Since officially entering the Final Saga in 2022 with the Egghead arc, fans have sensed the story’s end is near. At Jump Festa 2026, Oda sensei confirmed that next year will be a “crazy” year for the main storyline.
In a message to fans, Oda shared: “After a long flashback, or at least a glimpse into history that gave you a new perspective on Elbaph, we ended everything with a big bang, and now things are about to get crazier than ever.”
The creator emphasized that the story will move at a “blistering speed.” This means major plot points and earth-shattering mysteries will be revealed rapidly instead of being drawn out like before.
“The Year of Reunions”: A Mysterious Character Emerges
Oda didn’t just talk about speed, he dropped several exciting hints about upcoming content:
– The appearance of the “Man with the Burn Scar”: One of the most mysterious characters connected to the final Poneglyph will finally be revealed.
– Unprecedented encounters: Oda teased historic showdowns or reunions between characters who have never met before. Notably, an unlikely pair will face off, promising to shake the pirate world.
– Approaching the legendary island: The author asked, “Will we reach the island that only the Pirate King has ever set foot on?” This could be Laugh Tale or possibly Lodestar Island, the final Log Pose destination mentioned by Roger.
Oda’s Health and the Future of the Series
Alongside story updates, Oda thoughtfully reassured fans about his health. Now in his 50s, he admitted he’s aging and feels some regret about it. Still, he vowed to maintain his health to keep working with fans through this “final sprint.”
“The story will move as fast as possible, but since I’m getting older, I ask for your understanding as I take care of my health while we sail into next year at One Piece’s fastest pace ever.”, Oda shared.
When Will One Piece Truly End?
Although Oda promises to speed things up, will we have to say goodbye to Luffy soon? Considering the massive amount of content left, from the Void Century mystery and ancient weapons to the final great battle, many experts predict One Piece will still need three to five years to conclude properly.
If the final battle is as large-scale as Wano or Marineford, it certainly won’t end quickly. However, with the promise of “blistering speed,” 2026 is set to be the most explosive year in One Piece history.