not really it's just following the lines of the manga pretty strict. If you see next week's preview you'll notice they will be doing three strawhats that time.
Besides the date for the timeskip episode is already set, they can't extend it in the current episodes anymore. Making those episodes are a big process it's not like they say on monday ok let's get to work to make next weeks episode. I even think they already have some timeskip episodes ready in the rough.
On another note they reannimated Chopper's flashback scene, that is so cool. They also did the Mihawk part with Zoro a few episodes ago. Even the Archipelago fight sequence was new. That can only mean that Toei has some big bucks to spend. Good news for the timeskip, I really hope they will make those first few episodes amazing.
I didn't mind the Chopper part, I like that he is getting some attention too. It can't be about Luffy and zoro all the time. Choppurrr mask was cute. So for the next two weeks 3 SH's each with some sidestuff. Timeskip is almost here. Stop complaining, Toei has been doing an amazing job for 11 years and now that something big is about to happen we can't wait a few more weeks ??
(Lafitte was drinking Jacky Daniel XD)
