Sanji Uses Conqueror's Haki in One Piece
The manga's Chapter 1197 shows Sanji wielding Conqueror's Haki for the first time against Killingham in the Elbaph Arc.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts
In One Piece Chapter 1197, Sanji uses Conqueror's Haki for the first time, against Killingham during the Elbaph Arc. The manga had confirmed several months earlier that Sanji would receive the ability.
Why it matters
Conqueror's Haki can only be used by those with a strong will, and the chapter shows Sanji steeling his resolve to be Luffy's shield while Zoro fights as their captain's sword. The development adds Sanji to the small group of Straw Hats able to wield the ability.
Chapter 1197 marks Sanji's first use of Conqueror's Haki, against Killingham in an arc that began over two years ago in the manga. Among the Straw Hats, only Luffy and Zoro were previously shown to stand a chance against the Holy Knights, who are weak to Advanced Conqueror's Haki.
The players
Sanji
Sanji is a cook and member of the Straw Hat Pirates, known for his kindness and his martial arts style built around his legs.
Gaban
Gaban is a character in One Piece who determines that Sanji has the capacity to unlock Conqueror's Haki.
Killingham
Killingham is a Holy Knight in the Elbaph Arc against whom Sanji first uses Conqueror's Haki.
The details
Gaban determined that Sanji has what it takes to unlock Conqueror's Haki, and Sanji uses the ability against Killingham. Zoro, who awakened Conqueror's Haki during the Wano Country Saga, continues to fight as the crew's sword while Sanji protects Luffy.
Timeline
Over two years before November 4, 2026: The Elbaph Arc begins in the manga.
Several months before November 4, 2026: The manga confirms Sanji will receive Conqueror's Haki.
Chapter 1197: Sanji uses Conqueror's Haki for the first time.
Legal Context
Zoro's awakening of Conqueror's Haki in the Wano Country Saga set the precedent that the ability emerges from a strong will, and Sanji's first use follows that same pattern. The manga's Elbaph Arc, which has run for over two years, has become the stage for the crew's Haki development.
Readers following One Piece can now expect Sanji to be part of the Conqueror's Haki conversation alongside Zoro. The Holy Knights' weakness to Advanced Conqueror's Haki makes Sanji's new ability relevant to how the Elbaph fights will be decided.
The takeaway
Sanji's first use of Conqueror's Haki shows that the ability comes from strong will rather than from rank or power alone. Readers can watch how this shapes the crew's roles as the Elbaph Arc continues.
Further reading
For more on combat styles and fighting arts, explore Mixed Martial Arts coverage.
