Usopp has had his fair share of legendary moments in One Piece, but none seem to have ever topped his brief appearance as Sogeking. Equal parts goofy and awesome, Sogeking represented a major turning point for Usopp’s character in the series. In the end, his brief stint as the Sniper King is the reason why many fans still adore the character to this day.
Being such a popular part of the character, many fans have wondered if and when this aspect of Usopp’s character in One Piece will return. While some think that it could make for an epic moment or fun gag to see Usopp don the mask once again, others believe that it could be a regression for the character after coming so far. In the end, the story of One Piece is always full of surprises and references to earlier moments in the sseries, so seeing Sogeking return is always a possibility.
Sogeking Was the Hero of Enies Lobby
A True One Piece Legend
Sogeking made his first appearance during One Piece’s Water 7 Arc. After his falling out with Luffy, Usopp, still wanting to help out the crew, donned the mask and persona of the Sogeking, or Sniper King in English. In this persona, Usopp was a completely different person, acting as a somewhat cowardly, sniping superhero, complete with his own theme song. However, the character wasn’t all jokes, with the Sogeking having some amazing moments in Enies Lobby, like burning the World Government flag or saving Robin with an incredible sniper shot.
Do you know where sniper island is? The answer is, it’s in your heart. – Sogeking
From his goofy antics and amazing moments, many fans quickly fell in love with this goofy aspect of Usopp’s character in One Piece. At the same time, it also marked a strong moment in Usopp’s journey of becoming a “brave warrior of the sea,” his lifetime goal. In a way, under his mask, Usopp was able to be far braver than before, though, by the end of the arc, he realized that the bravery came from himself, Luffy, and the Straw Hats, and not from a silly persona or mask.
Sogeking Should Only Return to One Piece as a Gag
Staying Home On Sniper Island
From here, the Sniper King disappeared, likely joining the ranks of One Piece characters that may never return. However, there are a few ways the masked sniper could make a reappearance in the story. Potentially, the character could use the mask for a more lighthearted moment in the series, rather than an impactful story moment. For example, if Usopp were to don the mask to calm his nerves before reuniting with his father, it might make for a hilarious and heartwarming moment.
However, at the same time, if Sogeking were to return to the world of One Piece as anything more than a joke, it may feel like a step back for Usopp’s character. Usopp, by the end of Enies Lobby, realized that he didn’t need the mask and that he was the true member of the Straw Hats, not the Sniper King. If he were to don the mask again for battle, it would cheapen the original significance of the mask, damaging the character more than helping him.
One Piece is Unpredictable Enough That Sogeking Could Return
The Return of the King
However, as the story currently stands, it’s impossible to know whether or not One Piece’s author Oda will have the Sniper King return to the story. In fact, maybe the crew will happen upon the true island of snipers, and meet the real Sniper King, who oddly resembles Usopp’s mask. For someone like Oda, there are probably an infinite number of ways he could reintroduce the Sniper King without cheapening the emotional impact of its original appearance.
Lock On! – Sogeking
In the end, although the Sniper King was an amazing moment for the One Piece sniper Usopp, sometimes it’s best to leave those moments in the past. Usopp, overall, has come so far, surpassing the title of king and even being crowned a god. For Usopp, it’s impossible to tell where the character may end up next. To return to One Piece’s Sniper King would feel like a major step back from Usopp’s current status as “God” Usopp.
