The Egghead Island arc of One Piece has kept fans on the edge of their seats with its gripping storyline and unexpected developments. However, the excitement has been temporarily halted as Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece, announced a three-week break from writing and illustrating the manga series.
Speculation Surrounding the Hiatus
Oda's decision to take such an extended hiatus has raised eyebrows among fans, as he typically only takes shorter breaks or hiatuses under extraordinary circumstances. The hiatus, beginning after the release of Chapter 1111 in Weekly Shonen Jump Issue #17, means fans will have to endure a nearly month-long wait for the next installment, scheduled for April 21, 2024.
While the reason behind Oda's extended break remains undisclosed, speculation abounds among fans and industry insiders. According to a report by Pinkvilla, some speculated health issues, citing past instances where Oda took breaks for surgery or health concerns. Others believe Oda may be using the break to plan out the final stages of the storyline, ensuring a satisfying conclusion to the epic tale of One Piece.
Patterns in Oda's Breaks
Interestingly, Oda's decision to go on hiatus during this period mirrors past occurrences in 2022 and 2023, coinciding with significant story developments or personal health reasons. These breaks serve as a reminder of the demanding nature of creating a weekly manga series, especially one as expansive and beloved as One Piece.