Rayleigh has an extremely high level of skill in Busoshoku Haki (Armament Haki), allowing him to effectively bypass the powers of a Devil Fruit user and touching the “substantial body” beneath whatever protection the fruit provides as seen when he used Busoshoku Haki to kick and redirect an attack from Admiral Kizaru.
Rayleigh can utilize an advanced application of Busoshoku which enables him to emit his Haki a short distance without a medium.
He is also able to use a high-grade version of this technique, where Rayleigh can channel his Haki into his opponent, letting him destroy them from the inside out, which he first used to destroy Camie’s collar.
Kenbunshoku Haki (Observation Haki) can allow Rayleigh to sense the emotions and nature of others. The strength and mastery Rayleigh has over this kind of Haki is also shown by the fact that he can sense people all over the island he is currently on while most people can sense only in their immediate vicinity. Rayleigh could also use it to sense the strength of others on a wide scale. This was shown when Rayleigh utilized this Haki to sense that there were five hundred creatures on Rusukaina who were stronger than Luffy at that time.
The “Luffy Gear 4 Vs Rayleigh” filler scene in Episode 870 reminded us that Rayleigh is still one of the strongest beings in the entire One Piece World. Luffy Gear 4 Bounceman was just a punching bag to Rayleigh. He probably could have one shotted Luffy just like Kaido did if he was a bit more serious. This could mean that Rayleigh is close to Yonko level if not Yonko level!
Rayleigh made a very prominent return in the last chapter, which is why fans are hyped for him. He is strong enough to convince Blackbeard to get away from Amazon Lily.
However Rayleigh himself admits that they were lucky, as it was his reputation that ended the conflict, and that he won’t be able to beat Blackbeard head-on due to his old age.
