A Golden Age of Power: Oda Reveals the Strongest Haki User of the Old Era

In the world of One Piece, the “Old Era” of pirates is synonymous with unparalleled legends whose names still echo across the seas. The Pirate King, Gol D. Roger; the “World’s Strongest Man,” Whitebeard; and the “Hero of the Marines,” Monkey D. Garp, are all figures of mythic proportion. For a long time, the debate over who had the strongest Haki in this golden age was a fierce one, with fans often pointing to Roger, Garp, or even the “Dark King” Silvers Rayleigh. However, in a recent series of reveals in the manga, author Eiichiro Oda has finally provided a definitive answer, confirming a character with a Haki mastery so monstrous it stands alone. This is not just a reveal for a powerful character; it’s a significant development for the entire power system of the series. For fans of One Piece manga and the intricate lore of the franchise, this is the most exciting Haki news to come out in years.

The Undisputed King of Observation Haki

The character in question is Scopper Gaban, the former left-hand man of Gol D. Roger. While he has been a mysterious figure for most of the series, his recent appearance in the ongoing Elbaf arc has provided a glimpse into his true power. In Chapter 1146, Oda revealed a monstrous Haki feat from Gaban that solidifies his place as the strongest Haki user of the Old Era, particularly in the domain of Observation Haki. In the midst of the escalating conflict on Elbaf, Gaban demonstrated an ability to sense and track the movements of the Gorosei and the Holy Knights, who were actively trying to suppress their Haki and lay low. This is a feat that no one else on the island—not even the master Haki users of Elbaf or the Straw Hat Pirates—could replicate.

This is a critical distinction. While many characters have demonstrated advanced Observation Haki, such as Katakuri’s Future Sight, Gaban’s ability appears to be on a different level. He can not only sense the presence of opponents but can also pinpoint their exact location, even when they are actively hiding their presence. This “all-seeing” ability makes his Observation Haki arguably the most potent in the entire series, transcending even the most advanced forms we have seen to date. This revelation also puts Gaban on a tier of his own, as his mastery over this specific type of Haki seems to surpass that of other legends like Rayleigh and Garp, who are more known for their overwhelming Conqueror’s Haki.

Beyond Observation: A Well-Rounded Master

The recent chapters have also confirmed that Scopper Gaban is a master of all three types of Haki. In a brief skirmish with Luffy, Gaban was shown to be an advanced user of Conqueror’s Haki, coating his key in this rare form to clash with the Straw Hat captain. This demonstrates that Gaban is not a one-trick pony but a well-rounded fighter whose Haki has been honed to a razor’s edge over a lifetime of combat. His epithet as the “Mountain Eater” in his prime and his legendary status as a Pirate King-level fighter were not just for show. The fact that he was able to toy with Luffy, a current Yonko, with relative ease, is a clear sign of his overwhelming strength. His power is a perfect example of the “Haki transcends all” philosophy that has been a recurring theme in the final saga of One Piece. His existence is a testament to the fact that while Devil Fruits are powerful, a true master of Haki is a force of nature that can rival or surpass even the most formidable fruit users.

The Implications for the Final Saga

The reveal of Scopper Gaban’s incredible Haki mastery has significant implications for the final arc. With the Straw Hat Pirates now on Elbaf, the stage is set for a massive conflict. Gaban’s presence and his ability to counter the Holy Knights’ stealth will be a major factor in the upcoming war. This reveal also solidifies his place among the top-tier fighters of the Old Era, putting him on par with other legends like Rayleigh and Oden. It has also reignited the debate among fans about who truly stands at the pinnacle of power, with Gaban’s name now firmly in the conversation alongside Roger, Whitebeard, and Garp.

Oda’s decision to finally showcase Gaban’s power is a brilliant move that rewards long-time fans who have waited years for more information on the legendary Roger Pirates. It adds a new layer of depth to the series’ power system and confirms that there are still incredible, untold stories and immense powers to be discovered in the world of One Piece. As the final saga continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the path to becoming the next Pirate King will require a level of Haki mastery that rivals the greatest legends of the past, and now we know that the greatest of them all might just be Scopper Gaban.