see the key components that are integral to Zoro and Usopp's relationship throughout the entire series are these:
Usopp has never feared Zoro and never will.
Usopp is perpetually terrified of everything that could hurt him or kill him, but Zoro has never been part of the equation. Zoro, to him, is instant reassurance and safety and reliability. and it never once occurred to him that that terrifying fighting power would ever mean danger for himself.
and i have to imagine that Zoro is acutely aware of this. he's always been tuned into and even plays into the fear he knows he strikes into people when he fights. he'd expected this kid that he watched make the decision to fight for his village despite the clear terror running through his entire body to, even if on reflex, react with fear when he finally showcased his skill and power. he had no doubt that Usopp would overcome it, but he'd expected that first reaction to sting. except Usopp never did.
Zoro has always believed in Usopp more than Usopp has ever believed in himself.
i see it mentioned a lot that Zoro holds Usopp to a higher standard than would be expected of him, but i think it's extremely important to acknowledge that he does this because he has unwavering faith that Usopp can do it.
he was the first to witness Usopp's marksmanship and then put his faith in it completely. after Usopp joined the crew, Zoro has consistently been the best at reading him and guessing his thoughts and actions. Zoro knows exactly what kind of person Usopp is, and in that he sees the kind of person Usopp has the potential to be. and to him there's no difference between who Usopp could be and who Usopp truly is, because he believes, he knows Usopp will always live up to that potential if he puts his mind to it. this isn't just about Usopp's abilities and capabilities, but about him as a person, too. and that confidence was just something he had to carry for Usopp for a while. and even sometimes now.
these two points, i think, is something consistent throughout the years, and they color their every interaction and the way their relationship grows and matures. and i'm being very normal about it.
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