In a move that has both excited and anxious fans, Weekly Shōnen Jump has confirmed that the One Piece manga will enter another hiatus—this time in the midst of the highly anticipated God Valley / Elbaf flashback arc. The announcement comes as the series delves deeper into one of its most mysterious and lore-rich storylines in years.
The Official Announcement & Context
According to the official One Piece social media accounts, Chapter 1162 will be delayed and the serialization will pause briefly. The notice cites Eiichiro Oda’s declining health as the reason for the delay, while assuring fans that he is “recuperating well.”
Originally, Chapter 1162 was slated for release in the October 6 issue of Weekly Shōnen Jump, but that issue will no longer include a new One Piece installment. The next chapter is now scheduled to appear in Issue 46, which goes on sale October 14.
This is not the first break the series has taken recently. Just weeks ago, One Piece also went on an unscheduled hiatus—making this consecutive pause especially concerning to fans.
Why Now? What’s Happening in the Story
The timing of this break is especially dramatic: One Piece is currently fully immersed in the God Valley Incident storyline, and fan enthusiasm is at a fever pitch.
What Is the God Valley Incident?
- The God Valley Incident is a pivotal event from roughly 38 years ago that has long hovered over One Piece’s lore, hinted at in small pieces but never fully explored until now.
- It involves legendary figures such as Rocks D. Xebec, Gol D. Roger, Monkey D. Garp, and even the shadowy Imu.
- The arc promises to tie together major strands of the series: pirate history, the origins of the world government, and the secret foundation of key characters.
The latest previews for Chapter 1163 suggest that the God Valley flashback may soon reach a climax, but even after the incident’s closure, the story is expected to continue exploring the deeper past—such as the backstory of King Harald of Elbaf and the tragedies surrounding his reign.
Fan Reaction: “Don’t Pull Us Back Yet”
Surprisingly (or perhaps unsurprisingly given the fervor), many fans have taken to social media to voice their dismay—not about the break itself, but about the idea of returning to the current timeline. Some have expressed a reluctance to leave the God Valley arc:
“If we return to the Straw Hats now, it'll feel like waking up from a dream.”
Echoing this sentiment, numerous posts on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and fan forums emphasize how the flashback’s tone, depth, and sweeping revelations feel like One Piece at its most ambitious — and that a shift back to the main narrative could feel like a downgrade in stakes.
For many long-time readers, this moment feels like a rare inversion: the past is more gripping than the present.
A Test of Oda’s Legacy & the Risks of Hiatus
This break adds to a growing concern about Eiichiro Oda’s health and working conditions. The man behind one of the greatest manga epics in history has long been famous for his rigorous schedule, but the recent string of unexpected pauses suggests the toll is mounting.
At the same time, the God Valley arc has underscored Oda’s enduring brilliance as a storyteller. In revealing hidden histories, reconciling decades of plot threads, and expanding the scope of his world, Oda reminds fans why they’ve stayed with One Piece for so long. For many, this flashback is a vindication of years of speculation, patience, and hope.
But the break also poses narrative risks. Will the momentum tank? Will casual readers lose interest before the story returns? Or will the hiatus amplify anticipation, making the next chapter feel like an event?
What to Expect Next
In the end, the newest hiatus may feel like a cruel twist for fans invested in the God Valley arc—but if it gives Oda the recovery time he needs, it could be a necessary pause on the way to grander revelations. As always, the One Piece fandom waits with bated breath, hoping the next chapter will be worth the wait.
