“One Piece” Author Unveils Why Usopp Remains the Weakest Straw Hat Member

In the world of One Piece, the Straw Hat Pirates crew stands tall as one of the most formidable forces on the seas. They’ve taken down legendary crews—most notably the Beast Pirates led by Kaido. But among these powerhouses, one member has always remained… kinda underwhelming in terms of strength: Usopp, the sniper with a nervous heart and a vivid imagination.

Why hasn’t he leveled up significantly like the others? Why does he still tremble at the sight of danger? The answer is simple: the creator of One Piece himself, Eiichiro Oda, doesn’t want him to get stronger

Oda’s Explanation

In an interview with Mayumi Tanaka, the voice actress of Luffy, which was revealed in One Piece 10th Treasures, Oda stated that he intentionally keeps Usopp as the weakest member of the crew. He explained that regardless of new faces that join the Straw Hat Pirates, Usopp will always stay at the bottom in terms of strength, as making him stronger would offset the balance of the story. Oda also revealed that Usopp’s power level is closest to that of an average human, and that’s deliberate.

While some fans may feel disappointed by this decision, it actually makes perfect sense. In most shonen series, main characters possess superhuman abilities, which creates a disconnect from the average person. Having someone like Usopp, who remains relatively weak and grounded, adds a refreshing contrast and preserves a layer of realism.

A Weakness that Sets Usopp Apart

Oda’s decision to keep Usopp weak has a profound impact on his character. It means that no matter how hard he tries, Usopp will always lag behind in physical strength and remain part of the “weakling trio” (consisting of Nami and Chopper, alongside Usopp). To succeed, he must rely on his cleverness, deception, and resourcefulness to defeat enemies.

Fans have seen Usopp take down opponents through trickery and bluffing. While his tactics may seem absurd, they often work—highlighting his creativity and quick thinking. As the story enters its Final Saga, Usopp will have to push himself even further and come up with new, inventive ways to survive and help the crew.

Because he’s the weakest, audiences naturally empathize with Usopp when he’s scared or tries to run from danger. But that doesn’t mean he’s a coward. In fact, it makes him one of the most interesting characters, as readers can never predict the next moves he pulls.

It is important to remember that Usopp’s dream is to become a brave warrior of the sea. For someone physically weak and fearful, that’s a monumental and meaningful goal. Despite his limitations, he continues to fight. And when the time comes, Usopp will risk everything for his friends. When he finally fulfills his dream by the end of the series, it will be a truly emotional and spectacular moment.