This article contains spoilers for the One Piece series.
2025 is reaching its end, and it was definitely a big year for One Piece. While Elbaf started in 2024, it was in 2025 that the majority of its events unfolded. Fans got to see the proper introduction of the Holy Knights, and even the appearance of Saint Imu. Beyond that, fans have gotten the most exciting flashback of the story yet. This flashback won’t be over in 2025, but this year, fans were able to see a big part of Harald’s story, as well as that of Rocks D. Xebec, and the full story of God Valley.
One Piece: Oda Confirms A New Timeskip After The Elbaf Arc
Elbaf is a major arc, and after its end, One Piece will get a new short timeskip.
It is safe to say that a lot of lore regarding the One Piece world was unveiled this year. 2026, however, might be even bigger for the fans, especially after Oda's recent message came out. As with every year, Eiichiro Oda dropped a huge message for the fans of the series. This message reveals that the Man with the Burn Scar is about to be involved in the story, and possibly very soon. With Burn Scar in the picture, reaching Laugh Tale becomes a possibility. The Man with the Burn Scar’s identity and secrets could change the One Piece story drastically.
Burn Scar Could Appear In One Piece’s Manga in 2026
- Burn Scar Is A Legendary Man Oda Has Been Hinting At For A While
- Burn Scar Will Officially Appear After Elbaf
One Piece is filled with many fascinating characters, and it is quite clear to see that many of these interesting characters have been left out for the Final Saga. The likes of Shanks and Monkey D. Dragon will only make their full moves then, but they aren’t the only ones Oda has kept in the shadows.
In One Piece chapter 1056, the epilogue of Wano, a very important character was introduced by Eustass Kid and Killer, and that's Burn Scar. This character was first mentioned by Killer, and he’s quite easily One Piece’s most mysterious character. The only things fans know about him are that he has a burn scar on himself and that he travels in an all black ship and causes whirlpools to sink others.
It could very well be that Burn Scar is a character that fans already know of, or at least someone that has already been named but not seen. However, it’s just as possible that Burn Scar is someone completely new that Oda plans on introducing in the Final Saga.
Nevertheless, the truth about Burn Scar will become more apparent once Elbaf is over. During Jump Festa 2026, Eiichiro Oda dropped his much-awaited yearly message. In the message, he reveals that Burn Scar is to be expected in the next segment of the story, planned for 2026
Of course, this doesn’t confirm that he will appear in 2026, since Oda often miscalculates the time he needs to wrap arcs up, but his arrival is definitely possible. Fans will just have to wait and see what transpires when Elbaf ends.
“To everyone visiting Jump Festa! Hello!! Toward a future society where lives shine! I am O-Myaku-Da Myaku-Ichiro!!
When I asked my editor to summarize what we're doing next year for this comment, there was a huge line-up of events! (But they said,) “You can’t talk about this, or this, or this, or this yet.” Wait—does that mean I can’t say almost anything!?
Looking at the list, many of the projects are clearly aimed at an international audience (including Japan, of course). The previously announced new anime, The One Piece, is also being made for a global audience and is progressing steadily.
And on March 10th next year, season 2 of the Hollywood live-action One Piece will finally be released!! Chopper will make his debut! Every time new footage comes in, I can’t help but say, “So cuuuute, so cuuuute.” Come March next year, you’ll all be saying the same thing too!!
Be sure to fully enjoy the Straw Hat crew vibes from the rest of the wonderfully eccentric cast, including Iñaki and the others. In fact, filming for season 3 has already begun, which means the Arabasta arc will be completed with it. Look forward to it!!
As for the anime movie, I’ve been told I’m not allowed to talk about it yet! And honestly, I can’t say it’s progressing smoothly either. But maybe saying this will get things moving—like, “Hey, hurry it up!!” (Laughs)
It’s definitely something I think a lot of you will be very interested in, so please wait patiently… very patiently.
Now then, since it’s Jump Festa, let’s talk about the original Jump manga!
After a long, long flashback—more like a deep dive into history—we return to the present day, and just when your perspective on Elbaf has started to shift… boom!! It ends with a big, flashy finish. And from here on out, things get really intense.
To that island that only the Pirate King ever reached!? The man marked by flames appears!! Two people who never crossed paths finally meet!! And those two run into each other as well!! Is next year going to be a full-blown festival of encounters?
The story moves at lightning speed, but I’ve unfortunately gotten older, so while taking care of my health, I’ll continue next year to sail through One Piece at its fastest pace yet—steady and full force. Ahead lies a festival!!
Please look forward to it!!!” — Eiichiro Oda
After Burn Scar’s Appearance, The Last Poneglyph Will Be In Reach
Burn Scar is an extremely important character for the story. Without Burn Scar, Luffy, or anyone else for that matter, can’t become the Pirate King and find the One Piece.
One Piece: Oda Finally Reveals Why Dragon Left the Marines
Monkey D. Dragon is a mysterious character, but Oda finally reveals why he left the Marines in One Piece.
That is because Burn Scar has the very last Road Poneglyph in his possession. Burn Scar has supposedly taken the Road Poneglyph previously in Fish Man Island and is currently keeping it safe. His current whereabouts are unknown, but he is sought after for this very fact.
Burn Scar is such a major character that it was even stated by Kid that he will be the key to the war for One Piece.
With All Four Road Poneglyphs, Laugh Tale Can Finally Be Reached
The Road Poneglyphs of One Piece are special. Unlike normal Poneglyphs seen in One Piece, they’re red in color, and only four of them exist.
These Road Poneglyphs are scattered around the world. The first one was found by the Straw Hat pirates was in Zou, hidden on the back of Zunesha. The Straw Hat Pirates were led to it in the Whale Tree.
The second Poneglyph was acquired during the Straw Hats’ infiltration of Whole Cake Island. Yonko Big Mom had this Road Poneglyph in her possession, and the Straw Hats were able to get a copy of it, thanks to Brook’s efforts.
The third, and most recent one was acquired in Wano, in the Mt. Fuji Cavern. Protected by Yonko Kaido, it was definitely not an easy one to acquire.
With that, the Straw Hat Pirates have three Road Poneglyphs in their possession. Other pirates, such as the Red Hair Pirates and the Blackbeard Pirates are also close to acquiring all four.
The only one missing that's missing is Burn Scar’s Road Poneglyph. Once it is acquired, the location of the final island in One Piece, Laugh Tale, will be revealed. With Laugh Tale’s location unveiled, the hunt for the One Piece will finally begin, and possibly even the final war will kickstart.
Eiichiro Oda's One Piece focuses on the journey of Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates as they sail the seas to lay claim to the grand treasure known as the One Piece. The manga is currently in its Final Saga. One Piece will be featured in this week's Weekly Shonen Jump Issue. The official release date of One Piece Chapter 1170 is January 4, 2026. In Japan, One Piece drops at 12AM JST on Monday, which is 11:00 AM EST, or 8:00 AM PT. Fans can read the chapter for free on Manga Plus and the Shonen Jump apps. Doing so will ensure that fans always support the author.