Summary
With the introduction of Elbaf inOne Piece, it seems that many members of theOne Piececommunity are hoping for Usopp to receive a massive power-up. Ever since time skip, Usopp has been lacking a bit in both strength and impactful fight scenes in the series. Despite having some of the most clutch moments in post-time skip so far, Usopp has yet to undergo any major changes to power since Dressrosa, hundreds of chapters in the past.
Chapter 23, “Captain Usopp Appears”
Anime Debut
Episode 8, “Who Will Win? Showdown Between the True Powers of the Devil Fruit!”
However, although many fans do believe that a power-up would solve many of the problems that Usopp’s character is facing, it may not be the most important thing that Usopp needs duringOne Piece’s Elbaf Arc. Although it would be nice to see the character become stronger, he doesn’t necessarily need it, and it would be more interesting if he proved himself to be a “brave warrior of the sea” without the assistance of a magical hammer or Conqueror’s Haki. Though power often dictates the world of One Piece, Usopp could be the character that proves that this isn’t always the case.
The Sniper King Has Been Suffering
DuringDressorsa inOne Piece, to save the entire island, Usopp awakens Observation Haki, allowing him to accurately snipe and defeat the Toy-Toy Fruit user Sugar. This was the last time that Usopp has had any major developments to his strength. Despite being the weakest of the Straw Hats, many community members believe that Usopp has lagged too far behind even someone like Nami, who received a massive power-up with the introduction of the Homie Zeus. Right now, as it stands, Usopp may very well still be just as strong as he was during the Straw Hats time on Dressrosa.
Man or child, strong or weak, none of those matter once you are out at sea!
Though Observation Haki,one of the three forms of Haki, is perfect for a sniper, many fans are looking for a bit of a more substantial boost to Usopp’s power, like Conqueror’s Haki, something that was hinted at during Wano. Additionally, others have been looking for Usopp to receive some sort of power-up straight from the lore of Elbaf. With so many references to Norse Mythology in the Elbaf Arc, some fans are hoping to see Usopp receive a new weapon, like the legendary hammer, Mjölnir.
Usopp Needs a Lesson From Elbaf’s Giants
Becoming a Brave Warrior of the Sea
Despite this, a power-up isn’t the only thing that will saveOne Piece’s most cowardly sniper. In fact, a power-up might get in the way of his true character development. As many know, Usopp is a coward, constantly fleeing from battles rather than directly engaging foes. However, it’s hard to blame him, since he’s the closest to a normal person constantly being surrounded by the strongest and most devastating characters in One Piece.
This concept is exactly whyUsopp being weak may be better in the long run. Showing how Usopp can match thedevastating powers of theOne Pieceuniverse with his wit and slingshot alone makes the character more interesting. This is especially true for his goal of being a “brave warrior of the sea.” Facing off against a strong foe with a magical hammer, or the most powerful form of Haki would be easy for anyone. However, if Usopp had to face off against someone, like One Piece’s newest character Loki for example, without a power-up, we could see Usopp’s true courage finally showing itself.
I will become a brave warrior of the sea.
In the end, to be a “brave warrior of the sea” onOne Piece’s island of Elbaf, Usopp doesn’t need to be strong or find a strong weapon. The only thing Usopp needs is to prove to himself and the rest of the Straw Hats that he’s brave enough to face off against any foe, despite what the consequences might be. Although not nearly as cool, this lesson may be far more valuable than any power-up or weapon that Elbaf could give Usopp. This lesson could also end in a cheesy sort of way as well, showing Usopp that his sniping abilities were already some of the strongest in the entire world ofOne Piece.