Damn, it's hard to keep up with all these posts here.
Then how should Luffy do it? Like I said in my earlier post, he apologised right away after asking Usopp to get off the ship, which I think was way better than having to wait for 100+ chapters.
Denimjo pretty much voiced my thoughts, and in a much more eloquent way than I would have managed.
Luffy started out handling that matter like crap, especially after the crew just had a whole talk about how "Usopp's not going to take this well", and then got baited like a 1st-grader. This chapter makes it come off like Usopp is the only screw-up in life.
@dinty:
Taz, It was Cosmic's idea originally – about the crew literally/metaphorically going from Lamb to Lion -- and I thought it was excellent, so I borrowed it to reinforce my idea about "pride". But really, credit goes to Cosmic for that one. :)
Good on both of you: one for the lamb/lion analogy and the other tying it into the chapter title/theme. :]
@Polygon:
Zoro was being an Asshole? He was the one who tried to bring Usopp back the most if you didn't notice, and his method worked.
I didn't say Zoro didn't want him back, just that he was being a MAJOR asshole about it. After reading Stephen's script (great work as always) the tone does come off a bit softer, and his rant had more coherency in making a point. But still: ass
Yes, yes, respecting the captain = good. He makes it sound like Usopp got bored one day and decided to leave the crew for shits and giggles. This, despite the fact that for awhile we'd seen how him getting eaten up by a lack of self-esteem and self-worth was taking its toll. <- NONE of his so-called "nakama" seems to have picked up on this (and frankly I'm starting to think Oda has forgotten too.)
"Zoro: IS THAT HOW EASY IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE TO LEAVE THE CREW?!!"
I am fully expecting Usopp to find a steel plaque in his room reading "Don't Forget You're Here FOREVER"
This whole "pride" thing isn't about Usopp, since he HAS NONE. It's all about Luffy's and Zoro's pride. Captain chasing after a deserter makes Captain look bad, and by extension, Swordsman following him.
Grovelling and sobbing puddle-of-Usopp makes Zoro feel better about himself, when in actuality Zoro is just frightened and confused after losing his metaphorical third leg.