Haoshoku Haki Rework
This proposal aims to make Haoshoku Haki more faithful to the canonical representation from the series by introducing "tiers" of effects based on relative Haki strength, as well as expanding its functionality through new modes and visual effects (VFX). Further adjustments to balancing and mechanics are also suggested.
Overview
Currently, Haoshoku Haki is limited to a simple knockdown effect within a very narrow range. For example, a user with 125 total Haki can knock down an opponent with 100 total Haki, which lacks nuance and does not align with the source material. Therefore, this proposal introduces a tiered system of effects based on relative Haki levels.
New Skill Modes
(All of the following are alternative modes of Haoshoku Haki.)
- Weak Haoshoku
Inspired by Shanks' demonstration aboard Whitebeard's ship.
Function: Upon activation, every 2 seconds an invisible wave of Haki emanates from the user, affecting enemies within a defined radius. Any "weak" Haki users caught in the area are knocked down. This wave can also slightly break certain blocks.
Visual Effects: None.
- Strong Haoshoku
An enhanced version of Weak Haoshoku with additional mechanics.
Function: Upon activation, the user becomes immobile for the duration of the skill, while all players within range (including allies) are prevented from moving or using abilities.
Effect:
Continuously drains Haki from affected players (only enemies).
If an affected player activates Haoshoku Haki to clash, the drain is immediately nullified.
Players who fail to counter with Haoshoku are inflicted with Slowness and Weakness II.
Duration: 10 seconds.
Cooldown: 5 minutes.
Clash Mechanic: If another player counters with Haoshoku, the durations of both instances are summed, divided by two, and two seconds are added:
(User1Duration + User2Duration) / 2 + 2 = New Duration
In such cases, all negative effects and Haki drain are nullified for all involved parties.
Visual Effects:
Black lightning.
Black energy waves directed outward.
Screen shake effect.
Screen going manga stlye and flickering based on the user's Haoshoku "color".
- Haoshoku Explosion
Function: The user launches a single, powerful Haki wave that knocks down all weak Haki users within range.
Description: Equivalent to the old Haoshoku ability.
Visual Effects: A black wave propagates outward in all directions, being just a big wave.
Haoshoku Effect Tiers
In the series, it is demonstrated that the impact of Haoshoku varies based on the relative strength of the target's Haki:
No Effect:
If the target's Haki is sufficiently high, they experience no noticeable effects.
Example: Shanks aboard Whitebeard's ship — only commanders and select individuals withstand his Haoshoku.
Partial Effect (Paralysis):
If the target's Haki is moderate in comparison, they may kneel or become paralyzed temporarily.
Example: At Marineford, Luffy's Haoshoku causes some marines and pirates to freeze without clear direction.
Full Effect (Knockdown):
If the target's Haki is significantly weaker, they are knocked down instantly.
Proposal: Implement a tiered effect system that dynamically adjusts based on the target’s Haki level relative to the user's.
Effect Stages
Stage 1: No effect.
Stage 2: Inflict Nausea, Slowness, and temporary paralysis.
Stage 3: Instant knockdown.
Balancing
The current system is highly unbalanced, allowing marginal differences in Haki XP (e.g., 25 points) to determine the outcome unfairly. I tired of getting knockdown by my opponent because and only have 25 haki exp less than him.
Proposed Thresholds:
(All percentages are relative to the user’s total Haki using haoshoku, in this case, you are being affected)
Stages
3 ≤ 10% Knockdown
2 ≤ 25% Nausea, Slowness, Paralysis
1 > 25% No effect
Practical Examples:
User with 100 Haki:
Stage 3: ≤ 10 Haki
Stage 2: ≤ 25 Haki
Stage 1: > 25 Haki
User with 200 Haki:
Stage 3: ≤ 20 Haki
Stage 2: ≤ 50 Haki
Stage 1: > 50 Haki
User with 300 Haki:
Stage 3: ≤ 30 Haki
Stage 2: ≤ 75 Haki
Stage 1: > 75 Haki
The visual effects it's in this videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_zwvhOQWtc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_4yNagiEO8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b57k6Q1kMM4