In the vast world of One Piece, few abilities command as much respect and fear as Conqueror’s Haki—the rarest form of Haki that manifests in only one in a million people. This incredible power allows users to impose their willpower upon others, knocking out those with weaker spirits while enhancing both offensive and defensive capabilities in its advanced form. As the Straw Hat Pirates continue their journey toward becoming the strongest crew on the seas, fans have long speculated which members might join Luffy and Zoro in wielding this extraordinary ability. Today, we’ll rank every Straw Hat’s potential to awaken Conqueror’s Haki, examining their ambitions, character development, and narrative foreshadowing that might hint at their future power evolution.
Understanding Conqueror’s Haki: The King’s Ambition
Before diving into our rankings, it’s essential to understand what makes Conqueror’s Haki so special. Unlike Observation and Armament Haki, which can be learned and trained through practice, Conqueror’s Haki cannot be acquired through conventional means. It’s an innate ability that awakens only in those with the highest ambitions and strongest willpower—individuals destined to stand at the pinnacle of their chosen paths.
Conqueror’s Haki manifests in two primary forms: the basic version that can knock out weaker-willed individuals, and the advanced form that can be infused into attacks for devastating power boosts. We’ve seen this advanced form wielded by legends like Roger, Whitebeard, and more recently by Luffy in his battle against Kaido. The ability to use advanced Conqueror’s Haki is what separates the true elites from mere powerful warriors in the New World.
For the Straw Hat Pirates, who now stand as a Yonko crew, having multiple Conqueror’s Haki users isn’t just beneficial—it’s becoming necessary for survival in the Final Saga. With the World Government’s ultimate forces looming on the horizon, let’s examine which Straw Hats might rise to this challenge.
9. Tony Tony Chopper: The Doctor with No Conqueror’s Ambition
Why Chopper Has Zero Potential
Let’s address this upfront: Tony Tony Chopper has absolutely no chance of ever awakening Conqueror’s Haki. While Chopper is undoubtedly one of the most valuable members of the Straw Hat crew as their doctor, his character arc and ambitions simply don’t align with the requirements for Conqueror’s Haki.
Chopper’s primary motivation has always been to become a great doctor who can cure any disease—a noble and important goal, but not the type of world-shaking ambition that typically awakens Conqueror’s Haki. His strength comes from his Devil Fruit and medical knowledge, not from overwhelming willpower or desire to dominate others.
Character Analysis and Role
Chopper’s character is defined by his compassion, medical expertise, and desire to help others rather than conquer or rule. Even in his most powerful forms, Chopper relies on external power sources (Rumble Balls) rather than innate Haki abilities. His journey has been about overcoming fear and finding confidence, not about imposing his will upon others.
Additionally, Chopper’s role in the crew is primarily supportive rather than combative leadership. While he can certainly hold his own in battle, his greatest contributions come from his medical skills and emotional support—qualities that don’t require Conqueror’s Haki to be effective.
8. Franky: The Shipwright with Practical Ambitions
Franky’s Limited Potential
Franky, the Straw Hat’s brilliant shipwright, falls into the category of extremely unlikely candidates for Conqueror’s Haki. While he possesses tremendous willpower and leadership qualities, his ambitions are more focused on creation and innovation rather than conquest or domination.
Franky’s dream of building and sailing the greatest ship in the world (the Thousand Sunny) is admirable, but it doesn’t carry the same world-altering weight that typically awakens Conqueror’s Haki. His strength comes from his cyborg modifications, engineering genius, and indomitable spirit—not from innate Haki abilities.
The Practical Hero
Franky’s character has always been about practical solutions and tangible results. Even his most emotional moments, like protecting his family or defending his friends, manifest through physical action rather than spiritual willpower. While he certainly has the determination and protective instincts that could theoretically align with Conqueror’s Haki, his character arc has never suggested this type of spiritual evolution.
Moreover, Franky’s combat style relies heavily on his technological enhancements and brute force. Adding Conqueror’s Haki to his arsenal would feel unnecessary and potentially out of character for someone who solves problems through engineering and physical power rather than spiritual dominance.
7. Brook: The Soul King with Focused Ambitions
Brook’s Musical Journey
Brook, the Straw Hat’s skeleton musician and swordsman, presents an interesting case. As the oldest member of the crew with a tragic past and unique connection to the soul world through his Yomi Yomi no Mi powers, Brook certainly possesses depth and life experience. However, his ambitions remain relatively focused on personal goals rather than world-changing conquest.
Brook’s primary drive has been to fulfill his promise to Laboon—to circumnavigate the globe and reunite with his whale friend. While this is certainly a noble and emotionally powerful motivation, it doesn’t quite reach the level of ambition typically associated with Conqueror’s Haki users.
The Gentleman Swordsman
Brook’s character embodies refinement, music, and the soulful aspects of life rather than the aggressive dominance that characterizes most Conqueror’s Haki users. Even in battle, Brook relies on his unique soul-based abilities and swordsmanship rather than overwhelming willpower or intimidation tactics.
That said, Brook does possess qualities that could theoretically align with Conqueror’s Haki—his leadership as the former captain of the Rumbar Pirates, his ability to face death itself without fear, and his determination to keep his promises. However, these traits have always manifested through his existing abilities rather than suggesting untapped Haki potential.
6. Jinbe: The Knight of the Sea with Royal Qualities
Jinbe’s Compelling Case
Jinbe, the Straw Hat’s helmsman and former Shichibukai, presents a much stronger case for potential Conqueror’s Haki, though it remains unlikely. As a legendary figure known as the “Knight of the Sea,” Jinbe possesses tremendous willpower, leadership qualities, and a history of standing up against overwhelming odds.
What makes Jinbe an interesting candidate is his royal bloodline as a former prince of Fish-Man Island and his role in carrying the hopes and dreams of both Queen Otohime and Fisher Tiger. His ambition to bridge the gap between humans and fish-men is certainly world-changing in scope and could theoretically align with Conqueror’s Haki requirements.
The Reluctant Leader
Jinbe’s character embodies many qualities associated with Conqueror’s Haki users—strength of conviction, leadership ability, and the respect of others. However, his personality tends toward diplomacy and service rather than the aggressive dominance typically displayed by Conqueror’s Haki users.
While Jinbe certainly possesses the willpower and ambition necessary for Conqueror’s Haki, his character has always been more about protection and service than conquest. His strength comes from his mastery of Fish-Man Karate and Fish-Man Jujutsu, along with his strategic mind and experience. Adding Conqueror’s Haki to his arsenal wouldn’t feel out of place narratively, but there’s little foreshadowing suggesting this development.
5. Nico Robin: The Archaeologist with World-Changing Dreams
Robin’s Hidden Potential
Nico Robin represents one of the most compelling cases for potential Conqueror’s Haki among the Straw Hats. As the sole survivor of Ohara and the only person capable of reading the Poneglyphs, Robin carries ambitions that could literally change the world—uncovering the True History and fulfilling the will of Olga.
Robin’s dream to find the Rio Poneglyph and reveal the world’s hidden history is exactly the type of world-altering ambition that typically awakens Conqueror’s Haki. Her willpower has been proven time and again through her survival against impossible odds, her resistance to torture, and her determination to protect the secrets she carries.
The Quiet Conqueror
What makes Robin an interesting candidate is her quiet but unshakeable resolve. Unlike more boisterous characters, Robin’s strength manifests through her intelligence, perseverance, and the weight of responsibility she carries. Her ability to intimidate others through her knowledge and presence rather than overt displays of power aligns well with the subtle nature of basic Conqueror’s Haki.
Additionally, Robin’s role as a former executive officer of Baroque Works and her current position as the Straw Hat’s archaeologist suggest leadership qualities and the ability to command respect—both key traits of Conqueror’s Haki users. While she hasn’t shown any direct signs of awakening this ability, her character arc and ambitions certainly make it plausible.
4. Nami: The Navigator Who Showed Signs in Wano
The Wano Incident That Changed Everything
Nami’s potential for Conqueror’s Haki gained significant traction during the Wano arc, where she displayed an ability that many fans interpreted as a primitive form of this rare power. When confronted with a situation that threatened her friends, Nami’s rage manifested as an intimidating aura that affected those around her—similar to how basic Conqueror’s Haki works.
While this moment could be dismissed as a comedic gag, the timing and context suggest it might be more significant. Nami has always been protective of her friends, but the Wano incident showed a level of spiritual pressure that went beyond her usual emotional outbursts.
The Cat Burglar’s Growing Ambition
Nami’s evolution from a thief focused solely on acquiring wealth to a true navigator who dreams of mapping the entire world shows significant character growth. Her ambition to create the perfect map of the world is unique and ambitious in its own right, even if it doesn’t immediately suggest the type of dominance associated with Conqueror’s Haki.
What makes Nami an interesting candidate is her combination of growing ambition, protective instincts, and the respect she commands as the crew’s navigator. While she’s primarily known for her intelligence and weather-manipulation abilities, the Wano incident suggests there might be untapped potential for Conqueror’s Haki lying dormant within her.
3. Usopp: The Brave Warrior of the Sea with Foreshadowed Destiny
The Lies That Keep Coming True
Usopp presents perhaps the most compelling and well-supported case for awakening Conqueror’s Haki among the Straw Hats who haven’t yet shown this ability. The evidence is both thematic and narrative, with multiple instances of foreshadowing throughout the series.
Usopp’s famous lies have a peculiar habit of becoming reality—from claiming to have 8,000 followers to declaring he would become a brave warrior of the sea. Most significantly, he has repeatedly claimed to possess Conqueror’s Haki, and given Oda’s pattern of making Usopp’s “lies” come true, this seems like deliberate foreshadowing.
The Willpower to Overcome Fear
Conqueror’s Haki is fundamentally about willpower, and few characters in One Piece have demonstrated more growth in this area than Usopp. His journey from a coward who runs from every fight to someone who stands against overwhelming odds (like challenging Enel or fighting Luffy over the Going Merry) shows tremendous spiritual development.
Additional evidence includes:
- Characters affected by Usopp’s defeats sometimes foam at the mouth, similar to victims of Conqueror’s Haki
- His ability to influence Luffy (a known Conqueror’s Haki user) suggests strong willpower
- His role as a “God” during the Dressrosa arc and the fear he inspired in enemies
- The narrative pattern of his lies becoming reality
Usopp awakening Conqueror’s Haki would be the perfect culmination of his character arc—transforming from a liar who pretends to be powerful to someone who actually possesses the king’s spirit.
2. Sanji: The Prince with Royal Blood and Burning Ambition
The Royal Lineage That Cannot Be Ignored
Sanji stands as the most likely candidate among the Straw Hats to awaken Conqueror’s Haki, with multiple compelling reasons supporting this development. As a prince of the Vinsmoke family—rulers of the North Blue for generations—Sanji literally has the blood of conquerors flowing through his veins.
The Vinsmoke family’s history as rulers and conquerors provides a direct genetic link to the type of ambition typically associated with Conqueror’s Haki. Even though Sanji rejects his family’s cruelty, he cannot escape his royal heritage, which often manifests in his natural leadership abilities and commanding presence.
The All Blue: A Dream Comparable to Finding One Piece
Sanji’s dream of finding the All Blue is often underestimated in terms of its scope and ambition. The All Blue represents the ultimate culinary achievement—a sea containing fish from all four blues, something that would revolutionize the world of cuisine and bring people together. This dream is comparable in scope to Luffy’s goal of finding One Piece and could certainly fuel the type of ambition needed for Conqueror’s Haki.
Recent developments in the Elbaf arc have further strengthened the case for Sanji awakening Conqueror’s Haki. With the revelation that Conqueror’s Haki is needed to fight immortals and the Holy Knights, and Sanji’s parallel role to Scopper Gaban in the Straw Hat crew, the narrative groundwork is clearly being laid for this power-up.
Leadership and Protective Instincts
Sanji has repeatedly demonstrated leadership qualities and the ability to inspire respect from others. His role as the crew’s protector, especially when it comes to defending women and his crewmates, shows the type of willpower that could awaken Conqueror’s Haki. His recent displays of power, including his Ifrit Jambe technique, suggest he’s reaching new levels of strength that could naturally include Haki advancement.
1. Yamato: The Oni Princess with Conqueror’s Destiny
The Already Confirmed Conqueror
While technically not yet an official member of the Straw Hat crew, Yamato deserves mention as the most likely candidate to join the Conqueror’s Haki club among those affiliated with the Straw Hats. Yamato has already displayed the ability to use Conqueror’s Haki, as confirmed during the Wano arc when she intimidated Beast Pirates members with her spiritual pressure.
Yamato’s lineage as Kaido’s child and her determination to carry on Oden’s will make her a natural fit for Conqueror’s Haki. Her ambition to become Wano’s protector and carry on Oden’s legacy is exactly the type of world-changing dream that awakens this rare ability.
The Straw Hat Connection
With Yamato’s strong desire to join the Straw Hat crew and her already demonstrated Conqueror’s Haki abilities, she represents the most certain future addition to the Straw Hat’s Conqueror’s Haki users. Her character arc, powers, and narrative role all align perfectly with the requirements for this ability, making her inclusion in this ranking essential despite her current unofficial status.
Conclusion: The Future of Conqueror’s Haki in the Straw Hat Crew
As the Straw Hat Pirates enter the Final Saga of One Piece, the need for multiple Conqueror’s Haki users becomes increasingly apparent. With enemies like the World Government’s Holy Knights and potentially Imu himself looming on the horizon, Luffy and Zoro cannot bear this burden alone.
Our ranking reveals a fascinating spectrum of potential among the crew members, from the impossible (Chopper) to the inevitable (Sanji, and potentially Yamato). The most compelling candidates—Usopp, Sanji, and Robin—all share world-changing ambitions and the narrative foreshadowing necessary for such significant power development.
What makes this ranking particularly interesting is how it reflects Oda’s masterful character development. Each Straw Hat’s potential for Conqueror’s Haki aligns perfectly with their individual character arcs and dreams, suggesting that any future awakenings will feel earned and meaningful rather than arbitrary power-ups.
As we move forward into the Elbaf arc and beyond, keep an eye on these characters—especially Sanji, who seems poised for a major power-up, and Usopp, whose entire character arc has been building toward this moment. The awakening of Conqueror’s Haki among additional Straw Hats wouldn’t just make the crew stronger; it would represent the culmination of years of character development and the realization of their deepest ambitions.
In the end, Conqueror’s Haki isn’t just about power—it’s about the strength of one’s will and the scope of one’s dreams. For the Straw Hat Pirates, each member carries a dream that could change the world, and it’s this very quality that makes them all, in their own ways, potential kings.