The 235th episode brings the painful rupture between Luffy and Usopp. Told the Merry cannot be salvaged and a new ship awaits, Usopp accuses Luffy of betraying their vessel, quits the crew, and challenges his captain to a duel for her.
Main Characters (4)
Summary
Usopp wakes from the beating the Franky Family gave him, and it is noted Robin still has not come back. Luffy breaks the news that the stolen money is likely gone for good and the crew intends to buy a replacement rather than mend the Going Merry. The announcement enrages Usopp, even as Luffy stresses that the ship's wounds make repair impossible.
Refusing to listen, Usopp becomes convinced his captain has thrown the Merry away. Their argument boils over into a brawl. Beneath his anger lies a deeper wound, a long-held fear that he is too weak to belong among the Straw Hats. He declares he is quitting.
Key Events
Usopp dares Luffy to a one-on-one fight, with ownership of the Going Merry as the prize. That night Nami tries to talk Luffy out of it and fails; he still means to go through with it. Chopper offers to treat Usopp's injuries, but the sniper turns him away. The two former crewmates head off to face each other.
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Notes
This marks the moment Usopp departs the Straw Hat Pirates. The episode includes an error: in Iceburg's office, Robin's childhood wanted poster misspells her name as Nico Robine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in Episode 235 of One Piece?
In Episode 235, Usopp refuses to accept that the Going Merry cannot be repaired, quits the Straw Hat Pirates in anger, and challenges Luffy to a one-on-one duel with ownership of the ship as the prize.
Why does Usopp quit the Straw Hat Pirates in Episode 235?
Usopp quits in Episode 235 after Luffy announces the crew will buy a new ship instead of repairing the Going Merry. Underneath his anger lies Usopp's long-held fear that he is too weak to belong among the Straw Hats.
Does Nami try to stop the duel between Luffy and Usopp?
Yes, in Episode 235 Nami tries to talk Luffy out of fighting Usopp that night, but she fails and Luffy still intends to go through with the duel.
What is at stake in the fight Usopp challenges Luffy to?
Usopp challenges Luffy to a one-on-one duel with ownership of the Going Merry as the prize, refusing Chopper's offer to treat his injuries beforehand.
What animation error appears in Episode 235?
Episode 235 includes an error in which Robin's childhood wanted poster in Iceburg's office misspells her name as "Nico Robine."
Sources & Information
Looking for more on Big Fight Under the Moon! The Pirate Flag Flutters With Sorrow!? The One Piece Wiki on Fandom has a dedicated page with community notes.
View on FandomThis content is original writing by Daddy Jim Headquarters based on the One Piece anime series, manga, and official materials. Episode and chapter references are cited where applicable.
Rights holders
- Created byEiichiro Oda
- Published byShueisha
- Animated byToei Animation
All rights belong to their respective owners.
Character and scene imagery on this site is original artwork by Daddy Jim Headquarters, not screenshots or licensed imagery. Official cover art is used on three types of pages for editorial commentary:
- Movie pages: theatrical posters and key visuals, credited to Toei Animation and Toei Company.
- Game pages: official box art for the One Piece console and mobile games, credited to Bandai Namco.
- Manga chapter pages: Jump Comics volume covers, credited to Shueisha and Eiichiro Oda.
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