
Eiichiro Oda often takes short breaks after massive story climaxes — and for good reason. The God Valley arc has been one of the most visually and emotionally demanding sagas in recent memory. These pauses are essential not just for Oda’s health but also for maintaining the manga’s storytelling quality.
Given how Chapter 1165 wrapped up, the upcoming chapter is expected to explore the emotional fallout of Rocks’ defeat and possibly feature a flashback within a flashback, delving deeper into Rocks’ origins and motivations.

Fans have noticed Oda’s unique pacing pattern: after every intense sequence, he slows things down to let the story — and readers — breathe. This suggests that Chapter 1166 may bring a more reflective tone while hinting at what’s next for key figures like Xebec, Garp, and Roger.

The next chapter might finally reveal Xebec’s final fate and how those trapped on the doomed island plan to escape before its total destruction. Oda could also use this pause to transition toward the conclusion of the God Valley flashback, preparing fans for a major emotional payoff.

Although fans are disappointed with the delay, the timing couldn’t be better. This short break gives the community time to analyze, speculate, and relive the climactic battle before diving into the next emotional storm in One Piece Chapter 1166.