One Piece creator Eiichiro Oda has officially confirmed that a second timeskip will occur in the series, following the completion of the Elbaf arc. This announcement marks a major development for the long-running manga and suggests that even bigger events are on the horizon for the Straw Hat Pirates.
The Role of Elbaf in the Story
Elbaf, the island of giants, has been one of the most highly anticipated locations in the One Piece world. First mentioned in the earlier arcs of the story, Elbaf is home to some of the strongest warriors and holds important historical ties to the world’s lore. In this arc, the Straw Hats are expected to uncover key elements of the series’ mysteries, form alliances with the giants, and face formidable challenges.
Oda has positioned the Elbaf arc as the final arc before the story’s next major turning point. Once Elbaf concludes, the Straw Hat Pirates will likely take time to train and prepare for the final battles of the series.
Purpose of the Second Timeskip
This will be the second timeskip in One Piece. The first took place after the Marineford arc, when the crew separated for two years to train individually. That timeskip allowed the Straw Hats to become stronger and better prepared for the threats of the New World.
The second timeskip will serve a similar purpose. According to reports, Oda feels that the Straw Hats—and potentially other characters in the world—require another period of growth. The battles ahead will involve the strongest enemies the crew has faced so far, and further training and preparation are necessary for them to succeed.
Possible Changes After the Timeskip
Following the timeskip, readers can expect changes to the Straw Hats’ strength, abilities, and appearances. Luffy and his crew will likely return with enhanced Haki skills, new combat techniques, and greater mastery over their existing powers. The timeskip also gives Oda the opportunity to advance the story’s world-building, showing how events have progressed in the Straw Hats’ absence.
In addition to the Straw Hats’ growth, other factions such as the Blackbeard Pirates, the Revolutionary Army, and the World Government will likely have advanced their own plans. The world of One Piece may be very different when the Straw Hats return.
Impact on the Final Saga
Oda has stated in the past that One Piece is in its final saga, meaning the story is approaching its conclusion. This second timeskip appears to be a major part of his plan to wrap up the series. After the timeskip, the story will likely shift toward its last battles, uncovering the truth about the Void Century, the Ancient Weapons, and the One Piece treasure itself.
The Elbaf arc and the second timeskip will likely set the stage for these final storylines, providing closure to many long-running mysteries and character arcs.
Conclusion
The confirmation of a second timeskip in One Piece signals a major shift in the story. After the Elbaf arc, the Straw Hat Pirates will take time to grow stronger before heading into the final and most dangerous phase of their adventure. While no exact timeline for the timeskip has been announced, it is clear that Oda is preparing for the series’ endgame.
Fans can expect new powers, greater challenges, and the resolution of some of One Piece’s biggest mysteries once the story resumes after the break.
Source: Gamerant
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