One of the most powerful abilities in the One Piece world, Haki makes up one core of Monkey D. Luffy's actual development as a pirate. This article shall delve into how and when Luffy learned this great power.
First Unconscious Use of Haki
Luffy uses Haki subconsciously for the first time when he stops Iron Mask Duval's bull, Motobaro, from attacking him and his crew in Episode 389 of the anime. This is foreshadowing because Luffy, at this period, doesn't realize that he is capable of using Haki or how to use it effectively.
Realization of the Need for Haki
Luffy begins his journey in learning and mastering Haki consciously after his really bad defeat and harsh challenge in the first half of the Grand Line. Such experiences make him realize the need to increase his strength if he is to protect his crew and fulfill his aspirations.
Training Period
Formal training for Haki in the case of Luffy happens during the two-year time skip in the One Piece storyline. After the events at Marineford, Luffy decides to take a timeout from his adventures and work on getting stronger. This training period will help form some integral parts of his development into becoming both a pirate and a Haki user.
Training Location and Mentor
Luffy trains for Haki on Rusukaina Island, a harsh environment that keeps him training his limits. Mentoring Luffy through this time is Silvers Rayleigh, a former First Mate of the Pirate King Gol D. Roger. With the experience and skills in this field, Rayleigh is in a strong position to teach Luffy the intricacies of Haki.
Types of Haki Learned
In the training with Rayleigh, he taught Luffy how to use all forms of Haki :
Observation Haki: He feels someone near him and what their intentions are.
Armament Haki: This helps him to stay in invisible armor and gives him an extra force during attacks.
Conqueror's Haki: Quite rare, possessed only by Luffy, enabling him to impose his will on others.
Anime Timeline
Episode 516 of the One Piece anime is titled "Luffy's Training Commences - 2 Years From Now at the Promised Place"; it shows Luffy commencing his training for Haki. This episode thus marks the beginning of the time skip and Luffy's journey to master Haki.
Post-Training Reveal
After the two-year time skip, evidence of Luffy's Haki training is revealed. With an increased control and understanding of Haki, Luffy is able to show off these new abilities in later fights.
Constant Improvement
One should know that Luffy's journey into Haki didn't stop there. Luffy continues to develop and improve his Haki abilities throughout the series, often unlocking advanced applications during heated battles.
Significance in the Story: Gaining and mastering Haki makes up the major shift in Luffy's quest to become the Pirate King. By having this, he would be able to fight powerful people in the New World and be at the top rank of the strongest pirates in his generation.
By the end, though Luffy subconsciously used Haki early in the series, he is properly trained in it, becoming conscious of this ability during the two-year time skip under Rayleigh's training on Rusukaina Island. This prepared him with the important abilities to be able counter challenges ahead in the New World and ultimately continue the quest towards becoming Pirate King. In his character growth throughout the series of One Piece, the constant development of his Haki goes hand in hand.