This article contains spoilers for the One Piece series.
2025 is coming to an 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 took place. Fans got to see the proper introduction of the Holy Knights, and even the appearance of Saint Imu. On top of that, fans got the most exciting flashback of the story yet. This flashback won't be over until 2025, but this year fans were able to see a large part of Harald's story, as well as Rock's D. Xebec, and the entire story of God Valley.
One Piece: Oda confirms another time jump after the Elbaf arc
Elbaf is a big arc, and after its end, One Piece will have another short time jump.
It is safe to say that a lot of knowledge about One Piece the world was revealed this year. However, 2026 could be even bigger for fans, especially after Oda's latest message came out. As every year, Eiichiro Oda released a big message to fans of the series. This message reveals that the man with the burns is about to be involved in the storyand maybe very soon. With Burn Scar in the picture, it becomes an opportunity to reach Laugh Tale. The Man with the Burn Scar's identity and secrets could drastically change the One Piece story.
Burn Scar may appear in One Piece Manga in 2026
-
Burn Scar is a legendary man that Oda has hinted at for a while
-
Brännärr 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 is Burn Scar. This character was first mentioned by Killer, and he is quite easy One Piece's most mysterious character. The only thing fans know about him is that he has a burn on himself and that he travels in an all black ship and makes others sink whirlpools.
It very well may be Burn Scar is a character that fans already know, or at least someone that has already been named but not seen. However, it's equally possible that Burn Scar is someone completely new that Oda plans to introduce in the Final Saga.
Still, The truth about the Burn Scar will become more apparent once Elbaf is over. During Jump Festa 2026, Eiichiro Oda released his long-awaited annual message. In the message he reveals that Burn Scar is to be expected in the next segment of the story, scheduled for 2026
Of course, this does not confirm that he will appear in 2026, as Oda often miscalculates the time he needs to wrap bows, but his arrival is definitely possible. Fans will just have to wait and see what happens when Elbaf runs out.
“To all who visit Jump Festa! Hello!! Towards a future society where life shines! I am O-Myaku-Da Myaku-Ichiro!!
When I asked my editor to summarize what we're doing next year for this commentary, it was a huge lineup 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 steadily progressing.
And on March 10 next year, season 2 of the Hollywood live-action One Piece will finally be released!! Chopper will make his debut! Every time new pictures come in I can't help but say “So cuuuute, so cuuuute.” Next March you will all be saying the same thing!!
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 started, which means the Arabasta arc will be finished with it. Looking forward to it!!
As for the anime movie, I've been told I can't talk about it yet! And honestly, I can't say it's going smoothly either. But maybe saying this will get things moving – like, “Hey, hurry up!!” (Laughs)
It's definitely something I think a lot of you will be very interested in, so wait patiently… a lot of patience.
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, and just when your perspective on Elbaf has started to change… boom!! It ends with a big, flamboyant finish. And from now on it gets really intense.
To that island that only the Pirate King reached!? The man marked by flames appears!! Two people who never crossed paths finally meet!! And the two bump into each other too!! Will next year be a full-blown festival of meetings?
The story moves at lightning speed, but unfortunately I'm getting older, so while taking care of my health, next year I'll continue to sail through One Piece at its fastest pace yet – steady and full force. A festival is ahead!!
Please look forward to it!!!” — Eiichiro Oda
After Burn Scar's appearance, the final Pone Glyph will be within reach
Burn Scar is an extremely important character to the story. Without Burn Scar, Luffy, or anyone else for that matter, cannot become the pirate king and find 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.
This is because Burn Scar has the very last Road Poneglyph in his possession. Burn Scar is said to have taken the Road Poneglyph earlier on Fish Man Island and is currently keeping it safe. His current whereabouts are unknown, but he is wanted for just that.
Burn Scar is such a big character that it was even claimed 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 the regular Poneglyphs seen in One Piece, they are red in color, and only four of them exist.
These Road Poneglyphs are scattered all over the world. The first one found by the Straw Hat Pirates was in Zouhidden in the back of Zunesha. The Straw Hat Pirates were led there 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 obtain a copy of it, thanks to Brook's efforts.
The third and last one was bought in Wanoin Mount Fuji Cavern. Protected by Yonko Kaido, it was definitely not easy to obtain.
With that, The Straw Hat Pirates have three Road Poneglyphs in their possession. Other pirates, such as the Red Hair Pirates and Blackbeard Pirates, are also close to getting all four.
The only one missing that is missing is the Burn Scar's Road Poneglyph. Once acquired, the location of the final island in One Piece, Laugh Tale, will be revealed. With Laugh Tale's location revealed, the hunt for One Piece will finally begin, and possibly the final war will also kick off.
Eiichiro Oda's One Piece focuses on the journey of Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates as they sail the seas to claim the great treasure known as 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 for One Piece Chapter 1170 is January 4, 2026. In Japan, One Piece is released at 12:00 JST on Monday, which is 11:00 EST or 8:00 PT. Fans can read the chapter for free on the Manga Plus and Shonen Jump apps. If you do that, the fans will always support the writer.
