Theory the 4th color of haki = spirit bonding

[Monkey D Theories]

VOAT, the voice of all things, is an ability unlike any of the 3 colors of haki. Each of the 3 colors is based off a single concept.

CoA = using your aura to strengthen yourself
CoO = observing the aura of others
CoC = using your aura to weaken others

While some might see superficial similarities between VOAT and CoO or CoC, it is a unique ability altogether.

VOAT isnt simply observing, it is forming a connection with others.
Luffy/Roger/Oden can understand the language of the sea kings

Momo can see what zunisha shows him

Luffy can send telepathic messages to Momo and the heart pirates.

imo VOAT is a 4th color of haki. Perhaps it’s a combination of the other 3, perhaps it transcends them all together.

What I can say is, if:
CoO = observation
CoA = armament
CoC = conquering

VOAT is the haki of bonds. It allows one to create spirit bonds with those around them. It is the power of connection and will likely tie into One Piece’s themes of friendship and inherited will.

Imu has some sort of a bond with his crew, being able to share powers with them. Perhaps this isn’t simply a DF technique but DF + VOAT.

I think black blades could involve using VOAT to bond with a sword. And I think DFs themselves could be created due to spirit bonds made from VOAT.

Lastly I think Oda will reveal Luffy has been using this power throughout his journey and it’s how he so easily makes allies. Yes, he is a conqueror. But so is captain Kid, Hancock, Doffy, etc. Luffy is more than a conqueror, he is a VOAT user and that allows him to effortlessly create bonds with those around him.

 

[shastar-sei]

Why didn't Roger use VOAT to forge his blade black then? Surely, he loved his sword, considering his son was named after it.

I do think some form of spiritual bonding is required for that, but I'm not sure if it's VOAT. But hey, I'm not hating if Zoro unlocks VOAT and Mihawk also has it.

 

[Monkey D Theories]

Why didn't Roger use VOAT to forge his blade black then? Surely, he loved his sword, considering his son was named after it.

I do think some form of spiritual bonding is required for that, but I'm not sure if it's VOAT. But hey, I'm not hating if Zoro unlocks VOAT and Mihawk also has it.

He probably doesn’t care about the black blade.

A black blade is merely an extremely hard/durable sword. But Roger doesn’t actually make contact with his sword, rather using haki shockwaves. So a black blade would be meaningless for him.

Post automatically merged: Jun 6, 2025

Roger could have used VOAT to do much more powerful things than a mere black blade, stuff Mihawk has no interest in because it’s not swordsmanship.

Ex. Binding the wind and using it to create a storm that could sink Shiki’s fleet

 

[shastar-sei]

He probably doesn’t care about the black blade.

A black blade is merely an extremely hard/durable sword. But Roger doesn’t actually make contact with his sword, rather using haki shockwaves. So a black blade would be meaningless for him.

Post automatically merged: Jun 6, 2025

Roger could have used VOAT to do much more powerful things than a mere black blade, stuff Mihawk has no interest in because it’s not swordsmanship.

Ex. Binding the wind and using it to create a storm that could sink Shiki’s fleet

I think there will be more to Black Blades than simply unparalleled hardness and grade rank increase. It's too long of a wait for the payoff to be simply that.

What you're describing of VOAT application could be what Dragon did back at Loguetown. Though, I think he has a Wind Logia, but maybe.