One Piece: Why Usopp Is The Most Underrated Straw Hat In Elbaf

The members of One Piece’s illustrious and iconic Straw Hat crew are not only among the best-written characters in the series, but also among the most beloved. From the Captain and soul of the team, Luffy, to the young but bright doctor, Chopper, there are only a handful of cast members that fans love more than these brave heroes. Yet, even among the members of this powerful pirate crew, some characters tend to be overlooked by fans due to their inferior strength and skill.

Usopp, the star sniper of the Straw Hat crew, is arguably one of the most underestimated characters in One Piece. As a regular human in a world full of imposing monsters with superhuman abilities, it is understandable for some fans not to trust the man completely. Yet, the Elbaf arc of the series might mark a breaking point in Usopp’s story, allowing him the chance to shine that he has been waiting for ever since he joined Luffy’s crew all those years ago.

After Elbaf, It’s Time To Admit Oda Has Ruined Usopp Forever

Usopp has been ruined forever. Elbaf has proven to be underwhelming for this Straw Hat Pirate in One Piece.

It is Time For Usopp To Prove Himself

Usopp confronts Imu, calling them a coward for not fighting head-on.

When Usopp was first introduced to the One Piece manga series, he was a cowardly liar, boasting about being a valiant pirate to those willing to lend him an ear. He was a stark contrast to Luffy’s reckless confidence, acting as the voice of reason, and sometimes division, among the crew. With time, and thanks to the extensive training the members of the crew went through in their respective islands, Usopp has grown into a truly commendable fighter. Nevertheless, despite his growth as a person, the marksman remains one of the weakest members of the Straw Hats.

Fans are aware of this fact, which is why they tend to underestimate Usopp whenever a major battle breaks out, as is the case with the currently ongoing Elbaf arc. Despite no longer being the weak coward he once was, fans still expect to see the sniper fight against minor threats, as the most powerful villains of the storyline might prove too much for him. Still, this might not be what Eiichiro Oda, the author of the One Piece manga, has in mind for Usopp, as he has hidden several clues about his drastic growth in power soon.

It is well known among fans of the series that one of the marksman’s biggest dreams was to reach the Kingdom of Elbaf, home to the Giant race. Ever since he came across Broggy and Dorry, the men whom he sees as his mentors, Usopp has wanted to be just like them. He admires their bravery, their determination, and their confidence even in the face of death. Now that he has reached his destination, it is time for the franchise to help him evolve.

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The Most Recent Chapters Support This Idea

Usopp attacks Imu with one of his powerful rounds.

One of the biggest surprises the Elbaf arc brought to the manga was the sudden arrival of not only the Holy Knights but of Imu themselves, the mysterious true ruler of the One Piece world. The power of this imposing villain is such that most of those who dare defy him do not survive to tell the tale. Not many warriors, no matter how powerful they might grow to be, would dare face Imu, as their simple presence is enough to freeze most living creatures in fear.

This was not a deterrent for Usopp, who surprised fans with his bravery during chapter 1177 by standing up to the shadow ruler of the world without any semblance of fear. Moreover, the marksman not only defied Imu by trying to save Brook, who was currently imprisoned by Gunko’s Devil Fruit, but he went as far as to call the villain a coward. His dream had always been to become a brave warrior of the sea, and his trip to Elbaf was supposed to mark the end of his progression as a fighter.

His actions during these latest chapters prove that, despite how much his growth has been overlooked during previous arcs, this will no longer be the case. Inspired by the will of Elbaf and guided by his training, Luffy’s friend has left behind his fear, taking the first steps into becoming the brave warrior he always dreamed of. Oda’s writing hints at Usopp playing a significant role later in the story, and fans might not have yet realized what is happening right in front of them.

Usopp’s Growth Might Involve More Than Just A Power-Up

When thinking about the best power-ups in the One Piece manga, fans might think about transformations like Luffy’s Gear 5 or Loki’s recently revealed Dragon Form. Since Oda’s work is a Shonen, and one of the greatest at that, it is understandable that the characters progress in a way that is aimed at fighting the dangerous opponents that wait for them ahead in their journey. Usopp could still get one of these power-ups, as fans have theorized that his Observation Haki could soon evolve into its Advanced form.

Nonetheless, it is possible that his growth will not revolve solely around becoming physically stronger, as hinted at by his actions during chapter 1177. Usopp’s strength during his encounter with Imu did not rely on him overpowering the ruler or taking Brook away from the danger. Although scared, the Straw Hats marksman stood up to the shadowy figure, demonstrating a courage that could inspire anyone. Usopp might not become one of the most powerful pirates in the series, but he could grow to be one of the most influential.

His stories and lies have been pivotal to the advancement of the plot ever since he was first introduced. Usopp may become an icon for the people of Elbaf, inspiring them to be brave and embrace their warrior side, pushing them to join the fight against the World Government. He would become a brave warrior of the sea, one who helps others find the bravery that lies dormant inside of them.

Release Date: October 20, 1999
Network: Fuji TV
Directors: Hiroaki Miyamoto, Konosuke Uda, Junji Shimizu, Satoshi Itō, Munehisa Sakai, Katsumi Tokoro, Yutaka Nakajima, Yoshihiro Ueda, Kenichi Takeshita, Yoko Ikeda, Ryota Nakamura, Hiroyuki Kakudou, Takahiro Imamura, Toshihiro Maeya, Yûji Endô, Nozomu Shishido, Hidehiko Kadota, Sumio Watanabe, Harume Kosaka, Yasuhiro Tanabe, Yukihiko Nakao, Keisuke Onishi, Junichi Fujise, Hiroyuki Satou
Writers: Jin Tanaka, Akiko Inoue, Junki Takegami, Shinzo Fujita, Shouji Yonemura, Yoshiyuki Suga, Atsuhiro Tomioka, Hirohiko Uesaka, Michiru Shimada, Isao Murayama, Takuya Masumoto, Yoichi Takahashi, Momoka Toyoda