Why One Piece is the Ultimate Epic: Unveiling Oda's Key Secret Behind its Unprecedented Length

One Piece, created by Eiichiro Oda, stands as both the most popular and longest-running manga series to date. This extraordinary tale follows Monkey D. Luffy, a young pirate on a mission to find the legendary One Piece treasure and become the Pirate King. Along his adventurous journey, Luffy forms a remarkable crew, cultivating cherished friendships and bringing salvation to numerous individuals.

Notably, this beloved character has not only captivated the hearts of those immersed in the world of One Piece, but also the millions of fans engrossed in his story across the globe. Surprisingly, the series was intended to be much shorter. In fact, the author himself once disclosed that he initially envisioned a vastly different outcome.

The Original Plan For One Piece

Fans of One Piece are well aware of its impressive 25-year run, during which its quality has only continued to improve. Surprisingly, when the series first began in 1997, its creator, Oda, had intended for it to conclude in around five years. However, as time went on, Oda's initial plans shifted, and the story evolved into something much larger.

Originally, Oda had carefully mapped out a storyline centered around the battle against the powerful Emperors of the Sea, known as the Yonko. These characters hold immense influence in the world of One Piece, playing a crucial role in the current plot. Interestingly, in the first half of the series, the Yonko were not directly involved in the story. Nevertheless, Oda intended for them to be the primary antagonists from the very beginning, meaning that from the start, the protagonist Luffy would have faced off against formidable opponents such as Shanks, Kaido, Big Mom, and possibly even Whitebeard.

Why One Piece Became So Long

Over time, the dynamic of One Piece has undergone significant changes. Instead of following the expected path, the series took a different direction altogether. Surprisingly, the Yonko, who were initially believed to be the main antagonists, are merely fellow pirates in pursuit of the fabled One Piece. The true primary antagonistic force in One Piece reveals itself in the Celestial Dragons, particularly the powerful Five Elders and the enigmatic sovereign of the world, Imu. This revelation showcases the remarkable evolution of One Piece, diverging from Eiichiro Oda's original vision. Instead of simply pitting Luffy against the Yonko, Oda skillfully took a longer route, introducing fascinating elements such as the Seven Warlords of the Sea, also known as the Shichibukai.

According to Oda himself, the reason why One Piece turned into such a lengthy series is because of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, also known as the Shichibukai. These extremely powerful pirates are actually employed by the Government, granting them the freedom to do as they please as long as they assist in suppressing piracy during the Golden Age of Pirates. The Shichibukai play a crucial role in the storyline of One Piece, especially after Luffy and his Straw Hat crew complete their journey along the Grand Line. It is during this time that Luffy comes face-to-face with the first Warlord antagonist, Crocodile, leaving a lasting impression on fans.

Prior to Crocodile's appearance, fans had already been introduced to Dracule Mihawk, a renowned figure in the world of One Piece who has a deep connection to the character Roronoa Zoro. Shortly after Crocodile, another Shichibukai named Gecko Maria entered the picture, adding complexity to the plot. Along with them, other prominent characters such as Bartholomew Kuma, affiliated with the Revolutionary Army, and Boa Hancock, a former slave turned powerful Pirate Empress, were also introduced.

As the story progressed, the involvement of the Shichibukai increased significantly. They played a crucial role in the Paramount War against the Whitebeard Pirates. After the timeskip, Doflamingo, a member of the Shichibukai, emerged as the main antagonist. However, with Doflamingo's downfall, the focus shifted towards more formidable foes like Big Mom and Kaido. Nevertheless, the Shichibukai continue to hold relevance in the story, as the dissolution of their group becomes a major plot point. Even though they are no longer Warlords, their presence still carries significant weight in the narrative.

According to Oda, his decision to introduce the Shichibukai is something he now regrets a bit. He feels that it would have been better if there were fewer members in this group. However, for the fans, the Shichibukai have proven to be nothing short of incredible. They are not only highly entertaining to watch, but their characters are also exceptionally well written.

The Influence Of The Shichibukai In One Piece

The impact of the Shichibukai in the One Piece series transcends boundaries. Not only have they introduced fans to epic storylines like Arabasta, Thriller Bark, Dressrosa, and Amazon Lily, among countless others, but they also continue to leave a lasting impression on the political landscape of the One Piece world long after their prime. A notable example is the emergence of the Cross Guild, a formidable alliance comprising former Shichibukai members Buggy, Mihawk, and Crocodile. This ambitious group remains active, relentlessly targeting the Marines and wielding considerable influence in the current state of the One Piece universe.

In addition, a fascinating new group has emerged in the world of One Piece known as the Seraphims. These Seraphims are an intensified version of the Pacifistas, created by the brilliant Dr. Vegapunk and modeled after the former Warlords. The Warlords themselves offer a captivating dynamic to the story, often rivaling the Yonko in terms of intrigue. They bring complexity to the plot and present fans with multi-dimensional characters who challenge the moral compass of the series' main protagonists.

Although Oda may have some regrets about introducing the Shichibukai, it can be argued that their inclusion is one of the many reasons why One Piece has achieved its greatness today. These powerful pirates, with their skewed values and insatiable desire for wealth, fame, and power, have become iconic figures in the series. For many fans, they are the very reason why they fell in love with One Piece from the start.

Now, with One Piece entering its Final Saga, there is no foreseeable end in sight. Fans can eagerly anticipate the inclusion of the Shichibukai and other prominent power factions, as they are bound to make an unforgettable impact in what may potentially become the most remarkable arc in the entire series. Given the current trajectory, fans are in for an exhilarating experience.