Why One Piece’s Final Saga Might Stretch Beyond 2030

For years, fans have been preparing themselves emotionally for the end of One Piece. Creator Eiichiro Oda has mentioned on multiple occasions that the story is entering its “final saga.” But in reality, the signs are clear: the road to the end is going to be a long one — possibly stretching well into the next decade.

Here’s why the One Piece finale isn’t as close as it seems.

🕰️ 1. Oda’s Health and Scheduled Break

Oda has always been known for his superhuman work ethic, but over the past couple of years, breaks in the manga have become more frequent. These pauses aren’t just for holidays — they’re for recovery. Oda himself has said he needs to slow down to maintain his health, and it’s clear that rest is now a regular part of his schedule.

That means fewer chapters per year — and a longer journey to the end.

🐌 2. The Anime Is Moving Slower Than Eve

The anime adaptation is intentionally pacing itself to avoid catching up with the manga. While this has been happening for years, the recent arcs have slowed things even further. Some episodes cover less than one full chapter, and the studio often uses flashbacks or extended scenes to pad the run time.

This slow release cycle is going to continue for as long as the manga is still running, meaning the anime’s finale will lag significantly behind.

📺 3. Production Delays and Strategic Pauses

The anime recently announced a temporary pause, with plans to air a remastered version of a previous arc during the break. While fans speculated this was a minor production reshuffle, it’s actually part of a larger strategy to give the manga more breathing room.

These gaps are carefully calculated — and they stretch the timeline even more.

📈 4. The Story Keeps Getting Bigger

Even though the “final saga” has officially begun, Oda keeps introducing new characters, factions, and plotlines that demand development. Every chapter raises new questions: Who are the God Knights? What’s Imu’s full backstory? What’s the deal with the Ancient Weapons?

The scope hasn’t narrowed — it’s expanded. And with how much depth Oda gives to world-building, each of these threads will take time to resolve.

🎯 5. Oda Wants the Ending to Be a Celebration

He has said he wants the finale to feel like a party — not just a resolution, but a celebration of everything the series has stood for. That means callbacks, character reunions, emotional closure, and probably several arcs dedicated to tying up loose ends across the seas.

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He won’t rush that. And we wouldn’t want him to.

📅 So… When Will It End?

While the words “final saga” may sound like the end is near, the truth is more complicated. Between breaks, slow pacing, production decisions, and the scale of the story, it’s very likely that One Piece will still be going in 2030.

And honestly, that might be a good thing.