One Piece: The Epic Saga That Wasn’t Supposed to Last This Long!

One Piece, first published in 1997, is not only the best-selling manga series of all time but also one that continues to run for almost 28 years. This epic tale revolves around a young pirate on a quest to find a legendary treasure and become the “Pirate King.” As the narrative unfolds, we encounter numerous characters and uncover secrets about the suppression of the World Government’s efforts to conceal the real history of the world. Despite nearly three decades, there is still much about the world’s true history that remains unexplored. The Void Century, a period characterized by advanced technology, remains an enigma yet to be fully understood in today’s era.

Despite reaching the Final Saga of the manga, there’s still plenty left to unfold. We find ourselves delving into the Elbaf Arc at present, where the Straw Hat Pirates explore the realm of Giants. As the most powerful nation globally and linked to Nika and the Void Century, this island conceals numerous secrets yet to be revealed. The mural in Chapter 1138 marks just the start; we can expect further revelations as more chapters unfold. Spanning over two decades, One Piece has journeyed far beyond what its creator initially intended.

One Piece Creator Wanted the Manga to Conclude in Five Years

In each “One Piece” volume, you’ll find a section called SBS, short for Shitsumon o Boshū Suru, which means “I’m taking questions.” This is a special Q&A segment where creator Oda responds to fans’ queries. Typically, a volume will have around 3 to 6 SBS segments, with each segment addressing multiple questions (around 3 to 5 per section). Therefore, you can expect roughly 15 to 30 questions in the SBS of a single volume, scattered throughout the book. The number of questions isn’t fixed and may vary from volume to volume, depending on the available space after the main chapters and additional illustrations.

In the Year 2006, a fan posed a question to Oda in Volume 42: “Hey, Oda-sensei! I have a significant query. It seems like One Piece has been running for quite a while, hasn’t it? Have you ever considered how it might end? To be honest, I wouldn’t mind if it went on forever. One Piece is simply the BEST!!!”.

As a die-hard fan, let me share some exciting news! Oda himself has revealed that he initially envisioned One Piece to run for five years. From the very beginning, he’s been meticulously working towards the grand climax that he’’d always imagined!

He added, “Initially, my timeline was slightly underestimated, and I failed to complete my tale within five years. Now, you see, our pirate crew has been on their adventures for nine years, and I can’t predict how much longer they’ll keep going.

Given the intricate world-building of “One Piece” and the gradual unraveling of its many secrets, it seems wise that Oda opted to extend the series for such an extended duration.

One Piece’s Longevity Is Its Biggest Strength

For novice readers, the multitude of chapters might initially seem daunting. Yet, this vastness is what makes “One Piece” captivating, as the narrative seems more authentic and intricate as more details about its world unfold. Oda’s ability to delve deeply into the worldbuilding is a testament to the series’ longevity. The world isn’t merely extensive, but it’s brimming with history, and each island, sea, and character has connections that span far beyond their initial introduction. The stunning islands depicted throughout the story aren’t mere plot devices; they serve a purpose that adds depth to the narrative.

I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the unfolding of economies, politics, folklore, conflicts, and ideologies in this intricate world, all thanks to its prolonged narrative. One Piece’s extended run offers a unique opportunity for subtle hints and foreshadowing, as readers often find themselves revisiting earlier chapters after significant revelations. For instance, during the Skypiea Arc (Chapter 287), the sacrifice of Kalgara’s daughter to a serpent to save her people might seem like an obscure event hundreds of chapters later, especially considering the series’ time-jump. However, the storyteller, Oda, meticulously ensured that this plot point was revisited and given due significance in the grand scheme of things.

During the ceremony, the folks of Skypiea invoked the deities of Sun, Rain, Forest, and Earth simultaneously – an event unique in history. The four gods were only referenced together again in Chapter 1138 when the mural was unveiled and the narration quoted excerpts from the ancient Harley scripture. In essence, One Piece’s length becomes its greatest asset, transforming a thrilling adventure into an epic saga that spans generations.

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2025-04-20 03:40