I think Oda usually has a lot of fun writing sibling dynamics in general, especially with brothers. Sibling dynamics are my favorite things to write about and to analyse, so this particular « manie » of Oda to create and explore this sort of relationship between characters is something that works well with me<3 It’s even surprising that he hasn’t explored this more with the main crew until much much later. (& if you know me, you know exactly what this is about).
How selfless of Zoro! The only reason I saved these few panels was to further drive my point that Usopp is perfect the way he is, even in the most recent chapters. The straw hat crew has never been about being the strongest, and it’s members reflect this idea perfectly. Zoro knows of Usopp and Nami’s more vulnerable status and is prepared to put his body on the line to make sure they’re protected. Luffy himself is well aware of the fact and holds his entire crew to the same standard: if you can fight, fight. If you can’t, ask for help, and the more capable members will help. Regardless of strength, this idea is also well represented in Sanji needing help whenever he’s faced with a female opponent.
First mention of Davy Jones! Heavily relevant in the most recent storyline!
Again, this shows that the straw hat crew is a well oiled machine in which every cog has an important role. Although Luffy is without a doubt the strongest member of the crew, he still needs the help of the rest of his mates pretty heavily all throughout the story, sometimes even needing the help of complete strangers (I ❤️ Gatz). This "yonkou crew" concept people have been bringing up more and more since the Rocks pirates reveal always makes me question if we’ve all been reading the same manga…
