'One Piece' releases 1000th chapter

According to Comicbook.com, Eiichiro Oda and his team just released their 1000th chapter, together with a touching message to his fans, according to a report by GMA News.

Based on a translation cited in the report, Oda expressed his utmost gratitude to "One Piece" fans for supporting the series throughout the years.

"1000 chapters!! Well, a whole lot has happened in the last 23 years. I have spent half my life [publishing One Piece weekly]," Oda said, according to a translation.

"Luffy has taken voyages to many islands and had tons of adventures. I don't know how many people he has met! Likewise, I have met many people and have been supported by many including my family. I can't give enough thanks to those people,” he added.

Oda also seemed to hint that the story is approaching its "final arc," and asked fans to continue supporting Luffy for “a little bit longer.”

"Luffy's adventure is [near] its final arc. I have already drawn 1000 chapters... To One Piece fans around the world, it's been a long story, but please support Luffy a little bit longer!" Oda said.

For those who aren’t familiar, “One Piece” is about a young man named Monkey D. Luffy who sets off on an amazing adventure to find hidden treasure and proclaim himself the King of the Pirates.

The iconic Japanese manga series created by Eiichiro Oda has been delighting readers around the world since 1997.

"One Piece" soared to the top of global Twitter trends on Monday, January 4, 2021 shortly after Chapter 1000 was released.