One Piece could have ended as early as 2002, just five years after its debut in 1997. This perspective, however little known, reveals an initial project quite different from what we know today. Eiichiro Oda, the creator of the manga, had planned a swift ending, centered around a furious quest for the legendary treasure on the Grand Line. This radical idea would have profoundly altered the story and structure of the shonen, marking a revolution in the way to tell a pirate adventure. In this article, we will explore:
- Oda’s initial plan and his ambitions for a shortened One Piece.
- The major impact of secondary characters and arcs, notably the Shichibukai, who extended the saga.
- The reasons why the manga has endured for nearly thirty years, and the expectations around the final saga.
- Oda’s festive vision for the conclusion of the work, far from any tragedy.
- A timeline allowing to grasp the evolution of the work from 1997 up to the 2030s.
Right now, let’s dive together into this secret ending imagined more than twenty years ago, which never saw the light of day but would have shaken One Piece and the manga universe.
- 1 Eiichiro Oda’s secret plan for an express ending of One Piece as early as 2002
- 2 The Shichibukai: the trigger element that transformed the story of One Piece
- 3 Why One Piece remains essential after more than twenty years of publication
- 4 The ending dreamed by Eiichiro Oda: a big party to close an era
- 5 Key timeline: from the initial 2002 project to the expected end in a decade
Eiichiro Oda’s secret plan for an express ending of One Piece as early as 2002
Every One Piece fan will tell you: it seems impossible that the work, rich and abundant, was originally intended to stop so soon. Yet, Eiichiro Oda had a very different ending in mind. From the creation of the manga in 1997, his project was ambitious but concise: to tell the quest for the legendary treasure in only five years, that is until 2002.
This initial plan aimed to sketch an adventure where the young pirate Monkey D. Luffy would go straight to the point on the Grand Line, without getting lost in endless secondary arcs. Luffy would have faced the Four Emperors without detours, concluding his fight and the taking of the One Piece in a tightened format.
Specifically, this conception would have resulted in a shonen with a sustained and frantic pace, where each confrontation would have had a decisive impact and each island would have only served to the quick progression toward the ultimate treasure. Luffy and his crew would have crossed the Grand Line in less than a third of the time it takes today.
This radical idea shows that Oda aimed to transform the shonen genre by proposing an intense and fast narrative experience. For example, Dragon Ball, Oda’s assumed reference, had a faster progression at the time, which inspired him. The goal was therefore to bring fresh breath to the pirate story in a compact format, with a highly effective triple final battle.
Here is a simple summary of Oda’s initial project:
- Launch of the manga in 1997, planned development over 5 years.
- Rapid confrontation with all major antagonists, including the Four Emperors.
- Discovery of the One Piece and conclusion of the adventure in 2002.
- A quick raid on the Grand Line reducing the length of arcs.
- A revolutionary shonen in its brevity and intensity.
If this project had been realized, One Piece would have had a unique trajectory in the manga industry, perhaps marking a major milestone in long adventure storytelling. This first phase sheds light on Eiichiro Oda’s creative power and his ability to reinvent narration.
The Shichibukai: the trigger element that transformed the story of One Piece
The introduction of the Shichibukai represents a decisive turning point in One Piece’s construction and the manga’s longevity. Originally, Oda envisioned a limited number, from two to five Warlords. This idea seemed to simply serve to materialize a more formal but succinct opposition to Luffy and his crew.
Everything changed with the appearance of the character Crocodile, leader of Baroque Works, introducing a new depth and complexity in the antagonists. This franchise of characters became a true narrative cornerstone that extended the saga’s duration far beyond what Oda had imagined in 2002.
Each Shichibukai helped reveal new facets of the One Piece world, turning often brief arcs into exciting and rich developments:
- Baroque Works and Crocodile: A dense arc revealing political stakes and subplots of the Grand Line.
- Mihawk, the world’s greatest swordsman: A symbolic rival providing Zoro with a strong personal goal.
- Boa Hancock: Romantic and political complexity, symbolizing unexpected alliances.
- Doflamingo: A powerful antagonist with an intense personal story.
The expansion of enemies and the deepening of their personalities stretched the story, adding layers to an already very dense mythology. Oda, aware that limiting their number would have impoverished the narration, savored this choice, considering these characters indispensable to the pirate universe.
These narrative choices have been a driving force behind the manga’s exceptional longevity, creating arcs whose richness is praised by fans and critics alike. These elements today form an integral part of the series’ cultural heritage.
Learn more about this major transformation on Oda’s secret plan for One Piece.
Why One Piece remains essential after more than twenty years of publication
One Piece’s longevity and ever-growing popularity rest on several pillars that go far beyond simple narration. After 28 years of publication, the final saga launched in 2022 still promises many revelations, maintaining the enthusiasm of both amateurs and more experienced connoisseurs.
The richness of the world imagined by Eiichiro Oda, populated with islands of diverse cultures, multiple adventures and epic confrontations, offers an infinity of stories. This multiplies interest and prevents the universe from running out of steam. The Grand Line remains a fertile playground where each pirate carries their own story, reinforcing the manga’s appeal.
Moreover, the emotional attachment to Luffy and his crew keeps readers on edge. The work does not merely follow battles or the treasure hunt, it tells stories of friendship, complex moral choices, a quest for identity that fascinates and inspires.
This impressive duration also generates a huge collective anticipation. Instead of a rushed conclusion, Oda builds it gradually, promising a striking finale scheduled between 2030 and 2032. According to the author, nearly 200 chapters are still to come, pacing the Sundays of millions of fans worldwide.
The reasons for this enthusiasm are multiple:
- A constantly expanding world: exploration of unique islands, diverse cultures and characters.
- A renewed shonen: alternatives to simple fighting, with political and psychological intrigues.
- A gallery of endearing characters: allies and rivals with impressive narrative depth.
- Maintained suspense: secret revelation of the One Piece and unpredictable developments.
Our fan community scrutinizes every detail, creates passionate theories and savors each volume with renewed impatience. This creates a unique dynamic that extends the adventure better than any artifice.
Fans wishing to understand why One Piece does not stop can find an in-depth analysis on the pirate rivalry and its stakes.
The ending dreamed by Eiichiro Oda: a big party to close an era
Eiichiro Oda has always emphasized his desire to avoid a sad or dramatic conclusion. After an almost three-decade journey, he imagines an ending marked by a huge celebration bringing together all the main characters. His vision goes far beyond battles to focus on the ideal of friendship and brotherhood that crosses One Piece.
Instead of seeing Luffy or his companions perish in an ultimate battle, Oda wants a final scene where everyone survives and enjoys the treasure, highlighting the festive and peaceful aspect of victory:
- Luffy and his friends toast together in a joyful atmosphere.
- Nami swims in a pool of Berry, illustrating success and abundance.
- Sanji is crowned king of the kitchens, symbol of personal and collective success.
This final scene must reflect the gathering of all the forces and dreams that have driven the manga since its beginnings. It is a promise to the community, a message of optimism and hope. Oda wishes to immortalize friendship and the collective epic thus, far from tragedies or painful separations.
This choice also resonates with the very nature of shonen, which values camaraderie and perseverance. Through this ending, he protects the emotional memory left by the saga and ensures a lasting legend in the manga world.
Key timeline: from the initial 2002 project to the expected end in a decade
To better understand One Piece’s exceptional journey, here is a table tracing major dates since 1997:
| Year | Event | Impact on One Piece |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Start of publication | Launch of a saga planned over 5 years |
| 2002 | Initially planned end | Project abandoned, the saga continues |
| 2011 | Marineford arc | Climax with new plots and characters |
| 2022 | Start of the final saga | Launch of a decisive phase for the conclusion |
| 2030-2032 | Probable end | Closure of the adventure, promised as grandiose |
This progression clearly illustrates the transformation of an initial sprint into an epic marathon, which has united several generations. Each period carries its share of emotions, revelations and explorations, combining the past, present and future of the work. More than a simple series, One Piece has anchored itself as a modern myth.
To deepen the rich universe of islands, cultures and secrets of the Grand Line, feel free to consult the file dedicated to secret islands in the manga.
