odlam/gaara:
Read the criteria. Just showcasing Usopp's sniping abilities in the next few arcs should be enough for # 2. He doesn't have to necessarily fight an opponent. It's just that his sniping skills should be emphasized more importantly in order for the "build up" in the EL arc to be justified.
Also, what do you guys think of #1?
Ah, okay..well then it's settled. For #2, we just have to note that the next fights/important fights he's gonna get into should focus his sniping/gunning abilities, deal?
Yeah, I guess so.
Oda is known for the coherence of his plot. So logically speaking, Usopp shouldn't get a one on one fight against an opponent who isn't as clueless than him in close combat and doesn't have to fight at extremely long distances to have a chance to survive, anytime soon, if ever. Next arc and saga should see him in his supporting role, cheering for Luffy in his fight against Jinbei for ex or helping his friends from a comfortable distance by shooting unimportant characters. Basically, YES.
Do you really think that's going to happen? Cheering Luffy like he did at this arc wouldn't practically work. It only worked this time because of the fight that they got into earlier. Regardless of how you feel about Usopp, it seems impractical to suggest that the same thing is going to happen in the next arc and every other arc.
Oda's usually treats his characters pretty good. He's probably just putting Usopp through such a hard time becaues Usopp's suppose to be the character "most like him," or so I hear. If you've ever written anything, it's much easier to punish a character that's like yourself.
At times, Ussopp may get a few fights that fit into his specialty. Other times, he will be supporting the crew with his sniping skills somehow. He falls into the same category as Nami and Chopper. They support where they can, and they fight on occassion. But he isn't, and is never going to be, one of the crew's heavy hitters.
See, we need less of this. I notice that you mentioned Chopper, but how often has he gotten stuck on the supporting list? He's had fights in every arc but Jaya and the Davy back fight, and he got a one-on-one fight over Sanji in Skypiea.
Fighting comes the most naturall to Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji–"the big three," but I'm seeing more sign to all hte crew fighting. Chopper has been developing towards fighting, for example, he became confident and had an intense fight which he didin't in the least back down from in Enies Lobby. Nami was refered to as a "main fighter," and for some reason confidently challenged Calipha. They're all fighters, I mean they all hav their own fighting style. Plus, they all support where they can, it's just that Zoro and Luffy's only way to support the crew is to fight.
Now, as for the lengths of arcs--who knows. Some fighters will probably get shuffled around, or there could be more short fights. Still, I don't think the "big 3" will always get fights. Sanji got an insufficient fight in Skypiea, while Zoro didn't get a fight in Drum. Sure, that was Chopper's arc, but it still means that in the right situation every fighter can get "skipped." Hell, in Jaya only Luffy fought. That, if anything, should mean that Luffy is the only "main fighter."
Cheering for Luffy was basically all he did during Skypiea (message to the hyperbole SWAT team, don't arrest me k klthx), so I can definitely see a pattern here.
Cheering for Luffy was basically all he did during Skypiea (message to the hyperbole SWAT team, don't arrest me k klthx), so I can definitely see a pattern here.
Yeah, but everyone is Skypiea was cheering him on, from Conis to Wiper. Usopp's definitely going to have more of a role in the story than that, otherwise we wouldn't have "wasted" a few chapters rescuing Nami.
Also, that would be a pattern, technically, if not for the Davy Back fight.Yeah, that was a "weird" arc, but I'm just saying that you need two in a row for a pattern.
I have a rant coming up regarding the term "character development" and how it relates to Usopp and the rest of the crew and why I think the EL arc was a waste of time for Usopp's "development", but I need to clarify some things first.
Questions:
1. In black and white, what are Usopp's real goals/dreams when he joined the SH crew?
2. What was the name of the dial he used against Luffy and how does it work? Was it a one-time use weapon?
Please refresh my memory. Thanks.
Actually patterns are consistent. This is a pattern: Explore, talk, fight, Explore, talk, fight, Explore, talk, fight. It doesn't neccessarily have to be two in a row.
As for Ussop's goal, I assumed he wanted adventure and to become a great warrior of the sea. Or so I think
Can't answer the dial question, I'm suck with small details
I have a rant coming up regarding the term "character development" and how it relates to Usopp and the rest of the crew and why I think the EL arc was a waste of time for Usopp's "development", but I need to clarify some things first.
Questions:
1. In black and white, what are Usopp's real goals/dreams when he joined the SH crew?
Frankly, I don't think that Usopp is too clear about it himself–he left his island in a flash. But I think he pretty much wants to be a great pirate, like his father, i.e. a "Brave Warrior of the Sea."
He's kind of like Rock Lee, his dream will come true when he is the "equal of every pirate around him." So basically, once he's able to fight at least fight evenly with the likes of the so-called "big three," then he's made it. Also, he'll have to meet his dad again.
2. What was the name of the dial he used against Luffy and how does it work? Was it a one-time use weapon?
Please refresh my memory. Thanks.
He used three. First, a flash dial to blind Luffy and follow to pelt him with food and stuff. Come to think of it…it's like a "solar flare."
Then, a breath dial, to trigger that explosion on Luffy.
And last, an impact dial to absorb Luffy's bazooka and reflect it on him.
Unless the explosion broke the breath dial ( and I think he has a few more) I think he could easily use them all again.
Am I the only one who thinks that Usopp will be the one to defeat Smoker? the Milky dial was brought down from Skypeia and apparently has no use, right? Well, not necessarily. It absorbs clouds and produces them, right? So, just suck Smoker up into the Milky dial, and it's a win.
@Fire Fist:
Am I the only one who thinks that Usopp will be the one to defeat Smoker? the Milky dial was brought down from Skypeia and apparently has no use, right? Well, not necessarily. It absorbs clouds and produces them, right? So, just suck Smoker up into the Milky dial, and it's a win.
Well, this is a moot point, but it's not like he has to have a special "ability" in order to use that dial, right? It's kinduva "tainted win" for Usopp, if that's the case. Still a win though, but anyone could beat Smoker if he/she possesses that dial and knows how to use it properly.
Hell, I bet even Kokoro or Goribe can defeat Smoker if they knew how to use that dial. Get the point? :D
But yeah, nice observation/theory.
did anyone else like his 1st self confidence speech to himself more than this recent one.
IMO the Chuu bit was handled EXPERTLY
did anyone else like his 1st self confidence speech to himself more than this recent one.
IMO the Chuu bit was handled EXPERTLY
The "if I can't be as strong as them, I don't deserve to sail with them!" bit?
Yeah, I agree it was handled expertly. From self-doubt, to realization that he can probably be useful if he stopped being a wuss. Which is one of the "selling points" of the "Usopp's retarded growth in EL" argument.
What?
I just didn't read your post carefully, never mind. I think most of the weight falls on #1, because after everything that was said during the whole argument/fight with Luffy, and now with Merry being gone, if this is not handled right it will be ridiculous beyond all measure. I don't care if it has to be delayed to do so. I mean, what we got out of that was Usopp saying 1) he's a burden to the crew 2) his bond was no more than Zoro bullying him to get on the ship 3) insulting Luffy as a captain 4) overall just saying he's done with them and doesn't want to see Luffy's face anymore.
So yeah, if Usopp just sort of hopped on board like nothing happened then I'll jump on the "screw you Oda" bandwagon, at least in this particular situation.
With #2 it's not so clear cut.
2. You said it yourself, you felt that Oda should focus on showing Usopp as being a real sniper/gunner of the team. If he gets into another a-la Chu (ie: a dumb opponent who fell for the rubberband) fight or any other up-close and personal fight, then I think it's safe to say that the whole introduction of Kabuto, his sniping of Spandam from god-knows-how-many feet away would be pointless because is moot point just 'cause Oda does not seem to handle how Usopp should be used as the team's sniper/gunner.
Alright, there's a distinction here. Yes, he should focus more on his ability to shoot. No, he should not get some dumb opponent and fight with nothing but luck and trickery. (although I still expect gag-related stuff out of him, because he's Usopp).
But I'm not so rigid in this idea because if he actually took some real steps to incorporate sniping skills in closer range, which he's never really done, then it could happen at some point without breaking any patterns.
I don't think Sanji was telling him "you can't fight close range ever, so don't even try", I thought he was saying "It's ok to not be able to do something and let your crewmate who can pick up the slack".
You're saying that Usopp being emo and finally finding out what he CAN and he CANNOT do is the "development" in the EL arc, right?
lol, that's a funny way to interpret my views.
No offense, but at times, I feel you're just justifying everything that Oda does just 'cause, you know?
No offense taken, because I'm really not. :P I guess I just don't scrutinize the plot of a comic book quite so harshly.
I have a rant coming up regarding the term "character development" and how it relates to Usopp and the rest of the crew and why I think the EL arc was a waste of time for Usopp's "development", but I need to clarify some things first.
Another rant on character development? Sheesh 
Don't you ever get tired of this?
1. In black and white, what are Usopp's real goals/dreams when he joined the SH crew?
As I recall, one of the first things he said was that he wanted to become a great pirate like his dad.
2. What was the name of the dial he used against Luffy and how does it work? Was it a one-time use weapon?
The impact dial? It absorbs an impact and then releases upon second impact, causing inner damage. It's used in that succession, not only once, but I believe it has to absorb another impact first, although Toei messed that up a couple of times I think.
Edit: Oh yeah, he did use two other dials, as someone else pointed out, I just assumed you meant the impact dial. Is that correct?
And obviously, Usopp can't win with an impact dial. Usopp v. Luffy proved that.
And obviously, Usopp can't win with an impact dial. Usopp v. Luffy proved that.
This one stand out the most, so I'll make this quick and respond to this first.
Yes, he couldn't win against Luffy with the impact dial, but for purposes of "developing" Usopp's character, here are some counter-arguments:
1. He wasn't fighting Luffy. He was fighting Jyabura. The least he could do is to try and see if it works, even if Jyabs has Tekkai just to show he TRIES to really fight his fight. Why the impact dial was shown against Luffy and not in the CP9 fights baffles me unless it's a one-time use weapon.
2. Proof is that Usopp could use these dials to AT LEAST fight or to be able to get the job done. In reply to what some guy posted earlier (The "small room + sniper + martial artist = ?" post), he could have used an impact dial for that and it needs no preparation like that breath dial he used against Luffy to blow the shit out of him. He is not that hopeless against these guys, or at least, there is a fight in him given the proper weapons even in close range, but it wasn't shown.
Another thing is that flash dial could have been handy if he just wanted to get the key and bail out of Jyabura. Why he didn't bring it along with him is moot point, since it's within the discretion of the author to do so in the story.
We're not saying that DIALS = WIN for Usopp. All we're saying is…hell, he learned or had an inkling of how to use it against Luffy. What happened in the EL arc?
One could argue that we're not Oda to say how Usopp is suppossed to react to the situations he is presented in. All I'm saying is, there were tools to "expound" on Usopp's fighting prowess and it wasn't explored. I'm wondering why.
1. He wasn't fighting Luffy. He was fighting Jyabura. The least he could do is to try and see if it works, even if Jyabs has Tekkai just to show he TRIES to really win his fight. Why the impact dial was shown against Luffy and not in the CP9 fights baffles me unless it's a one-time use weapon.
He could have tried to use it, but also remember that it has a terrible recoil that nearly breaks his arm. I don't know if he really recovered from the first time yet. Using the impact dial pretty much puts him partially out of commission, so if it doesn't work, he just screwed himself even more. Besides, seeing how UNSUCCESSFUL the impact dial was against Luffy, when he thought it was going to really do a lot more damage, probably kind of steered him away from it. And lastly, he needs to absorb an impact first. Most of Jyabura's hits took him completely off-guard - he didn't really have much of a chance to even try it before he was skewed by a 5-fingered shigan. He seemed to be banking on using the new weapon in any case.
he could have used an impact dial for that and it needs no preparation like that breath dial he used against Luffy to blow the shit out of him.
It DOES need something - absorbing an impact first.
Another thing is that flash dial could have been handy if he just wanted to get the key and bail out of Jyabura. Why he didn't bring it along with him is moot point, since it's within the discretion of the author to do so in the story.
Maybe, though I don't know if a little temporary blindness would have necessarily stopped a well-trained martial artists with canine senses from losing his grip on a key.
1. He could have tried to use it, but also remember that it has a terrible recoil that nearly breaks his arm. I don't know if he really recovered from the first time yet. Using the impact dial pretty much puts him partially out of commission, so if it doesn't work, he just screwed himself even more. Besides, seeing how UNSUCCESSFUL the impact dial was against Luffy, when he thought it was going to really do a lot more damage, probably kind of steered him away from it. And lastly, he needs to absorb an impact first. Most of Jyabura's hits took him completely off-guard - he didn't really have much of a chance to even try it before he was skewed by a 5-fingered shigan. He seemed to be banking on using the new weapon in any case.
It DOES need something - absorbing an impact first.
2. Maybe, though I don't know if a little temporary blindness would have necessarily stopped a well-trained martial artists with canine senses from losing his grip on a key.
1. The key point here is the RESOLVE, not how the dial will affect Usopp or what. Usopp has been violated/beaten many, many times before, to a ridiculous extent but as a running gag, he stands up and is resilient. Just wanting to beat the shit out of Jyabura for once, or being determined to get the key no matter what WILL DO. He hasn't shown that much resolve in that particular scenario, which is what we're bitching at. Unsuccessful or not, does Luffy know whether his Gear 2 will work on Blueno or Lucci? We do because it's shonen rule that new attacks should work against CP9. But taking into consideration the context of the story, Luffy was prepared to "hack away his life" just to beat Lucci. Other than the purpose of showcasing an awesome display of new skill, what we're shown is Luffy's resolve to fight Lucci to the bitter end.
What's the point of being a "great sea warrior" if he wasn't willing to risk anything? He showed that sort of resolve against Chu and when he was fighting Luffy.
2. Maybe? Why couldn't you just say "Yeah, it might have worked"? So, are you saying that Usopp was completely, utterly and undeniably trash against any of those CP9 people? He is weak but it's not like he can't do anything that's not imaginable.
For all its stupidity, Usopp-freakin' rubberband worked on Chu. Why shouldn't it work on Jyabs, or the flash dial for that matter? Is there Tekkai for the eyes? All it takes is a little creativity for Usopp (or the author) to not be that much of an annoyance in that arc and be developed a little further in terms of fighting prowess or his resolve but what do we have?
Where's the rant? I'm eagerly waiting for the rant.
1. The key point here is the RESOLVE, not how the dial will affect Usopp or what. Usopp has been violated/beaten many, many times before, to a ridiculous extent but as a running gag, he stands up and is resilient. Just wanting to beat the shit out of Jyabura for once, or being determined to get the key no matter what WILL DO. He hasn't shown that much resolve in that particular scenario, which is what we're bitching at.
He did want to beat Jyabura. Oda could have done something that was basically a reinactment of the Miss Merry Christmas situation where Jyabura might have said something that made him get up and keep trying to fight, but that already happened before. If something like that had happened again, it would have been painfully redundant.
If Usopp had defeated Jyabura and got the key, then what? How would that have affected his role in the crew? What would Sanji have done? I wouldn't doubt that Oda thought of the possibility of Usopp fighting and winning, or some other outcome, but for whatever reason decided that it was better that he didn't for the bigger picture of the story.
Would you have been happy if just more time was spent on Usopp's fight, maybe showing that he could put up a little bit more of a fight before losing? In that case, I think it would have been nice, but in the end the result is still the same, and instead we'd probably have people complaining even more of how they were "teased".
Unsuccessful or not, does Luffy know whether his Gear 2 will work on Blueno or Lucci?
Now we're talking about untried attacks. The dials were a tried but failed. Kind of like how Luffy realized that using Gear 3 had too many problems, so he went back to Gear 2.
Luffy was prepared to "hack away his life" just to beat Lucci. Other than the purpose of showcasing an awesome display of new skill, what we're shown is Luffy's resolve to fight Lucci to the bitter end.
Interestingly, with Usopp's encouragement.
Usopp pretty much was at the bitter end with Jyabura. If Sanji hadn't stepped in, maybe he would have just kept going to his death. I don't know about you, but I wouldn't exactly be happy about that.
What's the point of being a "great sea warrior" if he wasn't willing to risk anything?
Not willing to risk anything?! Are you completely insane? If he wasn't willing to risk anything, he would have just escaped from the whole EL situation. Yet he was willing to declare war on the government and willfully confronted Jyabura and tried to fight him.
2. Maybe? Why couldn't you just say "Yeah, it might have worked"?
What's the difference? :/
So, are you saying that Usopp was completely, utterly and undeniably trash against any of those CP9 people? He is weak but it's not like he can't do anything that's not imaginable.
This reminds me of one of those "So, are you still beating your wife?" questions. :/
No, he's not trash (heh, reminds me of some funny conversations Taboo and I have had). Were Sanji and Nami trash for not being able to beat Kumadori and Calipha?
For all its stupidity, Usopp-freakin' rubberband worked on Chu. Why shouldn't it work on Jyabs, or the flash dial for that matter? Is there Tekkai for the eyes? All it takes is a little creativity for Usopp to not be that much of an annoyance in that arc and be developed a little further in terms of fighting prowess or his resolve but what do we have?
But see, what most people complained about up to that point was that they're tired of Usopp resorting to silly gags like Usopp rubberband and stuff. And my own thoughts as well as that of some others, were that, if Usopp fought Jyabura like that, it would be rather lame, and a waste on a character like Jyabura.
1. He did want to beat Jyabura. Oda could have done something that was basically a reinactment of the Miss Merry Christmas situation where Jyabura might have said something that made him get up and keep trying to fight, but that already happened before. If something like that had happened again, it would have been painfully redundant.
If Usopp had defeated Jyabura and got the key, then what? How would that have affected his role in the crew? What would Sanji have done? I wouldn't doubt that Oda thought of the possibility of Usopp fighting and winning, or some other outcome, but for whatever reason decided that it was better that he didn't for the bigger picture of the story.
Would you have been happy if just more time was spent on Usopp's fight, maybe showing that he could put up a little bit more of a fight before losing? In that case, I think it would have been nice, but in the end the result is still the same, and instead we'd probably have people complaining even more of how they were "teased".
2. Now we're talking about untried attacks. The dials were a tried but failed. Kind of like how Luffy realized that using Gear 3 had too many problems, so he went back to Gear 2.
3. Interestingly, with Usopp's encouragement.
4. Usopp pretty much was at the bitter end with Jyabura. If Sanji hadn't stepped in, maybe he would have just kept going to his death. I don't know about you, but I wouldn't exactly be happy about that.
Not willing to risk anything?! Are you completely insane? If he wasn't willing to risk anything, he would have just escaped from the whole EL situation. Yet he was willing to declare war on the government and willfully confronted Jyabura and tried to fight him.
What's the difference? :/
This reminds me of one of those "So, are you still beating your wife?" questions. :/
5. No, he's not trash (heh, reminds me of some funny conversations Taboo and I have had). Were Sanji and Nami trash for not being able to beat Kumadori and Calipha?
6. But see, what most people complained about up to that point was that they're tired of Usopp resorting to silly gags like Usopp rubberband and stuff. And my own thoughts as well as that of some others, were that, if Usopp fought Jyabura like that, it would be rather lame, and a waste on a character like Jyabura.
1. I know this is moot point, but doesn't the same formula happen to almost every Sanji/Zoro/Luffy fight? They get beat a bit, but they end up winning. If what it takes is to rile up Usopp to defeat Jyabura, then by all means, even if it's redundant, do it since I don't see Oda having a problem with Luffy/Sanji/Zoro's fight patterns being redundant for each arc.
Each fight is to showcase new attacks, hence, however redundant it may be, it serves its purpose of "developing" these characters in that area. If Usopp can't fight for shit or isn't shown to be showing signs of development in this area, where's the whole theme of "being a brave sea warrior"?
If Usopp won the fight against Jyabs, it would have advanced his "development" in his quest to be a brave sea-warrior. Again, a moot point, but I bring this case up: Does Sanji fighting Jyabura contribute to the whole idea of Sanji's dream of finding the "All Blue"? Isn't fulfilling their dream the "bigger part of the story", as you say? Usopp needed a fight, win or lose, and he got owned and was basically told by Sanji that "you can't do this", now tell me how it contributes to the "bigger part" of Usopp's story.
Trust me, if Usopp put up a fight, a good one, or if Oda decides to show us that Usopp can fight a bit, but lose, then a lot of people would be "man, Usopp was such a badass in that arc" and not feel teased in any bit. To tease is to pretend that there will be a fight but do it very one-sided and basically show us that "nah, Usopp can't fight."
2. Dials not working on Luffy <> Dials not working on Jyabs. I don't know what gave you this conclusion, but I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. Granting Usopp knew that the dials couldn't work on Jyabs, he still should have tried simply because he was shown using them against Luffy. What's he to do? Bank at his Kabuto and hope it hits? During Luffy vs Usopp, he had an idea that the fight would be taken upclose. Even if he did not know that this will be the case against the CP9, the fact that him using a dial (and looking cool at that) was shown before and I'm just wondering what's the point of introducing the dial as Usopp's arsenal if it wasn't gonna be used as plot-device in the story later on.
3. What does this have to do with the whole argument regarding Usopp?
4. How?
Usopp: "I'll be your opponent!"
Usopp gets tricked.
Usopp gets trashed.
Usopp gets rescued by Sanji in the nick of time.
Where's the resolve? Where's the deal about Usopp fighting to the bitter end?
Oda showed us that Usopp can't deal with Jyabura, even with an improved weapon. The emphasis, IMO, was not on how he was gonna die or he was determined to kill Jyabs. The emphasis was on the "oh shit, Usopp is in trouble" and if you viewed that scene otherwise, I really don't know. You can't show the resolve of a person or you can't emphasize the identity/ideals of a character if you pit him in a very one-sided fight like that.
5. Sanji wasn't able to beat Califa for retarded reasons.
Nami wasn't able to beat Kumadori but was able to best Califa.
She was trash against Kumadori, but not against Califa. I don't understand why you're using this analogy because what I posted was some sort of a "Yes or no: Was Usopp trash against Jyabura?" sort of question.
7. Yeah, the rubberband was tired and old, that is why the flash dial, impact dial, and other sorts of weapon-shit for Usopp were there. They were waiting to be explored. They would have worked better if they were used efficiently which was what was shown against Luffy. And if he beat Jyabs with that, it wouldn't be a waste of time and lame. But even the Kabuto was > against Jyabura, so what does that tell you? "Experiment: How to be a brave sea-warrior # 3" failed. Back to the drawing board…
I hate Usopp. I just do. I hate his nose, I hate his act, and I simply love hating him. Though it should be said that the EL arc put him where he should be. The awesomesauce sniper that kicks ass as long as he doesn't get in the thick of it like the heavy-hitters of the crew where his physique, mentality and skills just doesn't cope in comparison.
Doesn't Usopp win the day when he stops trying to be like Luffy/Zoro/Sanji, and do things his own way?
I seem to recall a pattern there. When he lets his fright take over and then tries to take things head on like Luffy'd do he gets the snot beaten out of him, and when he gets his head straightened out and starts thinking he can win/be useful.
The EL arc showed him where he shone, while the W7 arc showed him at his bottom low. You saw the Sogeking sniping people from the tower of justice. With a ( I don't recall the name of what Usopp uses in english now. Slingshot? ). He showed loyalty to Luffy by burning the flag ( and as we all know, burning flags is not a small thing ) when Luffy ordered it.
I hate the guy, and I hate saying it, but Usopp scored serious awesome points in my book these latest arcs 
Writing crap on morghus.com, dodging junk on the internet and bashing idiots before they pull me down to their level.
Only problem I really have with Usopp is that he didn't really risk it all for Robin. You know who risked it all, Chopper, even at the brink of death he did something he knows would make him lose control.
http://groups.msn.com/onepiecemangav-3/chapter407.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=9506
Hell read that whole chapter and tell me he didn't risk anything. Plus he has the best fight this whole arc.
And I know someone's going to mention Sanji. Same problem with him to this arc, even though he had one of the better fights this arc.
Um…weird arguement here. Could Usopp have shown more resolve and used that dial that would render him helpless and injured...to win? Maybe.
First of, I think you're forgeting how quickly that fight with Jyabs went by. First, a quick stab, then a shot with his Kabuto (too far away to use impact) then a kick to the face, then pretty much Sanji comes in.
So, aside from that, how would using impact so soon be a good idea? Like what's been said, that thing is a double edged attack, and from his fight with Luffy I think that Usopp would assume that just using impact wouldn't be enough. Usopp would have at least needed to injured Jyabs with other attacks first. There's a difference from "just trying" to "bad strategy."
But mostly, Usopp never got a chance to show his "resolve." Maybe some other time.
Only problem I really have with Usopp is that he didn't really risk it all for Robin. You know who risked it all, Chopper, even at the brink of death he did something he knows would make him lose control.
http://groups.msn.com/onepiecemangav…o&PhotoID=9506
Hell read that whole chapter and tell me he didn't risk anything. Plus he has the best fight this whole arc.And I know someone's going to mention Sanji. Same problem with him to this arc, even though he had one of the better fights this arc.
Um, they were all taking a big risk by invading a supreme Marine base and fighting abunch of super assassin's to save Robin.
Anyway, what, you're complaining that they all didn't nearly get killed in their fights? Well, sure they could have, but isn't it more practical to…not do that and get out of there?
So, how will just be a "support guy" with his sniping and inventing? He can't just invent a new weapon for the crew to use per arc, what is he, Q? And even then, that would only support Nami and maybe Franky.
Develop this idea of support more, cause it sounds like he would just interupt other people's fights–which is the least thing people want.
First of all, when I think of "support" I think of doing small/indirect things to turn the battle in your favour.
Examples that Usopp's role is that of support, not just sniper:
Of course, as you can see perfectly from this page, Chopper, Nami and Usopp are all categorized under "weak", while the other four are "strong". And yes they have managed to beat enemies too, but that's because Oda is smart enough to not make everyone 100% predictable.
In the end, this is my opinion of Usopp's role. It makes sense to me that while Usopp is an amazing sniper, his role has never been simply "sniper". Looking up at those examples, that much is clear to me. Usopp has many talents and uses, and it would be stupid to restrict him to being only sniper.
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In the end, this is my opinion of Usopp's role. It makes sense to me that while Usopp is an amazing sniper, his role has never been simply "sniper". Looking up at those examples, that much is clear to me. Usopp has many talents and uses, and it would be stupid to restrict him to being only sniper.
Well, if that's your opinion, then fine. But I really hate the idea, if Usopp only gets those roles you mentioned then I'd be pissed Now, if you mean that he does those in addtion to "his role as a sniper," then that's fine. I mean, if Usopp only scared Hachi with that rubber band in Arlong Park then he really would be useless.
And I hate that whistle scene in Skypiea! Those three just wanted to blow the whistle, and hence got into a joke arguement about who's weaker. Chopper's really pretty close to the likes of Sanji and Zoro, he just had low confidence at the time, and frankly he looks up to his crew mates since he's the youngest. It's not an establishment of tiers.
But in the end it's still a little redundant too. Every crew members supports the crew outside of their "role" as well. No one in the crew is so strictly limited.
1. Of course, as you can see perfectly from this page, Chopper, Nami and Usopp are all categorized under "weak", while the other four are "strong". And yes they have managed to beat enemies too, but that's because Oda is smart enough to not make everyone 100% predictable.
2. Examples that Usopp's role is that of support, not just sniper:
- A perfect example would be when he pulls out the chalkboard and scratches his fingernails on it during the fight against all those captains. That's not dealing damage, it's just weakening the enemies.
- Another perfect example is during the Davy Back Fight, when Usopp acts as Luffy's coach, and gives him the afro that eventually gave Luffy the "soul power" to win the fight.
- During the Arlong fight, Usopp uses the "rubber band of death" move to freak out Hochi. It's a small thing, but it shows his role.
- Another perfect example is during the Enies Lobby arc, when Usopp disappears and recruits the giants to help. That is an indirect way of winning a battle, as opposed to directly fighting by himself.
1. For that chapter/page, I think Chopper is saying he's "weak" just for the heck of it. He can obviously fight. So can Usopp. Nami can also fight but she's obviously physically weaker than the others. Robin is a 'random' character, because up until now, we really don't know how strong (physically) she is. I think physically, it would be:
Chopper > Usopp > Robin(?)/Nami
2. Out of the 4 examples you've posted, I think it's safe to say that only the last one makes sense as a full "support" role. The other three should be taken as a joke. You seriously don't think "wow, that helps the crew a lot!" when you see those scenes, it's suppossed to be "funny". That's the main point of those scenes, not as "crew supporting crewmembers".
Really, it's hard to take those scenes seriously and I doubt if anyone here does that.
But yes, I get your point. Usopp can do those stuff (the last one being the best possible example) other than being the sniper.
But still, the point is…how does his support role help develop his character as "brave warrior of the sea"?
1. For that chapter/page, I think Chopper is saying he's "weak" just for the heck of it. He can obviously fight. So can Usopp. Nami can also fight but she's obviously physically weaker than the others. Robin is a 'random' character, because up until now, we really don't know how strong (physically) she is. I think physically, it would be:
Chopper > Usopp > Robin(?)/Nami
Robin will never throw a punch or try to lift something without using her Devil Fruit powers as well. If we include Chopper's Devil Fruit powers and rumble balls, I think it's fair to include hers.
Robin can swing Yama, so she's got to be (physically) stronger than Usopp, and it's not fair to not include her powers because she's never NOT used them.
There's a great lighthearted vibe around here, because no matter how serious we might get, we're all together because of some magical pirate.
I think I have a fairly good grasp of what Oda is trying to do with Usopp's character 'development.' Keep in mind that what I have to say about Usopp is contingent upon a Buster Call making its return to Water 7, with Spandam at the helm, something which has a fairly good chance of happening, IMO. If the Buster Call does indeed return, then you can be fairly certain that what I say about Usopp is the direction Oda wants to take Usopp's character. If it doesn't return, then I can't help but reach the unpleasant conclusion that Oda failed with Usopp's character development.
Anyway, as I've been saying for a while now, Sogeking is One Piece's unique version of the archetypal wizard character. His official role is that of a sniper, giving him all the skills and talents necessary to be an exceptional marksman, no doubt the best marksman by the end of the story. And obviously he can't use magic in the strict metaphysical sense of the word. But overall his strengths and weaknesses, when seen from the perspective of character balance (to borrow a term from RPG and fighting game development; it's what developers do when they want to ensure all their characters are EQUALLY useful to a team, and/or are EQUALLY playable), I speculate, are comparable to that of a wizard; relatively weak physically, and almost completely ineffective from close range without support from tank characters, but near invincible with insanely destructive power from long range, the one with the most destructive potential out of all the other character archetypes. The staff (in the guise of a giant slingshot) and the cape are probably the biggest giveaways that Sogeking has been modeled, at least in part, after the wizard character; that and the fact that Usopp spends most of his time in his workshop constructing and inventing gadgets/weapons, which is similar to how most wizards spend a majority of their time in libraries or their labs researching and developing new spells.
In light of all this, one of the reasons for all the beatings Usopp/Sogeking received throughout the entire arc becomes clear as it was done in part to drive home, in no subtle way mind you, (if there's one thing you can fault the author with, then it's probably his lack of subtlety) the point that he is just no good at close range fighting, so that there is simply no room for misinterpretation among fans when Oda gives Usopp overwhelming firepower. Giving Usopp overwhelming firepower would no doubt cause many fans of other characters to complain, believing Usopp, compared to the other characters, is too overpowered and near invincible, completely overshadowing the other characters if you will, and needs to be 'nerfed,' if this glaring weakness of his was not made abundantly clear. No doubt if this happens there will still be idiots who will complain, but at least those who choose to defend the author will have something concrete from the story to shoot those complaints down.
With that said a Buster Call defeat at the hands of Sogeking would certainly prove this notion of Usopp being a 'wizard' correct, and make true more of Usopp's lies (two to be exact) by making him a "Lord of Destruction" (http://groups.msn.com/OnePieceMangav-3/volume20.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=3857) and a real hero. And he wouldn't be just a personal hero to the Straw Hats, but a hero, and this is key, to an entire island if he defeats the Buster Call at Water 7. If Sogeking had defeated the Buster Call back at Enies Lobby, which some of us thought he would, myself included, he most likely would not have been considered a hero of that island. Plus, it's so much better to be the hero of Water 7 (a friendly island) than it is to be the hero of Enies Lobby (an enemy island, and an island, which, I suppose, really needed to be destroyed for purposes of symbolism).
Speaking objectively from the position of a non-Usopp fanboy (I'm a fan Oda and his story far more than I am of any one character), I really do think Oda wants to turn Sogeking into an honest to God hero (too many signs have been pointing to this), which will be a major step towards him becoming a "brave warrior of the sea." I suppose it should be someone else's turn to be the hero this time as Luffy has been the hero of enough arcs already. Also, unlike Luffy's past heroic acts, which were covered up by the WG, this heroic act of saving Water 7 from a Buster Call will probably become world renown, spreading the "Legend of the Hero" (http://groups.msn.com/onepiecemangav-3/chapter419.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=9743) around the world, perhaps even carving it into history (http://groups.msn.com/onepiecemangav-3/chapter419.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=9753). If the BC returns and does what I suspect it will, then they won't be able to cover anything up or pass blame onto someone else this time. It'll become another watershed event for the WG, and the beginning of the end for them - just desserts for the destroyers of Ohara.
Finally, if the Buster Call returns, then I predict that after Sogeking defeats the Buster Call, Luffy will no doubt beg Sogeking to join, which will go a long way towards resolving the Usopp-Luffy conflict. The Pirate King deserves no less in his crew than a world renown hero, who will eventually be carved into history as the world's bravest warrior/hero, alongside the man known as the Pirate King (the world's greatest pirate), and the man known as the world's greatest swordsman. Though knowing Luffy, it'll probably remain unbeknownst to him that he has such a crewmember, since I suspect Usopp will be the one officially joining not Sogeking.
This is where I think Usopp's character is headed. Again, this all depends on whether or not the Buster Call returns.
IMPACT DIAL. Why wasn't this used?
Like's its been said, Usopp probably doesn't want his arm ripped off. It seems it can only be used once an arc.
Second is similar to why Zoro hasn't used his Three Thousand Worlds move ever, because it didn't work. Since it didn't work, the move just became gone. No point in using a move that didn't work.
OK, so you're beef here is that you want to see something concrete that shows Usopp is getting closer to being a brave warrior of the sea. It's always been a vague description…
Do you think a gunner can't be a warrior? I looked up the definition of warrior to see if it contradicts anything, but it doesn't. It's all part of warfare. And bravey, as it is commonly emphasized, isn't the lack of fear, but being afraid and fighting anyway.
Either one of two things could be true:
1. Oda planned out Usopp's development for becoming a "brave warrior of the sea" the moment he created that term, and he's slowly working to it amidst everything else going on (he admitted himself that concentrating on so many characters is extremely difficult), and the fact that he's been stretching the story longer than he originally intended (see recent SBS) has allowed for a watering down of focus.
or 2. Oda had no idea where he was going at that point, it was vague because he really didn't know what he wanted to do with Usopp, and maybe just now he suddenly wants to take a certain direction. 
Looking at evidence from the story so far, I doubt #2 is true. But in any case I'm pretty confident that we'll see Usopp's dream come to pass in a believable and reasonable way.
Chopper -
I don't think Buster Call will be returning so soon. And Luffy begging Usopp to rejoin just seems totally wrong in everyway. Not going to happen.
@Fat:
This is where I think Usopp's character is headed. Again, this all depends on whether or not the Buster Call returns.
See, I would only accept this is Usopp did it while manning the cannons of their new ship. And even then it seems excessive for the BS itself to come back. Sure, it's not impossible, but it right now seems about as probable as finding a bad of money.
Although, he could very well upgrade to a high firepower sniper one day. His lack of close range combact is a good balance for that. In fact, some may notice that Usopp has a perfect build for a sniper, his nose give him aims and his running away is a good talent for a man who fights at a distance.
Excessive firepower? He shot spandam with the Kabuto and it just fazed him.
I'd agree with your "character development" regarding Usopp if indeed the BC ships return and what you're saying happens but that's highly unlikely since they're moving into a new arc soon.
Excessive firepower? He shot spandam with the Kabuto and it just fazed him.
Two words, collateral damage. Most of Usopp's attacks are probably explosive or flame attacks. With these types of attacks, stronger attacks mean stronger collateral damage. It would be pretty stupid of Usopp to hurt the person he was trying to save. Minimizing risk of harm to Robin took top priority.
Also, and I refer back to the wizard archetype, Usopp's stronger attacks probably require some sort of preparation time to pull off. Time simply wasn't a luxury he had then.
Excessive firepower? He shot spandam with the Kabuto and it just fazed him.
I'd agree with your "character development" regarding Usopp if indeed the BC ships return and what you're saying happens but that's highly unlikely since they're moving into a new arc soon.
We said later. Also, Spandam is a freak, stop comparing Usopp's bombs to him–since several of the normal marines around him stayed down after Usopp shot them.
We said later. Also, Spandam is a freak, stop comparing Usopp's bombs to him–since several of the normal marines around him stayed down after Usopp shot them.
A normal/average marine has higher douriki than Spandam, IIRC. It was stated somewhere. Guys stronger than Spandam stayed down after being shot by Usopp. Where's the consistency?
A normal/average marine has higher douriki than Spandam, IIRC. It was stated somewhere. Guys stronger than Spandam stayed down after being shot by Usopp. Where's the consistency?
That's what I'm saying, Spandam getting up isn't consistent, so it's not a good example of firepower.
If anything, Spandam only got up so that other SHs could beat on him more.
Spandam…he should've gotten beaten up by each member of the SH crew.
Originally Posted by Nightwing
Stay focused, cause right now you have a decision to make. Are you a man perpetually looking back at what he’s lost, or a man looking forward, to what he might become?
@ultimateclima:
Spandam…he should've gotten beaten up by each member of the SH crew.
Hell, if the BC does come back then they might get their chance! Frankly, only Spandam would be stupid enough to try to destroy Water 7 just to mess up the SH crew. And actually, I think he's lost that authority by now anyway.
onemoment:
Then what sort of firepower is Chopper referring to?
OK, so you're beef here is that you want to see something concrete that shows Usopp is getting closer to being a brave warrior of the sea. It's always been a vague description…
Do you think a gunner can't be a warrior? I looked up the definition of warrior to see if it contradicts anything, but it doesn't. It's all part of warfare. And bravey, as it is commonly emphasized, isn't the lack of fear, but being afraid and fighting anyway.Either one of two things could be true:
1. Oda planned out Usopp's development for becoming a "brave warrior of the sea" the moment he created that term, and he's slowly working to it amidst everything else going on (he admitted himself that concentrating on so many characters is extremely difficult), and the fact that he's been stretching the story longer than he originally intended (see recent SBS) has allowed for a watering down of focus.or 2. Oda had no idea where he was going at that point, it was vague because he really didn't know what he wanted to do with Usopp, and maybe just now he suddenly wants to take a certain direction.
Looking at evidence from the story so far, I doubt #2 is true. But in any case I'm pretty confident that we'll see Usopp's dream come to pass in a believable and reasonable way.
Is it settled that Usopp's dream is to indeed be a "brave, sea warrior" and not "to do something useful to the team" or "to make myself feel accomplished about a certain area in my life"?
Brave sea warrior means that he has to face adversary, even with self-doubt or not and to overcome it. The first of the two points you have posted is pretty much a given since if Oda fails to resolve Usopp's dream by the end of the series, then he pretty much failed with Usopp as a character. We saw him work through it in the Kuro, Arlong and Alabasta arc. Usopp faced adversary and Oda was able to depict Usopp as a character who showed resolve even if he's a coward. There was a mixture of comic relief moments and Usopp being a dumbass, but the point was we saw that he tried to fight. We were treated with Usopp's fight and we focus on Usopp, the character, who was going to stand up on his own and fight. Even if he lost in these arcs, at least, he had a pretty clear idea of what he wanted to be. "Be strong in order to be a part of the crew".
Then, W7/EL arc comes and basically, we see Usopp whining and thinking he's a burden to the crew. Because he lost the money and the ship is being F'ed up beyond belief. He fights Luffy and loses. He fights the FF and loses. He fights Jyabura and loses. He burns the flag and "saves" Robin by sniping Spandam. He also gives a motivational speech to Luffy in the end.
Okay, tell me…how does that help advance his character as brave sea-warrior and not backpedal from the "Be strong in order to be a part of the crew" attitude he has shown before?
Emphasis on the W7/EL arc was on Robin being part of the crew and developing Usopp as a character. However, what they developed/resolved on Usopp's "character" was, basically "ah shit, I'm better off butting out of their way/fights and just sniping random shit because it's the only thing I'm good at" and "yeah, Usopp you do that and we still love you.". It's not what you'd look for, given the way he was raped in the first half of the arc. He never gained back the confidence he had in the Chu fight.
If after this arc, the payoff for Usopp is to "take on the sniper/gunner role because that's where he belongs" then, the build up during the last few arcs where he fought upclose was USELESS because it basically says "nah, you were utilizing your strengths incorrectly. reboot."
#2 is more like it, which is what me, Aldrich and Terek were saying. Oda messed up in this particular arc. What will happen beyond is moot point because it's imperative that Usopp be a brave sea-warrior at the end of this story. Does it have to be believable/reasonable? Not really, but you're looking for payoff and advancement which we did not get in this particular arc. ultimateclima:
Again. The dial did not work for Luffy. Not Jyabura. By all means, if Oda wanted to use Usopp rubberband or Usopp hammer on Jyabs, it would work if he wanted to but he chose not to. The emphasis lies not on the efficiency of the dials, but on the tools that Usopp was given to fight. He was given a more believable arsenal this time with dials and it was all wasted, IMO. Like I said, that flash dial would probably work on Jyabs, but I don't know…Cosmic even came up with an excuse pretty close to saying "Flash dial wouldn't prolly work since he was facing a canine martial artist whose sense of smell/hearing would probably own Usopp even if he was blinded". What the hell else will Usopp do if he can't even do something as simple as blinding someone to take the key and bail out? Just snipe the enemy's asses to obliivion?
Why don't you acknowledge the fact that there were elements that were present to allow Usopp to put up a fight but they weren't used? That Usopp was basically dilly-dallying as character in the CP9 parts of the EL arc and the few cool moments he had in there wasn't worth it when you look back to how he was trashed in the first half of that arc?
onemoment:
Then what sort of firepower is Chopper referring to?
I'm assuming moves like Firebird star and cactus star. Those move would cause a wide field of damage yet endanger Robin. However, I don't think Usopp has caused a lot of collateral damage yet.
Also, I think the development of this arc was so that crap like getting beat up by the Franky Family wouldn't happen again. He lost that fight cause he tried to fight like Luffy and co, instead of the way he had always fought before. It's more like finding his way instead of limiting himself to a sniping role.
His future fights with still involve some melee anyway–it can hardly be avoided. It will probably be like the "up close fights" in the Mr.4 pair fight, Usopp just trying to survive and improvise. It's when he gets his slingshot up and gets serious that he'll win.
Like the Chuu, fight--that was a low level sniper battle archetype. Usopp lost in close range combat to Chuu, yet after Usopp got some cover he beat him with his slingshot offense.
Also, I think the development of this arc was so that crap like getting beat up by the Franky Family wouldn't happen again. He lost that fight cause he tried to fight like Luffy and co, instead of the way he had always fought before. It's more like finding his way instead of limiting himself to a sniping role.
"The point of this arc was to show that Usopp fought incorrectly and should advance on a fighting style similar to what he did with Mr. 4 and Chu"
Thank you for reiterating my point and for pointing out what exactly my gripe is with that arc. Instead of advancing on what had worked before, he fought retardedly in that fight and wasn't even given a proper fight in the CP9 arc. That's why we're crying "backpedalling/bad writing".
"The point of this arc was to show that Usopp fought incorrectly and should advance on a fighting style similar to what he did with Mr. 4 and Chu"
Thank you for reiterating my point and for pointing out what exactly my gripe is with that arc. Instead of advancing on what had worked before, he fought retardedly in that fight and wasn't even given a proper fight in the CP9 arc. That's why we're crying "backpedalling/bad writing".
Eh, it can still be a base for Usopp to improve on his style of fighting, i.e. focus on his strengths.
Well how exactly was he going to fight like he always have during this arc? This time all of the CP9 agents have similar fighting styles that Usopp can't fight against, full on attack. Chuu had water pistols, and Mr. 4/Merry Christmas had a giant bat. Sure they got pretty close, but at least it took time before Usopp got hit.
The CP9 agents don't fight like that. CP9 are all about attack straight on.
Once again, Kalipha's fight was the only exception
Usopp couldn't really do anything against that, and Sanji pointed that out to him. This arc, its gonna be like Luffy next arc.
Last night before I fell asleep, i saw Sogeking going in between Luffy and some weird not main fighter opponent and saying exactly what Sanji said to him about this isn't his time to fight, its his time to do something else. Then Sanji gave a sweatdrop thinking how he said the exact same thing to him.
facepalms
Alright, obviously this has gone nowhere since the first post. There's no point in arguing when you've already made up your mind about everything and refuse to see it any other way. If all you want to do is just rant and vent anger, you should have said so from the beginning.
Without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible. - Frank Zappa
@ultimateclima:
The CP9 agents don't fight like that. CP9 are all about attack straight on.
Once again, Kalipha's fight was the only exception
Usopp couldn't really do anything against that
As Terek pointed out, this doesn't make much sense. "They all fight like that, except Calipha". If one of these superhuman close combat specialists fought in a way that allowed Nami of all people to best her, what would have stopped Oda to do the same with Usopp's opponent?
Again, Usopp had all the tools to win a fight. He had the reasons too, yet didn't get anything except more humiliating character downgrading. And to be honest, none of the arguments presented in this thread convinced me it was good writing from Oda and made Usopp more, or even as interesting as before.
Again, Usopp had all the tools to win a fight. He had the reasons too, yet didn't get anything except more humiliating character downgrading. And to be honest, none of the arguments presented in this thread convinced me it was good writing from Oda and made Usopp more, or even as interesting as before.
Did we have this many Usopp topics before Water 7?
@ Cosmic: alright, you have a point. There has to be ground between everybody. I'll put my argument aside once i say this. There's just no real way to regulate this area for everyone to stick to a single area of Usopp. There's just so much to say.
Edit:Aldrich could have a point, but this is the reason why i believe that Usopp shouldn't get the cool power up like Nami did.
@Aldrich:
As Terek pointed out, this doesn't make much sense. "They all fight like that, except Calipha". If one of these superhuman close combat specialists fought in a way that allowed Nami of all people to best her, what would have stopped Oda to do the same with Usopp's opponent?
Again, Usopp had all the tools to win a fight. He had the reasons too, yet didn't get anything except more humiliating character downgrading. And to be honest, none of the arguments presented in this thread convinced me it was good writing from Oda and made Usopp more, or even as interesting as before.
Nami's fight was only bareable because of the super special awesome fanservice. Looking at that fight from a strictly fighting sense, she was totally out of it. One shigan and Nami would've been down. So, there was no other way BUT for Kalipha to fight like that and test out her devil fruit while anybody with that power could annihilate her. Really if anybody deserves to be a "supporting" character its her. Nami is getting lucky, but in a real fight she'd get creamed. It'd get really annoying if she kept fighting because everybody kept underestimating her.
Oda knows Usopp can take pain. He was there at the end of his rope, but fell short. He gave everybody a super cool special awesome secret power up except him. This goes back to what would've happened if he did give it to Usopp instead of Sanji. What'd happen. Also with Usopp's whining and complaining, did he really deserve the power up?
It's like when a four year old throws a temper tantrum for not getting ice cream, what would happen if someone just gave him the ice cream? That wouldn't really help Usopp and just keep him spoiled. Then, when Usopp fights and relies on his powerup instead of his own skill, he'll fall short and ultimately fails. Really hopes that Nami does that REALLY SOON!
With Sanji, if he didn't get the power up, it wouldn't have hurt him in the long run as Usopp would because he's a better fighter than that.
Did we have this many Usopp topics before Water 7?
No, for whatever reason ever since Water 7 he's constanly being discussed in some way or another. Some people hate it, some people love it. Nothing gets people fired up like good ol' controversy.
Without deviation from the norm, progress is not possible. - Frank Zappa
Well lets be real for a second. Nami's weapon would do alot of damage to alot of people. She can cause lighting to fall on somebody's head many numerous times. Not to many people can survive that. She can control the weather with her weapon. She can be real loot if Oda wanted her to be. lol
Ussop is not a fighter. He is a shooter. His skill is shooting. He can take alot of damage and he can shoot straight and is a good inventor. He is not physical. People just need to accept that. His dream is to become a brave sea warrior. He is starting to become more brave but he will achieve this near the end of the series.
yeah im here
You know, shooting is technically a kind of "fighting."
Saying that Usopp is a shooter and not a fighter seems a little weird when repeated time after time.
We really need that resolution, cause I got a feeling this arc is quite a few chapters from ending.
Edit: Actually, come to think of it…would the Usopp/Luffy resolution involve the new ship in some way. I mean, it all started when the Merry was "dying," so what will Usopp do when there's a new ship? Yeah, they should all be tied in somehow.
Usopp understood what Luffy was talking about all the way back when he was with Franky before they got kidnapped. He realized that the ship is messed up, but Franky hit the thing home making him realize that the ship is gone, and it'll always be gone. If he didn't, he probably wouldn't have met up with Luffy to try and save Robin and wouldv'e just went on his own. It's not about the ship anymore, its about a matter of pride.
Just give usopp some time there has to be a reason for all of this. We've seen black beard's sniper he seems strong and we know yassop is the best sniper. So maybe when usopp meets another really good sniper he will have the will power to want to beat him.
