Read 155 One Piece Manga Chapters Free

For millions of readers around the world, One Piece is more than a manga-it’s a decades-long adventure. Now, publisher Viz Media is opening the door wider.

For a limited time, fans can read the first 155 chapters of Eiichiro Oda’s legendary pirate saga completely free, offering newcomers a rare chance to begin the journey without a paywall.

Viz Media Unlocks Early One Piece Chapters

Viz Media has made the first 155 chapters of One Piece available to read online at no cost. The promotion runs through April 10, after which access will require an active Viz subscription.

The move provides legal, easy access to the foundation of Oda’s long-running story-from Monkey D. Luffy’s humble beginnings to the early formation of the Straw Hat Pirates.

While 155 chapters may sound substantial, it represents only a fraction of the epic. As of this writing, One Piece has surpassed 1,173 chapters and continues to grow each week.

Still, for first-time readers, this free window offers a meaningful head start into one of the most influential manga series of all time.

Why the Timing Matters

The promotion arrives at a moment when the One Piece franchise is experiencing renewed global momentum.

The manga remains in the midst of the high-stakes Elbaph Arc-roughly 50 chapters deep-where Luffy and his crew have reached Elbaph Island, homeland of the giants. The arc has introduced major narrative developments, including the formal arrival of Figarland Shamrock, revealed as the twin brother of fan-favorite pirate Shanks.

At the same time, both the anime adaptation and the live-action series continue to draw new audiences worldwide. With fresh viewers discovering the story through streaming platforms, offering free access to the manga’s early chapters serves as a strategic bridge between mediums.

For many new fans, the biggest barrier to entry isn’t interest-it’s the sheer scale of the story. More than 1,000 chapters can feel intimidating. A free starting point lowers that hurdle.

Elbaph Arc Expands the Saga

The current Elbaph storyline has quickly become one of the most talked-about arcs in recent years. Set on the legendary island of giants, it expands the world-building that has long defined Oda’s storytelling.

One standout development is the introduction of Figarland Shamrock. The character’s debut adds layers to the mythos surrounding Shanks and the broader political forces shaping the One Piece universe.

In November 2025, a promotional video celebrating the release of Volume 113 featured acclaimed voice actor Kenjiro Tsuda portraying Shamrock. The video was published on the official One Piece YouTube channel and sparked widespread fan discussion.

While no formal casting announcement has been made for the anime adaptation of the Elbaph Arc, many viewers interpreted Tsuda’s involvement in the promo as a likely preview of what’s to come.

Inside Toei Animation’s Creative Approach

As anticipation builds for the anime’s adaptation of Elbaph, attention has also turned to how Toei Animation continues to evolve the series visually.

In an interview with CBR in October 2025, One Piece anime director Wataru Matsumi discussed the studio’s philosophy regarding artistic freedom and team dynamics.

Matsumi explained that the production team aims to give animators room to express their creativity rather than confining them within rigid boundaries. He noted that international animators have increasingly contributed fresh perspectives and artistic sensibilities to the show.

According to Matsumi, this collaborative approach has allowed the team to experiment with dynamic sequences-particularly in scenes involving Luffy’s “Nika” transformation-while still maintaining overall balance and narrative coherence.

The result, he suggested, is an anime that continues to feel energetic and inventive even more than two decades after its debut.

A Gateway for New Readers

From a publishing standpoint, offering the first 155 chapters for free is a calculated but fan-friendly move.

The earliest chapters introduce core characters-Luffy, Zoro, Nami, Usopp, and Sanji-while laying down the emotional and thematic foundations that drive the entire series. Concepts such as inherited will, freedom, loyalty, and ambition are firmly established in these opening arcs.

For longtime fans, the promotion also offers a nostalgic opportunity to revisit East Blue and early Grand Line adventures without digging through physical volumes.

And for those who choose to continue beyond Chapter 155, Viz’s weekly digital release schedule ensures that new chapters are available every Monday.

The Broader Impact on the Manga Industry

Free access campaigns are becoming increasingly common across digital publishing platforms. They serve multiple purposes: attracting new readers, re-engaging lapsed fans, and competing against piracy by providing legitimate alternatives.

In the case of One Piece, the scale of the fanbase makes even a small conversion rate impactful. If a fraction of new readers continue with paid subscriptions after April 10, the strategy will have paid off.

More importantly, it reinforces One Piece’s cultural staying power. Nearly three decades after its debut in 1997, Oda’s story continues to draw fresh audiences-a rare achievement in serialized storytelling.

What Comes Next for Fans

As the Elbaph Arc unfolds in the manga and anticipation grows for its animated adaptation, the franchise shows no signs of slowing down.

The free chapter promotion may be temporary, but its timing suggests a broader effort to align the manga, anime, and live-action adaptations under one expanding global spotlight.

For newcomers curious about the hype, the first 155 chapters offer a clear answer: One Piece isn’t just long-it’s layered, emotional, and relentlessly imaginative.

And for veterans, it’s a reminder of how far the Straw Hats have sailed.

A Limited-Time Opportunity Worth Taking

With over 1,173 chapters published and counting, One Piece can feel overwhelming to approach. Viz Media’s limited-time free access removes that initial barrier and invites readers into one of modern pop culture’s most enduring adventures.

Whether you’re revisiting Luffy’s earliest battles or stepping into the Grand Line for the first time, the opportunity offers something rare-a free ticket into a living legend of manga storytelling.

The clock is ticking until April 10.

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