Usopp’s Weakest Link

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This post contains spoilers for One Piece.

Summary

  • Usopp will remain the weakest Straw Hat to maintain story balance and realism.
  • Usopp’s weakness allows for creative tactics in battles and relatability.
  • Despite his flaws, Usopp’s uniqueness and chemistry with the crew make him an outstanding character in One Piece.

In the world of One Piece, the Straw Hat pirate crew is widely recognized as one of the most formidable groups. They’ve earned this reputation by defeating many prominent crews, with their latest victory being against Kaido’s Beasts Pirates. Despite having differing power levels, each member of the Straw Hats contributes in whatever way they can to their shared goals.

Although many members of the crew exhibit bravery and boldness, some still harbor fear. Notably, the Straw Hat Pirates’ trio known as the Weaklings – Nami, Chopper, and Usopp – tend to be scared when they encounter powerful rival groups. Fans often ponder why Usopp, being a skilled sniper, hasn’t overcome his fear completely. The explanation for this lies in the creative choice of author Eiichiro Oda, who prefers to keep these characters as they are.

Oda Reveals Why Usopp Will Remain The Weakest Straw Hat

  • Oda wants Usopp to be closest to an actual human
  • He doesn’t want to disrupt the balance

In an earlier conversation with the voice actor for Luffy, Mayumi Tanaka, Eiichiro Oda shared his intention to keep Usopp as the least powerful member of the Straw Hat Pirates crew. He explained that this is essential to maintain the story’s balance, as any addition could potentially change this dynamic. Moreover, Oda disclosed that Usopp will continue to be the weakest due to his sniper abilities being most akin to those of an average human.

While some fans might express disapproval with Oda’s decision, it’s easy to understand why he made it. In most shonen series, the primary characters possess extraordinary strength that sets them apart from ordinary individuals. Such characters aren’t problematic in themselves, but there comes a point where too much of the same thing can feel repetitive or oversaturated. That’s why Oda’s decision to keep Usopp relatively weak and more human-like feels refreshing.

Usopp’s Realism Sets Him Apart From Others

Eiichiro Oda’s choice to keep Usopp less powerful compared to the others has significant implications for the Straw Hat Sniper. Primarily, it signifies that Usopp will always be at the bottom of the strength hierarchy, regardless of his efforts, and he will continue to be part of the Weakling Trio indefinitely. Consequently, Usopp must find clever strategies to outsmart his adversaries.

Previously, audiences witnessed Usopp outsmarting his adversaries using unconventional methods that often proved effective. Despite appearing questionable, these strategies usually worked. In the upcoming Final Saga, Usopp will need to intensify his strategies and think creatively to find ways to defeat his new opponents.

Of course! It was fake! I can’t lift five tons! I quit after five pounds!

One advantage of Usopp being the weakest among the Straw Hats is that his struggles feel familiar to viewers. When Usopp attempts to flee at the mere sight of peril or takes cover behind someone stronger, audiences can easily empathize with him. It’s also important to recall that Usopp aspires to transform into a fearless sea warrior, which adds depth to his character.

For someone who’s frail and quickly frightened, overcoming challenges seems the most authentic and difficult feat. Yet, Usopp persists in spite of his vulnerabilities. When the moment arrives, he won’t hesitate to sacrifice himself for his friends. The day Usopp achieves his dream will undoubtedly be an awe-inspiring spectacle.

Usopp Is One Of The Best Characters In One Piece

Despite His Flaws, Usopp Is An Outstanding Character

There are advantages and disadvantages to Usopp’s physical weakness. At times, it can be irritating to watch him flee from adversaries rather than contributing to the crew by defeating them. The downside is that his inability to handle complex situations alone raises doubts about his reliability. However, one of the unique aspects of Usopp is that his fights are always unpredictable due to his weakness.

In other words, it’s always a surprise how Usopp manages to win, as shown when he was the only one not affected by Perona’s power. Had it not been for him, the crew would have lost. Additionally, it’s worth noting that Usopp has an excellent rapport with the rest of the team, particularly Luffy and Chopper. To sum up, Usopp is a fascinating character, and we can only hope he plays a significant role in the Elbaf storyline.

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2025-04-16 22:07