#ch438

[opbackgrounds]

I love Luffy's lil' smile as he reaches out for Usopp. You can see in the background that Garp's still slinging cannonballs at the ship, but Luffy's ignoring all that to bring Usopp back.

[every-sanji]

[opbackgrounds]

Luffy wants Usopp to come back so much it hurts

[opbackgrounds]

The thing about Usopp's lying is that most of the time it's treated fairly neutrally by the narrative. Hell, there are many times when it's even treated as a positive trait, such as when he used his stories to make Kaya feel better when she was sick. Usopp's a liar in the way Sanji's a cook and Chopper's a doctor. It is what he is, and like Sanji's controversial chivalry, there's never any in-story indication that he needs to change.

What gets him into trouble is when he uses his stories as a way of avoiding uncomfortable truths. He was afraid of being left behind because of his weakness, so he uses the Merry as a proxy and blows up at Luffy. He doesn't want to swallow his pride and apologize so he pretends he'll be accepted back with open arms.

[opbackgrounds]

I do feel like the aspect of Usopp being Luffy's subordinate isn't brought up enough when talking about their fight. Yes, they're also very good friends, but Usopp didn't have the right to override his captain's authority the way he did.

[opbackgrounds]

I think this speech is my favorite Zoro moment in the series.

[opbackgrounds]

Man, these interactions between Garp and Aokiji are a little more bittersweet with the knowledge of what is to come

[opbackgrounds]

I do think it's significant that Zoro's reaching for Wado. The fight between Luffy and Usopp doesn't just affect them--their actions affect Zoro's dream as well.