As the beloved manga series “ONE PIECE” approaches its conclusion, fans are filled with a mix of excitement and nostalgia. Eiichiro Oda, the mastermind behind this epic tale, has shared his thoughts on the future of the series, revealing insights that promise to deepen our understanding of the story and its characters. In this article, we will explore Oda’s reflections on character development, the significance of upcoming story arcs, and his vision for the end of “ONE PIECE.” Prepare to dive into the world of pirates, adventure, and the legacy of a story that has captivated millions.

Eiichiro Oda and Gosho Aoyama’s Special Dialogue

In the fall of 2021, two of the most popular manga series, “ONE PIECE” and “Detective Conan,” celebrated a significant milestone with the release of their 100th volumes. This momentous occasion led to a miraculous dialogue between their creators, Eiichiro Oda and Gosho Aoyama. This special collaboration transcended the boundaries of their respective publishers, Shueisha and Shogakukan, and was featured in a complete version in the illustration collection “COLOR WALK 10 DRAGON”.

Insights from the Dialogue

During this enlightening conversation, Oda shared several intriguing insights. He reflected on the designs of the Gorosei, stating,“Even looking back now, I don’t think the designs I created for them were failures. They are characters whose true potential has yet to be revealed.”This hints at the significant role these characters will play in uncovering the mysteries of the “Void Century” in the upcoming story arcs.

• Oda’s thoughts on the Gorosei’s designs
• Future revelations about the “Void Century”

Oda also discussed the creation of Chopper, the beloved mascot of “ONE PIECE,” revealing that he had previously shared the story behind Chopper’s birth. He emphasized that Luffy is the character he finds easiest to draw, stating,“Luffy is the character I can only move. Many scriptwriters handle him, but unless I revise the lines, he won’t feel like Luffy to everyone.”This highlights the deep connection Oda has with his characters.

Character Development and Future Plans

Oda mentioned a pivotal moment in his storytelling with the introduction of“Gear 5,”expressing his desire to inject humor into battle scenes. He stated,“I have always wanted to play around in battles. I dislike how battle manga tends to become increasingly serious as it progresses, which has been a long-standing issue for me.”This playful approach is evident in Luffy’s unique abilities, which Oda has crafted to maintain a lighthearted tone.

• Oda’s perspective on battle manga
• The significance of “Gear 5” in the series

Additionally, Oda shared the backstory of the Vinsmoke brothers, revealing that he had long intended to explore Sanji’s origins. He humorously noted that his daughter was a fan of “Osomatsu-san,” which inspired him to create the Vinsmoke siblings as a playful nod to the six Matsuno brothers.

Looking Ahead: The End of One Piece

As the conversation turned to the future of “ONE PIECE,” Oda candidly stated,“I always think about ending it. There are still things I want to draw and need to draw.”When asked about the timeline for the conclusion, he mentioned,“I have a three-year goal in mind.”This revelation brings a mix of excitement and sadness for fans, as they anticipate the series’ end.

• Oda’s thoughts on the series conclusion
• What to expect in the next three years

Oda also teased that the upcoming arcs will delve into the past, particularly the events of the “Void Century,” promising an exciting exploration of the world’s history.

The Power of Manga

Finally, Oda reflected on the power of manga, describing it as a“tool for making friends.”He shared how, as a child, manga helped him forge many friendships through shared interests and discussions.

As we look forward to the next chapters of “ONE PIECE,” fans can expect a blend of humor, adventure, and deep storytelling that has defined the series for over two decades.