What I can see happening is Usopp retreating but returning as Sogeking. Maybe he has developed some kind of split personality, or maybe he's at least imagening that he has. The thing is, that he's a coward and rather weak when compared to the monsters he's facing in the New World. But if he can somehow convince himself that Sogeking is stronger than himself, then it would make sense for him to be less afraid of enemies when he's pretending to be his alter ego. That would be a very clever trick on Oda's part to make Usopp a decent warrior whenever the stakes are high, without actually having Usopp realize his dream of becoming a brave warrior, because he's still hiding behind Sogeking. If this is true, then his mask will probably break towards the end of the series. Luffy will encourage him and tell Usopp that Sogeking's power has always been his power and that he doesn't need the mask. And then Usopp will become the brave warrior and have his most epic moment.
16 characters of Hopefully
