Despite being part of the Monster Trio, One Piece chapter 1148 hints at why Sanji may never awaken Conqueror’s Haki like Luffy and Zoro. Sanji has become incredibly powerful after activating his Germa powers, but his genetic enhancements alone don’t make him worthy of wielding the Color of the Supreme King.
In chapter 1148, Scopper Gaban severely injures God’s Knight Sommers without showing any signs of using Conqueror’s Haki. Gaban and Sanji hold similar roles as the third strongest members of their respective crews. Both Roger and Rayleigh had Conqueror’s Haki, just as Luffy and Zoro do now. That leaves Sanji and Gaban as the only ones without it, which could be Oda’s way of setting Sanji apart with a different kind of power.
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Sanji Lacks Kingly Ambitions
Sanji remains one of the strongest characters in One Piece. His Black Leg fighting style and Germa enhancements make him a key member of the Monster Trio. Still, chapter 1148 suggests he may never unlock Conqueror’s Haki.
In chapter 1148 of One Piece, Scopper Gaban is seen cutting off Shepherd Sommers’ hand and landing a powerful slash across his chest. To Sommers’ surprise, his power of regeneration seems to fail against this attack as his hand wasn’t regenerating. Gaban doesn’t appear to use Conqueror’s Haki, but rather a different ability that counters the God’s Knight’s regeneration and immortality.
The Haki system in One Piece is evolving. While Conqueror’s Haki was once seen as the pinnacle, it may no longer be enough against enemies with immortality or advanced regeneration. Luffy and Zoro are natural leaders who impose their will on others—a key trait for wielders of Conqueror’s Haki.
Sanji, by contrast, gave up his royal title to remain with the Straw Hats. Some fans believe his lack of kingly ambition is what prevents him from awakening Conqueror’s Haki. This may be a sign that Oda has something entirely different planned for his growth.
The Limits of Sanji’s Genetic Power
Unlike Luffy and Zoro, who have continuously pushed past their limits, unlocking new levels of strength, Sanji had the luxury of falling back on technology. Be it his Rais Suit or his genetic Germa modifications, Sanji is a genetically enhanced powerful soldier, but not a king. His reliance on technology keeps him from realising his true potential and makes it difficult for him to test his will, making it harder for him to unlock Conqueror’s Haki.
Sanji lacks the power that stems from ambition born of the soul. He is a fighter, but that is not something he enjoys and does only to protect those close to him. Sanji doesn’t have the qualities of a king that every Conqueror’s Haki user possesses, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. If everyone could unlock this rare form of Haki, it would lose its significance and the value it adds to the story.
Sanji Wields a Different Kind of Power
While some fans might argue that just because Sanji acts as more of a protector and someone who isn’t as strong-willed to be able to awaken Conqueror’s Haki, he holds a completely different kind of power. He always puts those close to him first, even going as far as to leave the Straw Hats to protect them and those at the Baratie restaurant from Big Mom’s wrath. This proves that Sanji’s will is as strong as that of Luffy or Zoro; he just channels it differently.
Sanji also has genetic modifications that give him a powerful exoskeleton, giving him the potential to take blows from even the Gorosei. So, even without Conqueror’s Haki, he is not a pushover. It seems like Oda is on the verge of introducing a new power system, with chapter 1148 finally showing the God’s Knights sustaining meaningful damage. So, Sanji could be getting a completely different power-up in the future, which is more aligned with his personality.
Conqueror’s Haki Is Probably Not for Sanji
Fans have been speculating for a long time whether Sanji will awaken Conqueror’s Haki or not. But seeing how fast the Conqueror’s Haki is progressing and the level of strength being demonstrated by the Gorosei and the God’s Knights, Sanji unlocking it now won’t be as impactful for the story. Even if he unlocks it now, learning how to use it to coat attacks properly would take time.
It will not make a lot more sense for Sanji to unlock a different kind of power from his genetic modifications or training with Gaban, making him better equipped to battle against the Gorosei and the God’s Knights. However, it is up to Oda sensei to decide what direction he’ll take with Sanji next, but there is no denying that he’d need a power-up to fight the exceedingly strong enemies that the Straw Hats face.
