Summary
One Piece has captivated fans for decades, with creator Eiichiro Oda continuously expanding the story beyond his initial vision. While the series was originally intended to conclude within five years, it has evolved into an epic spanning over two decades. As One Piece enters its Final Saga, Oda has hinted at major events that will shape the story's ending, including a war that could surpass even the legendary Marineford Arc. However, Oda has also suggested that One Piece may end as soon as Luffy finds the treasure, leaving fans questioning how the final war fits into the narrative.
One Piece: A Timeless Journey
One Piece was originally supposed to run for just five years. According to Oda, the story was initially centered around Luffy’s fight against the Four Emperors, but the world-building and depth of the narrative naturally expanded over time. This evolution resulted in an intricate storyline with layers of history, politics, and legendary characters, making One Piece one of the longest-running manga series in history.
In a past interview, Oda admitted:
"At the start, I thought ‘ONE PIECE’ would end in five years, and in about a year and a half, Luffy's crew of ten would have gathered together. I thought of it like a video game, but I was far too naive! It's not that I wanted things to keep getting longer; that's just what ended up happening!"
Now, as the manga enters its final phase, fans are speculating about how the conclusion will unfold.
Oda Sets Up a Major War After the One Piece Is Found
One of the biggest expectations for the Final Saga is an all-out war that will determine the future of the world. Throughout the series, multiple clues have hinted at this massive conflict:
- Whitebeard's prophecy about a war that will shake the world when the One Piece is found.
- Imu and the Five Elders' "Great Cleansing" of the world.
- The destruction of Lulusia, showcasing the World Government's fear of the truth being revealed.
- Vegapunk's message, which hinted that whoever finds the One Piece will control the fate of the world.
With the Four Emperors, the World Government, the Revolutionary Army, and the Navy all racing toward the One Piece, chaos is inevitable. The final war could decide the fate of the entire world, making it even grander than the Marineford War.
Oda Suggests One Piece Will End When Luffy Finds the Treasure
Despite the setup for a world-shattering war, Oda has also stated that One Piece will conclude when the treasure is found. In an interview with Detective Conan creator Gosho Aoyama, Oda revealed:
"I've always pictured what the final chapter of ‘ONE PIECE’ would be like, though from time to time, the situation surrounding it changes. It will still be over whenever the One Piece is found in the series, haha. Anyway, this next arc is the final one."
This statement has left fans confused. If One Piece ends as soon as Luffy finds the treasure, does that mean the final war will take place before Laugh Tale? If so, how will the World Government’s secrets and the Void Century be fully explained?
Theories on How One Piece’s Ending Will Play Out
Since Oda has been setting up both a final war and an ending tied to the One Piece treasure, there are a few possible scenarios for how the series might conclude:
- The War Happens Before Laugh Tale – The final battle takes place before Luffy finds the treasure, with the world’s fate already at stake before he reaches the end of the Grand Line.
- The War Happens After the One Piece Is Found – Luffy finds the treasure, learns the truth of the Void Century, and then leads a global revolution against the World Government.
- One Piece’s Ending Leads to a Sequel – Oda ends the story with Luffy finding the treasure, but leaves room for a sequel focusing on the aftermath.
Regardless of how One Piece ends, fans can expect an unforgettable climax to one of the greatest manga series of all time.
When Will One Piece End?
While Oda previously estimated that the series would end by 2025, current developments suggest that One Piece could continue for another decade. Luffy still needs to find the last Road Poneglyph, reach Laugh Tale, and uncover the secrets of the world. With so many plot points left to resolve, the story is far from over.
The next chapter, One Piece 1143, is scheduled for release on March 23, 2025, and will provide more insights into the Final Saga.
Where to Read One Piece
Fans can read One Piece officially and for free through Viz Media, Shonen Jump, and the Manga Plus app. As the series heads toward its conclusion, now is the perfect time to catch up on this legendary adventure.
Final Thoughts
Whether One Piece ends with Luffy finding the treasure or after an epic final war, one thing is certain: Oda has meticulously crafted a story that will be remembered for generations. With each new chapter, fans eagerly await the answers to the mysteries of the Void Century, the Will of D, and the ultimate fate of the Straw Hat Pirates.
What do you think will happen after Luffy becomes the Pirate King? Let us know in the comments! 🚀🏴☠️
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