One Piece Chapter #1197: Sanji Awakens Conqueror's Haki
In chapter #1197, Sanji unlocks Conqueror's Haki and says he will serve as Luffy's shield while Zoro acts as his sword.
One Piece chapter #1197 depicts Sanji awakening Conqueror's Haki, as reported by Screen Rant. In the same chapter, the Straw Hats' cook declares that he will be Luffy's shield, with Zoro serving as his sword.
The chapter also shows Zoro learning to use Conqueror's Haki at will. He reaches this point after recalling advice from Dracule Mihawk about understanding his own sense of self.
Both developments are framed around the crew's goal: chapter #1197 shows Zoro and Sanji leveling up their abilities to assist Luffy in his aim of becoming Pirate King.
Older groundwork
Luffy and Zoro have shown signs of Conqueror's Haki since One Piece's time skip. Earlier in the series, the former Warlord Jinbe joined the Straw Hat crew, while characters such as Nami and Usopp have grown considerably stronger.
Ancient murals depicting past battles and prophesying future ones showed a Warrior of Liberation resembling Luffy's Gear 5 Nika form, alongside a hero equipped with a sword and shield.
Quick answers
What happens in One Piece chapter #1197?
Sanji awakens Conqueror's Haki and says he will be Luffy's shield while Zoro serves as his sword. Zoro also learns to use Conqueror's Haki at will.
How does Zoro learn to use Conqueror's Haki at will?
He recalls advice from Dracule Mihawk about understanding his own sense of self.