpoint of the One Piece series, and it would be disingenuous to say that it isn't just as important as Devil Fruits. In fact, in some ways, Haki is even more important than Devil Fruits in the new world, because it is a spiritual form of energy that allows one to counter a multitude of powers, such as those of the Devil Fruit and, of course, even more strange abilities like immortality.
One Piece: Oda Has Introduced Another Power That Rivals Haki
A new power is revealed in One Piece. This power could rival haki.
While it goes without saying that both Haki and Devil Fruit are important in their own ways, the fact is that only one can be stronger. Oda has highlighted it time and again that, in this particular aspect, Devil Fruits are far superior to Haki. One Piece chapter 1171, which dropped recently, went on to confirm this once again.
Haki and Devil Fruits Are One Piece's Two Most Important Powers
- Haki Is A Spiritual Energy
- Devil Fruits Are Mystical Powers
Devil Fruits were introduced in the very first chapter of One Piece when Luffy ate what he believed to be the Gomu Gomu no Mi. Devil Fruits were then explained more as One Piece continued, and fans found out that they can be classified into three types. The first type, which is also the simplest to understand is the Zoan ones. Simply put, the Zoan Devil Fruits allow one to transform into an animal or a human-animal hybrid as well. All forms of all creatures that exist in the animal kingdom actually belong to the Zoan class of the One Piece world.
Then there are the Logia, which are also the strongest of all Devil Fruits. The Logia class allows one to transform into an element or a force of nature, and that is precisely why they are as overpowered as they are. Logia also grant a certain level of intangibility, which is nearly impossible for most to counter.
Every other form of Devil Fruit that exists, such as the power to produce something, falls into a miscellaneous category that Oda labels as Paramecia. Most One Piece Devil Fruits fall in this category, and it is also the most versatile of all.
On the other hand, Haki is a very unique spiritual power that exists in the One Piece world. As explained by Rayleigh, Haki is a power that exists in everyone, but only a handful manage to awaken it. There are three types of Haki in the world of One Piece, but for the vast majority, only two types exist. These two types are:
- The Color of Arms
- The Color of Observation
Haki is a power that is dormant in everyone everywhere. The ability to sense spiritual energy and overwhelm enemies is something everyone has to some degree. But most people never discover it. — Silvers Rayleigh
Simply put, The Color of Observation allows the user to use a sixth sense that increases their awareness to sky-high levels. A user of Observation Haki can sense the threat from incoming attacks, gauge power levels, even read personalities, and be hyper-aware at all times. The Color of Arms, on the other hand, is rather different. It makes use of spiritual energy and manifests it as armor for both offensive and defensive purposes. Any user of Armament Haki can bypass any protection offered by a Devil Fruit, and that is why it is key against the power of Devil Fruit users.
One Piece: Oda Has Already Hinted At A New Power System After Devil Fruits And Haki
There is one more secret power system in One Piece that could be on par with Haki and Devil Fruits.
There also exists a third form of Haki in the world of One Piece, and that is the Color of the Supreme King or Conqueror's Haki. This Haki is only present in one in a million people and those with kingly ambition. Conqueror's Haki allows one to utilize the power to overwhelm others in different ways.
Those with kingly ambition can manifest this form of Haki, and its potency in terms of attack and defense is even greater than Armament Haki. That is precisely why this Haki type is incredibly dangerous and quite easily the strongest to fall.
The Newest Devil Fruit Is Far More Broken Than Haki
- Loki's Devil Fruit Could Kill King Harald
Most fans believe that the Color of the Supreme King is the most overpowered ability in One Piece. To an extent, that is true. After all, Haki is the only power that can counter the immortality of the Holy Knights, and of course, when combined with Armament Haki, it can allow one to bypass Devil Fruit abilities as well. However, when it comes to more overpowered abilities, it is undeniable that Devil Fruits reign supreme in this department. In One Piece chapter 1171, Oda confirmed that Devil Fruit power can do what even Haki can't, through the battle of King Harald and Loki.
When the battle against King Harald began in Aurust Castle 14 years ago, three powerful Supreme King Haki users were present. Gaban could use this Haki at a very high level, and Shanks and Loki could also utilize it quite easily. However, despite their high-level Haki usage, none of them could actually go on to put a stop to King Harald. This was quite surprising for the fans to see, and it was only after Loki ate the legendary devil fruit of Elbaf that he was able to stop Harald.
Loki's Powers Can Do What Even Supreme King Haki Can't
In Chapter 1171, Scopper Gaban clearly stated that no matter what he did and how much Haki he utilized, Harald kept regenerating. The picture that he painted in his mind was the end of the world because Harald was simply that strong. However, it was Loki who ended up stopping King Harald in his tracks. To be specific, Gaban clearly implied that Loki was able to stop Harald because of a particular element of power attached to his Devil Fruit. In other words, the Devil Fruit that Loki has might have the ability to counter the immortality and regeneration of someone as strong as Harald. Of course, this Devil Fruit is a Mythical Zoan in nature, so this could be a mythical ability attached to the creature itself. In either case, it goes to show that Devil Fruits can still be far more overpowered than Haki in certain instances.
This strength, it's rippling through him. It's almost frightening. And now, he's immortal. It chills the spine. He's more than a monster. At this point, he's a weapon. — The Five Elders on King Harald, One Piece Chapter 1168
Similarly, there exists Luffy's Nika fruit that grants him the ability to do just about anything as long as he can imagine it. This is a broken ability that Haki cannot match up to, no matter what. Similarly, Imu has the power to turn others into demonic slaves, and once again, even someone with Haki as strong as Rocks D. Xebec could not counter this power. Even if he could, Imu can essentially create an army of slaves and defeat someone with even stronger Haki. This broken aspect of Devil Fruit abilities will always be greater than that of Haki. There are many other abilities that likely exist in the One Piece world that are way too broken.
Haki Is More Versatile Than Devil Fruits
Of course, while Devil Fruits can be more overpowered, Haki is still more balanced and versatile. After all, one can reach the top of the One Piece world with Haki alone, but doing so with a Devil Fruit is impossible. Haki and Devil Fruit are both important in their own ways, but Haki is more versatile and more reliable overall. Devil Fruits can still be more overpowered, as has recently been confirmed in One Piece, but Haki is still king.
Eiichiro Oda's One Piece focuses on the journey of Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates as they sail the seas to lay claim to the grand treasure known as the One Piece. The manga is currently in its Final Saga. One Piece will be featured in this week's Weekly Shonen Jump Issue. The official release date of One Piece Chapter 1172 is February 1, 2026. In Japan, One Piece drops at 12AM JST on Monday, which is 11:00 AM EST, or 8:00 AM PT. Fans can read the chapter for free on Manga Plus and the Shonen Jump apps. Doing so will ensure that fans always support the author.