One Piece Chapter 1177: FURIOUS

Here we are, back again after a break and wow. What an awesome way to get back into it. Without getting too ahead of myself, it is absolutely fantastic to see Usopp facing Imu head-on without fear, and without a doubt this is the highlight of the chapter for me. Elbaph was always Usopp’s goal ever since he met Dorry and Brogy, and here he is, standing tall and fighting. While we saw him urge Nami and the Samurai of Wano to run and denounce their pride whilst facing down death, here he stands, when he could easily run, fighting for what he believes in without a second thought.

The Giants are faced with dealing killing blows to their brainwashed allies, and Chopper is baffled by the mechanics of such a transformation, seemingly dealing such a blow himself, I’m sure as a Doctor he will help us to understand this power better, with the help of Gaban. Nami takes the opportunity to scold Loki and Luffy for excessive collateral damage, after which Luffy blames Loki in a very sibling-like fashion. We also see Killingham exhibiting the trademark racism of the upper classes of the One Piece world directed towards Jinbe, and he also warns Sanji and the others that this is just a taste of the power of the Holy Land.

Usopp is one of the most human characters in all of One Piece, his growth isn’t always linear, which frustrates a lot of people, but it is very real. While he always tries his best, fear often wins out. Usopp knows he can rely on others. He isn’t the strongest nor the smartest, but he always fights with all he has when it comes down to it. The funny thing is, I think that if Usopp actually knew who he was fighting, he might be a little more hesitant. But that’s just Usopp, he is deeply flawed and he knows exactly who he is. He’s a human in a world of monsters, but he’s lucky that the strongest monsters of all are his closest friends.

It’s interesting then, that in this moment, Usopp champions his own independence. He chastises the Holy Knights for using their power to control others, instead of using their own strength. Good Kings do not see their people as tools to be used and discarded, and are not disconnected from the conflict they cause. A true king would be on the front lines defending their people. So I suppose, Usopp is showing some pretty kingly qualities here, in contrast to Imu, who is being cowardly. Not even using his own body to fight Usopp and Brook. The Good Kings throughout One Piece are always seen being in touch with their people, mingling with them and listening to their needs, this is seen in Alabasta, Sky Island and Dressrosa. Where we see that good leaders who lose touch with their people, lose everything.

The land of Mary Geoise is a very obvious allegory to this effect. Those who rule the world of One Piece seldom ever venture down to the surface, and if so, only to buy slaves or to kill for sport. They see themselves as above the world, not part of it, and thus all their actions are justified. While Usopp does his best to protect Brook, his abilities aren’t enough for such a formidable opponent, and Loki and Luffy arrive just in time for the real test to begin. Imu seems to think this is going to be a pivotal battle for the fate of the world… So we should too.