Usopp isn’t the bravest member of the Straw Hat crew, and one fan has come up with an interesting explanation for his cowardice.

In the world of One Piece, where pirates travel across treacherous and unpredictable seas and face formidable foes, every member of the Straw Hat crew undergoes profound growth and transformation. Among them is Usopp, also referred to as Sniper King and God Usopp.

While Usopp is renowned for his skills as a marksman and his talent for weaving tall tales, he is also recognized as the most fearful member of the Straw Hats, harboring a deep-rooted fear of death. However, a fan theory suggests that this will not always be Usopp’s fate, that he is destined to face one of his greatest challenges head-on and emerge as a braver sniper.

Tracing Usopp’s Fear of Death

First Manga Appearance: Chapter 23, “Captain Usopp Appears”

Release Date: January 12, 1998

First Anime Appearance: Episode 8, “Who Will Win? Showdown Between the True Powers of the Devil Fruit!”

Release Date: December 29, 1999

In One Piece, Usopp’s fear of death can be traced back to several key factors in his character development throughout the series including his upbringing, lack of physical strength and his vivid imagination.

Usopp Had a Traumatic Childhood

Usopp’s upbringing in Syrup Village, without a father and with his mother’s untimely death, left him vulnerable and responsible for his own survival in a dangerous environment. The loss of his mother, coupled with the threats of pirates and other dangers, instilled in him a deep fear of losing loved ones and a heightened awareness of mortality. Usopp’s role as the village protector further intensified this fear, as he felt the weight of responsibility for the safety of those around him.

Usopp Isn’t as Physically Strong as Some of the Other Straw Hats

Unlike some of his crewmates who possess formidable combat abilities, Usopp relies primarily on his marksmanship and gadgets in battle. Although he gains substantial muscle mass after the timeskip, he is still not considered one of the physically stronger Straw Hats. His perceived physical weakness may contribute to his fear of facing mortality in the presence of powerful adversaries.

Usopp Often Thinks of the Worst Outcomes

Usopp has a vivid imagination and often spins elaborate stories, but this creativity can also lead to excessive worry and fear, especially in life-threatening situations where he envisions the worst possible outcomes.

Usopp Sense of Duty Makes Him Fearful

Despite his fears, Usopp deeply cares for his friends and feels a sense of responsibility to protect them. The fear of failing to fulfill this duty and the potential consequences it may exacerbate his fear of death.

The Fan Theory Suggests That Usopp Will Die and Return

Manga: Chapter 325, “The Franky Family”

Release Date: June 14, 2004

Anime: Episode 231, “The Franky Family and Iceburg!”

Release Date: May 1, 2005

In Chapter 325 of the manga and Episode 231 of the anime, during the Water 7 Arc of One Piece, Usopp says,

One day… No matter what happens, even if I were to die alone on a deserted island… I’d look back proudly at my life and as I die, I’ll yell, “I’m Usopp, brave warrior of the seas!”

While this could be looked at as hyperbole by Usopp, who is prone to exaggerate and outright lie, some fans feel differently. According to this fan theory, it is believed that this serves more as of foreshadowing of the fate of Usopp. The theory suggests that Usopp, driven by his fear of death, may find himself in a situation where everyone believes he has died. However, he will ultimately return, transformed into a much braver and fearless version of himself. This near-death experience could potentially empower him with newfound confidence and self-esteem, leading to a significant shift in his character towards bravery rather than fearfulness. While it’s uncertain whether this scenario will occur in the unpredictable world of One Piece, it offers an intriguing possibility for Usopp’s character development. However, some fans believe that if Usopp were to almost die, he would ultimately be gone forever.

However, Some Fans Believe There Will Be No Major Deaths or Near-Deaths in the Straw Hat Crew

According to some fans, Oda’s desire to conclude One Piece with a celebratory atmosphere and aversion to killing off characters suggest that Usopp’s permanent demise is highly unlikely. Instead, there are suspicions that Usopp may fall ill, possibly with a disease similar to Gol D. Roger’s, due to years of pushing his body to its limits. This could tie into Chopper’s dream of curing any disease, offering a meaningful character arc for Usopp. While there was once speculation about Luffy dying at the series’ end, this idea has lost traction over time.

The Takeaway

In summary, Usopp’s character in One Piece undergoes a transformation from fear to potential bravery, with his fear of death rooted in his traumatic upbringing, perceived physical weakness, and vivid imagination. While a fan theory suggests a transformative near-death experience for Usopp, uncertainties remain regarding his fate, with some proposing alternatives such as illness rather than death, ultimately aligning with the celebratory tone desired by series creator Eiichiro Oda.