One Piece's Elbaf arc will see Usopp get a powerup, but it may not be what fans are expecting

As the One Piece manga gears up for its highly anticipated Elbaf arc, fans are speculating about what surprises await their favorite characters. One character poised for a significant moment is Usopp, whose journey has been marked by his cleverness and unexpected bravery.

A recent theory has emerged that states Usopp will receive a power-up on Elbaf, but it may not come in the traditional sense. Rather than a boost in physical strength or combat abilities, Usopp’s growth might revolve around a clever trick or legendary weapon, aligning with his unique skills and personality. This twist could redefine what a power-up means for the Straw Hat sniper.

One Piece: The mythical weapon of Elbaf

Dorry and Brogy as shown in the anime series (Image via Toei Animation)

According to the theory, Usopp might become a legendary warrior on Elbaf, wielding a powerful weapon that only he can lift, akin to Thor’s Mjölnir in Norse mythology. This would earn him the respect of the giants and solidify his place in their history as the greatest warrior of Elbaf.

Elbaf is clearly inspired by Norse mythology, so it’s highly likely there could be a weapon similar to Mjölnir on the giants' island. A legendary weapon playing a central role in Elbafian culture and history is an intriguing concept.

Such a weapon might be why giants from Elbaf all seek glory and recognition as legendary warriors—they aim to become worthy of lifting the mythical weapon of Elbaf and proving themselves the greatest warrior among giants.

Foreshadowing of Usopp's hammer throughout the One Piece series

Usopp as shown in the anime series (Image via Toei Animation)

Additionally, there is a recurring pattern in One Piece of Usopp's lies becoming true. Usopp’s hammer has been a running gag since the series' beginning, especially before the timeskip, where he would often brag about wielding a '10-ton' hammer. This motif might foreshadow Usopp eventually lifting a powerful weapon in reality, aligning with his previous fabrications.

Despite being primarily a sniper, Usopp is frequently seen using his hammer as a secondary weapon. In several of his notable fights, Usopp switches to his hammer for the finishing blow—whether as a genuine attack, like against Chuu, or as a bluff, as seen with Perona. These moments might hint at Usopp's potential to wield a significant hammer in the future, cementing his place as a legendary figure.

One Piece series' twist on the Norse Mythology

A snapshot from the anime series (Image via Toei Animation)

If Usopp were to lift such a weapon to the astonishment of his crew and the giants of Elbaf, he would finally fulfill his dream of becoming a brave warrior of the sea. This achievement would be a monumental step in his journey, showcasing his growth and bravery.

A unique twist on this idea could involve a subversion of expectations regarding the real-life myth of Mjölnir. While the giants of Elbaf and readers might expect the weapon to require a strong, brave, and honorable warrior to lift it, the reality could be much less heroic.

Usopp is the sniper of the Straw Hat pirates (Image via Toei Animation)

The weapon's restriction might be due to a trick, curse, or riddle rather than a divine test of character. Most giants, bound by their honor and warrior mentality, may not have considered this possibility. However, Usopp, known for his cunning and trickery, might be the one to see through this facade and lift the weapon through a clever trick.

One Piece: Liberation of the Giants of Elbaf

King Loki, the current ruler of Elbaf, might have discovered this trick himself and currently wields the weapon. This could explain his grand title as "King of Elbaf."

Instead of defeating Loki in a traditional duel, Usopp could outsmart him and claim the weapon, shattering the myth and giving all giants the opportunity to break free from the old legends binding them to Elbaf and seek out other dreams. This might even explain the existence of the Giant Pirates, who could have left Elbaf after realizing the truth behind the legendary weapon.

This story would fit perfectly within One Piece's overarching theme of liberating people's minds and breaking free from the constraints of outdated beliefs. It would also provide Usopp with a defining moment that aligns with his character and fulfills his dream.

There’s even a possibility that the entire hammer myth was created by Nika as a joke, meant to bring laughter rather than to serve as a weapon of power. This could contrast sharply with how Loki might be using the weapon to rule Elbaf when the Straw Hat crew arrives.

Final thoughts

Elbaf as shown in the anime (Image via Toei Animation)

Usopp’s potential future as a legendary warrior on Elbaf wielding a trick weapon fits well with his character and the series’ themes. Rather than granting him a significant melee power-up, this weapon could be a simple yet symbolic hammer made to seem powerful due to its unliftable trick.

It would be convincing enough to bluff in a fight, and it could become an inside joke among the Straw Hat crew and the giants, adding another layer to Usopp’s character development and the story of One Piece.