Mihawk and Shanks, two of the best Observation Haki users in One Piece
Photo Credit: Toei Animation

One Piece: Best Observation Haki Users: Mihawk, Shanks & More

The Observation Haki or Kenbunshoku Haki is the form of Haki that allows its wielders the power of the sixth sense. With this sixth sense, they can gauge the presence, strength, and emotions of others. While Blackbeard was the first Observation Haki user in One Piece, it currently has many wielders in the series.

We have listed down five of the best Observation or Kenbunshoku Haki users in the One Piece universe

Mihawk

Dracule Mihawk, famous as the strongest swordsman in the world, is easily one of the best wielders of Kenbunshoku Haki. He is a globally famous pirate who co-founded the Cross Guild. Previously, he was also one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea. 

Mihawk displays amazing precision using his “Hawk Eyes” and has a great mastery over Haki. So much so that he also was an extraordinary teacher and instructor for Zoro. His exceptional power of sight, paired with the Observation Haki, grants him the ability to follow swift, unnoticeable movements. Moreover, he uses this skill to effortlessly track his enemies, giving him an edge over them. 

Fujitora

Admiral Fujitora joined the Marines after Kuzan resigned and Sakazuki was promoted. He joined it through a World Military Draft and emerged as one of the most capable characters in the story. He advocates “Humane Justice” and is determined to eliminate the system of the Seven Warlords of the Sea. 

Although he is blind, he excels in Observation Haki. Not only can he expect when the enemy will attack, but he can also find his way through the battles quite easily. Hence, he is a unique character with a unique ability to perceive sentient things as images in the eye of his mind. Moreover, he can gauge other people’s thoughts and feelings. Naturally, he is considered one of the best Observation Haki users in the series. 

Shanks

Shanks, aka Red Hair, is the leader of the Red Hair Pirates. He is placed amongst one of the Four Emperors that rule the New World, and hence, is one of the most dreadful characters in One Piece. He set foot in the pirate world with the Roger Pirates ever since he was born. But, once Roger passed away, he teamed up with Buggy to form his own crew.

He excels at all three Haki forms, making him a rare being. Shanks has mastery over the Haki forms to the degree that even Whitebeard is impressed with his skills. As one of the best Kenbunshoku Haki users, he displays the skill to foresee the future, among other abilities that the Haki grants him. 

Monkey D. Luffy

The captain of the Straw Hat Pirates, Luffy, strives to become the Pirate King by finding Gol D. Roger’s treasure, One Piece. He is proficient in Observation Haki, due to which he can sense the presence of others. The Haki also allows him to figure out how others are feeling. Hence, combined with his combat skills, Kenbunshoku Haki grants him an enhanced persona. 

Luffy managed to learn advanced Haki due to his intense training. This allowed him to go so far as to anticipate his enemies’ next moves. Luffy’s mastery over Observation Haki is evident when he swiftly dodges attacks in Wano while also predicting the next moment and emerges victorious. Easily, Luffy is one of the best Observation Haki users in the narrative. 

Kaido

Famous as the World’s Strongest Creature, Kaido is one of the most formidable villains in One Piece. He is the Governor General of the Beasts Pirates and was one of the Four Emperors of the New World along with Shanks. He has mastery over all three Haki forms while being exceptionally great in Kenbunshoku Haki. 

His Observation Haki allows him to detect and anticipate important cues. Moreover, he applies the advanced form of Haki, enabling him to foresee the future. His potential is evident during major confrontations, such as Luffy’s Red Hawk attack. 

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