Fortnite’s latest ads suggest One Piece may not be featured in the upcoming season.

As Chapter 7 Season 4 draws to a close, speculation is swirling about the theme of the upcoming mini-season in Fortnite. The beloved manga and anime series One Piece has emerged as a top contender, especially after a mysterious pirate chest made its way onto the island. Promotional posters have started to surface, hinting that the mini-season may lean towards a general anime theme rather than a dedicated One Piece crossover.

Throughout October, Fortnite is in full Halloween mode with the Fortnitemares event, which will wrap up in the early hours of November 1, coinciding with the end of Chapter 7 Season 4. This transition will pave the way for the annual mini-season, setting players up for a smooth shift into Chapter 8.

As November 1 approaches, teasers for the new mini-season are beginning to emerge. A massive pirate treasure chest has been integrated into the island, gradually revealing its design over the past few days. While One Piece was initially thought to be the theme, the excitement among fans has only intensified. However, not all teasers are digital; Fortnite posters have been spotted in the Madrid subway since October 20, but they aren’t quite what players anticipated.

The Madrid posters showcase what looks like generic, cell-shaded anime-style skins crafted by Epic Games. The first poster features a black-haired anime character alongside a treasure map with the phrase “Have you seen the treasure?” The second poster displays a turquoise-haired character, previously seen in a skin survey, and transitions to an image of sand with the message “Join the hunt.” Both posters prominently feature Fortnite’s pirate llama logo.

The absence of recognizable One Piece characters in these posters is a disappointing sign for fans hoping for a crossover with Eiichiro Oda’s iconic series. While there’s still a possibility of collaboration, it seems less likely that this will evolve into a full crossover season. Much like Chapter 1 Season 8, which carried the tagline “X marks the spot,” this may simply be a pirate-themed season.

Some fans might view this as a downgrade from last year’s mini-season, which was a significant Simpsons event complete with a Springfield map and a variety of themed cosmetics and weapons. However, there remains a glimmer of hope that One Piece could still make an appearance in the game.

Could this be the most exciting Fortnitemares event yet?