Within the Straw Hat crew, there is an interesting dynamic between Zoro and Sanji with their playful rivalry and numerous similarities, such as being the same age of 21 and having a mere 1cm height difference (Sanji being 1m80 and Zoro being 1m81). However, there is another equally intriguing duo in the crew: Luffy and Usopp.
Luffy and Usopp are both 19 years old, but they possess completely contrasting personalities and strengths. While Luffy is a straightforward and fearless individual, Usopp is the complete opposite. Usopp has earned the nickname “the god of gossip” in One Piece and is ranked second in that regard; no one would dare claim to be number one. Additionally, Luffy is adventurous by nature, whereas Usopp tends to be quite shy.
Although Luffy, along with Sanji and Zoro, often take on the role of leading the crew and navigating through the challenges of the Grand Line, it doesn’t diminish Usopp’s value within the Straw Hat crew.
There’s a saying that I particularly like: “Don’t undermine your self-worth by comparing yourself to others because each of us is different.”
It’s no coincidence that Oda chose April Fool’s Day as Usopp’s birthday and that Usopp’s appearance was inspired by the long-nosed Pinocchio. Usopp’s talent for storytelling and exaggeration can be surprisingly useful in certain situations, such as creating distractions or buying time, even if his tales are sometimes outrageous lies.
Rather than comparing Usopp’s strengths to those of others, we should appreciate his unique contributions to the Straw Hat crew. There have been numerous instances where Usopp’s ingenuity and resourcefulness have saved both the crew and others in unimaginable ways. Without Usopp, no one else, be it Luffy, Zoro, Sanji, or anyone else, could have accomplished what he has.
In summary, Usopp’s distinctive abilities and moments of brilliance should be celebrated, recognizing the invaluable role he plays within the Straw Hat crew, even though his strengths differ from those of his fellow crewmates.
Usopp’s performance at Enies Lobby
Usopp’s Remarkable Achievement at Enies Lobby
During the events at Enies Lobby, Sanji expressed his unwavering belief in Usopp with a memorable statement:
“Each person possesses their own unique strengths and limitations. I will accomplish what you cannot, and you will achieve what I cannot.”
Sanji’s faith in Usopp was proven when he entrusted the battle against Jabra to him, while Usopp swiftly dashed to rescue Robin, showcasing his extraordinary marksmanship. Even the marines were left in awe, compelled to acknowledge his skills.
Usopp understood that he had to do everything in his power to prevent Spandam from taking Robin to the gates of Justice. If he failed, it would mean losing Robin forever. Employing his unparalleled marksmanship, Usopp ascended to the top of the Tower of Justice, taking precise aim at Spandam and the marines.
Spanname was left astounded and exclaimed, “How could anyone accomplish such a feat from this distance, against the wind? How did he manage to strike me accurately?” The marines were equally amazed, commenting on the remarkable skill displayed by the marksman, as they failed to retaliate.
Usopp may not have possessed immense strength, but his determination shone through, transforming him into the hero who successfully rescued Robin, earning admiration from all.
And this is at Thriller Park
Usopp’s Astounding Heroism at Thriller Park
A shining moment that truly showcases Usopp’s remarkable character occurs at Thriller Park when he bravely rescues Zoro, Sanji, and Franky, who are renowned for their strength and bravery. Despite his shyness and fear of death, Usopp’s ability to create a storm of deceit becomes an awe-inspiring asset.
During their encounter with the Horo Horo Devil Fruit’s powers, Zoro, Sanji, and Franky all fell victim to Perona’s negative energy, which drained their willpower. Franky contemplated allowing himself to be bitten by a wild dog, Sanji felt inferior to even the most insignificant fish, and Zoro blamed himself for simply walking on the ground.
In stark contrast, Usopp remained unscathed, fully awake and unaffected. His usual disposition, always carrying a hint of negativity, shielded him from Perona’s negative attacks. This revelation left Perona wide-eyed with horror, as she could hardly fathom the existence of someone who could resist such negative energy. In the realm of the living, people tend to think positively and look towards the future, rarely dwelling on negativity as Usopp does.
For the first time, Zoro, Sanji, and Franky felt a profound sense of trust emanating from Usopp, sensing his protective presence. This intriguing and extraordinary aspect of Usopp’s character added depth and intrigue to his already unique persona.
And Usopp’s peak was at Dressrosa
Usopp’s Climactic Moments in Dressrosa
It is in Dressrosa where Usopp’s prominence reaches its zenith. It is no coincidence that Usopp, not Luffy, possesses the highest bounty among the Straw Hat crew, soaring from 30 million beli to an astonishing 200 million beli—a testament to his remarkable achievements.
During this time, Usopp’s penchant for exaggerated tales and shameless fabrications reached new heights. When Fujitora’s meteorites caused tremors, Usopp, initially pale with fear, boldly claimed responsibility, declaring that the tremors were the result of his Haki—the power to defeat 50,000 mermaids on Mermaid Island. Of course, we all know that it was Luffy, not Usopp, who accomplished this feat.
However, the dwarves continued to place their unwavering faith in the ancient legend, fully believing Usopp’s claim to be the descendant of Noland, the hero who saved their kind 400 years ago.
Even Robin couldn’t help but remark that Usopp was a mischievous person, given his propensity for tall tales. However, Usopp simply laughed it off, asserting that his lies had, in fact, saved Robin on multiple occasions. It seems that Usopp’s fabrications can occasionally yield unforeseen benefits.
Yet, these falsehoods would lead to consequences beyond his imagination. The dwarves came to believe that the appearance of the legendary hero after 400 years was not mere coincidence. They saw it as a sign when they rose against Doflamingo during the decisive battle. Usopp’s eyes widened in horror upon hearing these words, his nose running and throat constricted as he struggled to swallow the delicious fighting fish meat.
Despite being wounded and pressured to speak further, Usopp continued to surprise everyone. He became the spiritual and moral leader for the entire Tontatta kingdom, instilling the dwarves with unwavering determination to rescue their 500 oppressed brethren in the devil fruit factory—an operation that also aligned with Law’s objective of destroying the facility.
Only Usopp possessed the ability to rally the dwarves and inspire warriors far stronger than himself. Even when captured by Trebol and forcibly fed poisonous candy by Sugar, Usopp managed to induce panic in Sugar, leading to the loss of her powers bestowed by the Hobi Hobi Fruit. As a result, all the toys in Dressrosa, including the warriors and Robin, were restored to their human forms. With a single agonized expression, Usopp shattered Doflamingo’s decade-long slave accumulation. He officially ascended to the status of hero, revered not only by the Tontatta kingdom but also by warriors more powerful than himself. Thus, Usopp earned himself the title of “God”—Saint Usopp.
The profound impact of Usopp’s face-to-face encounter with Sugar etched his name into the memories of the people of Dressrosa. While Luffy could defeat Doflamingo, it was Usopp’s intervention that ensured Sugar remained immobilized, preventing the perpetuation of toy transformations. Usopp’s contributions were monumental.
As you may already know, Zoro was marked with a two-star bounty by Doflamingo, while Law, Luffy, and Sabo were adorned with three stars. However, it is Usopp, Saint Usopp, who garners a remarkable five-star bounty from Doflamingo—a distinction akin to the difference between a three-star and five-star hotel. This highlights Usopp’s crucial role, evident through the evaluation and judgment of his adversaries themselves. Doflamingo’s seething anger towards Usopp is palpable. Following this encounter, Usopp’s signature expression became indescribable, yet undeniably iconic.
Furthermore, in Dressrosa, Usopp played a pivotal role in saving the lives of Law and Luffy once again. It was his cunning and unorthodox methods that led to the ultimate defeat of Sugar.
This article serves as an expression of our deep admiration for Usopp. It is a reminder that every individual possesses inherent value, and no one should be deemed useless.
And do you know what Usopp’s dream is? It is to become a courageous warrior of the sea. The moment Usopp sheds his timidity and weakness and embraces bravery and strength will signify the nearing conclusion of the One Piece journey.
