'GET LOST' Analysing what makes a conqueror and what it means for...
Phantom🇵🇹 🇫🇷🏴🇪🇸@ThePhantomStra5
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Sep 27, 2026
~5 min read
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'GET LOST'
Analysing what makes a conqueror and what it means for the wider narrative of one piece
#ONEPIECE
Analysing what makes a conqueror and what it means for the wider narrative of one piece
#ONEPIECE
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I was inspired to make this thread after the recent chapter dropped, prompting some, such as my pal @Soul_StormOP to question what makes a conqueror, considering subversive characters also seem to possess this ability.
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To start, we first have to understand what haki is. Haki is, for all intents, spiritual energy. It exists within all creatures, and is a pool of their life force. It can be utilised in a variety of ways, however most are never aware of its existence
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In this vein, conquerors haki is then a type of spiritual energy that gives its user the ability to overwhelm. However this ability is intrinsic to the individual and can only be honed by the growth of the individuals spirit, making it a spiritual energy
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Spirit in this sense, means, the person themselves. Not their name, age or other labels determined by outside factors, but the actual individual, defined by their demeanor, innate inclinations and desires.
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I believe that there are about 3 main defining traits that make a conqueror, with a 4th one that isn't necessarily a constant. To delve into this, we will use shanks, the first example of a conqueror we see display their ability and his actions in the earlier arcs to outline them
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1. Uncharacteristically strong will:
King's haki wielders are often defined by their strength of will. In the early arcs, shanks loses his arm to the sea king, despite possessing the ability to easily defeat it. However, we later find that he does this on purpose, as a bet.
King's haki wielders are often defined by their strength of will. In the early arcs, shanks loses his arm to the sea king, despite possessing the ability to easily defeat it. However, we later find that he does this on purpose, as a bet.
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While we are not yet fully privy to the full details of shanks plan, we know it has to do with the coming age.Despite knowing the toll it would have on him, shanks showed unwavering will, to set of a chain of events that would inspire a kid he believed in, to align with his goals
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2. Drive and individuality :
The word drive in this sense, means a strong desire to achieve one's goals and to stay true to themselves and their ideals. Shanks shows this when he refuses to retaliate, even when mocked and scorned by much weaker bandits.
The word drive in this sense, means a strong desire to achieve one's goals and to stay true to themselves and their ideals. Shanks shows this when he refuses to retaliate, even when mocked and scorned by much weaker bandits.
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In shanks mind, a king has nothing to prove to worthless men. As such, despite the mockery, he stays true to himself and to his ideals and maintains his own individual dignity, irrespective of how others define theirs.
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That ties into the next point, which is natural leadership and charisma. Most conquerors possess traits that make people around them want to align with them, intrigued by them and /or want to pledge loyalty to them.
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In shanks case, his unwavering drive and then his subsequent loyalty to his friends, makes his subordinates and people around him want to pledge their loyalty in him and earns their respect.
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Now, you may have noticed I left out ambition. Contrary to popular belief, I don't think ambition makes a conqueror, as ambition is defined by outside factors and the defining qualities of a conqueror are from within. However, conquerors TEND to be ambitious
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As Rayleigh said, many of the great men in history happen to possess conquerors haki. This is because by possessing the kingly traits such as unwavering will, drive and natural charisma, they are more likely to aim for loftier heights than most and have the support to do so.
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Most people would limit themselves to what they, *think* is possible. A conqueror is more likely to chase a goal that most would deem impossible, but they refuse to believe this is the case. In this they show individuality and strength of will. After all, to never doubt is power
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More minorly, is Genetics. Now we know this is a factor, as individuals such as ivankov have alluded to. However I don't think this means an individual straight up inherits conquerors haki, but they are more predisposed to awakening this haki type
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Think of it like certain illnesses and genetic traits. Depending on certain environmental factors and otherwise, a person while being at greater risk of a disease, may not gain it. An example is with people who possess the dormant sickle cell gene.
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This would explain why an individual like don sai, doesn't possess conquerors haki. It is still the disposition of the person themselves that determines whether or not they would awaken to this type of haki.
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To further understand the awakening of conquerors haki, let's take a look at doflamingo, a boy who seemed to have no special genetic traits. He awakens to it while being tortured by a bunch of locals, who resent him and his family for being celestial.
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However, he shows unwavering will, refusing to show weakness, despite even his own father crying and begging for forgiveness. He shows his drive as he refuses to compromise what he believes and wants, and is adamant that he will escape and kill everyone.
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He shows an eery charisma, as in his moments of awakening, he attracts the awe and fear of many of the onlookers, as well as the admiration of some of the others.
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So then, given that these have been established as the kingly traits, why are some conquerors 'subversive'? Well, as don chinjao already alluded to, even among these remarkable individuals, there is a hierarchy.
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Additionally, this 'subversiveness' could be due to a multitude of factors such as shared interest, respect, love, survival etc. The main thing that does define a conqueror in this case is their drive and individuality.
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They still remain their own person, a leader of men and respected by people, irrespective of their captain or their leader. In this vein, we see how people like katakuri, whitebeard and even doffy, who don't fit the conventional labels of conquerors, are one.
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All this is to say... Expect more conquerors. The gorosei being conquerors isn't surprising because despite being subordinates, they are all firmly leading the main factions of the world. There's probably more like them. However one must stand at the top
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That's all from me for this one. Nice to finally be back. Make sure to follow if you liked. And oh, check out my YouTube channel, where I make content more consistently. You can start with this new video here. Otherwise peace. youtu.be/Zo8d93O55Tw
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Oh yh, some other cool peeps you should check out :
@writingpanini @3SkullJoe @BlacktyonteXavi @breaking2good @Soul_StormOP @det_critics @yahweh_theories
@writingpanini @3SkullJoe @BlacktyonteXavi @breaking2good @Soul_StormOP @det_critics @yahweh_theories
