How to understand Observation Haki

[Hannibal Psyche]

What is Observation Haki
It's the power to sense auras of animals or persons and also ahead of time foresee any actions performed consciously or intentionally. Observation Haki lets one know the future in 2 distinct ways as the series up to Whole Cake Island arc has revealed.

The common way which is in terms of consciously performed physical actions (e.g. Luffy decides to punch Satori, but Satori already knows this before hand from using his Regular Observation Haki and responds accordingly⁽246⁾) and then there's the advanced method of knowing the future is by what can be called Cinematic Observation Haki where the user visually views the future within a space⁽860⁾.



The Difference between Regular Observation and Cinematic Observation Haki
All forms of Observation Haki users know the future - fundamentally, if an individual knows what someone will do before they do it, that's being privy to the future. The nature as to how one is being privy is what differs between the 2 types of Observation Haki.

The Regular Observation Haki perceives the future through consciously performed actions while Cinematic Observation visually perceived the future within a space.



Regular Observation Haki

How it Works?

I must stress the word "conscious" meaning actions performed in a state of mental awareness. Regular Observation detects actions consciously performed. While it reads the mind, it does so only in regard to actions (e.g. Satori picks up he'll get attacked by a Right kick⁽246⁾ meaning it doesn't read the mind in the sense of knowing what one is thinking generally such as "I should have Pasta and Cheese for Lunch, and maybe watch a film".

What Can't be Predicted?

Any action that isn't performed voluntarily/consciously cannot be predicted by Regular Observation Haki; Gomu Gomu no Baka is an example of actions not performed with one's awareness, therefore, Regular Observation Haki perceives nothing which is why Enel is unable to read Luffy's future movements ⁽281⁾.

While Regular Observation Haki (including Cinematic Observation) cannot read the mind in the sense that the opponent is thinking , Regular Observation can only pick up actions, but the person being observed must be in a state of conscious, awareness and thinking. Why this is the case? I don't know for sure, but it's a principle tacitly expressed and Oda might explain to us in future.

Cinematic Observation Haki

How it Works?

Unlike the Regular Observation Haki, it is not limited to reading physical actions performed in a state of mental awareness. It just perceives the future visually even allowing the user to perceive sound (e.g. Katakuri looks at the Cake, hears the rumbling sounds from it and see it burst out with clones of Luffy ⁽862⁾). Regular Observation would be unable to pick this up as the Cake bursting is not the action of a person or being.

What Can't be Predicted?

It has no limitation regarding what can be predicted. It's predictive efficacy is not limited conscious actions like Regular Observation. It views things visually allowing it to pick up future event within a space, not just persons.



Both Observation Types are Necessary
Each Observation type has flaws, some which show superiority against the other and some which show necessity despite possessing either.

1. Cinematic Observation perceives the future much further than Regular Observation meaning longer reaction window meaningmuch more complex manoeuvres are possible with Cinematic Observation than with Regular Observation which only perceives a little moment into the future meaning very little window in which to react⁽884⁾.
2. Cinematic Observation cannot pick things too obscure to notice visually especially when void of sound; Regular Observation on the other hand picks up things that cannot be seen ⁽893⁾.
3. Cinematic Observation also has a blind-spot. Things are viewed through a window of certain size⁽862⁾, therefore, anything outside that window is unseen until it gets within field of vision⁽895⁾ (e.g. Katakuri doesn't understand why the attack appears from that side until he trails Luffy's fist later⁽895⁾).
4. Point 3 seems to give reason to believe that Cinematic Observation may allow the user to pan around to cover blind spots too.

I'm not sure if these 2 types are naturally used together, or one can use them distinctly or together. Regular Observation seems more attuned to unseen attacks while Cinematic requires attacks within field of vision to be anticipated.



The Observation Haki user's Point of View
Observation Haki users know the future actions of others from the perspective that they are more or spectators. Everything they know occurs in the context that they're not going to intervene.

The implication of this aspect of Observation Haki means that the user cannot foresee their own future actions or reactions. In other words, one can know the future actions of others, but one cannot know their own future actions/reactions, this is something they decide once they know the future or predict the future.



Composure
It's important to know that anything that may cause a break in concentration or disturb one's focus will negate the use of Observation Haki ⁽250⁾. This is so vital because it determines the situations one can use it in regard to how stressful the situation is; a distinctly high level of composure ensures that the Observation user is always able to use it.



Sequentially
Observation Haki is used sequentially. By that, I mean they initially use Observation Haki, they then decide to attack/defend depending on what is gleaned, use Observation again, attack/defend etc. This hints towards the notion that Observation Haki cannot be used simultaneously or cannot perceive the future whilst attacking, but after essentially making it sequentially.

It's during ring this interval that Observation Haki users cannot foresee the future actions and can even be surprised by reactions as we see from Sengoku:

• Sengoku was shocked that Luffy expanded ⁽571⁾.
• Mihawk failed to land his attack despite attempting to seriously kill Luffy, he was unable to land any decisive blows ⁽561⁾.

The Implications of Intervening
A common aphorism that is applicable here is this - For every action, there is a reaction. I will put a table below, and hopefully you'll be able to see the significance of the aphorism above.

Evasion (Defending) Attacking
|Sandersonia Evades| Enel Attacks|
|Rayleigh Evades| Marigold Attacks|
|Luffy Evades|
|Sandersonia Evades|
Note: On first impressions, it seems the ability really only gives the user an edge in evading attacks successfully as opposed to actually successfully dealing fatal blows whilst attacking.



It's not so much that Observation Haki has a greater affinity for Defensive manoeuvres as opposed to Offensive manoeuvres, it's to do with actions causing reactions which gives the semblance of changing the future. It's not so much altering the future, it's more a case of adapting to the situation.



Defending - No Reaction
When evading attacks, the Observation Haki user does nothing to alter the commitment of the perceived, therefore, the opponent doesn't have to react or adapt to anything, and as a result, what the Observation Haki user knows will occur plays out as predicted.

They know their opponent will perform a right high kick to the head; it happens because the Observation Haki user does nothing to cause a different reaction, therefore, the observed will follow through with the consciously made attack.

The only difference is the Observation Haki user simply moves at the very last moment or at a point where the opponent can no longer change direction to abruptly end their momentum of their action ⁽246⁾.

Attacking - Reaction
When an Observation Haki user knows the future, remember they see the future from the view point that they do not intervene, and also bare in mind they cannot foresee their own future actions.

Due to these restrictions and limitations, when the Observation Haki proceeds to attack, the opponent now has something to react to which was never the case before, and as a result, it can often lead to attacks missing.

Scenario:

1. X-character knows Sanji will move to the right.
2. X-character based on this decides to shoot towards the right.
3. Sanji being too fast decides to Skywalk.

X-character would never have known Sanji would skywalk because prior to aiming to shoot at Sanji who was going to move to the right as known with Observation Haki, Sanji had no reason to Skywalk and stayed on course on the choice to move to his right side, but X-character shooting Sanji (he'd never have seen himself shoot Sanji with Observation), therefore, his attack would potentially fail as he's incited a new reaction which will result in a change of direction assuming one was quick enough to change original movement.

Note: Bare in mind that reactions change what has been foreseen, therefore, no matter how far into the future one has knowledge of, at whichever point the Observation Haki user intervenes, a new reaction is forced and the success of this reaction depends the observed depends on how quick they can change direction or stop the momentum of their action.



What's the Point of Observation whilst on the Offensive?
While this may give one reason to view Observation Haki as somewhat useless in attacks, the point of Observation Haki is not to guarantee anything. The point is to see enough of what your opponent will do, and use that visual information as basis for efficacy of defensive or offensive manoeuvres . It's an aid intended to allow the user to make the best decision possible before the foreknown action occurs.



This is real strength of Observation Haki in regards to attacks as Enel showcases. it's to keep your opponent under enough pressure until they falter and give an opening needed to deal a fatal blow. It allows one to know what their opponent will do, and this allows one to set up attacks way ahead of time. It ultimately gives one an advantage in all matters of combat.

Note: Not to digress, but speed that far exceeds that of an Observation Haki user would in effect render foreseeing the future redundant as the user cannot react in time to evade or setup an attack to pressurise the opponent ⁽520⁾.



Katakuri is the only one who has seen the future thus far in the series?
Katakuri isn't the only one who sees the future, Luffy saw the future once in the series; Mihawk is about to perform a slash attack and before Mihawk slashes while Luffy's about to commit to a Bazooka attack which catapult his arms towards Mihawk, he's seen into the future that it results in his limbs being sliced off. It's not just Katakuri that views the future visually through his Observation Haki⁽862⁾. It's very likely there are many high calibre Observation users besides Katakuri.

Slightly off tangent, but Luffy has always had the talent to sporadically see the future with Observation as he did in Marineford, and it appears as though he'd been taught by Rayleigh and has been working towards this goal even before the WCI arc893⁾.



Conclusion
Observation Haki is a skill that allows one to the the future actions of a person by foreknowledge. It appears used sequentially as Observation can't function whilst attacking. The user only knows the future from the point of view that they do not intervene, therefore, Observation Haki appears to favour evasive moves in the manga as opposed to offensive manoeuvres as they do not force opponents to react like attacks always do. On progression in Observation, one can actually learn to view things cinematically as opposed to foreknowledge which makes it much more useful; it's emphatically more powerful as cinematic knows many seconds ahead as opposed to foreknowledge.

I'm somewhat certain, but not a 100% certain. I intend to see how much more the Anime & Manga showcase regarding how it works. Understanding only becomes more certain with more evidence and information. For now, this is my conclusion.

 

[Beagopa]

This is a well thought out description of Observation Haki but I think there a few inconsistencies, possibly due to Oda not having haki fully fleshed our.

You say that obs can only be used when focused on it entirely but it is used subconsciously several times, usually that is how it is awakened such as with Coby and Usopp. Sanji also uses it subconsciously to detect a sniper when he is completely focused on Violet.

Also, if IIRC Luffy unintentionally used it against Mihawk and saw that if he finished his attack he would lose his arms. Since he was in the middle of jet bazooka this means he was in the heat of battle when he used it.

 

[Hannibal Psyche]

Thanks, I try to be as objective as possible, lol.

You say that obs can only be used when focused on it entirely but it is used subconsciously several times, usually that is how it is awakened such as with Coby and Usopp. Sanji also uses it subconsciously to detect a sniper when he is completely focused on Violet.

It wouldn't have been subconsciously, but purposely as he's learnt to use it.

Also, I've not said Haki cannot be awakened or forced out, we've been told it can be unlocked that way. Also, Coby was not predicting the future, but sensing the auras of people which I guess doesn't require as intense focusing as predicting the future actions of someone does.

The reason why he was crying and got emotional was because when the people he detected had their aura disappear, he concluded they were dying which is why he got emotional and sad.

Also, if IIRC Luffy unintentionally used it against Mihawk and saw that if he finished his attack he would lose his arms. Since he was in the middle of jet bazooka this means he was in the heat of battle when he used it.

Rubber will return to its original shape when you stretch it without thinking, it's the natural mechanism. Luffy stretched his arm to use a Bazooka attack. Before his arms recoiled (meaning they were still behind him), he was looking at Mihawk which allowed him to focus on him and use Observation Haki to predict his next move. It's after he did this that he nipped his attack in the bud and redirected it.

You'll notice his gaze was focused on Mihawk rather than his attack and Mihawk also points out how focused he is because predicting the future requires a lot of concentration.

It's still following the same principle as far as I assess it.

 

[Beagopa]

Correct me if my assessment is wrong but I think we are just differing on nuances. On the luffy/mihawk example you are saying luffy started his attack, paused to observe during the recoil, and then redirected the attack so he didn’t use obs in the heat of battle.

If I interpreted your assessment right then I think we just have a different opinion on what “the heat of battle” means. In gear 2 luffy’s recoil happens so fast it is hard too see, at least as depicted in the anime during the fight with Blueno. This means that Luffy readied jet bazooka, switched to observing before the recoil, and then redirected the attack all within probably a second or so.

I think you are saying he has to switch between attack and observing so it is not in the heat of battle and I’m saying people can switch back and forth so fast that it can be practically used in the heat of battle depending on the situation and skills of the user.

 

[Hannibal Psyche]

Correct me if my assessment is wrong but I think we are just differing on nuances. On the luffy/mihawk example you are saying luffy started his attack, paused to observe during the recoil, and then redirected the attack so he didn’t use obs in the heat of battle.

If I interpreted your assessment right then I think we just have a different opinion on what “the heat of battle” means. In gear 2 luffy’s recoil happens so fast it is hard too see, at least as depicted in the anime during the fight with Blueno. This means that Luffy readied jet bazooka, switched to observing before the recoil, and then redirected the attack all within probably a second or so.

I think you are saying he has to switch between attack and observing so it is not in the heat of battle and I’m saying people can switch back and forth so fast that it can be practically used in the heat of battle depending on the situation and skills of the user.

Yes, I'm saying because Luffy had the time to observe, he was able to use it.

Not many characters have the privilege to stretch their arms backwards and take a few seconds to observe their opponent before deciding whether to follow through with the attack or not. Doing so in essence meant he wasn't committed to the attack, otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to use Observation Haki in that moment.

When someone like Sanji throws a kick, he's throwing it fully committed to the attack, therefore, using Observation Haki is impossible because he's focused on the kick.

In order for someone to predict the success of their attack before it happened, it'd require being able to see their own attack with Observation Haki and see the outcome which is impossible. For Luffy, he was not looking at the success of his own attack, his rubbery nature was going to project his arms towards Mihawk passively; he was focused on Mihawk to begin with and due to the fact his arms would have gone in that direction except he redirected, he was able to focus on Mihawk.

1. It's the only thing that explains why someone like Sengoku was caught off-guard and shocked by Luffy expandning.
2. It's the only thing that explains why Mihawk failed to land any attack on Luffy.
3. It's the only reason that explains why Katakuri has missed multiple attacks despite how far his Observation Haki can foresee into someone's actions.

I guess we'll just have to see more instances between Katakuri and Luffy to further understand Observation Haki if my assessment is wrong.

 

[Beagopa]

I’m not saying your assessment is wrong. I’m just saying it is hard to pin down the extent of obs conclusively.

Issho likely relies on obs in the heat of battle. This is just an assumption so take it with a grain of salt, but I think it is safe to assume that he had to start relying on obs haki to fight more so than he did before he blinded himself. Once he blinded himself, he was not used to fighting blind but was still able to become an admiral. He likely used obs haki to still be able to fight.

I do agree that attacking makes obs haki unreliable. For instance I see you are going to move left so I decide to strike towards your left. You see me, react, and move right. Things happened differently then I predicted because I intervened and caused events to occur differently then I predicted. Had I not intervened you would have still gone left and my prediction would have been right. Acting on a prediction makes my prediction not happen, which is a big limitation to obs.

Essentially I’m not disagreeing but saying obs haki is complicated and it is too soon to make conclusive decisions. A year ago no one thought it could be used to see into the future but then Oda introduces katakuri. Who knows how the ability will continue to develop.

 

[Hannibal Psyche]

I’m not saying your assessment is wrong. I’m just saying it is hard to pin down the extent of obs conclusively.

Issho likely relies on obs in the heat of battle. This is just an assumption so take it with a grain of salt, but I think it is safe to assume that he had to start relying on obs haki to fight more so than he did before he blinded himself. Once he blinded himself, he was not used to fighting blind but was still able to become an admiral. He likely used obs haki to still be able to fight.

I do agree that attacking makes obs haki unreliable. For instance I see you are going to move left so I decide to strike towards your left. You see me, react, and move right. Things happened differently then I predicted because I intervened and caused events to occur differently then I predicted. Had I not intervened you would have still gone left and my prediction would have been right. Acting on a prediction makes my prediction not happen, which is a big limitation to obs.

Essentially I’m not disagreeing but saying obs haki is complicated and it is too soon to make conclusive decisions. A year ago no one thought it could be used to see into the future but then Oda introduces katakuri. Who knows how the ability will continue to develop.

Personally, I don't think it's hard.

The reason why it comes across as hard is because I believe there's an inclination to overrate and give Haki more credit than it deserves. Whenever something spectacular happens, Haki is instantly invoked as the reason. When we look at things for what they are and understand their limitations, we can see exactly what they're capable of and what they cannot do. I see there's too much expectation for Haki without consideration of limitations.

I do understand what you're saying regarding reaction or feints to avoid being caught, but still implying it can be used whilst attacking. However, Sengoku shows otherwise.

Luffy didn't see Sengoku attack, and then change direction to render what Sengoku would have seen; Luffy always intended to expand the moment Sengoku turned into a Budddha, therefore, Sengoku should have known before hand. Luffy just expanded and remained stationary, yet Sengoku was surprised. It implies that when someone commits to an attack, they can't use Observation Haki because it requires a lot of concentration or, it's impossible.

We even see when Katakuri took a shot at Sanji, it's while not attacking that he saw Sanji would evade the priests' attack. Katakuri can see much further ahead, therefore, how come his shot missed? It implies he didn't see what Sanji would have done. Katakuri sees more than a moment ahead, the time it takes for a bullet to get from point a - b is much shorter than how far Katakuri can see into the future. Katakuri foresaw an entire speech made by Jigra, so his missing Sanji implies it's unlikely he can see the future when he attacks.

When someone throws a blow, they're not thinking of whether it'll hit or not, they throw it with conviction hoping it'd land and with entirety of their focus. It's impossible to think of 2 things at once.

While they're things we only just learn or see, the way Observation Haki is portrayed now is still consistent with what we saw in Skypiea. Shura's fight with Gan fall is the best example. When he's not attacking, he sees everything clearly. As soon as he attacks, he misses.

 

[Beagopa]

I think your assessment is well supported and likely correct based on what we know so far but I think your analysis on Sanji dodging is slightly off.

Katakuri missed Sanji not because he was in mid attack but because his obs haki can only see one future outcome at a time. He saw a future where Sanji would dodge Pudding’s or the priests shot ( I forget which) and decided to intervene. He shot a jelly bean, which altered the future as he predicted it and he didn’t know what the new future would be because it wouldn’t exist until after he committed his attack. The time in which he decided to act and Sanji dodged was literally faster than the speed a bullet travels. Katakuri can’t see all possible future events, just the possible future if he doesn’t intervene. That’s why he missed Sanji. When he shot it was based on where Sanji would have been had he not intervened. When he shot, a new future was created and Sanji used his obs to dodge that shot instead of the one he would have originally dodged, which never happened.

This isn’t a contradiction with your assessment just another limitation as to how obs works. Only one possible future can be seen at a time by Kata

 

[Hannibal Psyche]

I think your assessment is well supported and likely correct based on what we know so far but I think your analysis on Sanji dodging is slightly off.

Katakuri missed Sanji not because he was in mid attack but because his obs haki can only see one future outcome at a time. He saw a future where Sanji would dodge Pudding’s or the priests shot ( I forget which) and decided to intervene. He shot a jelly bean, which altered the future as he predicted it and he didn’t know what the new future would be because it wouldn’t exist until after he committed his attack. The time in which he decided to act and Sanji dodged was literally faster than the speed a bullet travels. Katakuri can’t see all possible future events, just the possible future if he doesn’t intervene. That’s why he missed Sanji. When he shot it was based on where Sanji would have been had he not intervened. When he shot, a new future was created and Sanji used his obs to dodge that shot instead of the one he would have originally dodged, which never happened.

This isn’t a contradiction with your assessment just another limitation as to how obs works. Only one possible future can be seen at a time by Kata

Katakuri was attacking. Prior to that, he saw Sanji dodge the priest, and then shot thinking he'd hit Sanji, but missed.

He sees one future at a time? Isn't that rather convenient that he looks at the future at the right time then?

He missed his shot against Sanji and he failed to stop Luffy from showing Big Mom the picture.

Those stars you see highlighted, whenever they;re shown, they indicate a character is shocked and surprised by something seen or said. Katakuri was shocked as seen on the bottom right when Luffy grabbed him, why? because he didn't expect it.

And what does Katakuri do while grabbed, and not attacking?

He sees the future because he's not attacking. He's just observing and therefore can ascertain that Luffy plans to take him into the mirror world.

The only instances Observation Haki have been shown in use is when not attacking most likely because it's the only time it can be used.

If Observation Haki can be used when attacking, why did Sengoku get surprised? It only makes sense if it can't be used when attacking. And it makes no sense to be surprised by something you've seen coming.

 

[Beagopa]

But what he saw never happened, therefore it was only a possible future, a future that would happen if he didn’t try and change it. He only looks at one future at a time because there is only one future that exists until he intervenes. Sanji never had to dodge the priest because Kata attacked before the priest pulled out his gun. Kata saw a future and then took steps to intervene creating a future that would not have existed had he not intervened.

Kata aimed based on his prediction of where Sanji would be had he not intervened. When he shot his old prediction no longer represented the future.

IIRC Capone even says even though Kata can see the future, they all have the power to change that future.

Also Sanji didn’t make a premeditated thought to dodge any shots, other than Pudding’s which he knew was coming. The dodges were reflexive as he didn’t know the priest or Kata would fire on him until an instant before being struck.

 

[Hannibal Psyche]

IIRC Capone even says even though Kata can see the future, they all have the power to change that future.

They can only observe.

When they're attacking, they can't see,

What you're saying is contradicted by what happened in Marineford.

Luffy intended to inflate himself as soon as Sengoku turned into a giant.

If he saw the future, it didn't change because Luffy always intended to become a giant balloon.

Yet, he's surprised. It implies the future cannot be seen when attacking.

--- Double Post Merged, Oct 19, 2017, Original Post Date: Oct 19, 2017 ---

Also Sanji didn’t make a premeditated thought to dodge any shots, other than Pudding’s which he knew was coming. The dodges were reflexive as he didn’t know the priest or Kata would fire on him until an instant before being struck.

That was his Observation Haki actually.

There's no instance where Observation Haki is showcased whilst attacking.

It's always whilst not attacking.

 

[Beagopa]

I’m not arguing he used it while attacking. I’m saying Kata missed because he can’t observe what happens if he intervenes until after he has taken steps to change what he originally observed. At that point his initial observation no longer applies.

 

[Hannibal Psyche]

I’m not arguing he used it while attacking. I’m saying Kata missed because he can’t observe what happens if he intervenes until after he has taken steps to change what he originally observed. At that point his initial observation no longer applies.

Then you're literally saying what I'm saying. It boils down to being unable to attack/intervene whilst simultaneously using Observation Haki as I originally stated.

It's the same thing here. Katakuri attacks, misses because he can't use Observation Haki whilst attacking, The moment Luffy dodges, he uses Observation Haki to observe and tries to attack, but then misses again.

It's consistent with what I said in my original post.

 

[Beagopa]

I’m not trying to get into an argument because I’m not disagreeing with your original post. I’m saying your assessment is right but your reasoning on why Kata missed Sanji is wrong. The two are not mutually exclusive.

I’m not saying you can use obs haki while you attack, but even if you could, Kata would have still missed. This is because he can’t change the trajectory of his bullet after it’s been fired. His missing was do to him changing the future and not his inability to observe and attack at the same time.

 

[Hannibal Psyche]

I’m not trying to get into an argument because I’m not disagreeing with your original post. I’m saying your assessment is right but your reasoning on why Kata missed Sanji is wrong. The two are not mutually exclusive.

I’m not saying you can use obs haki while you attack, but even if you could, Kata would have still missed. This is because he can’t change the trajectory of his bullet after it’s been fired. His missing was do to him changing the future and not his inability to observe and attack at the same time.

How is it wrong? He attacked and missed just like everyone else who is an Observation Haki user.

Your assessment is wrong. He missed because he can't use Observation Haki at the same time.

He even missed in the latest chapter. He attacked Luffy and missed.

 

[Beagopa]

I’m not saying you can attack while using obs. I’m describing another reason why Kata missed.

He can’t sit there and think “If I do this then that will happen but if I do this then this will happen instead.” He can’t see all the possible results of his actions. He just sees the future set in stone and then he can try to change it but doesn’t know what the outcome of his intervention is until it becomes set in stone.

 

[Hannibal Psyche]

His missing was do to him changing the future

This is also inaccurate.

He can only see up until the moment he decides to attack. He only saw the priest miss his shot.

His Observation Haki didn't see any further than that which is why he was surprised his shot missed and that Sanji was able to dodge so quickly.

The future was not changed, otherwise, he'd have seen that Sanji was going to dodge his attack, and shot in a way that'd guarantee not missing.

 

[Beagopa]

We’ll have to agree to disagree here because I interpret the chapter references you post as supporting me.

Taken step by step Kata sees a future where Pudding will miss and then the priest will miss. He attempts to create a new future and fires before any of this happens.

He doesn’t know what the result of him shooting will be until after he commits to doing it and at that point the future he saw no longer exists. Even if he could use CoO while attacking, which he probably can’t, he would have still missed.

Although after this week’s chapter I think I have to adjust my understanding of how CoO works. Not sure I’ve fully grasped it yet.

 

[Hannibal Psyche]

We’ll have to agree to disagree here because I interpret the chapter references you post as supporting me.

Taken step by step Kata sees a future where Pudding will miss and then the priest will miss. He attempts to create a new future and fires before any of this happens.

He doesn’t know what the result of him shooting will be until after he commits to doing it and at that point the future he saw no longer exists. Even if he could use CoO while attacking, which he probably can’t, he would have still missed.

Although after this week’s chapter I think I have to adjust my understanding of how CoO works. Not sure I’ve fully grasped it yet.

Fair, I guess more chapters will shed more light on this.

--- Double Post Merged, Oct 20, 2017, Original Post Date: Oct 20, 2017 ---

Also Sanji didn’t make a premeditated thought to dodge any shots,

He must have made a premeditated dodge.

Anything that isn't premeditated cannot be predicted or foreseen by Observation Haki,

 

[Beagopa]

I agree that the general rule is that a CoO user can only see premeditated actions. The situation with Enel confirms this. However it seems almost certain that Kata is an exception to the general rule as he can actually see the future unlike the average CoO user. His future sight is different than the average observation.

I say this because Kata was able to see Pudding crying in the future. Crying is a reflexive and not premeditated act. Pudding cried as a reaction to Sanji saying she was pretty even with her third eye. She did not make a premeditated decision to cry. How could she? She didn’t know Sanji would say that. Her breaking down was a reaction and not a premeditated thought.

If Kata can only see premeditated actions how do you explain him seeing Pudding crying? Do you believe she made a premeditated decision to cry?