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Kenbunshoku Haki is a form of Haki that grants the user a sixth sense that allows them to sense the presence, strength, and emotions of others, as well as gain limited precognitive abilities.[3]

In Skypiea, Kenbunshoku is known as Mantra (心綱マントラ, Mantora?, literally meaning "Mind Rope").

Background[]

Kenbunshoku Haki was first used in the series by Blackbeard in the Jaya Arc. He noticed that Monkey D. Luffy's strength did not correspond to his known bounty of Beli30,000,000 at the time, further commenting on Luffy's own Haki after Bellamy's defeat.[4] In the Impel Down Arc, Blackbeard confirmed to Luffy himself that he had measured the latter's Haki at the time.[5]

In the Skypiea Arc, it was introduced under the name "Mantra" during Satori's Ordeal of Balls.[1] It varied in strength between users, with Enel seeming to have the greatest range. With his Devil Fruit, the Goro Goro no Mi, Enel could pick up electroreceptor signals in the atmosphere by using his Devil Fruit to read the airwaves, allowing him to overhear conversations and everything around him; this extended the range of his Mantra to cover roughly all of Skypiea.[6] By comparison, most of the other priests could only keep track of people nearby. Aisa is the only known Shandia who has this ability which she was also born with.[7]

The first time it was seen being used and referred to as Haki was during Luffy's battle on Amazon Lily with the Gorgon Sisters.[8] Later, Silvers Rayleigh explained Haki to Luffy and confirmed that Mantra and Haki are one and the same, and that "Mantra" is simply Skypiea's name for the ability.[3]

Kenbunshoku Haki Users[]

See also the associated category: Kenbunshoku Haki Users.

  •  (Deceased): the character is deceased.
  •  (Unknown status)?: the character's status is unknown.
  •  (Non-Canon): the character is non-canon.
  •  (Former): the character is no longer part of this group. Hovering the symbol may give further details.
  •  (Note)*: other relevant information. Hovering the symbol gives further details.

Usage[]

Kenbunshoku Haki in the Anime

Katakuri's eyes glowing red as he uses Kenbunshoku Haki.

The usage of this type of Haki grants its user the ability to access a kind of extrasensory perception, granting the user several helpful abilities. These abilities are great assets in most occasions, especially in combat.

Kenbunshoku Haki, unlike the other types of Haki, has hardly any visible indication when being used in the manga (like the blackening effect of hardening for Busoshoku or the ripple effect for Haoshoku), aside from their enhanced dodge rate. Starting with the anime special Heart of Gold, movie One Piece Film: Z, and the Whole Cake Island Arc, those who are able to use Kenbunshoku Haki were shown with bright red pupils when sensing incoming attacks, hidden opponents or seeing slightly into the future.

According to Charlotte Katakuri, Kenbunshoku Haki works best if the user is in a calm state.[9] Kenbunshoku Haki works independently from the physical senses. This was proven through Kin'emon, after his body was split apart by Law, when his legs and torso acted independently, relying solely on Haki for guidance.[10][11]


The following events are Non-Canon and therefore not considered part of the Canon story.


In One Piece Film: Red, when the pirates and Marines fought Tot Musica in both the real and Uta World, Kenbunshoku Haki users were shown to somehow sync with blood relatives, allowing them to see what the other was seeing. Katakuri first demonstrated this by syncing with Charlotte Brûlée, though only he saw the other side, with Brûlée apparently not. Later, Usopp and Yasopp managed to sync and also, somehow, were able to communicate with each other. This allowed both attacking forces to synchronize their attacks to defeat the Demon Lord.


Concludes non-canon section.



Basic Techniques[]

Presence Sensing[]

Usopp's Kenbunshoku View

The "aura" seen through Kenbunshoku Haki.

The most common usage of this Haki allows the user to sense the presence of others. Rayleigh states that to fully master this ability would allow the user to see others, even if they are concealed from view or too far to see naturally.[3]

This type of Haki allows the user to see another person through their aura, be it behind buildings, strategically hidden, or camouflaged. Given this, Kenbunshoku Haki, depending on the level, can discover who is hidden, but still present. When viewed this way, the user cannot actually see the person or animal with any physical characteristics, but rather recognizes the target(s) by their "aura", which is a mental image of a colored silhouette of them on a dark background, as demonstrated when Usopp sniped Sugar,[12] or how the blind Fujitora sees the world.[13] Characters who use Kenbunshoku Haki often describe presences as "voices" and can usually tell if specific people are still alive, dead or close to death depending on whether they can still "hear" them.[14][15][16]

In the unique circumstance of being swallowed by a larger creature and still being alive, the Mantra user will only be able to sense the larger energy signature.[17] Similarly, a Mantra user trapped inside a larger creature is unable to sense what is happening outside.[18]

Strength Sensing[]

This application of Haki allows the user to measure the strength of the people whose presence they sense.[3] This usage of Haki is useful in finding "powerful auras".[19] Through this application, the user can easily locate powerful allies and avoid powerful enemies.

As displayed by Big Mom during the Raid on Onigashima, this application of Haki can be used to measure the strength and threat level of an opponent's weapon. However, it should be noted that the weapon in question was a Meito, and therefore it is currently unknown if Kenbunshoku can be used on any regular weapon.[20] In the anime, when Luffy first found Nidai Kitetsu, he actually detected it with Kenbunshoku Haki.[21]

This ability can also be utilized to measure the Haki of others. Blackbeard confirmed this during his raid on Impel Down when he mentioned that Monkey D. Luffy's own Haki was greater than it was during their previous meeting in Jaya.[5] Other characters that have been shown using this specific application are Bellamy,[22] Koby,[23] Basil Hawkins,[24] Page One, and Ulti.[25]

Emotion Sensing[]

Koby Being Treated After the Battle
Koby traumatized after sensing the emotions of many people meeting their deaths.
Pudding's Acting Skills
Pudding, having great control over her emotions, was able to fool Haki users.

This variation of Kenbunshoku allows the user to sense and empathize with the emotions and nature of others. For example, Otohime used this Haki to sense the sufferings and emotions in the heart of a Fish-Man thief,[26] as well as hear the screams coming from Fisher Tiger's heart.[27] Another example is that Aisa was able to sense Wyper's aggressive nature with this Haki. In addition, Fujitora sensed no trace of resentment from the citizens of Dressrosa, discovering that they were putting on a façade to help the Straw Hats escape.[28]

However, this ability is not flawless. People with high control over their emotions and acting abilities can somewhat counter this technique. An example of this is Squard, Pudding or Kanjuro, who were able to fool very proficient users of Kenbunshoku Haki like Whitebeard, Sanji or the Nine Red Scabbards.

When someone awakens this ability unconsciously, they become vulnerable to passively empathizing with the negative emotions of others without having the proper mental fortitude. This can be a traumatic experience for the user; especially in the context of several people dying, as the user will passively empathize with strong emotions of fear, pain, and hate.[15][29]

Intent Sensing[]

Luffy Dodges With Kenbunshoku Haki
Luffy dodges water bullets with Kenbunshoku Haki.
Gomu Gomu no Boh...
Enel unable to sense actions without intentions behind them.

Another variant of Kenbunshoku Haki allows its user to sense another person's intent to act in the immediate future (especially through bloodlust/killing intent within combat), allowing them to predict what someone is going to do, usually seconds prior, in what resembles a pseudo-form of precognition.

Naturally, this predictive application of Haki is highly helpful in battle, as the user, depending on their level of proficiency, may have a vastly easier time predicting the path of enemy attacks to either dodge or counter them. The more killing intent exuded by a given enemy, the more predictable their attacks.

Of course, since conscious intent has to be present for one to sense it with Haki, any actions that are done unconsciously or with complete indiscrimination cannot be predicted. Luffy, during his fight against Enel, was able to counter the latter's Kenbunshoku by delivering attacks in random, uncontrolled directions. Another example was when Luffy literally emptied his mind to the point of not thinking about anything at all, Nami noted that because of this, Luffy was "like grass", simply moving in the same direction as the wind was blowing, this made it impossible for Enel to predict his movements, although it also made Luffy unable to attack.[30] Yet another way to counter predictive Kenbunshoku is by simply being so fast that, even if an enemy can predict one's attack, they cannot dodge in time. This was shown when Luffy used his Gear Second against Boa Sandersonia and Boa Marigold, where even though Boa Sandersonia is reading his movements with his Kenbushoku, Luffy's speed in Gear Second was too high for her to keep up with, which made her prediction ineffective.[31]

Advanced Techniques[]

Future Vision[]

Katakuri's Future Sight
The foresight of advanced Kenbunshoku Haki when mastered.
Luffy awakens Future Vision
The foresight of advanced Kenbunshoku Haki when awakened.
Katakuri's Logia-Like Effect
Katakuri using foresight to avoid enemy attacks.

A highly advanced level of Kenbunshoku Haki allows the user to see a short period into the future; instead of just sensing what will happen by intuition, the user of this advanced level of Kenbunshoku Haki can literally see a precise mental image of what will happen in the next few seconds. This is known as Future Vision (未来予見, Mirai Yoken?).[32] The vision also allows the user to hear any words that will be spoken. According to Rayleigh, this ability is very difficult for someone to obtain via training, it has to be learned by advancing their Haki in the heat of battle against strong opponents. So far, only Charlotte Katakuri,[33] Monkey D. Luffy,[34] Kaidou,[35] and Shanks,[36] have been able to use it.

This advanced Haki ability has been proven to be an effective countermeasure against Busoshoku Haki for Devil Fruit users whose powers grant shapeshifting abilities, such as Logia's or Special Paramecia's. With Kenbunshoku Haki, they can foresee their opponents' attacks and quickly change the shape of their bodies to avoid contact. Katakuri is a great user of this tactic, as he forms holes in his Mochi body so the attacks pass through empty air without actually touching him, giving the impression that not even Busoshoku Haki works on him, while in reality, the attack simply does not make any contact at all. Only another user of Kenbunshoku Haki of equal proficiency or a distraction can counter this ability.

This application does have its limitations. As with basic Kenbunshoku, the user needs to properly focus and remain calm in order to use this ability. If the user is not concentrating enough or they are in an agitated state of mind, they may be unable to see the future. In addition, the user can only interpret the future through their own senses. Katakuri foresaw his sister Pudding crying and collapsing to her knees on the altar, but because he was too far away from her, he could not hear what was about to be said, and thus he had no way knowing what was about to cause this. Furthermore, the future that the user sees can be changed, which could result in an outcome that the user failed to foresee. Charlotte Katakuri was able to see Sanji dodging another person's gunshot and tried to intervene by attacking Sanji himself. However, he was unable to see the outcome of his own intervention of this event in time, resulting in Sanji surprising him when he dodged his attack as well.[37] Moreover, it is possible for an enemy to exploit a negative reaction from the user, as it can be treated as assurance that a desirable outcome will happen.[38] Future Vision can also be negated by the advanced Haoshoku Haki technique called Observation Killing.[39]

All users so far possess Haoshoku Haki, with the latter three being capable of using the advanced application of "infusing" Haoshoku Haki into their body or parts of their body, objects and weapons.

Drawbacks[]

This type of Haki is known to falter if the user loses their concentration.[40] Satori lost control of his Mantra when Luffy unexpectedly brought the string of exploding balls right to him, enabling Luffy to grab him from behind when the smoke cleared, Gedatsu lost to Chopper because he lost his concentration and his Mantra faltered, and Otohime was killed by a gunshot in the confusion when her petition pages were being burned, as she was caught off guard due to her happiness over everyone signing her petitions, she lost her concentration.[41] There's also a problem with the opposite, being hyper-focused during battle, as it causes tunnel-vision on a particular opponent and prevents the user from sensing other threats. Luffy, a user of advanced Kenbunshoku Haki demonstrated this twice, once during his battle against Katakuri, when Charlotte Flampe managed to land a blow on him during the fight, and once against Kaidou, when a CP0 agent intervened in their duel.

While Kenbunshoku Haki to be very effective against the living and things affected by the conscious thought of the living, such as an enemy’s weapon, its effect is limited against the unconscious, such as purely random things, or that which is affected by reflexes as shown when Luffy fought Enel. It is also limited in sensing things with no intent at all, such as the environment, as shown with Kin'emon whilst his body was separated. His torso and legs were able to move and accurately attack independently thanks to Haki, but still ended up stumbling occasionally, with his torso even being unable to sense the lake and falling into it. Even the blind Fujitora still requires a cane to navigate his surroundings, despite being able to use Haki to accurately pinpoint the location of other people and differentiate between them.

Additionally, even if an individual is able to predict an attack, they still need to be able to dodge the attack to avoid damage. If the user has been physically restrained,[42] or the attack is too fast for the user to react to,[43] the attack will land regardless of how proficient they are with Kenbunshoku Haki.[44] In addition, while Kenbunshoku Haki can predict attacks, it cannot tell you how to dodge an attack. As a result, abilities that have special activation requirements cannot be dodged if the user doesn't understand the mechanics of the ability, as shown when Luffy, despite having Future Sight, was unable to dodge the attacks from Apoo's Oto Oto no Mi because he didn't know they were activated by sound and was expecting a projectile-based attack.[42]

It is revealed that like Busoshoku Haki, Kenbunshoku Haki can be depleted if used too much.[45]

Training[]

Rayleigh's Training[]

Rayleigh Training Luffy

Rayleigh training Luffy to use Haki.

Training to learn Kenbunshoku Haki involves dodging various types of attacks while blindfolded, as well as counterattacking while blindfolded.[46] The most important thing to remember is that every attack carries an intent, and a hint.[47]

One first trains by fighting against animals, and later against humans. Kenbunshoku is easier to use against animals because they always show their emotions and act on instinct, unlike humans who are capable of deception.[48] While training Luffy, Rayleigh set a goal for him: to dodge his attacks 100 times in a row.[46]

Awakening Methods[]

In some cases, an individual does not need to train in order to attain and use Kenbunshoku Haki. Some people acquire it unconsciously within tense situations,[49] while others are born with the ability to use it.[50] Though, these cases are extremely rare.

Translation and Dub Issues[]

In the 4Kids dub of the game One Piece: Pirates Carnival and edited Funimation TV episodes, Mantra is known as Mantora. In the uncut versions of the Funimation episodes, it is called Mantra.

Trivia[]

  • The concept of Kenbunshoku Haki, known to Skypieans as Mantra, is loosely based on the style of thinking in Hinduism, which goes by the same name.
  • Mantra was initially planned to be called "Tazuna" (手綱タズナ?, literally meaning "Reins").[51]
  • In World Seeker, Luffy can use Kenbunshoku Haki to see enemies from behind walls, to slow downtime, and to improve his sneaking prowess with stealth attacks.
  • In One Piece Odyssey, Luffy can use Kenbunshoku Haki (The Color of Observation Haki in the English localization) to highlight strong enemies that grant more EXP or to reveal hidden Record Cubes for the Memorial Log (usually in locations associated with said character or where they are encountered during the game's story).
  • In the anime, when Luffy first found Nidai Kitetsu, he actually detected it with Kenbunshoku Haki.[52] Even before this, Zoro claimed he could detect his Sandai Kitetsu thanks to its aura, which may imply that cursed items may have an intent detectable by Kenbunshoku Haki users.[53]

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 26 Chapter 246 and Episode 160, Satori uses Mantra.
  2. One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 53 Chapter 519 (p. 10-12) and Episode 413, Boa Sandersonia is able to tell how Luffy was about to attack her.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 61 Chapter 597 (p. 12-17) and Episode 516, Rayleigh explains Haki.
  4. One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 25 Chapter 234 (p. 17) and Episode 151, Blackbeard comments on Luffy's Haki and bounty.
  5. 5.0 5.1 One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 56 Chapter 544 (p. 8) and Episode 447, Blackbeard says Luffy's Haki has improved since Jaya.
  6. One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 30 Chapter 278 (p. 2) and Episode 182, Enel explains his power and how Mantra effects it.
  7. One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 29 Chapter 265 (p. 3) and Episode 174.
  8. One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 53 Chapter 519 (p. 10-12) and Episode 413.
  9. One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 88 Chapter 884 (p. 8) and Episode 857.
  10. One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 66 Chapter 656 (p. 6, 19) and Episodes 580581, Kin'emon's legs sense the Straw Hats.
  11. One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 67 Chapter 659 (p. 13-15) and Episode 584, Kin'emon's torso accurately fights Brook.
  12. One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 76 Chapter 758 (p. 11) and Episode 697, Usopp sees the targets' 'auras'.
  13. One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 80 Chapter 799 (p. 8-10) and Episode 744, How Issho sees the Dressrosa citizens 'auras'.
  14. One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 28 Chapter 264 (p. 2) and Episode 173, Aisa describes voices fading away.
  15. 15.0 15.1 One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 29 Chapter 265 (p. 3) and Episode 174, Aisa cries when she feels voices disappearing.
  16. One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 73 Chapter 730 (p. 11) and Episode 662, Luffy can tell Law is still alive by listening to his "voice".
  17. One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 29 Chapter 273 (p. 16-17) and Episode 179, Enel cannot sense Luffy and Aisa within Nola.
  18. One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 30 Chapter 277 (p. 16) and Episode 181, Aisa revealed she could not see how the battle was progressing with her Mantra prior to her and Luffy's escape from Nola.
  19. One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 81 Chapter 813 (p. 14-15) and Episode 764.
  20. One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 99 Chapter 1002 (p. 12-13) and Episode 1017, Big Mom feels the power of Zoro's sword.
  21. One Piece Anime — Episode 897.
  22. One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 71 Chapter 710 (p. 3) and Episode 639, Bellamy compliments Luffy's Haki.
  23. One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 90 Chapter 903 (p. 14) and Episode 879.
  24. One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 91 Chapter 917 (p. 12) and Episode 905, Hawkins senses Law's strength.
  25. One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 97 Chapter 983 (p. 11-12) and Episode 990, Ulti and Page One senses Luffy's Haki.
  26. One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 63 Chapter 621 (p. 6) and Episode 540.
  27. One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 63 Chapter 622 (p. 4) and Episode 540.
  28. One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 80 Chapter 799 (p. 9-11) and Episode 744.
  29. One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 59 Chapter 579 (p. 7, 11-13) and Episode 488, Koby breaks down during the Battle of Marineford.
  30. One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 30 Chapter 281 (p. 13-14) and Episode 183, Luffy uses "unconscious" techniques to counter Enel's Mantra ability.
  31. One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 53 Chapter 520 (p. 5-6) and Episode 414, Luffy uses Gear Second to attack too fast for Boa Sandersonia to dodge.
  32. One Piece Magazine Vol.17 (p. 143), Advanced Haki techniques are explained.
  33. One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 86 Chapter 860 (p. 12-14) and Episode 830, Katakuri uses Future Vision.
  34. One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 89 Chapter 894 (p. 5-8) and Episode 869, Luffy unlocks Future Vision.
  35. One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 103 Chapter 1042 (p. 5-6) and Episode 1069, Kaidou uses Future Vision.
  36. One Piece Manga — Vol. 107 Chapter 1079 (p. 8-9), Shanks uses Future Vision.
  37. One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 86 Chapter 862 (p. 13) and Episode 832, Katakuri fails to see the results of his own intervention with the future.
  38. One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 86 Chapter 864 (p. 14) and Episode 834, Bege notices Katakuri has foreseen a disastrous future and encourages Luffy's plan.
  39. Volume 4000000000 "RED".
  40. One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 88 Chapter 884 (p. 7-8) and Episode 857, Katakuri confirms that Observation Haki cannot be used if the user is not calm and focused.
  41. One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 63 Chapter 626 (p. 17) and Episode 546.
  42. 42.0 42.1 One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 97 Chapter 980 (p. 11-13) and Episode 986, Luffy and Zoro were unable to avoid Apoo's attacks due to not knowing the activation requirements.
  43. One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 53 Chapter 520 (p. 5) and Episode 414, Luffy's Gear 2 outpaces Sandersonia's Haki.
  44. One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 99 Chapter 1001 (p. 4-5) and Episode 1016.
  45. One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 88 Chapter 886 (p. 18) and Episode 860.
  46. 46.0 46.1 One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 89 Chapter 894 (p. 2-3) and Episode 865.
  47. One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 89 Chapter 891 (p. 10) and Episode 865.
  48. One Piece Anime — Episode 865, Rayleigh's training of Luffy was shown in greater detail.
  49. One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 60 Chapter 594 (p. 7) and Episode 511.
  50. One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 28 Chapter 256 (p. 5) and Episode 168, Infant Aisa cries when the Shandia fight.
  51. Vivre Card - One Piece Visual Dictionary (Card #0292).
  52. One Piece Anime — Episode 897.
  53. One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 38 Chapter 363 (p. 11) and Episode 254.

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