For nearly three decades, One Piece has stood as the crown jewel of shōnen manga, captivating readers with its mix of wild adventure, heartfelt character arcs, and a sprawling mystery that has slowly unraveled across more than a thousand chapters. Now, as the series pushes through 2025, fans around the world are asking the same question: is this the beginning of the end?
Eiichiro Oda, the legendary creator behind the saga, has dropped hints for years that the story was moving toward its conclusion. But in the past twelve months, the pace of revelations, the scale of conflicts, and the tone of the narrative have all shifted in ways that make it feel like the Straw Hat Pirates are finally entering the ultimate stretch. And as fans dissect every panel and prediction, a growing consensus is forming: if One Piece is to end within the next thirty to forty chapters, the stage must now be set for its most important battles, deepest truths, and final emotional payoffs.
This is more than speculation—it’s a collective attempt by the fandom to map out the story’s endgame. From inevitable confrontations with Blackbeard and Imu to long-awaited revelations about the Void Century, Ancient Weapons, and the enigmatic “Will of D,” the coming arcs carry the weight of decades of anticipation.
So, what exactly needs to happen for One Piece to reach its finale, and can Oda possibly tie every thread together in time?
The Inevitable Battles
When fans discuss the endgame of One Piece, two fights are always at the top of the list. These aren’t just climactic battles—they’re narrative inevitabilities that have been built into the foundation of the series.
Luffy vs Blackbeard: The Rivalry of Inheritance
Marshall D. Teach, better known as Blackbeard, has long been set up as Luffy’s dark mirror. Both share the “D” initial, symbolizing a mysterious destiny that ties them to the world’s forgotten history. Both are dreamers with outsized ambitions, yet their methods couldn’t be more different: Luffy embodies freedom and loyalty, while Blackbeard thrives on treachery and raw power.
Fans see their eventual clash as more than a battle for supremacy—it is the collision of two interpretations of freedom. Blackbeard’s rise has been marked by betrayal and manipulation, culminating in his possession of two Devil Fruits, an anomaly that sets him apart from anyone else. Luffy, meanwhile, has awakened the true form of his Devil Fruit, the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika, becoming the embodiment of joy and liberation.
When they meet, it won’t simply be a fight for the Pirate King’s crown—it will be the battle that decides whose philosophy will shape the next era of the seas.
Luffy vs Imu: The Fight Against the Invisible Tyrant
If Blackbeard is the rival, Imu is the shadow. Introduced shockingly late in the series, Imu is the hidden sovereign of the World Government, a figure so secretive that even the Gorosei kneel in their presence. For centuries, the Celestial Dragons and the World Government have maintained absolute power, but Imu appears to be the true architect pulling the strings.
A confrontation between Luffy and Imu would represent the series’ ultimate thematic clash: the free spirit of the Pirate King against the unseen chains of tyranny. Imu’s powers, still shrouded in mystery, are expected to challenge everything we know about Devil Fruits and the balance of the world. Fans believe that defeating Imu is not just necessary for Luffy’s dream, but for the liberation of the entire world.
Together, these two battles—Luffy vs Blackbeard and Luffy vs Imu—are widely viewed as the twin pillars of the finale. Without them, the story would feel incomplete.
The Mysteries That Must Be Resolved
One Piece has never been just about battles. Its heart lies in the mysteries Oda has carefully seeded since the earliest chapters. If 2025 is indeed the final stretch, fans expect answers to the following questions that have lingered for decades.
The Void Century
Perhaps the single greatest mystery in manga history, the Void Century refers to a hundred-year period erased from official records. Archaeologists who sought the truth—like Nico Robin’s people of Ohara—were exterminated to keep it secret. We know the Poneglyphs, indestructible stone tablets, hold the key, and that the Ancient Kingdom that once opposed the World Government was destroyed during this time.
The full revelation of what happened during the Void Century is not optional—it is the linchpin of the entire series. Fans expect it to explain the origin of the World Government, the true purpose of the Ancient Weapons, and why the “Will of D” has persisted for generations.
The Ancient Weapons
Pluton, Poseidon, and Uranus—the three Ancient Weapons—are said to have the power to reshape the world. Poseidon has already been revealed as Princess Shirahoshi, capable of commanding Sea Kings. Pluton was hinted to rest beneath Wano, with its true form still hidden. Uranus remains entirely unknown, a mystery that fans are desperate to see unveiled.
If the final war is to be the “greatest ever,” then the Ancient Weapons must play a role. Whether they bring destruction, liberation, or balance will likely decide the fate of the seas.
The Will of D
From Gol D. Roger to Monkey D. Luffy, from Trafalgar D. Law to Marshall D. Teach, those with the initial “D” are bound by fate. Time and again, they have stood in opposition to the Celestial Dragons and their oppressive order. But what does the “D” truly mean? A family name? A destiny? A philosophy?
The final chapters must explain why this mark terrifies the World Government and how it ties to the larger cycle of freedom and oppression. For fans, the reveal of the “D” is as crucial as the unveiling of the One Piece itself.
Flashbacks That Still Matter
To fully understand the present, the series must dive into the past. Flashbacks in One Piece aren’t just background—they’re emotional engines that contextualize the conflicts of the current timeline.
God Valley
Already partially revealed in recent chapters, the God Valley Incident remains one of the most pivotal historical events. It was here that Gol D. Roger and Monkey D. Garp allied to defeat Rocks D. Xebec, and where many Celestial Dragons were stationed. Recent storytelling has painted the incident with harrowing imagery of mass killings, slavery, and political cover-ups. Fans believe the full truth of God Valley will connect directly to Imu’s hidden rule and the corruption at the heart of the World Government.
Roger’s Journey
While we’ve glimpsed parts of Roger’s voyage, including his arrival at Laugh Tale, there are still gaps that must be filled. How did Roger interpret the Void Century? What did he hope Joy Boy’s successor would achieve? These questions are essential for contextualizing why Luffy’s journey matters and how it builds upon the legacy of the Pirate King.
Can Oda Fit It All In?
This is the great debate among fans. On one side, some argue that Oda has already been accelerating the story’s pace. Entire arcs that once might have lasted years now unfold within months, and the sheer density of revelations has increased dramatically. By this measure, it is possible that thirty to forty more chapters could indeed deliver the final battles, flashbacks, and revelations.
Others remain skeptical. The sheer number of unresolved threads—from Shanks’ true goals to Elbaf, from Vegapunk’s survival to the Revolutionary Army’s role—seems overwhelming. They argue that even if Oda is sprinting toward the finish line, the weight of the story demands at least another two to three years of serialization.
Both sides agree on one thing: the sense of finality is in the air. Whether it comes in 2025 or stretches beyond, the story is unmistakably entering its last movement.
The Emotional Stakes
Beyond battles and mysteries, One Piece has always been about its emotional core: the dreams of its characters. As the end nears, fans expect closure not only for Luffy but for each member of the Straw Hat crew.
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Zoro’s promise to become the world’s greatest swordsman.
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Sanji’s quest to find the All Blue.
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Nami’s dream of charting the entire world.
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Usopp’s desire to become a brave warrior of the sea.
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Robin’s mission to uncover the true history.
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Chopper’s dream of curing all diseases.
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Franky’s wish to build a ship that sails the world.
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Brook’s vow to reunite with Laboon.
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Jinbe’s vision of true harmony between fishmen and humans.
Each of these goals has been carefully woven into the narrative, and fans expect Oda to bring them full circle in ways that are both surprising and satisfying.
The Countdown to the End
So, is 2025 truly the final year of One Piece? The answer is both yes and no. Yes, in the sense that the story is unmistakably moving into its last act—the pieces are all on the board, the mysteries are converging, and the enemies are more dangerous than ever. But no, in the sense that Oda has always told the story on his own terms, with room for detours, surprises, and the kind of depth that no simple timeline can predict.
What is certain is that the excitement surrounding the series has never been higher. Fans are not just waiting for the end—they are actively participating in shaping their expectations, crafting theories, and preparing themselves for the payoff of decades of devotion.
Whether the finale lands in thirty chapters or stretches into fifty or more, the world of One Piece is bracing for its greatest storm. The Pirate King’s crown is within sight, the World Government’s secrets are about to be unveiled, and the legend of Joy Boy is finally stepping into the light.
For the fans who have sailed alongside Luffy and his crew since the beginning, the final voyage has begun. And no matter how long it takes, one thing is certain: the end of One Piece will be one of the most unforgettable moments in manga history.