September 21 brings a bittersweet moment for One Piece fans

One Piece fans are facing disappointment this week as Eiichiro Oda, the series’ creator, is taking another break. Confirmed at the end of Chapter 1160, there will be no new chapter released on September 21, 2025. Instead, fans will have to wait a little longer for the story to continue, a delay that may be tough for some given how frequent these breaks have become.

This pause is especially frustrating as the manga is heading into major revelations surrounding the long-awaited God Valley Incident—a storyline fans have eagerly anticipated for quite some time. The arc has already begun, but will resume with Chapter 1161, now scheduled for release on September 28, 2025, following this short hiatus.

Chapter 1160, which dropped on September 14, offered an exciting read, but the momentum will have to pause briefly. The official announcement at the end of the chapter confirms the week-long break, meaning Chapter 1161 will be the last chapter released in September.

Oda has been taking more frequent breaks lately, averaging one every three chapters, which adds up to one or two breaks per month. This is a relatively recent trend, as such frequent pauses weren’t common earlier in the series’ run.

The primary reason for these breaks is Oda’s health. The demanding schedule of writing and illustrating a weekly manga has taken a toll, necessitating regular rest periods. Additionally, some breaks are beyond Oda’s control—such as scheduled Shueisha holidays, like the one in August—which also contribute to delays.

Despite the wait, fans remain hopeful and eager for the continuation of this pivotal storyline when One Piece returns on September 28.