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The Question Every One Piece Fan Is Asking
With over 1,000 episodes, nearly 1100 manga chapters, and two decades of global popularity, One Piece remains one of the most successful and beloved anime series in history. But as the story enters its final saga, fans around the world are asking the inevitable question: when will One Piece end?
Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece, has provided several updates over the years—some vague, some precise—about the expected length of the story. With major mysteries still unresolved and new developments rapidly unfolding, it’s clear that the end is near… but just how near is it?
This article will break down the latest information from Oda, narrative signs of the story’s final arc, and the fan theories that try to pinpoint the exact moment One Piece will reach its epic conclusion.
A Brief Look at One Piece’s Journey So Far
Before diving into when One Piece will end, it’s worth reflecting on how far the series has come:
- Debuted: July 1997 (Weekly Shonen Jump)
- Anime Premiere: October 1999 (Toei Animation)
- Volumes Released: 106+ (as of 2025)
- Chapters Published: Over 1100
- Major Arcs Completed: East Blue, Alabasta, Enies Lobby, Marineford, Dressrosa, Whole Cake Island, Wano
The Wano Country arc, which concluded in 2023, marked a major turning point. It brought decades of character development and world-building to a climax, setting the stage for the Final Saga.
What Oda Has Said About the Ending
1. “One Piece Will End in 5 Years” (2020 Statement)
In a widely publicized 2020 interview, Oda stated that he wanted to finish One Piece in five years, suggesting an end around 2025. However, fans know that Oda’s estimates are often optimistic, and the story tends to expand as he writes.
He clarified that the story had entered its final stage, but not necessarily its final arc. Since then, the pacing has increased, but major plotlines still need closure.
2. Confirmation of the Final Saga (2022)
In mid-2022, One Piece officially entered the Final Saga following the end of Wano. This was not just marketing—Oda stated that the story had shifted into its “home stretch,” with several interconnected arcs leading toward the finale.
“This is where I will draw all the mysteries of the world… It will be fun. Please buckle up.” – Eiichiro Oda, 2022
3. Final Chapter Already Drafted?
There are persistent rumors that Oda has already planned or written the final chapter of One Piece, keeping it safely stored. While this hasn’t been confirmed, Oda has hinted that he knows how the story ends, and has had the final scene in mind for years.
As theories about bloodlines and hidden legacies continue to circulate—especially involving characters like Buggy, Blackbeard, and Rocks D. Xebec—it’s clear that lineage may play a major role in how the final saga unfolds.
Narrative Clues Hinting at the End
To understand When One Piece Will End, you also need to look at the story itself. The following unresolved plot threads are crucial to the endgame:
1. The Truth Behind the Void Century
The Void Century is the greatest unsolved mystery in the One Piece world. Connecting the Ancient Kingdom, Joy Boy, and the World Government, this period holds the key to the series’ themes of freedom, oppression, and history.
Uncovering the Void Century is expected to be a major focus of the Final Saga, especially through the character Nico Robin and the remaining Poneglyphs.
2. The One Piece Itself
After all these years, we still don’t know what the legendary treasure known as the One Piece actually is. It’s located at Laugh Tale, a final island that only a few pirates have ever reached.
Oda has promised that the One Piece is not “the journey or the friends we made along the way”, but an actual physical reward. This means it will need to be revealed before the series can end.
3. The Final War
Many believe that a massive war is coming—possibly between the World Government, the Revolutionary Army, and the Pirate King contenders. With characters like Imu, Blackbeard, Shanks, Luffy, and Dragon in play, the pieces are set for an all-out global conflict.
This war is expected to exceed even Marineford, the largest war shown to date, and will likely span multiple arcs.
How Much Story Is Left?
Analysts and fans have made projections based on Oda’s pacing. If we consider the Final Saga to be roughly the size of Wano (which took nearly four years), then:
- Number of chapters left: Estimated 100–150
- Time needed (at ~45 chapters/year): ~2.5–3 years
- Predicted manga end date: 2027–2028
What About the Anime?
The anime usually lags behind the manga by about 1.5 to 2 years. If the manga ends in 2027, the anime might finish around 2029, assuming no major delays.
However, the anime could expand or create original finale content that slightly adjusts the timeline.
Will One Piece Get a Time Skip or Epilogue?
It’s very likely. Oda has hinted in past SBS (fan Q&A) segments that he wants to show the future of the Straw Hat Pirates. This could include:
- Luffy’s fate after becoming Pirate King
- A new generation of pirates
- Global changes post-revolution
- A peaceful or hopeful ending reflecting the themes of inherited will
Many fans speculate there will be a final time skip—perhaps 10 or 20 years—followed by an epilogue similar to Naruto’s or Fullmetal Alchemist’s.
Fan Theories on the End Date
While nothing is confirmed, several fan theories attempt to predict exactly when One Piece will end. Here are the most popular:
1. The 30-Year Anniversary Theory (2027)
If Oda ends One Piece in 2027, it will mark 30 years since the manga began serialization (1997–2027). This would be a poetic and satisfying full-circle moment.
2. The Laugh Tale Countdown Theory
Some fans track each step the Straw Hats take toward Laugh Tale. If the current pace continues, they expect the crew to reach Laugh Tale in late 2026, with the final war occurring afterward.
3. The Joy Boy Rebirth Theory
Others think that the series will end when Luffy fulfills the prophecy of Joy Boy, which is slowly being unraveled. That could tie into the mystery of the Nika fruit, Zunesha, and the Ancient Weapons.
What Will Happen After One Piece Ends?
Eiichiro Oda has stated he doesn’t plan to start another long-running series. However, he’s hinted that he may explore side stories, one-shots, or work on spin-off projects set in the One Piece world.
Some possibilities include:
- A mini-series about the Void Century
- A story focused on Shanks or Gol D. Roger
- Slice-of-life epilogues with the Straw Hats
The One Piece anime franchise may also continue through remakes, movies, or prequels, similar to what Dragon Ball has done.
Final Thoughts: So, When Will One Piece End?
So, to answer the big question—when will One Piece end?—the most likely answer is:
Between 2027 and 2028, with the anime concluding a year or two later.
The Final Saga has already begun, and while much remains unresolved, Eiichiro Oda has made it clear that the end is in sight. With global stakes, major character arcs, and long-held mysteries reaching their climax, fans can expect an emotionally powerful and well-earned finale.
Until then, there’s only one thing to do: keep sailing.
In fact, Eiichiro Oda himself has shared updates over the years on the series’ progress and planned ending, including in interviews like this one, where he confirmed his intent to wrap up the story within a few years.
Quick Recap
- Oda aims to end the series before 2030
- Final Saga began in 2022
- Manga likely to end by 2027–2028
- Anime may finish around 2029–2030
- Epilogues and spin-offs are possible
- The One Piece will be revealed, and it’s not just friendship
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