Why Is One Piece So Long? An In-Depth Analysis of Oda’s Creative Journey

The Original Plan: A Five-Year Quest

When Oda first began One Piece, he envisioned a straightforward story where Luffy would defeat the Four Emperors and become the Pirate King within five years. However, the plot didn’t unfold as planned. The first 100 chapters, which readers assumed were the main narrative, were actually just a prologue. The real story of One Piece didn’t start until Luffy entered the Grand Line, and by then, Oda had already shifted from his initial five-year plan.

So, why did this happen? Simply put, Oda was having too much fun. His passion for the world he was creating led him to diverge from the original path and explore new ideas, characters, and arcs. His decision to let the story evolve naturally is one of the main reasons One Piece has persisted for so long.

The Seven Warlords: A Game-Changing Decision

One of the first major turning points in One Piece’s extended timeline was the introduction of the Seven Warlords of the Sea in Chapter 69. This seemingly arbitrary decision added a layer of complexity to the plot, with Oda admitting that he chose the number seven simply because it “sounded cool.” Yet, this choice significantly expanded the story, as the Warlords became central to multiple sagas over the next two decades.

The Warlords of the Sea have been the main antagonists in three separate sagas, occupying around 29% of the series’ chapters. When you factor in their presence in various arcs—such as Impel Down, Marineford, and Egghead Island—the number jumps to a staggering 50-60% of the total storyline.

This small decision snowballed into a much larger narrative thread, one that continues to influence the story even in the final saga of One Piece. Characters like Dracule Mihawk, Crocodile, and Donquixote Doflamingo became iconic villains, shaping the story’s direction and length.

The Supernovas: Another Layer of Complexity

If the Warlords weren’t enough to extend One Piece’s length, Oda made another fateful decision during the Sabaody Archipelago Arc: the introduction of the Supernovas. Like the Warlords, these characters were not part of the original plan. In fact, Oda created them on a whim because he felt the arc wasn’t interesting enough.

These nine Supernovas (excluding Luffy and Zoro) added even more depth to the story. Characters like Trafalgar Law, Eustass Kid, and Jewelry Bonney have played crucial roles in arcs such as Punk Hazard, Dressrosa, and Wano. The Supernovas alone are responsible for 41% of the series’ chapters, demonstrating how much they’ve contributed to the overall plot’s expansion.

Oda’s Creative Process: Streamlining vs. Expanding

While Oda’s early decisions added significant length to the series, his editors have since worked to streamline his ideas. For example, the Punk Hazard Arc, which takes place on an island split between fire and ice, was originally meant to be two separate arcs—one set on a Fire Island and another on a Snow Island. To keep the story manageable, Oda combined the two ideas into one arc.

Despite these efforts, One Piece continues to grow. Oda’s ideas are often so expansive that even compressed storylines lead to longer arcs. The Wano Arc, for example, became the longest arc in the series, spanning over 140 chapters.

The Impact of Publishing Schedules and Health

Another reason for the length of One Piece is its publishing schedule. In the early years, Oda published around 48 chapters annually, but that number has steadily declined over the past decade. In 2020, for example, only 33 chapters were published, a trend that has continued in subsequent years.

Oda’s health has also played a role. The demanding nature of creating weekly manga has taken a toll, leading to more frequent breaks. In recent years, Oda has taken extended time off for surgeries, promotional events, and to improve his overall well-being. These breaks, combined with shorter chapters, have slowed the pace at which the story progresses.

When Will One Piece End?

Oda has stated that he hopes to finish One Piece within the next three years, with 2025 being the target. However, with the Egghead Island Arc still unfolding and Elbaf likely next in line, it’s hard to imagine the story wrapping up so quickly. There’s also the looming Final War and the search for Laugh Tale, which will bring Luffy closer to becoming the Pirate King.

To Read: The Future of One Piece: Unraveling the Recent Revelations

Given the current pace, it seems more likely that One Piece will continue until at least 2027, marking its 30th anniversary. Whether it ends in 2025 or 2027, one thing is certain: Oda’s passion for storytelling has made One Piece a timeless saga that will be remembered for years to come.

Conclusion: A Story That Grew Beyond Its Creator’s Intentions

In summary, One Piece is long because of Oda’s creative freedom, his love for the world he has built, and the narrative expansions introduced by characters like the Warlords and Supernovas. What began as a five-year plan has evolved into one of the most intricate and beloved stories in manga history. As One Piece nears its final chapters, fans can rest assured that every twist and turn has been a labor of love from a creator who never stops dreaming.