Warning: This article contains spoilers from the Final Saga of One Piece.
Eiichiro Oda has dropped a bombshell update about One Piece’s ending at Jump Festa 2026, revealing that the legendary manga is entering its final stretch much sooner than fans expected. After nearly 28 years and approaching 1,200 chapters, the end that Oda envisioned is now rapidly approaching.
Here’s everything you need to know about Oda’s latest message, what arcs are left, when Laugh Tale could begin, and why One Piece might conclude by 2032.
One Piece Is Already in the Final Saga
Let’s establish where we are in the story first.
The Final Saga Began in 2022
One Piece officially entered its Final Saga following the conclusion of the Wano Country arc. Before Wano even began, Oda promised fans they would get a clearer picture of the truth about the One Piece than ever before by the arc’s end.
What we learned in Wano:
- More details about the One Piece itself
- Critical revelations about the world’s history
- The Void Century and its connection to the present
- Joy Boy’s legacy and Luffy’s role
The Final Saga arcs so far:
- Egghead Island – The “gateway to the finale” featuring Dr. Vegapunk and shocking World Government revelations
- Elbaf (current) – The first major arc in the Final Saga, featuring the Straw Hats on the legendary giant island
Oda’s Original 5-Year Promise
When the Final Saga began in 2022, Oda indicated he planned to end One Piece within approximately five years. That would put the conclusion somewhere around 2027.
However, as anyone familiar with Oda’s schedule knows, his estimates are notoriously optimistic. The man works at an incredible pace, but the story’s complexity often extends timelines beyond initial projections.
Oda’s Jump Festa 2026 Message: The Big Reveal
During Jump Festa 2026, Oda delivered a message that sent shockwaves through the One Piece community.
The Full Message
“Now then, since it’s Jump Festa, let’s talk about the original Jump manga!
After a long, long flashback—more like a deep dive into history—we return to the present day, and just when your perspective on Elbaf has started to shift… boom!! It ends with a big, flashy finish. And from here on out, things get really intense.
To that island that only the Pirate King ever reached!? The man marked by flames appears!! Two people who never crossed paths finally meet!! And those two run into each other as well!! Is next year going to be a full-blown festival of encounters?
The story moves at lightning speed, but I’ve unfortunately gotten older, so while taking care of my health, I’ll continue next year to sail through One Piece at its fastest pace yet—steady and full force. Ahead lies a festival!! Please look forward to it!!” — Eiichiro Oda
Breaking Down the Key Reveals
Elbaf will end in 2026:
- The current flashback will conclude
- The arc will finish “with a big, flashy finish”
- This happens much sooner than many expected
“That island that only the Pirate King ever reached”:
- This appears to reference Laugh Tale, where the One Piece is located
- No pirate in 800 years has reached this place besides Roger and his crew
The Man Marked by Flames appears:
- A mysterious figure connected to the final Road Poneglyph
- Has been teased but never shown
Major character meetings:
- “Two people who never crossed paths finally meet”
- “Those two run into each other as well”
- Suggests multiple significant character encounters
Lightning-speed pacing:
- Oda confirms the story will move faster than ever
- He’s taking care of his health while pushing forward
What Arcs Are Left After Elbaf?
Based on Oda’s message and story structure, only 2-3 major arcs remain after Elbaf concludes.
The Most Likely Scenario: Lodestar Island First
Despite Oda’s message seeming to suggest Laugh Tale comes next, the most logical progression involves Lodestar Island first.
Why Lodestar must come before Laugh Tale:
The Log Pose issue:
- The Straw Hats’ Log Pose naturally leads to the end of the Grand Line
- That end point is Lodestar Island, not Laugh Tale
Roger’s journey:
- Roger reached Lodestar 39 years ago by following his Log Pose to the very end
- He stated he and his crew were the first to ever reach that place
- It’s where he learned about the Poneglyphs and their true importance
The missing Road Poneglyph:
- The Straw Hats need four Road Poneglyphs to locate Laugh Tale
- They currently have three
- The fourth is connected to the Man Marked by Flames
- Without all four, finding Laugh Tale is impossible
The Final Arc Structure
Here’s the most probable remaining arc sequence:
1. Elbaf Arc (Current)
- Status: Ongoing, currently in flashback
- Expected conclusion: 2026
- Significance: First major Final Saga arc, World Government confrontation
2. Lodestar Island Arc
- Expected start: Late 2026 or early 2027
- Duration: 1-2 years
- Significance: Final island on the Grand Line, meeting the Man Marked by Flames, obtaining the last Road Poneglyph
3. Laugh Tale Arc
- Expected start: 2027-2028
- Duration: 2-3 years
- Significance: Finding the One Piece, learning the true history, confronting the World Government
4. The Great War / Final Battle
- Expected timeframe: 2029-2031
- Duration: 1-2 years
- Significance: The final confrontation Whitebeard prophesied, world-changing battle
5. Epilogue Arc (Possible)
- Expected timeframe: 2031-2032
- Duration: Several months
- Significance: Tying up loose ends, showing what happens after
One Piece Could End by 2032
Based on this timeline and Oda’s current pacing, One Piece will most likely conclude by 2032.
The Math
Current position: Mid-Elbaf arc (late 2025)
Remaining time:
- Elbaf conclusion: 2026
- Lodestar: 2026-2028 (1-2 years)
- Laugh Tale: 2027-2030 (2-3 years)
- Great War: 2029-2031 (1-2 years)
- Epilogue: 2031-2032 (months)
Total remaining time: Approximately 6-7 years from now
This puts the conclusion squarely in 2031-2032, assuming no major health issues or extended breaks.
Why This Timeline Makes Sense
Oda’s age and health:
- Oda is now in his 50s and has acknowledged health concerns
- He’s mentioned “getting older” and needing to take care of himself
- A 6-7 year timeline is ambitious but achievable with proper health management
Story complexity:
- The remaining mysteries are extensive but finite
- Oda has stated he’s finally ready to reveal secrets he’s kept for decades
- The pieces are in place for the final revelations
Manga industry standards:
- One Piece will have run for 35 years by 2032
- This would still make it one of the longest-running manga ever
- The ending would come at a natural narrative conclusion point
The Man Marked by Flames: Who Is He?
One of the biggest remaining mysteries is the identity of the Man Marked by Flames.
What We Know
From Oda’s message:
- Will appear in 2026
- Connected to the final Road Poneglyph
- Has never been shown on-panel
Popular theories:
1. Not Scopper Gaban:
- Many fans theorized it was Roger’s crew member
- Oda’s timing suggests it’s someone who won’t appear in Elbaf
- Gaban connections to Elbaf make him unlikely
2. Saul (Revolutionary):
- The giant believed dead at Ohara
- Has burn scars from the Buster Call
- Connected to Robin’s past and the Void Century
3. A completely new character:
- Could be someone we haven’t met yet
- Tied to the Road Poneglyph’s hiding place
4. Someone from the past:
- Potentially someone thought to be dead
- Connection to the ancient history
Whoever the Man Marked by Flames is, meeting him will be crucial to obtaining the final piece needed to reach Laugh Tale.
Oda’s Health Concerns and Pacing
Oda’s mention of his health and age is both reassuring and concerning.
The Positive Side
Acknowledging limitations:
- Oda is being realistic about his physical condition
- He’s committed to taking care of himself
- This suggests sustainable pacing rather than burnout
“Fastest pace yet”:
- Story will move more quickly through remaining arcs
- Less filler, more focused storytelling
- Major revelations coming in rapid succession
The Reality
Manga production is grueling:
- Weekly chapter production is physically demanding
- Oda is famous for working extreme hours
- Past health scares have forced breaks
The community’s concern:
- Fans want Oda healthy more than they want a rushed ending
- Better to have breaks than risk serious health issues
- The story’s quality matters more than speed
Oda’s additional message: “I will draw all the mysteries left in this world that I have been hiding until now. It’s going to be really interesting. Please fasten your seatbelts. Thank you so much, I hope you keep up with me a bit longer.” — Eiichiro Oda
This suggests Oda is confident he can deliver the ending he’s envisioned while maintaining his health.
What to Expect in 2026
Based on Oda’s message, 2026 will be absolutely packed with major developments.
Confirmed for 2026
Elbaf conclusion:
- Current flashback ends
- Return to present day with shifted perspectives
- “Big, flashy finish”
Major character encounters:
- Multiple meetings between characters who’ve never met
- The Man Marked by Flames appears
- “Festival of encounters”
Story acceleration:
- Fastest pacing in One Piece history
- Moving toward Lodestar and eventually Laugh Tale
- Major mysteries finally revealed
One Piece Chapter 1170 Details
Release information:
- Chapter: One Piece 1170
- Official release date: January 4, 2026
- Japan release time: 12:00 AM JST (Monday)
- International time: 11:00 AM EST / 8:00 AM PT (Sunday)
- Where to read: Manga Plus and Shonen Jump apps (free and legal)
The new year kicks off with continuation of the Elbaf flashback, which will eventually lead to the present-day conclusion Oda described.
How Fans Are Reacting
The One Piece community is experiencing mixed emotions about Oda’s update.
Excitement
Finally getting answers:
- Decades-old mysteries will be resolved
- The One Piece will be revealed
- True history of the world explained
High-quality storytelling:
- Oda is being deliberate about pacing
- Taking care of his health suggests sustainable production
- “Fastest pace yet” means less waiting between major events
Sadness
The end is approaching:
- One Piece has been a constant for nearly 28 years
- Fans don’t want it to end despite knowing it must
- The world still has so much to offer
Concern for Oda:
- Worry about his health and workload
- Fear of rushed ending if health issues arise
- Hope he takes necessary breaks
Anticipation
The final stretch:
- Every remaining chapter is precious
- Major character moments are guaranteed
- The conclusion Oda has planned for decades is finally coming
The Legacy of One Piece
Regardless of when it ends, One Piece’s legacy is already cemented.
Record-breaking achievements:
- Most iconic manga of all time
- Guinness World Record for most copies published for a single-author comic series
- Nearly 28 years of continuous publication
- Approaching 1,200 chapters
- Global cultural phenomenon
Impact on manga industry:
- Inspired countless creators
- Redefined long-form storytelling in manga
- Created a massive multimedia empire (anime, films, games, merchandise)
Fan dedication:
- Multi-generational fanbase
- Active global community
- Passionate theorizing and discussion
The Bottom Line
Eiichiro Oda has confirmed that One Piece is entering its final arcs, with Elbaf concluding in 2026 and the journey to “that island only the Pirate King reached” beginning soon after.
Key takeaways:
- Elbaf ends in 2026 with a major, flashy conclusion
- Lodestar Island is most likely the next arc (though Oda’s wording was ambiguous)
- The Man Marked by Flames appears in 2026
- Only 2-3 major arcs remain after Elbaf
- One Piece will likely end by 2032 (approximately 6-7 years from now)
- Fastest pacing yet as Oda moves toward the conclusion
- All major mysteries will finally be revealed
For One Piece fans who’ve been on this journey for decades, the end is bittersweet. But if Oda’s track record is any indication, the final arcs will deliver everything we’ve been waiting for—and more.
Fasten your seatbelts. The greatest adventure in manga history is approaching its climax.
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