Eiichiro Oda had a very different idea for the end of Dressrosa, although it ultimately didn’t happen
Dressrosa could have been the final arc, as Oda’s health nearly forced an early ending.

The Dressrosa arc in One Piece was one of the most intense and emotionally charged storylines in the series, but Eiichiro Oda originally had a very different plan for its conclusion. According to reports, Oda considered ending the series entirely during Dressrosa, due to serious health concerns that nearly forced him to cut the story short.
Why did Oda almost end One Piece during Dressrosa?
In 2013, Oda faced severe health issues, leading to multiple hospitalizations. At the time, One Piece was deep into the Dressrosa arc, and Shonen Jump editors feared that Oda might not be able to continue the series.
Oda later revealed that he had considered wrapping up the story much earlier than planned, with Dressrosa serving as a potential final battleground. While he never disclosed exactly how the arc would have ended in this scenario, fans speculate that Luffy’s battle against Doflamingo could have been the series’ climactic showdown, rather than just another step toward the final saga.
How did Oda recover and continue the story?
Thankfully, Oda was able to take more frequent breaks, allowing him to prioritize his health while continuing One Piece. This decision ensured that the series could continue as originally envisioned, leading to the epic arcs that followed, including Whole Cake Island, Wano, and the ongoing Final Saga.
Had Oda been forced to end One Piece during Dressrosa, fans would have missed out on some of the most groundbreaking moments in the series, including the revelation of Joy Boy, the true nature of the Devil Fruits, and the final war brewing in the New World.
While Dressrosa could have been the unexpected ending of One Piece, Oda’s perseverance ensured that the story continued to unfold as planned. His decision to prioritize his health allowed him to craft some of the most exciting arcs in manga history, proving that One Piece was far from over.
Follow MeriStation USA on X (formerly known as Twitter). Your video game and entertainment website for all the news, updates, and breaking news from the world of video games, movies, series, manga, and anime. Previews, reviews, interviews, trailers, gameplay, podcasts and more! Follow us now!