'One Piece' chapter 967 release date delayed to 2020; Oden’s return to Wano and Roger’s demise are looming

The series of flashbacks to Oden Kozuki’s adventures as a pirate is becoming more exciting now that he has officially joined the Roger Pirates. Fans will need a little more patience, though, as “One Piece” chapter 967’s release date is confirmed to be slightly delayed.

'One Piece' chapter 967 release date is set in early 2020

If the series and manga producers were to follow the regular schedule, there could have been enough time to release “One Piece” chapter 967 within this year. But it has been an unwritten tradition for the series to take at least one week break after releasing an epic installment, which is the case for chapter 966.

The pirate crews of Edward “Whitebeard” Newgate and Gol D. Roger have clashed -- three days and nights, to be exact. But they eventually found common ground to practically become frenemies. The highlight of the last chapter of 2019 was what many fans anticipated. Oden, along with Toki, Momonosuke, and Hiyori, joined Roger Pirates. Nekomamushi and Inuarashi later snuck into to the Oro Jackson. Their adventure is very likely to continue in “One Piece” chapter 967.

The Christmas and New Year holidays are also some possible reasons why “One Piece” chapter 967 will be delayed. The good news is that fans will not have to wait too long to see where Oden and Roger are headed next. “One Piece” chapter 967 will be released on Jan. 6, 2020.

'One Piece' chapter 967 predictions, spoilers

Chapter 966 showed how the Roger Pirates eventually welcomed Oden and his family as their full-fledged members. The latest events are certainly building up to one of the most important moments in the One Piece universe, where the Roger Pirates are reaching the final island of the world largely with Oden’s help.

However, there were some clues from chapter 966 that Oden and Roger are getting closer to their demise as well. One glaring hint was when the latter’s doctor declared he only has one year left to live. It is uncertain if Oden’s return to Wano and Roger surrendering to the Marines will be covered in “One Piece” chapter 967, but these are some of the possibilities.