Fire Bird Star is one of the techniques used by Usopp in the One Piece series and is known in Japanese as "Hi no Tori Boshi". Such a strong attack is a proof of just how great and talented he really is as a sniper for the Straw Hat Pirates. It fires a specially designed projectile and, upon impact, creates a huge ring of fire resembling that of a phoenix or a firebird.
Usopp typically fires his Fire Bird Star with the aid of his high-tech slingshot known as Kabuto, or its upgrade form, Kuro Kabuto. This versatility enables the weapons to make Usopp fire ammunition of various types, which can be used by him with a wide array of techniques. One of the most visually striking and destructive techniques is his Fire Bird Star. Sometimes translated as "Phoenix Star" in English versions, this is clearly reminiscent of a phoenix.
Fire Bird Star is a powerful combination of Usopp's marksmanship skill and his skills in creating specialized ammunition. The projectile ignites upon firing, forming a blazing bird-like shape as it travels toward the target. When impacting, it erupts into a spectacular fiery explosion capable of causing large damage to enemies and structures alike.
One of the most memorable uses of Fire Bird Star was during the Enies Lobby Arc where Usopp used this technique under his alter ego, Sogeking, to dramatically burn down the World Government flag. Other than showing how powerful this attack could be, it was also a plot point—that of declaring war on the World Government by the Straw Hat Pirates.
Though its appearance has changed, in reality, visual depictions of Fire Bird Star have changed a lot through the series. Earlier appearances, such as the fight against Perona on Thriller Bark, clearly outlined the shape of the firebird. Later, it was further fleshed out to show just how much detail Eiichiro Oda actually puts into designing techniques. As the series goes on, Fire Bird Star becomes more detailed in its animation, physical and visually striking, and destructive.
His control of Fire Bird Star has grown with his overall development as a sniper. He can fire variations such as the "Super Size Hi no Tori Boshi" later in the arcs. This enhanced version is when he combines his effort with that of his crewmate Franky; Usopp fires a special oil star first, which Franky will then ignite with his ability Fresh Fire, to make an even bigger and more powerful firebird.
Through the series, Fire Bird Star has been proven to be effective against many different enemies. With its combination of long-range capability and explosive impact, it was a round-technique move both for offense strikes and strategic moves. More so, it is additional help since it adds fire elements that can make targets burn and set up distractions.
The influence of the Fire Bird Star technique does not stop here, in anime and manga. It has become a source of inspiration for fans and creators alike. Some fans, for example, have sought to actually create this technique in real life. Copies of Usopp's Giant Slingshot Kabuto were used to illustrate how the attack could look and the visual effect that would be created from it. Though in nature not comparable with the anime version, these covers indicate the endless love for this technique among One Piece fans.
Fire Bird Star was enormous in terms of power scaling for One Piece with respect to Usopp's repertoire. Having the fact that he did not use any Devil Fruits or any other form of superpowers makes him exceptionally a great example of just how one could make incredible techniques if he has the creativity, skills, and will to do so. It is this part of his fighting style, best portrayed through the Fire Bird Star, which really seals why most people love his development from a rather weak character into a competent warrior.
The technique was so successful that it was even used in one fan-made scenario when Usopp was fighting his father, Yasopp. In the hypothetical battle, Yasopp had hit the Fire Bird Star right on target with a single shot, making it blow up in the air. This example has proved not only the strength of the Fire Bird Star, but also the level of skill required by the defending side.