#syrup village arc

[sammygems]

Straw Hat Outfits - East Blue Saga

I decided to start a new little series of posts of the Straw Hats outfits from each arc. I will be including the filler arcs as well and I'm gonna be dividing this by the Story Sagas, so first up is East Blue!

This post includes Romance Dawn, Orange Town, Syrup Village, Baratie, Arlong Park, & Loguetown. Warship Island is apart of the East Blue saga, but will be in the post for the Alabasta Saga, because the outfits in Warship Island are the same as the ones in Reverse Mountain.

Romance Dawn Arc

Orange Town Arc

Syrup Village Arc

Baratie Arc

Arlong Park Arc

Loguetown Arc

Later Posts in this series:

Alabasta Saga, Sky Island Saga, Water 7 Saga

[usoppookie]

what did you expect me to do?… not fall in love with him ??

[awkwardp0tat083]

The og cowardly duo in action!

[mokneydloaf]

[brave-symphonia]

I wonder if Zoro could have reached them in time?

Whether he could or not, I'm really happy that he made sure Usopp could get the win here.

And I love that smile from Zoro on that side panel, happy knowing he helped Usopp get the win here and save the woman he loves.

[mugiwaraluv]

How they all managed the way they did to this point I'll never know 💧

[slowcatsisland]

Usopp and Kaya; Childhood Headcanons

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Usopp lives in the poorer, middle area of town while Kaya lives on the outskirts of Syrup Village. Because of this, Usopp would run an extra 10ish minutes everyday to get to her part of town to announce his daily pirate spotting.

Usopp didn’t tell anyone else in the village about how his mother’s passing affected him, but he told Kaya. It was the first time that he cried in front of her and she pulled him into her embrace through the window.

Usopp has tried multiple times to climb into the mansion only to be swatted away by Kaya’s staff. He’s only allowed in if Kaya explicitly states it.

Kaya was the only villager that gave Usopp any birthday presents. They were normally rustic nicknacks that were actually really expensive.

Kaya was Usopp’s only friend and Usopp was Kaya’s only friend for a very, very long time.

Usopp began crushing on Kaya first. It finally struck him as soon as he started feeling different when he would hear Kaya laugh at his stories. His belly would turn, his face would get hit, and his palms would get sticky.

Usopp has spent a total of 15 nights in Kaya’s mansion over their childhood years. Every time there would be a huge feast and Usopp would see more food then than he would for the next 6 months.

Usopp would daydream about Kaya often and create lists of stories to tell her in advance to pass the time.

Kaya had some of her staff start trimming the branches of the tree by her window very meticulously when Usopp began sitting up there.

Kaya was homeschooled, Usopp had free public education by the village’s librarian. Kaya would often teach him some academics and she accidentally got him obsessed with the idea of slingshots and engineering/mechanics.

Usopp never really liked Kaya’s staff because without her presence there they would treat as lesser than and it made him insecure. He brought it to her attention maybe twice before he saw how upset that made her because she loved her staff. She started staying by him more closely when they would stay at her mansion a little while after that.

Kaya actually developed a fear of the sea because although her parents’ health had been declining since Kuro had began working for them, they went on a sea trip and died while out on their voyage.

Because of her fear, Kaya never actually wanted Usopp to leave no matter how much he talked about sailing. She promised to herself to never try and hold him back though.

Kaya started liking Usopp only a year or two before he left with the Straw Hats. It was after puberty had matured them and she realized how attractive he was. (She already knew he had the personality, it’s Usopp he’s the best)

Kaya would tell Usopp about all the nightmares that she had, and Usopp would turn them into stories so they wouldn’t frighten her anymore.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Mwah 😽

[wesleysniperking]

Usopp and Yasopp: Guardians of Syrup Village – A Legacy of Protection and Skill (tl;dr)

Imagine growing up in a quiet village, where the only excitement comes from your own imagination. Now, picture yourself honing a unique skill, not just for fun, but to protect your home from unseen threats. This is the untold story of Usopp and his father Yasopp, and their hidden legacy as the silent protectors of Syrup Village.

Usopp's Representation in the One Piece Narrative

I've been thinking a lot about Usopp and what he represents in the One Piece narrative. There's so much to explore beyond his psyche and future role in the final saga. The possibilities are endless. Usopp's character is a profound representation of African culture, but his traits also resonate with other cultures, especially those that value storytelling and tactical prowess in battle, such as Indigenous cultures.

Yasopp and Usopp: A Connection

I made a connection between Usopp and Yasopp. Historically, Native Americans protected their homes from enemy forces using stealth, guerrilla tactics, and homemade melee weapons. They hid in the woods and forests, in tune with nature. I consider Native Americans and their Canadian counterparts the first American snipers. What if Yasopp and Usopp played a similar protector role for Syrup Village?

Yasopp: The Early Protector of Syrup Village

Before Yasopp joined Red-Haired Shanks' crew, he was an inhabitant of Syrup Village and a phenomenal shooter. Many people criticize Usopp for not having a proper mentor like the rest of his crewmates. But what if Yasopp spent his time in Syrup Village honing his skills through endless practice?

Before joining Shanks' crew, Yasopp was a typical country boy from Syrup Village. The village was quiet, which likely bored Yasopp. To pass the time, he played outside and practiced his shooting skills for hours. He familiarized himself with every nook and cranny of the village. This practice made him a master sniper. Yasopp used his skills to protect the village. When potential threats approached, Yasopp would hide and take them out with precision, preventing them from reaching the villagers.

No one in the village knew Yasopp was behind the mysterious defenses. Strangers and pirates who tried to invade Syrup Village would suddenly find themselves under fire from an unseen assailant. They didn't know who he was, what he looked like, or even his name. They only knew they were being chased away by a relentless sniper. This earned Yasopp the nickname "Chaser," a testament to his ability to strike fear into intruders without ever being seen.

Yasopp's actions remained unknown to the villagers, who never realized they had a silent protector. Word spread among pirates about an unseen sharpshooter in Syrup Village, attracting Shanks' attention. In One Piece Strong World Film Episode 0, Yasopp is shown on a cliff watching the ocean, a testament to his vigilance. Shanks, impressed by Yasopp's skills, invited him to join his crew.

Usopp: Following in His Father's Footsteps

Banchina, Usopp's mother, called her husband a brave warrior because she knew he protected the village. Although Usopp didn't know this, he aspired to be a brave warrior like his father. After his mother's death, Usopp practiced sniping with his trusty brown slingshot. He spent a decade perfecting his skills, from the age of seven to seventeen, before Luffy recruited him. Usopp trained by shooting at various targets and learning stealth skills. He became familiar with Syrup Village and its surroundings, which is why he is so closely associated with nature.

Usopp's connection with nature was further strengthened when Kuma sent him to Boin Archipelago, a man-eating island, to perfect his link with nature, stealth, and sniping. This training was akin to Indigenous cultures' walkabouts and vision quests.

The Value of Self-Teaching

Neither Yasopp nor Usopp had mentors, but this lack of formal training is not a disadvantage. The dedication and strenuous nature of self-teaching is invaluable and notable. Yasopp and Usopp exemplify how relentless practice and an unwavering commitment to self-improvement can forge extraordinary skills. They didn't rely on external guidance; instead, they carved their own paths, honing their abilities through sheer determination and countless hours of practice.

The 10,000-Hour Rule and Usopp's Mastery

Malcolm Gladwell's 10,000-hour rule states that it takes around 10,000 hours of deliberate practice (a decade) to become an expert in a field. Usopp, practicing from age seven to seventeen, certainly met this criterion. Yasopp likely did the same, which explains their exceptional skills.

Syrup Village: Sniper Island

Based on this theory, Syrup Village and the Gecko Islands could very well be considered Sniper Island. The landscape and disposition of Syrup Village are perfect for snipers. The village's quiet, rural setting provided Yasopp and Usopp with the ideal environment to practice their shooting skills without distractions. The natural terrain, with its hills, forests, and cliffs, offered numerous vantage points and hiding spots, crucial for mastering the art of sniping.

The strategic advantage of Syrup Village's landscape is evident. Yasopp and Usopp could observe incoming threats from a distance, using the elevated terrain to their advantage. The dense forests provided cover and concealment, allowing them to take out enemies with precision while remaining hidden. This mastery of their environment made them formidable protectors of their village, embodying the essence of what it means to be a sniper.

Usopp: Protector of Syrup Village

Usopp, like his father, played the role of protector for Syrup Village. He kept an eye on the ocean for strangers and unknown people approaching the village. Usopp's practice of yelling about pirate arrivals, though often seen as mere entertainment, actually taught him valuable skills. He learned to run and hide, essential abilities for a sniper. This experience helped him hide from Chew during the Arlong Park arc and shoot the fish-man to save Genzo.

Usopp's actions as a protector were similar to his father's. Both were the "silent enemies" to those who encroached upon Syrup Village, safeguarding their beloved hometown in secrecy.

Conclusion

Yasopp’s role as a protector of Syrup Village is highly believable and consistent with the One Piece canon. Yasopp’s actions and reputation support the idea that he was a vigilant guardian of his village, a legacy that Usopp inherits and continues. This thematic consistency adds depth to both characters and enriches the narrative of One Piece, making their story one of profound legacy and enduring protection.

By exploring this connection, we can appreciate the layers of storytelling that Oda weaves into his world, making each character's journey not only a personal quest but also a continuation of a legacy that shapes their identity and purpose. Usopp’s skills and his role as a protector are a testament to the influence of his father and the cultural heritage they both represent. This theory not only aligns with the established canon but also enhances our understanding of the characters and their significance in the One Piece universe.

So next time someone doubts Usopp's training or his place in the crew, remember the legacy of Yasopp and the hidden guardianship of Syrup Village. It’s a story of dedication, protection, and the silent, unseen heroes who shape the world from the shadows. Let’s give Usopp the credit he deserves.

Did you know?

In the military Snipers are sometimes considered and referred to as cowards because they “shoot people that can’t shoot back” and enemy snipers are a hindrance to soldiers because they’re an added variable in battle that can’t be ignored but it makes things harder since Snipers can’t be seen or easily dealt with. Snipers can “turn tail” and run away from there spot before anyone gets to them.

(Argument here and here if we apply snipers in One Piece to something in the real world. I might be taking it too seriously).

related links:

one

two

three

four

five

six

seven

eight

nine

[torehwell]

Why is no one talking about Sham? Look how cute she is once she is in her kitty clothes!! It's like "i have claws and i know how to use them", but she's still a cat and cats are always cute

And that smirk, it's so adorable

She fights so light on her feets it looks like she is dancing

Even the way she is knocked out is somehow adorable wtf

(yeah i got a new favorite character, who's gonna stop me?)

[bokjudraws]

More stuff from a hot min ago and these were my first Usopps

[greeneyedsigma]

Man, Kuro actually had a decent amount of potential as an antagonist, but he suffered by being an East Blue baddie.

Like, the dude could wreck an entire ship full of marines solo without a scratch on him.

[usoppookie]

[laurasoretta]

📺 Re-Watching OPLA, random comments:

Episode 3

I love how the story arc has been developed and that everything takes place in Kaya's house. I like that she's at the centre of the story and more involved in the action (I'll add more in my comments on Ep.4) and the dinner all together;

The kitchen set in an empty swimming pool? Brilliant!

Night-time chat between girls and guys talking about feelings? Chef's kiss! (I recently discovered the meaning of this expression referring to Usopp chef's kiss when talking about Going Merry. And I started to use it everywhere 😂);

How much I want to squish Koby's cheeks!

Funky bar? Oh I love that reference!

[mokneydloaf]

[brave-symphonia]

Yeah, never fuck with Luffy's friends if you want to keep living.

For as much as Luffy doesn't go out of his way to kill his enemies, I have no doubt in my mind that he would not fucking hesitate to murder any of these guys that laughed after this.

[mugiwaraluv]

It's still so funny how the first few fights after Zoro joins Luffy is like he's automatically knows him with Usopp seeing Luffy unconscious underneath a half front of the ship casually Zoro is like; he's fine just worry about yourself

The man only knew him less than a week (?) and just knows him very well with so little time to actually really knowing him at all 🤣