While Oda hasn't explicitly stated that One Piece wouldn't continue without Luffy, he has implied that Luffy is central to the story's core and direction. Oda has mentioned that Luffy embodies a sense of freedom that many adults lose as they grow up, suggesting that Luffy's character is essential to the story's themes and appeal
according to Game Rant. Furthermore, Oda has spoken about how Luffy's actions drive the plot, such as Blackbeard's pursuit of the Warlord position after Luffy defeated Crocodile, which indirectly led to the Paramount Wa