Eiichiro Oda's One Piece Nears Climax as Scopper Gaban's Fate Hangs in Balance

Manga creator Eiichiro Oda has hinted that the upcoming arc of One Piece will deliver a climax larger than the series' famed Marineford war. In recent fan discussions, Oda reaffirmed that the final treasure at Laugh Tale will be a concrete, tangible reward, and that the story will end when he decides, with no external pressure.

Within the current Elbaph arc, speculation intensifies around the possible death of legendary pirate Scopper Gaban, a former left hand of the Pirate King and a key holder of the series' deepest secrets. Recent chapters show Gaban severely wounded while confronting the powerful antagonist Imu, raising the likelihood of his demise. The character’s potential death would mark a pivotal moment in the series' final phase, underscoring the weight of mortality that Oda has previously downplayed.