One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda has built up enormous credibility and trust with fans over the decades-long run of his manga epic. However, he admits to having hurt that credibility by repeatedly stating the end of One Piece was imminent, only for the story to continue.
With the manga now officially entering its Final Saga after over 25 years of serialization, Oda acknowledges he has cried wolf too many times regarding the conclusion. Fans are rightfully wary of believing him when he says the end is near.
Nonetheless, concrete signs point to One Piece truly winding down this time. Major plot threads are converging, mysteries unraveling, and characters reaching their end goals. The anime adaptation has even upgraded its visuals in preparation for the climactic events ahead.
Oda(2022): I'm really ready to wrap up One Piece. As for how many years it will take to finish the final saga, I've already answered this question so many times that I've lost credibility, so I probably shouldn't answer it.😭 But I'm aiming for *3 years*.
— sandman (@sandman_AP) January 16, 2024
While Oda’s reliability regarding One Piece’s ending may be diminished, fans’ dedication remains stronger than ever.
They are eager to finally experience the story’s long-awaited resolution, whenever it ultimately arrives. After over two decades of investment, the fandom is determined to see their beloved pirate tale through to its end.
Eiichiro Oda’s Pattern of Miscalculating One Piece’s Conclusion
In 2022, Eiichiro Oda estimated he would finish One Piece in about 3 more years, projecting an end date of 2025. However, he acknowledged his credibility in concluding the manga was damaged from crying wolf too many times.
As of 2024, it is evident Oda’s prediction was unreliable once again. One Piece remains far from over with no signs of wrapping up in the next couple of years. Oda has repeatedly claimed an ending was imminent only to keep continuing the story well beyond his stated timelines.
While in 2022 there were indications like converging plot threads that One Piece was in its final stages, Oda clearly miscalculated how much was left. The narrative has maintained momentum, defying yet another supposed end date.
Ultimately, Oda’s pattern of giving false finale alarms has undermined his reliability in determining when One Piece will truly conclude. His aim for 2025 did not come to fruition, reflecting a long track record of missing the mark on wrapping up his epic.
Until Oda finally sticks the landing on a predicted endgame, fans have learned to take any claims of imminent closure with skepticism. The creator has again failed to give a definitive end date for when his magnum opus will reach its climax.
How Fans Have Reacted To This Statement
Many fans are skeptical of Oda’s projection that One Piece will conclude in 3 years or around 100 chapters. After the sprawling Wano Country arc took 4 years to complete, they doubt the remaining plot threads and lore revelations can be satisfyingly wrapped up so quickly.
Some estimate at least 140 more chapters are needed, pushing the ending past chapter 1400. They point to all the unresolved mysteries, unseen characters, and untied storylines that require narrative resolution.
However, others note Oda likes to plan around significant numerological milestones.
So chapters 1200, 1212, 1221, or 1234 are plausible endpoints based on the series’ 30th anniversary in July 2027.
But most agree Oda has lost credibility in predicting the ending due to constantly missing his targets. After numerous false alarms, fans take his estimates with skepticism.
The general consensus is the story still has a long way to go before reaching its finale.
How Oda Sensei Is Aiming To Finish One Piece
Eiichiro Oda has developed a reputation among One Piece fans for being very reluctant to permanently kill off major characters within the main storyline of his long-running manga. Shocking character deaths almost exclusively occur in flashback sequences rather than the present timeline.
In some cases, Oda even goes as far as reviving characters after initially implying their demise through severe injuries. He explains this tendency stems from his tradition of concluding story arcs with celebratory banquet scenes depicting the Straw Hats and allies joyfully feasting together.
Oda feels having an abrupt, tragic death right before one of his trademark banquet scenes would clash with the upbeat, jovial mood he aims to create.
For him, these banquets represent ideals of friendship, camaraderie, and triumph. So he desires to conclude One Piece on this positive, hopeful note.
Therefore, most fans expect that when the Straw Hats finally complete their long voyage at the manga’s end, all the remaining core characters will unite for a grand finale banquet to commemorate their victory and bonds.
This closing celebratory party will enable Oda to cap off One Piece on an uplifting note that resonates with the series’ themes.
