Hmm… have I ever noticed the romantic subtext?
I wasn't going to touch this thread because with a subject like that, very soon it'd become pages and pages of Pairings-I-Like-And-Why-They-Are-The-Shit and more. Hence, nth-ing the "Here we go again…" sigh.
But, I'm here, yeah? That's because OP ownz my soul and I'm in the mood to talk about romantic relationships (and I just ate a bunch of chocolate).
cough
One pair I very rarely hear anyone discuss is Usopp's parents, Yasopp and Bakina (sp?). I know they both don't show up much, a fleeting here and there, but has anyone ever wondered about their relationship?
I find it encouraging that Usopp grew up without hating his father for leaving his wife and child behind. His mother, I believe, played a central role in his development. She raised him alone, with probably the burdensome stigma of a pirate's wife, and managed to teach Usopp how to survive. I think this is one of many instances where we can see how strong Oda's female characters are.
The other example may be Igaram's wife. Left by her husband for years, she appeared to be a capable woman, maintaining a whole palace in order. In a way, she's similar to women whose husbands/lovers have departed to war and must face the possibility that they will never meet again. I don't think she's heartless. I think she trusts Igaram so much that she is certain he'll come back. If that isn't devotion, what is?
The cases with Usopp's parents and Mr. & Ms. Igaram are what I call truly romantic. Too bad they're not explored at all.
Thoughts?