Unveiling the Mystery Behind Usopp's Cowardice in One Piece

In the world of One Piece, where pirates brave dangerous seas and formidable enemies, each member of the Straw Hat crew undergoes significant growth. One such member is Usopp, known as Sniper King and God Usopp.

Usopp is famous for his sharpshooting skills and imaginative storytelling. Despite this, he is also seen as the most fearful Straw Hat, with a deep fear of death. However, a fan theory suggests that Usopp's destiny may lead him to confront his fears and become a courageous sniper.

Tracing Usopp's Fear of Death

Usopp Yelling - Tracing Usopp's Fear of Death

Usopp's fear of death in One Piece can be attributed to various aspects of his character growth. These include his childhood, his physical weakness, and his active imagination.

Usopp Had a Traumatic Childhood

Usopp and his Mother - Usopp Had a Traumatic Childhood

Usopp may not be as physically strong as some of the other Straw Hats, but his sharpshooting skills and resourcefulness make him a valuable asset to the crew.

Usopp - Usopp Isn’t as Physically Strong as Some of the Other Straw Hats

Usopp stands out among his crewmates for his reliance on marksmanship and gadgets in combat, in contrast to those with formidable combat skills. Despite gaining muscle mass after the timeskip, he is not known for his physical strength like some of the other Straw Hats. This perceived weakness may explain his fear of confronting powerful foes and facing mortality in battle.

Usopp Often Thinks of the Worst Outcomes

Usopp and Fishman - Usopp Often Thinks of the Worst Outcomes

Usopp's vivid imagination often leads him to create elaborate stories, but it also causes him to worry excessively, especially in dangerous situations where he imagines the worst possible outcomes.

Usopp's Creativity and Fearful Nature

Usopp and Nami - Usopp Sense of Duty Makes Him Fearful

Usopp may have his fears, but he values his friends deeply and believes it's his duty to keep them safe. The thought of failing to do so and the possible outcomes only adds to his fear of death.

The Fan Theory Suggests That Usopp Will Die and Return

Usopp - The Fan Theory Suggests That Usopp Will Die and Return

In Chapter 325 of the manga and Episode 231 of the anime, during the Water 7 Arc of One Piece, Usopp says,

Usopp always imagined himself bravely facing any situation, even if it meant being alone on a deserted island and facing death. He would proudly declare, "I'm Usopp, brave warrior of the seas!"

Some fans view this as an exaggeration typical of Usopp, who tends to stretch the truth. However, there is a fan theory that sees this declaration as a foreshadowing of Usopp's future. The theory suggests that Usopp, driven by his fear of death, may end up in a situation where everyone believes he has perished. Yet, he could return as a much braver and fearless version of himself. This near-death experience might give him newfound confidence, transforming his character from fearfulness to bravery. While it's uncertain if this theory will play out in the unpredictable world of One Piece, it presents an interesting possibility for Usopp's growth. Still, some fans argue that if Usopp were to face death, he would be gone for good.

However, Some Fans Believe There Will Be No Major Deaths or Near-Deaths in the Straw Hat Crew

Straw Hats - However, Some Fans Believe There Will Be No Major Deaths or Near-Deaths in the Straw Hat Crew

Some fans believe that Oda's intention to end One Piece on a positive note and his reluctance to kill off characters make it unlikely for Usopp to meet a permanent end. Instead, there are theories suggesting that Usopp may become seriously ill, possibly from years of pushing his body to its limits, similar to Gol D. Roger. This storyline could connect to Chopper's dream of curing any illness, providing a meaningful character development for Usopp. While there were previous speculations about Luffy dying at the conclusion of the series, this idea has gradually lost popularity.

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The Takeaway

Usopp - The Takeaway

In summary, Usopp's character in One Piece goes through a change from being afraid to possibly becoming brave. His fear of death stems from his troubled childhood, feeling physically weak, and having a very active imagination. Some fans believe that a near-death experience could transform Usopp, but there are still uncertainties about his future. Some fans think he may not die but instead fall ill, which matches the optimistic vibe that the series creator Eiichiro Oda aims for.

One Piece is currently available to stream on Crunchyroll.

Source: Reddit

Editor's P/S:

The article delves into the fascinating character of Usopp from the beloved anime and manga series One Piece. Known for his sharpshooting skills and imaginative storytelling, Usopp's journey is marked by a deep-seated fear of death. The article explores the various factors contributing to this fear, including his traumatic childhood, perceived physical weakness, and active imagination.

One intriguing fan theory suggests that Usopp's destiny may involve confronting his fears and returning as a courageous sniper. This theory draws upon a scene where Usopp envisions himself bravely facing death on a deserted island. However, some fans argue against the likelihood of a major character death in the Straw Hat crew, suggesting instead that Usopp's future may hold a serious illness that aligns with the series' overall optimistic tone. Regardless of the uncertainties surrounding his ultimate fate, Usopp's character arc remains a compelling exploration of fear, growth, and the transformative power of facing one's greatest challenges.

One Piece Manga - Anime One Piece is an incredible adventure-filled series that has captivated its fans for over two decades. It follows the journey of Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew, the Straw Hat Pirates, as they search for the ultimate treasure, the One Piece, in order to become the King of the Pirates. With its compelling storyline, diverse and lovable characters, epic battles, and themes of friendship and determination, One Piece has created a vast and immersive world that keeps fans eagerly anticipating each new chapter or episode. It is a timeless masterpiece that continues to redefine the boundaries of the shonen genre, making it a must-watch or read for any anime or manga enthusiast.