Is One Piece Approaching Its Final Phase

Man, One Piece has been going wild lately—chapter 1154 cracked the internet with lore bombs, and it hasn’t slowed down since. We’re talking Shanks’ mysterious twin stepping out of the shadows, the World Government playing shady politics in Elbaf, and and the ambiguity of the God Valley incidence fading as we see legends like Rocks, Harald, Garling and Roger shaping the present. It’s like Oda just hit the “final saga turbo button,” and every chapter feels like a mind-boggling new reveal. Buckle up, ‘cause this just ain’t an adventure anymore—it’s a straight-up endgame setup. Lets look into what we have learned till now throughout these recent reveals.

Recent Chapters: What Changed the Game?

1. Revelation Of Shank’s Twin

• Shamrock Figarland is confirmed as Shanks’ twin (or likely twin brother), sharing eerily similar appearance but without Shanks’ iconic scar and a more royal drip. He holds a high rank among the Holy Knights, the elites of the World Government.
• In Elbaf, Shamrock (and that other figure—Gunko) appear to recruit Loki, signaling a major power play: the World Government is attempting to bring the giant island nation under their control by forging an alliance with Loki.
• This revelation also reaffirms earlier scenes—such as the Reverie encounter in Chapter 907 with the Gorosei, where we were left in confusion as how can a world renowned criminal like Shanks just be chili’n with the world nobles like that.

Man, the Shanks The Rat propaganda was running wild after the scene.

2. Gunko — Brooks Daughter?

• Gunko is a world noble who appears in Elbaph with Shamrock; member of the God’s Knights, elite guard serving under Imu.
• In Chapter 1149, a flashback reveals a young girl resembling Gunko, crying out for her father who happens to be Brook before dying and being resurrected by his devil fruit.
• Speculations suggest that Gunko could be Brook’s long-lost daughter, a theory fueled by Gunko’s obsession with Soul Kings(Brooks) music and the emotional undertone of their interactions.

Ain’t that a fairytale reunion.

3. Epic Flashbacks & Flash-forwards (Elbaf Arc Deep Dive)

• The focus shifts to a historical flashback: Loki’s troubled early life on Elbaf. Born during famine and disasters, Loki is blamed for Elbaf’s suffering—accused of being “cursed.” Estrid (his mother) even attempts to kill him, and after her death, Loki grows up rejected and bandaged (to cover his eyes), emotionally shattered.
• In a minute of despair, he tries to kill himself—but his strong body survives, leading to a meeting with Rocks D. Xebec.

Kid just had some cool looking eyes, come on, its not that deep. Has nobody watched Jujustu Kaisen or what.

4. Rocks D. Xebec’s Grand Unveiling

• Chapter 1154 delivers a most anticipated reveal: Rocks D. Xebec’s face is finally shown, ending years of mystery. This is an iconic moment for the franchise.
• Beyond his appearance, it’s confirmed that Xebec is Blackbeard’s father, a theory that’s now official canon.
• Adding to the heat, Xebec is also credited with murdering a Marine admiral before forming his crew—a twisted legacy that deepens his threat level.

Only bros entry made legends like Rogers, Whitebeard look like noobs.

5. Shakky – The Tavernkeeper with Secrets

• Shakky is revealed to be the most beautiful women in the past era operating under the Kuja Pirates, having even legends like Roger, Rocks, Whitebeard and others flaunting over her; though her heart was already set on Rayleigh.
• She operated Ida’s bar where pirates over all over the world came to admire her beauty and it was deemed to be a neutral zone where fighting was prohibited.

Baddie turned all our legends into Sanji.

6. Rocks and Harald’s frienship

• We see King Harald of Elbaf forge an unlikely bond with Rocks D. Xebec during the Reverie 56 years ago, when both found themselves at odds with the World Government.
• Despite Rocks’ chaotic nature and Harald’s faith in diplomacy, the two respected each other’s strength, with Rocks even inviting Harald to join his crew.
• Their friendship ultimately broke when the Government forced Harald to fight Rocks, leading to a fierce clash of Supreme King Haki and ideals that ended their bond, though leaving both in a state of sorrow.

Damn that’s sad.

7. The Ruthless Figarland Garling

• In the Elbaf flashbacks, Figarland Garling steps into focus as one of the most ruthless and commanding figures tied to the Celestial Dragons.
• Shown as the Supreme Commander of the Holy Knights, Garling embodies the violent elitism of the Figarland family, treating non-Celestials as disposable.
• The bounds of his cruelty is clear to us when he kills Shanks and Shamrocks commoner mother(a women with red hair) and her friends in cold blood even thought they took care of his sons with utmost care in his absence.

He is one sick bastard, that’s for sure.

8. Rocks True Goal

• Though at first glance his goal seemed to be to overthrow the World Government and crush the Celestial Dragons’ dominance.
• Later we learn that he it just trying to protect his family and get back to them.
• His true origin is revealed to run back to Davy Jones, a notorious figure from the void century.

Damn, maybe the dude was just chill guy with a bit of a chaotic nature that could have flipped the world upside down.

9. Dragons entry into the picture

• Dragon is revealed to be a young marine, giving conclusion to years of theories of him having ties to the marines before becoming a revolutionary.
• It was Dragon who saved baby Shanks and Shamrock by the request of their dying mother.

Look who’s finally decided to leave the desk.

How the Story Dynamic Has Shifted

A. From Present Foam to Building Foundations

• The narrative shifts from current-day action to mythic backstory, enriching the lore and understanding of key characters like Loki, Shanks and Blackbeard.

B. Stakes Raised, Mystery Deepened

• The introduction of Xebec—his history, ambitions, and bloodline—drags the plot into even darker, more conspiratorial territory. It reframes Blackbeard’s motivations and the gravity of the world’s power structure.

C. Emotional Weight intensified

• Unveiling of many tragic pasts of lead characters with the cloud of ambiguity being shifted from events such as The Gods Valley Incident or The Void Century, the recent dynamic of the story indicates to leading things up to something big.

Is One Piece Entering Its Final Phase?

Signs Pointing to the Endgame

• Many commentators note that Chapter 1154 feels like a turning point toward finale—“the manga marches toward its conclusion” by revealing long-awaited mysteries.
• Insane lore drops— tying legendary characters to modern ones—suggest Oda is weaving threads toward the final tapestry.

What Analysts Predict

• Some estimate 100–150 chapters left, meaning the manga could wrap by 2027–2028. The anime might conclude a few years later.
• Fan projections (via estimates and even Oda’s hints) align with the idea that the Final Saga is in full swings with 3-4 arcs left.

Conclusion: Approaching, But Not There Yet

• Yes—the Final Saga is now unmistakably underway. The crisis on Elbaf, the unveiling of Rocks’s backstory, and connections to Blackbeard are major plot accelerators.
• That said, One Piece still has a hefty journey ahead—multiple arcs, confrontations, revelations, and the climactic war.

Is the End Near?

Definitely closer than ever—but still several years away. Expect some over the roof conflicts, wars, and truth bombs before the curtain falls.

💭 Share with us what you think was the most surprising reveal from the recent chapters and also tell us if you agree or not that One Piece is approaching its end.