The Unfinished Promise of One Piece

One Piece's Unfinished Promise: Is the End Really in Sight?

Five years ago, Eiichiro Oda, the creator of "One Piece"surprised the otaku world with a statement that filled fans with excitement and doubts: the manga would end in five years. This deadline, which is August 2024, seems to be far from reality. With more than 1,100 chapters and the story still unfinished, the question arises: will the manga be finished in five years?Are we really nearing the end of the epic journey of Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates?

The Announcement that Shook the Otaku Community

In 2019, during an interview on a popular Japanese YouTube channel, Oda mentioned that his goal was to close the story of One Piece within five years. This statement was backed up by its publisher, who assured that the plan was achievable. However, as the years progressed, the plot has revealed multiple arcs, new characters and mysteries that seemed to indicate otherwise.

Contradictions and Changes in Course

Despite the initial promise, in 2021, Oda commented that the story "had one foot in the end"But, to everyone's surprise, in 2023 he softened his stance, stating that the denouement would not be as quick as many expected. These statements, along with the complexity and continuous expansion of the world of One Piece, have generated skepticism among fans. Many now think that the series could be extended for several more years, despite being officially in its final saga.

Why Does the End Seem So Far Away?

The development of One Piece has been a long journey full of meticulous details. Oda has left no stone unturned, revealing with each chapter secrets that have been present since the beginning. This approach is one of the series' greatest attractions, but it is also what slows down its conclusion. The sheer number of characters, subplots and arcs complicate a quick and satisfying closure.

Fan Expectations

The One Piece fan community is divided. On the one hand, some wish for a close ending, eager to know the fate of Luffy and the One Piece. On the other hand, many enjoy the journey and prefer the story to keep expanding. The recent denouement of other popular manga such as "My Hero Academia" and the nearness of the end of "Jujutsu Kaisen" have focused attention on One Piece as the last major pillar of the Weekly Shonen Jump.

What Is the Future of One Piece?

Despite being in its final arc, the current pace of the story suggests that there are still several important events to be uncovered. The final battle, the origin of D. and the revelation of the true One Piece are just some of the crucial points to be resolved. Will Oda be able to bring all of this to a conclusion in a short span of time? Fans remain in a constant state of anticipation, knowing that, although the end is near, there is still much to explore.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When will One Piece really end?
   Although Oda had promised the ending for 2024, everything indicates that the story could be extended for several more years due to the number of mysteries and plots still unresolved.
2. Why did Oda change his estimate of the ending?
   Oda has mentioned in interviews that he underestimated the complexity of some arcs and the need to provide satisfactory closure, which has prolonged the story.
3. Is it possible that One Piece will end before 2030?
   Although it is difficult to foresee, many experts and fans believe that, given the current pace, the series could conclude before 2030, but still without a concrete date.

Personal Opinion

As a fan of One Piece, I think the wait for the ending, while long, is part of what makes this story so special. Oda has always demonstrated a unique ability to weave in details and surprise us, which is why I prefer that he takes the time necessary to close the saga in a masterful way. After more than two decades of adventures, One Piece has managed to stay relevant and exciting, and a rushed ending might not do it justice.

Conclusion

Oda's 2019 announcement generated a lot of buzz, but as time has passed it has become clear that predicting the end of such a vast and complex story is a titanic task. One Piece remains a legendary series that, beyond its denouement, will continue to inspire generations. While Luffy's fate is not yet sealed, the journey has been unforgettable, and every remaining moment is worth enjoying.

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