One Piece's slow pacing has been a common criticism, but creator Eiichiro Oda explains that it's due to the characters feeling alive and acting on their own. This organic approach allows for strong characterization and realistic progression. The pacing ensures tension in even the smallest fights and prevents the immediate defeat of powerful opponents. While some fans find the pacing frustrating, it ultimately pays off by making high moments more rewarding. The anime adaptation has received criticism for dragging scenes, leading to the creation of an abridged version called One Pace. Oda has increased the pace for the Final Saga, but some fans feel certain events could have been explored further. Despite its slow moments, One Piece's rich tapestry of context and strong character development make the series immersive and engaging.