Elbaf Arch One piece has already proven to be one of the most exciting parts of the story and fans absolutely cannot get enough of the new characters Oda has introduced such as Loki Gunko and of course the added characterization he has added to the likes of Imu and even some members of the Straw Hat Pirates. Whether it's the plot arc or the lore she revealed about the world One pieceElbaf barely made a mistake.
However, there is one element of the arc that the story has refused to address over the past year, and that is the character of Usopp.. Whenever Elbaf is mentioned in One Piece, Usopp always comes up because his entire character is directly tied to Elbaf. When the arc was officially announced by Oda, most fans were excited to see Usopp continue to grow here, especially since his character has been somewhat stagnant over the past few years. Fans saw Elbaf as a great opportunity for Usopp to grow in One Piece, and that was something he needed, especially when he's not ready for the threats to come in the final saga. Unfortunately, Elbaf has yet to prove to be a successful arc for Usopp, and if the pattern continues, it may just be for his entire arc.
Usopp's dream is to reach Elbaf and become a brave warrior of the sea
Usopp's dream is inextricably linked to Elbaf
Usopp's connection to Elbaf runs quite deep. Ever since the Straw Hat Pirates visited the Little Garden and first met Dorry and Brogy, Usopp had been fascinated by the country's culture and wanted to become like the giants themselves. It was quite ironic because giants are the strongest race in the world of One Piece and Usopp represents the weakness in the Straw Hat Pirates. This is what made it such an impressive storyline as it allowed Usopp to progress from a weakling to a true Brave Warrior of the Sea.
I want to become a Brave Warrior of the Sea! — Usopp, One Piece
When Usopp met Dorry and Brogy, he was moved by their incredible pride and fearlessness in the face of death itself. quite clearly Usopp wanted to visit Elbaf and become a Brave Warrior of the Sea. This was directly related to his overarching goal, and fans were intrigued by the prospect of growth he would show in Elbaf's story arc.
Unfortunately, Elbaf proved to be anything but exciting to Usopp's character. Oda has spent about a year in the land of Elbaf so far, and it goes without saying that Usopp was one of the most overwhelming characters in the Straw Hat Pirates. Although he was deeply moved by the country's culture and wanted to fulfill part of his dream here, Usopp barely had to do anything so far. Even removing him from significant parts of the arc wouldn't change much, which shows how crushed he was.
Usopp has been a disappointment in Elbaf so far
Usopp's character stagnated in Elbaf
When Elbaf started, Usopp was seen engaging in combat with some creatures inside Rod's Castle Diorama. From then on, he only hung out with the giants of Elbafu and was captured by the holy knight Gunk. Usopp hasn't added anything else to the story in about a year. Granted, a big part of this run was a Loki flashback that took fans up to 109 years ago in the One Piece world, but all the other Straw Hats aside, they did something significant in one way or another.
Who is brave enough to pull Excalibur from Jarul's head? Is there anyone who dares? — Usopp
Luffy, as the main character, got most of the attention and fans got to see Sanji and Zoro as well. Of course, then there's Nami, who once again set off with Zoro to Aurust Castle. Even Chopper was relevant because he saved Scopper Gaban in Elbaf, and fans know that Nico Robin's storyline with Saul has already gotten quite a bit of attention.
Brook has his own connection to Gunko, which Oda carefully explores as the story goes deeper, and Franky had an entire storyline revolving around the lore of the One Piece world, which ultimately led fans to Harley.
Of all the straw hats, Usopp is definitely the most overwhelming in Elbaf so farand this disappointed fans to a large extent, given that it was supposed to be his most important arc in the entire series. If he doesn't get the characterization his character needs here, it's safe to say that Usopp will be ruined forever.
Usopp was only involved in the gags
Yet, Oda limited Usopp to gags in the Elbaf arc. The only time he added anything to the story was when he commented on pulling Excalibur from Lord Jarul's head. This could be some foreshadowing of Oda, but at this point it was just a gag scene.
Later, when Jarul announced Elbaf's counterattack against Imu's demon army, Usopp was seen jubilant with heart-shaped eyes. This deeply angered all the fans because this is unlike Usopp and he was just acting like a spectator when the fans expect great things from him.
This is the Elbaf I love. Show pride and fight! — Usopp
To be clear, the fault lies not with the character himself, but with writer Eiichiro Oda, who refuses to give Usopp a characterization at this point. Oda could then go on and do something cool for his character later. Based on the way things have gone for this particular individual over the past few years, fans don't have much hope. If Usopp doesn't get the characterization he needs in Elbaf, then fans probably won't expect much from him in the rest of the story.
After Elbaf, he doesn't come back for Usopp
Elbaf will make or break Usopp
Elbaf is the most significant character arc for Usoppso if Oda misses that part of the story for him, then whatever comes next will never be able to live up to the expectations he's set. That's not to say that Usopp can't get great story moments in the future; it just means that the arc that is thematically tied to his true dream of becoming a Great Sea Warrior will end up being his biggest disappointment.
Yet, Oda hasn't fallen to a single Straw Hat in one piece, but with Usopp, fans are slowly getting closer to accepting the reality that he will never be as important as the Monster Trio, or even some of the other members, like Nami or Nico Robin.. Usopp is certainly neglected, especially in the post-timeskip One Piece, and while Dressrosa offers fans some hope, Elbaf could crush it once and for all. This arc will be make or break for his character and fans can only hope that Oda pulls a rabbit out of the hat and gives him the importance he deserves.
