The legendary manga and anime series One Piece is now moving toward its final chapter. With its epic storytelling spanning decades, many fans are eager to know: When will One Piece finally conclude? In this article, we explore what creator Eiichiro Oda has said, analyze fan theories, and offer the most up-to-date information on the series’ end.
How Long Has One Piece Been Running?
One Piece began its journey on July 19, 1997, when the first manga chapter was published in Weekly Shonen Jump. Since then, the franchise has grown into a global phenomenon, inspiring countless fans with over 1,000 manga chapters and more than 1,000 anime episodes. Toei Animation adapted the series into an anime that premiered on Fuji TV on October 20, 1999. In Germany, the anime first aired on RTL II in 2003.
After more than 26 years, One Piece remains one of the longest-running and most beloved manga series of all time. However, with the recent announcement that the manga has entered its final saga, fans are now wondering how much longer the story of Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates will last.
When Will One Piece End?
Although Eiichiro Oda and his team have not confirmed an official end date, they have hinted at a tentative timeline. In May 2021, Kohei Onishi, an editor at Shonen Jump, estimated that the story would need around 20 to 30 more volumes to conclude.
Based on this projection, Oda indicated that the series could reach its conclusion by 2025 or 2026. However, these dates aren’t set in stone. Oda has previously extended the timeline to add more detail to the story, prioritizing character development and plot intricacies over rushing to the finish. Delays are possible, but fans can expect the series to end within the next few years.
What Can We Expect in the Final Arc?
The One Piece saga officially entered its final phase in the summer of 2022, marking the beginning of the end for Luffy’s adventure to become the Pirate King. Although Oda and his team are keeping the conclusion under wraps, fans have developed several theories about what might happen in the final chapters.
- The Treasure of Gol D. Roger: The ultimate mystery is the nature of the “One Piece” treasure itself, which has remained undiscovered throughout the series. Many believe it lies on the elusive island of Laugh Tale, the final destination on the Grand Line.
- The Final Battle: It is widely speculated that a climactic showdown will occur between Luffy and Blackbeard, who both aim to claim the title of Pirate King. This epic battle could involve many of the series’ most powerful characters.
- The Role of Im-sama: Another mystery involves Im-sama, the secretive leader of the World Government. Many fans believe his identity will be revealed in the final arc, possibly leading to the downfall of the corrupt World Government, one of the series’ main antagonistic forces.
With these major events on the horizon, fans anticipate answers to long-standing questions, including the true nature of the ancient weapons and the significance of the “Will of D.”
Why Has One Piece Lasted So Long?
One of the reasons One Piece has maintained its popularity for more than two decades is its intricate storytelling, deep character development, and the way it explores themes like friendship, freedom, and ambition. Each arc introduces new islands, characters, and conflicts, making the series feel fresh while still tying everything back to Luffy’s quest for the One Piece treasure.
The series’ longevity also reflects Oda’s ability to carefully pace the story and build suspense. Rather than rushing to complete the series, Oda has taken his time to flesh out the world of One Piece—a decision fans have appreciated, even if it means waiting longer for the story’s conclusion.
Will One Piece Hold the Record for the Most Anime Episodes?
While One Piece is one of the longest-running anime series, it does not hold the record for the most episodes. That honor belongs to other long-running series like Sazae-san, which has aired more than 8,000 episodes since 1969. However, One Piece remains a standout in terms of its global popularity and narrative depth, setting it apart from other long-running shows.
Conclusion: The End Is Near, but Patience Is Key
While the exact end date of One Piece remains uncertain, fans can expect the story to wrap up around 2025 or 2026. With the final arc already underway, the series is building toward a thrilling conclusion filled with epic battles, long-awaited reveals, and emotional farewells.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or just starting your journey with Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates, the ending of One Piece promises to be unforgettable. As we sail closer to the final chapter, all eyes are on Oda to see how this incredible adventure will come to a close. Until then, fans will have to remain patient and continue enjoying the journey—because with One Piece, the adventure is just as important as the destination.