Haki may work like frequency control in One Piece (& Drums of Liberation prove it)

One Piece has been known to blend together combat and philosophy quite well, specifically with an understanding of the use of Haki. The idea of Haki is that it's a force of will, an experience that allows characters to make reality bend around them, dominate enemies, and sense the unseen. Haki holds a lot of weight and value.

Still, even to this day, the series has never fully explained the mechanics of how Haki works, leaving open opportunities for people to create their own interpretations of this power.

However, Haki could be proposed to work in a manner similar to frequency control, much like radio signals or sound waves. From Shanks' "Wi-Fi Haki" to the Drums of Liberation that resonate like the rhythm of JoyBoy, this concept plays around with whether everyone's Haki gives off a distinct frequency that others can sense, tune into, or even drown out.

Disclaimer: This article is a speculative theory and reflects the writer's opinion. It also includes spoilers from the One Piece anime/manga.

How Haki works in One Piece, explored

Luffy using Haki in One Piece (Image via Toei Animation)

In One Piece, Haki is presented as a mysterious force that is present in all living beings—it is an ability that allows one to apply willpower, sense evil, and, at times, overpower others without physical force. Haki has three distinct types, each serving distinct functions, such as detecting enemy movements, protecting against attacks, or possibly overpowering weaker-willed opponents.

Although Eiichiro Oda left most of the interior mechanism open to the reader's imagination, recent events in the story suggest that Haki may be more complex than originally portrayed; it may even work analogously to frequency control.

A theory proposes a fresh lens: Haki functions analogously to the ways frequencies or sound waves operate. Radios work to tune into certain frequencies or to emit frequencies that interact with matter. Perhaps the characters in One Piece may be able to control and project personal "will-frequencies." If the individual's "will" is stronger, then the signal is more powerful.

Shanks as seen in anime (Image via Toei Animation)

The more trained a user is, the more expertly they can transmit, receive, or even detect other individual frequencies. According to this idea, the pinnacle of Haki is essentially frequency manipulation—and several in-universe examples seem to support it.

One of the most obvious examples is Shanks' demonstration of Conqueror's Haki, usually referred to as "Wi-Fi Haki" by fans. Shanks radiated a wave of willpower miles away and halted Admiral Greenbull in his tracks, not just stopping him but enabling Greenbull and Luffy to recognize its source and purpose.

In terms of frequency, this could be equivalent to Shanks transmitting a strong, distinctive wave pattern that could be received and decoded. The physical side effects—paralysis, dizziness, or fainting—are also consistent with what actual studies call biological reactions to disruptive frequencies.

Luffy as seen in anime (Image via Toei Animation)

The Drums of Liberation, associated with Nika or JoyBoy in One Piece, are another significant clue. This noise is depicted in the anime as a glowing waveform, foreshadowing its use as something greater than music. This special Haki frequency signals Luffy's transformation and resonates across the globe.

Imu’s immediate reaction to JoyBoy’s Haki suggests that certain individuals are sensitive to these signature frequencies, almost as if they are tuned in to the “frequency of the universe.” Imu could detect and even fear the return of that specific Haki wavelength, which echoes the original liberator's will.

This theory also opens up interesting possibilities when re-examining Admiral Fujitora. Even though he is blind, he perceives others accurately, even defining individuals in terms of unseen signals. There's a possibility that Fujitora is able to sense and decipher the frequency of every individual's Haki—such as sonar or radar, which also function according to the principle of wave reflection and reception.

Fujitora as seen in One Piece anime (Image via Toei Animation)

The multicolored auras painted in certain manga views around individuals might be poetic metaphors for chakra vibrations, an idea in Hinduism and Buddhism that every chakra has a distinct vibration. These similarities are not coincidental.

In addition, the theory goes that not only the powerful but also talents, such as Sanji's "Lady Radar," may be given another explanation. While generally done in comedy, his unexpected realization that a woman is present may be his subconscious picking up on a certain frequency—something that is delicate yet perceivable through practiced Observation Haki. That bit of humor might have more substance than we realize.

Coming back to fighting, we also learn how frequency manipulation might work as a weapon. When Gaban employs "Axe Symphony" on Sommers, the wound seems more debilitating than normal and is slower to heal. If the God's Knights heal with some type of advanced biological process or Haki-based healing, then fighting them on their frequency of Haki could short-circuit that response.

Gaban as seen in manga (Image via Shueisha)

This implies that just as medical equipment can utilize certain frequencies to destroy cells, Haki, attuned to the appropriate wavelength, might be able to pierce supernatural defenses.

Finally, the Voice of All Things is perhaps the most concrete evidence in One Piece. In theory, Luffy and others who can hear this voice are tuning into the universal frequency that objects, animals, and ancient relics give off. Like a dog whistle, this “voice” isn’t about volume—it’s about resonance.

Only certain people, with certain spiritual awareness or willpower, can hear or respond to it. If Haki allows people to emit and receive frequencies, then the Voice of All Things could be the clearest representation of that idea in the series.

Final thoughts

In One Piece, Haki may be something like frequency control. Each living person has a unique Haki frequency emitted from the person, and a sufficiently adept user may be able to sense, project, or interrupt that Haki. Shanks's Wi-Fi Haki, Luffy's Drums of Liberation, and Fujitora's awareness suggest that Haki operates similarly to a personal signal.

The Voice of All Things may tune in on a universal frequency, and Gaban's Axe Symphony demonstrated how matching a frequency can counter regeneration. So, at its height, Haki is more than will-generation; it controls a precise frequency.

Related links:

About the author

Mudassir Kamran is an Anime Journalist at Sportskeeda and has over four years of experience covering the anime and manga industry. With a degree in Data Science, he brings analytical precision and structured research to his writing, ensuring factual accuracy and thoughtful insight in every piece.

His passion for anime was sparked by Death Note, whose psychological depth and gripping narrative inspired him to dive deeper into the medium. Over time, Mudassir developed a strong admiration for creators like Isayama sensei, Oda sensei, and Toriyama sensei—praising their visionary storytelling and global influence.

Mudassir maintains high standards in his journalism—cross-referencing Reddit discussions, official updates, and credible sources to provide clear and objective reporting. He respects reader privacy, avoids speculative claims, and strives to maintain a balanced perspective in all his coverage.

Outside the anime world, he enjoys non-fiction books, gaming, and spending time outdoors exploring new places.

Know More

Edited by Toshali Kritika