Is the One Piece a Fad or Will Luffy Really Find It?

One Piece, the legendary treasure in the manga and anime series, has captivated audiences for over two decades. The journey to find the One Piece, according to its creator Eiichiro Oda, is more about friendship, adventure, and the pursuit of dreams than a mere plot device. Many fans believe that Luffy will eventually find the One Piece, leading to significant revelations about the world and its history.

One Piece and the Straw Hat

The One Piece is not just a treasure, but the name of Luffy's Straw Hat. The Straw Hat is the true protagonist, a symbol of Luffy's journey and dreams. Unlike other franchises, such as The Legend of Zelda, which features a supporting character like Princess Zelda, the Straw Hat has always been central to the narrative—always in view, always a part of Luffy's adventure.

Creators' Intentions

Eiichiro Oda has been clear in his intentions. He has explicitly stated that the One Piece is a real thing, not a metaphor:

Oda said: "After having gone through an adventure like that it wouldn’t be fair to not actually give them a reward."

These comments, from an issue of Weekly Shonen Jump, reflect Oda's dedication to providing a tangible reward for Luffy's immense efforts and the many journeys he and his crew have undertaken.

Significant Revelations and Progress

One of the most surprising developments in the recent storyline has been the four red poneglyphs. Crocus, a character from the Alabasta arc, mentions that reaching the end of the Grand Line transports you to Raftel, a location of great importance. Around episode 760, an even greater revelation emerges: to find Raftel, one must read the four red poneglyphs, which each describe a point on a map. The intersection of these points will reveal Raftel's location.

Another critical development is the revelation that two of these poneglyphs are in the hands of powerful characters. Master Cat Viper, the leader of the Mink tribe, disclosed that Zou is home to one of these red poneglyphs, thus being one-quarter of the way there. Additionally, both Big Mom and Kaido, two of the Four Emperors, possess one of the poneglyphs each.

Based on the narrative progression, it is likely that Luffy will acquire the Big Mom poneglyph during the Cake Island arc and the Kaido poneglyph in the Land of Wano arc. This journey is far from hype. Episodes such as 824, where Brook obtained a copy of the Road poneglyph, suggest that Luffy is on the right path.

Overcoming Challenges and the Future

The journey to the One Piece is fraught with challenges. In episode 824, Brook was able to obtain a copy of the Road poneglyph, bringing their total to two. This development opens up possibilities for further progress, including the potential to obtain Kaido's red poneglyph through negotiation or another means. The show's legacy is likely to continue until around episode 1300 in 2030, based on the current trend and the creator's intentions.

Another intriguing element is the revelation that Eiichiro Oda has planned the ending of the series. As proof, a cancer patient who wished to meet Oda was moved to tears after the encounter, suggesting an emotional and significant conclusion to the journey of finding the One Piece.

In conclusion, whether the One Piece is a fad or a genuine treasure looms large in the narrative of One Piece. Many fans believe, and the creator seems to agree, that Luffy will indeed find the One Piece, leading to a range of revelations and adventures. The question is not just about the treasure itself, but the journey and the bonds that are forged along the way.