Thread by @TypicalJAnt

A quick thread on how Ryou affects the ability we've defined as 'Conqueror's Coating.'

#ONEPIECE #Analysis

To begin, it must be understood that Ryou is just the Wano name for Haki. It means 'Flowing Cherry Blossom."

As Ryou in it's most basic form, is just an extension of Armament Haki concepts, it's explained in almost exactly the same way as the Breathe of All Things was pre time skip. Essentially it is an advancement of that principle.

Breathe of All Things is essentially a beginners version of this Ryou technique, at the most basic level, it is how armament coating and infusion is used. This is explained by Rayleigh as well.

The Kuja are all capable of this basic level.

This is to be considered as an intermediate level of armament haki usage, the basic ability to be competent at coating and infusion. Both Luffy & Zoro made this progression in the time skip.

The technique that Rayleigh demonstrates during this lesson, is an example of the more advanced technique of haki flow control. This level of haki control is also shown by Sentomaru & the Gorgon sisters. Hyo later demonstrates it as well.

Hyo explains that this principle of advanced Armament Haki is achieved through focusing on the flow of haki & allowing it to flow naturally and without force or waste.

On the advanced level, this ability allows the increased efficiency of Armament Haki usage that is noticeably superior to regular Armament Haki usage. We arguably see this demonstrated in the Luffy vs Katakuri fight. Katakuri's Armament still hurts Luffy despite his.

However, there is a highly level than this. The advancement to the point that haki can be projected and cause internal damage to the opponent.

It's this that Luffy realises on the rooftop. He was still using the basic version.

It's this same principle of advancement in haki flow control that Zoro has been experiencing in attempt to tame Enma

It's here that Zoro realises that the key to taming Enma is not to regulate haki flow but to allow the haki to flow without resistance. Enma is tamed by bending it to his will.

This brings us to the importance of 'Haki Bloom', as Hyo & Rayleigh have both mentioned, haki blooms most in intense battles.

Both Luffy & Zoro have had extensive haki bloom since the time skip. Luffy's in particular is most notable.

Putting all this together, the way that 'Conqueror's Coating' is unlocked, is through the combination of extensive 'Haki Bloom' & advanced capabilities in haki flow control. Once these requirements are met, those with the potential are able to attach Conqueror's to their Armament

As a point of clarification, what we saw in 1010 from Zoro can now be understood as not him using coating but Enma drawing out his dormant conqueror's haki. It's in 1010 that he becomes able to consciously infuse Conqueror's with Armament to achieve Coating.

From Luffy's perspective, he makes the realisation that Coating is possible through taking hits from Kaido's infused club. Because he got knocked out by it in one hit.

Luffy realises that the practical application of Ryou (flow control) Allows for Conqueror's Coating.

Made a bit of a mistake near the end there. That last sentence on the 2nd last part is suppose to read -

"It's in 1033* that he becomes able to consciously infuse Conqueror's with Armament to achieve Coating."