In the golden era of anime and manga, the “Big 3” – One Piece, Naruto, and Bleach – have ruled the hearts of fans worldwide, creating legacies that have stretched over decades. However, as the curtains begin to draw on these epic sagas, discussions have emerged about their conclusions, and amongst them, Eiichiro Oda’s One Piece has consistently stood out as a beacon of brilliant storytelling and exceptional world-building. Today, we delve into the intricacies of what makes One Piece the likely candidate for achieving the pinnacle of perfection in its ending.
The Struggle for a Satisfying Conclusion
When Endings Fall Short: Naruto and Bleach’s Legacy
While Naruto and Bleach have undoubtedly delivered breathtaking moments and awe-inspiring arcs, their conclusions have left a lingering aftertaste of dissatisfaction amongst their fandoms. This is a phenomenon not exclusive to them, as even globally acclaimed series like Death Note and The Promised Neverland have faced their share of criticism for how they chose to bow out.
It’s an acknowledged fact in the realm of storytelling that the quality of a series is heavily reliant on the satisfaction derived from its ending. The journey, regardless of its brilliance, can be overshadowed by a destination that leaves much to be desired. This principle was starkly evident in the comparison between series like Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones, where the former is often hailed as superior due to its immaculate conclusion.
One Piece: A Beacon of Hope
Navigating the Final Saga: Unraveling Mysteries and Setting the Stage
As the last standing pillar of the Big 3, One Piece has the world’s eyes set upon it, watching eagerly as it navigates through its Final Saga. Eiichiro Oda, the mastermind behind this colossal series, has already begun laying down the cards, unraveling mysteries, and meticulously setting the stage for what promises to be an epoch-making conclusion.
The Final Saga begins in the aftermath of the Levely, the Raid on Onigashima, and the destruction of Lulusia Kingdom. This saga sees chaos ensue amongst some of the strongest pirates sailing the sea as Straw Hats arrive at Egghead to meet with Dr. Vegapunk, also known as the Smartest Man in the World.
A Promise of a Perfect Ending: How Oda Stands Apart
Learning from the Past: Avoiding the Pitfalls of Naruto and Bleach
One Piece’s journey towards its finale starkly contrasts with the paths taken by Naruto and Bleach. While the latter two faced criticism for elements like the drawn-out Fourth Ninja War and the rushed introduction of Kaguya in Naruto, and the seemingly invincible antagonist Yhwach in Bleach, One Piece is navigating its climax with precision, balance, and a keen eye for detail.
One Piece might be the only Big 3 anime to get a perfect ending (and Oda has already proved why) https://t.co/3hg4rtApEQ
— Daily OP Memes (@DailyOPMemes) October 16, 2023
Given the remarkable progress Oda has made in the Final Saga, it is evident that he has meticulously planned each storyline in the series and is adeptly executing his creative vision. Hence, this could be the sole member of the Big 3 anime that ultimately delivers a flawless ending, one that not only weaves all the plotlines into a high-stakes finale but also provides fans with the long-awaited satisfaction and answers they’ve been waiting for all these years.
Conclusion: One Piece’s Journey to Perfection
In the grand tapestry of anime and manga, One Piece stands tall, not just as a member of the revered Big 3, but as a series that has consistently defied expectations and set new standards for storytelling excellence. As we inch closer to its grand finale, there is a palpable sense of excitement, anticipation, and faith in Eiichiro Oda’s ability to deliver a perfect ending – an ending that weaves together decades of storytelling, answers long-standing questions, and provides a satisfying conclusion to a saga that has captured the hearts of millions across the globe. One Piece is on its way to making history, and we are all here for it.
