Does Usopp Have Haki in One Piece?

Does Usopp have Haki in One Piece? Explore the answer to this question and the controversy surrounding it in the fandom.

Does Usopp Have Haki
Usopp as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

One Piece focuses on Luffy’s journey across the seas as he gathers several distinctive and dedicated individuals to join his crew. Among them, Usopp is a particularly unique character who is known for his cowardly yet endearing nature. While many consider him to be the weakest Straw Hat, he has managed to acquire skills that help him hold his own in battle. Considering this, fans may wonder whether Usopp has Haki in One Piece.

Yes, Usopp does have Haki in One Piece, having shown superior sight and analysis through his Observation Haki. This is an inspiring development for a character who was originally very weak, but there remain concerns regarding Usopp’s use of Haki. Let us take a closer look at this.

Who Is Usopp in One Piece?

Luffy and Usopp as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)
Luffy and Usopp as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Usopp is the sniper of the Straw Hat Pirates, joining the crew after protecting Syrup Village and Kaya with their help. Usopp’s main reason for becoming a pirate is his inspiration from his father, Yasopp—the Red Hair Pirates’ sniper.

Taking pride in his father and having heard great tales about his adventures at sea, Usopp finally got the opportunity to explore it on his own with Luffy’s arrival. While he was originally a habitual liar and coward, his adventures with the Straw Hat Pirates greatly changed him.

He still shows instances of his fearful nature but sticks up for justice when it matters. He does not wish to let Luffy and the others down, having highlights of immense bravery. As a result, he has developed his skill of being a sniper, training with Heracles during the time skip. However, considering the superhuman antagonists in One Piece, it was only a matter of time before Usopp got a bigger power-up.

How Did Usopp Awaken Haki in One Piece?

Usopp sensing auras through Observation Haki as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)
Usopp sensing auras through Observation Haki as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Usopp awakened his Haki ability during the Dressrosa Arc when Luffy and Law were under the threat of Sugar, a powerful enemy who could turn targets into toys. While desperate to stop her, he was suddenly able to read their auras from a great distance.

Clearly able to differentiate Sugar, he shot a representation of his face at her. This triggered her fear of long noses, caused by Usopp earlier in the arc. As a result, it hilariously made Sugar faint, leading to Usopp successfully protecting his allies. 

Hence, this moment marked the growth of Usopp into a character who could face very powerful antagonists. By gaining Observation Haki, his senses are greatly enhanced. He can see the auras of targets from distant locations and separate friend from foe. In One Piece Film: Red, he could also mentally link with his father and communicate from afar.

The Controversy Regarding Usopp’s Use of Haki

Usopp as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)
Usopp as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Usopp’s awakening of Observation Haki was a moment of great jubilation in One Piece. Unfortunately, it has also caused a lot of controversy in the fandom. These are not necessarily about Usopp being able to use the ability, but rather his lack of use of it.

Apart from the Dressrosa Arc and One Piece Film: Red, Usopp has never used Haki in the series. While Luffy, Zoro, and Sanji use this ability at every opportunity in battle, it has faded into irrelevance when it comes to the Straw Hats’ sniper.

Fans of Usopp have been heavily dissatisfied by this since his development has severely stagnated since the earlier arcs. Since Haki is often used as a trump card for most characters, there are concerns regarding why Usopp was given the ability in the first place if he is never going to use it.

Usopp and Nami as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)
Usopp and Nami as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

However, considering Usopp’s fascination with the giants and the series’ current setting in Elbaph, fans are hoping for Oda to bring more focus to him. With rising threats from the World Government and huge lore drops, it would be fitting for him to be equipped with more abilities.

Will Usopp Awaken Other Types of Haki?

As we have seen, One Piece has entered its Final Saga, with the stakes being higher than ever in Elbaph. While characters like Luffy and Zoro have enough power to tackle the task at hand, Usopp’s current repertoire may not be enough.

He has shown skill with sniping using the Pop Greens as well as Observation Haki, but fans fear he may need to evolve further. The perfect way to achieve this would be to let him awaken other types of Haki.

Does Usopp Have Haki
Usopp and Sugar as seen in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Supreme King Haki may be too audacious for him, but Armament Haki would fit right into his moveset. We have already seen characters such as Benn Beckman imbue his bullets with Armament Haki which could threaten Kizaru. As Usopp is a sniper, making his abilities more potent through Armament Haki would be a perfect match.

No indication has been given by Oda to give Usopp other types of Haki, but this would help bring him back to the spotlight. Therefore, nothing can be said for sure at this instance, but most fans are looking forward to Usopp’s rise in strength. 

Conclusion

Usopp does have Haki in One Piece, specifically Observation Haki, which he awakened during the Dressrosa Arc. While his usage of Haki has been inconsistent, it remains a crucial aspect of his growth as a fighter. As we go further into the Final Saga, fans will be hoping to see him become more formidable, potentially through awakening new types of Haki.


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