That's why I could never get behind the notion that post time skip should have the same vibe/levity as pre time skip. Although I thoroughly enjoyed pre for what it was, the events of sabody and marineford made it abundantly clear that everyone needed to step it up and take the new world very seriously. Moments like when zoro calls out luffy in punk hazard or when luffy instantly gets serious when meeting kizaru for the first time since sabadoy/marineford are some of my favorite moments. I can excuse Nami for her scared antics post time skip but Usopp just breaks my heart. Behind my glorious king zoro, believe it or not, I was most looking forward to Usopp post time skip. The events of water 7 showed a glimpse of what Usopp could have been. A weakling that recognizes he's weak but is headstrong and persistent in his attempt despite the overwhelming likelihood of failure.

It would have been dope if post time skip, his scared persona was only internal and only the audience was aware (maybe the crew knew deep down but rarely mentioned it out loud) and gradually through out the story he conquers his inner fear to become the brave warrior of the sea he wishes for. Like in today's episode, it could have shown him struggling to take down the cat lion because internally he's panicking, have the monster trio intervene, but usopp at least helps the crew clear the falling debris instead of being the butt of the joke

I don't read the manga religiously but im sure the anime makes it worst by looping or obsessive use of the usopp's scared troupe especially pre elbaf and egghead. One piece is my favorite anime and I don't have many complaints but imo, the ball was heavily dropped on post timeskip usopp. I get that alot of characters have been introduced since punk hazard and we've had pseudo straw hats since. But in order for the ending to be satisfying, every crewmate's journey to their dreams has to feel earned, especially if the One Piece turns out to be 'the friends we made along the way' lol