Usopp’s Potential in One Piece: Is It Being Dimmed by Oda’s Writing Choices?

Fans of One Piece have long held high expectations for Usopp’s development, hoping to see him evolve and flourish with each new arc. However, his growth has not matched these hopes. Many are optimistic that the ongoing Elbaf arc will breathe new life into his character, yet there is a viewpoint suggesting that creator Eiichiro Oda may have compromised Usopp’s potential irreparably.

Usopp’s journey has mirrored the concept of “faking it until you make it,”a narrative trajectory that has now been appropriated by Buggy, who embodies this motif significantly as a current Yonko. Consequently, Buggy’s character has delivered a more effective portrayal of this archetype, leaving Usopp feeling sidelined and diminished over the years.

Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for the series.

The Impact of Buggy on Usopp’s Challenges in One Piece

Buggy as portrayed in the anime (Image via Toei Animation).

Buggy has effectively taken on Usopp’s identity as the comic relief character who experiences improbable successes fueled by exaggerated tales. The reality is that Buggy’s role as a captain has rendered his gags much more engaging, which explains his surge in popularity in recent times. Unlike Usopp, Buggy’s journey to becoming a Yonko through sheer deceit offers a compelling narrative that the Straw Hat member lacks.

In contrast, Usopp’s position does not afford him the same opportunities for advancement, making his lack of progress feel stagnated. His pervasive fears and challenges in rising to recognition make him less memorable compared to Buggy, resulting in Usopp’s diminished visibility since the time skip.

Another aspect is Oda’s increasing focus on Haki in recent battles, which adds to Usopp’s challenges. His insufficient mastery of this technique positions him as somewhat of a liability, especially in a narrative where conflicts are predominantly resolved through combat, leaving him without the necessary attributes to distinguish himself.

Additional Concerns Regarding Usopp’s Character

Usopp as depicted in the anime (Image via Toei Animation).

A critical flaw in Usopp’s storyline within One Piece is his increasingly limited role during conflicts, lacking meaningful dialogue that could showcase his strengths. As the narrative has shifted towards a more plot-driven focus in recent arcs, there has been minimal opportunity for character interactions, rendering him a mere shadow of his former self.

Moreover, despite returning from the time skip as a more courageous and seasoned individual, subsequent arcs have not provided the enhancement that fans were hoping for. Dressrosa stands out as a notable high point for Usopp, particularly concerning his use of Haki; yet, the sentiment among fans is growing that the Elbaf arc may represent his final opportunity to stand out in the saga.

Concluding Thoughts

It is indisputable that Usopp’s character has experienced a consistent decline over the years, with factors such as Buggy’s ascent playing significant roles in this deterioration. As such, it appears that Eiichiro Oda has perhaps irreversibly impacted Usopp’s potential within One Piece, although the upcoming Elbaf arc could still allow him a chance to reclaim the spotlight.

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