Unleashing Ace One Pieces True Potential: What if He Learned to Use Haki?

It's a common misconception that Ace from One Piece lacks Haki skills. However, the characters within the canon novel confirm that Ace is a Haki user. His abilities extend beyond his Devil Fruit alone, and his mastery of Haki could have significantly enhanced his overall power level. Let's explore how Ace's journey, particularly post-timeskip, could have looked if he learned to leverage his Haki skills more effectively.

Introduction to Ace’s Haki Abilities

Ace, a pre-timeskip character, was among the few who could use all three types of Haki: Busoshoku (Physical Haki), Kenbunshoku (Observational Haki), and Haoshoku (Kingly Haki).

Busoshoku Haki allowed Ace to find and strike the hidden bones in his opponents, while Kenbunshoku Haki helped him foresee his enemies' movements and plan accordingly. Haoshoku Haki, on the other hand, gave him the potential to be a true king, commanding others through his presence and authority.

Ace and Busoshoku Haki

Ace's awakening of Busoshoku Haki mid-fight against a Vice Admiral showcased his prodigious talent. He quickly adapted, using this newfound skill to battle on equal terms with his opponent. This moment highlighted his innate ability to grow and adapt under pressure, a trait that sharply contrasts the common perception of him as simply a brute force.

Training in Kenbunshoku Haki

Before his encounters with Yamato, Jinbe, and Whitebeard, Ace leaned heavily on Busoshoku Haki, neglecting the cultivation of his other Haki abilities. This imbalance left him dependent on his physical strength rather than a well-rounded set of skills.

Thatch, knowing the importance of a balanced Haki skill set, trained Ace in Kenbunshoku Haki. As a result, Ace became adept at using this type of Haki in conjunction with his Devil Fruit powers. This newfound skill allowed him to predict and counter his opponents' moves with precision, giving him a significant tactical advantage.

Haoshoku Haki: A Kingly Presence

Aces Haoshoku Haki was not only rare but also described as having a fiery nature, a force that could influence the environment. When Shanks and Benn Beckman witnessed it, they noted how it could stopping blizzards and even force snow not to fall on Drum Island for an entire day.

With this ability, Ace could command not just the battlefield but also the elements around him. Akdirven, a captain in the Logue ship, once had this to say: 'His spirit burns with a fiery energy, a force that demands respect.'

Conclusion: Enhancing Ace's Abilities

Combining his Devil Fruit powers with a balanced set of Haki skills would have significantly bolstered Ace's power level. His raw strength and destructive abilities could be complemented by heightened tactical awareness and the ability to influence the battlefield and environment.

By further training in all three types of Haki, Ace would not only be able to face a wider range of opponents but also command the respect of his enemies and allies alike. The true potential of Ace, as the son of a king, might have been fully unleashed.