The decision to choose a two-year time skip was not made lightly. Oda wanted Luffy, who set out on his adventure at the age of 17, to maintain his character’s growth and development even as he matured. By the age of 19, Luffy had grown stronger and more mature while still keeping his connection to the larger world of fans after the time skip. Oda aimed for a balance that allowed Luffy to evolve without becoming a character too distant from the audience.
Oda stated, “At 17, Luffy had no way of defeating the strong enemies like the Four Emperors. That’s the reason we needed the two years. This time was necessary for Luffy’s development, which was built upon his growth as a character. The reason I chose two years is that I didn’t want to make Luffy suddenly mature like that.”
Oda’s decision was evidently the right one. After returning from the two-year time skip, Luffy and his crew had achieved significant milestones, including defeating Kaido, one of the Four Emperors, and Luffy’s emergence as the new Emperor of the Sea. One Piece continues to captivate and inspire fans around the globe, eagerly awaiting the next chapters in this grand narrative.
Significance of the Time Skip
Even though Luffy managed to save Ace, the victory was fleeting as Ace ultimately sacrificed himself to protect Luffy, marking a pivotal moment for Luffy and highlighting his determination to protect his loved ones. This moment defined Luffy’s need to strengthen himself.
Oda clarified that the two-year interval was essential for Luffy to prepare for his encounters with the Four Emperors, especially as he aimed to become the Pirate King. Without this significant growth period, Luffy’s subsequent battles against the Emperors would have been unfathomable.
The training opportunity arose when Rayleigh, the legendary right-hand man of the Pirate King, took it upon himself to teach Luffy about Haki on the island of Ruskaina. This training period not only honed Luffy’s physical abilities but also prepared the entire crew for the challenges they would face upon their return to the Sabaody Archipelago two years later, with newfound strength to embark on their journey in the New World.
