Recently, it has been revealed that One Piece is in its final stages. As the series rushes to a close, fans are worried that Oda may not dedicate as much time to established elements as might be necessary. Since Wano took longer than expected, the narrative is pressed for time when wrapping up.

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Even so, there are several key plot elements that must be resolved before the thousand-chapter anime reaches its conclusion. It's important that the details are resolved, as these plot elements comprise some of the most essential aspects of the story.

10 Zoro & Tashigi's Relationship Has Yet To Be Explained

roronoa zoro and tashigi are together in one piece

Since meeting Tashigi in Loguetown, Zoro could not help but remark on her uncanny likeness to a childhood friend. Ever since, he has not been able to shake the resemblance from his mind, especially when meeting her.

It's completely possible that Tashigi was the girl that Zoro once knew given how many people have survived presumably fatal attacks in the series (such as Sabo). Even if Tashigi's just a lookalike, the significance of her appearance needs to be clarified before the series reaches its end.

9 Usopp Needs To Meet The Giants Of Elbaf

Broggy One Piece

In Little Garden, the Straw Hats met the giants for the very first time. Charmed by their unshakable fighting spirit, Usopp sought to follow their example when becoming a great warrior of the sea.

So far, Elbaf has been strongly hinted at through characters like Big Mom and the giants of Enies Lobby. Although the Straw Hats cannot afford to spend as much time there as they did in Wano given the series' short remainder, Usopp needs to pay a visit in order to recognize his dream to become a brave soul.

8 Akainu Needs To Be Reckoned With

Akainu killing Ace in One Piece.

The Marineford war was one of the few times when Luffy was genuinely deterred from becoming the Pirate King. Akainu murdered Ace in front of him and would've killed him as well if not for Shanks' arrival. Since their fateful encounter, both Luffy and Akainu have grown significantly stronger.

Still, circumstances have not allowed them to cross paths yet. During the final clash against the World Government, it's essential that Luffy faces off against and ultimately defeats Akainu in order to honor Ace's legacy. Although killing isn't in his character, Akainu would make an understandable exception given the pain he caused.

7 Mary Geoise Is Due To Fall

Mary Geoise one piece

Mary Geoise is the home of the Celestial Dragons and the official capital of the World Government. Embodying everything wrong with the marines, it is responsible for the oppression of all seas and even the Grand Line.

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Given the Revolutionary Army's presence at the Reverie, it's already been strongly hinted that they will soon mount an attack on the holy city. When Dragon's invasion finally begins, villains like Charloss, Lucci, and even Im will finally answer for their many crimes. Geoise may even hold the key to the mysteries behind the Void Century.

6 Sanji Needs To Settle With A Partner

Vinsmoke Sanji and Charlotte Pudding getting married in One Piece's Whole Cake Island Arc

A hopeless romantic, Sanji's story revolves more around his interactions with women than his quest to find the All Blue. So far, he has flirted with deserting the Straw Hats for Violet and actually abandoned them for Pudding.

In the latter instance, he seemed particularly reluctant to leave her, only doing so since the crew needed him. Should Sanji actually get married, it will hopefully give him a sense of fulfillment and stem the inappropriate lust he feels for every woman he meets.

5 The Blackbeard & Straw Hat Pirates Are Due For A Reckoning

The Blackbeard Pirates emerge during the events of One Piece's Marineford Arc

First debuting at Mock Town, the Blackbeard pirates have hunted the Straw Hats almost since the series began. Directly responsible for Ace's death, they are one of the final competitors Luffy has in his quest for the One Piece.

Perhaps the most intriguing and unexplored aspect of the Blackbeard pirates is its latest recruit, Gecko Moria. Although a weak fighter, he has the potential to revive obscenely powerful pirates like Whitebeard, Xebec, or even Roger himself. The crews' clash would be especially compelling since each Straw Hat would be paired against a unique opponent.

4 Fish-Man Island Must Collapse

One Piece Fish-man island visual

When Luffy first visited Fish-Man Island, Sharley was stricken with a sense of dread. She anticipated that in spite of Luffy's heroic and unassuming behavior, he would one day lead the region to total collapse.

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Given that Luffy has made enemies with and defeated the Big Mom pirates, he's already prevented Fish-Man Island's first disaster. Whether Sharley's prophecy turns out to be correct or otherwise, Fish-Man Island must play a substantial role in the final act before the series concludes. Otherwise, the arc would have been relatively shallow and meaningless.

3 Doflamingo & Crocodile Need To Have Their Secrets Revealed

a featured image of Doflamingo and Crocodile

Doflamingo and Crocodile have something in common. They are former warlords with dark secrets. In the former's case, his previous position as a Celestial Dragon could lead to the fall of the World Government. This suggests that the story will eventually return to Impel Down, likely for a second breakout.

Crocodile's secret is arguably even more interesting. Ivankov has such leverage on him that he was compelled to help Luffy at Impel Down and Marineford. Many fans have even theorized that Crocodile was born as a woman and owes Ivankov a favor for helping them in their transition.

2 The Buggy Problem Needs To Be Addressed

Buggy-in-One-Piece-1

Ever since Impel Down, Buggy has slowly become more powerful. Viewed as a previous comrade of Whitebeard and even Roger himself, he was made into a warlord and eventually an emperor of the sea. Since then, powerful fighters have gathered under his banner in order to enforce his will.

If left unchecked, Buggy's surprising influence might even make him a contender for the mantle of Pirate King. Should Luffy fail to stop him, the clown may have an unfortunate surprise in store for the Straw Hat pirates.

1 The Straw Hats Need To Find The One Piece

One Piece Straw Hat Pirates in Wano Arc

Since the first chapter, Luffy has been determined to find the One Piece and seize the title of Pirate King. To this end, he made friends and risked his life on the high seas time and again.

One Piece is the name and main goal of the series. Therefore, it follows that finding Laugh Tale should be the top priority over defeating villains or even giving side characters satisfying endings. However, considering how mysterious and ambiguous the narrative has been about what Roger's treasure really is, there's a reasonable possibility it could be something other than a mere stash of gold.

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