‘F’ in the Chat for Kuma

One Piece Chapter 1102 Review/Recap

Today, the entire One Piece fandom weeps for the loss of a great man. After watching the memories of Kuma for weeks, the manga arrives at the point everyone knew was coming: when he ceases to be a free man and becomes the World Government’s mindless puppet. But even though Saturn thinks that he ensured Kuma would remain under their thumb, his final memories confirm that the former slave got the last laugh. As we look at the events of Thriller Bark and Sabaody through his perspective, we see how Kuma gave his life to save the man who could save the world: Luffy.

Get your tissues ready. You are going to need them.

Recap

Now free of the World Government and with a loyal crew by her side, Bonney sailed the seas as a pirate in search of her father. She defeated countless Marines who got in her way, and though stories spread of her leaving behind injured children and elders, it’s a lie; they were just Marines she used her powers on. 

Sadly, Kuma can’t meet his daughter again, as he keeps leaving whenever she gets too close. However, Bonney doesn’t give up, deciding to also go looking for Nika. She also vows to only steal from villains and help out anyone who truly needs it. 

Meanwhile, Luffy begins his rise in the East Blue, catching the eye of everyone from Ace to Jinbei to Dragon and Sabo, and eventually, Kuma and Vegapunk. The latter of whom’s surprised to learn that Dragon had a son this whole time.

The events of Thriller Bark occur, with Kuma testing the Straw Hat’s willingness to protect Luffy; they pass. At Sabaody, Kuma gets one final look at Bonney from afar, only to be drawn away by the news of Luffy punching out a Celestial Dragon. As a result, Kuma intervened in the Straw Hat’s flight from his clone and Kizaru, separating them and thus saving them from being killed by making it to the New World too early. 

The End Has Come for Kuma

At last, though, the day comes for Vegapunk to erase Kuma’s memories, despite his attempts to stop that from happening. Kuma uses his powers to make a copy of his memories for Vegapunk to study, and asks to let him protect the Sunny for the Straw Hats. Kuma is certain that if anyone can become Nika and save the world, it will be Luffy. Saying his goodbyes and asking Vegapunk to wish Bonney a happy 10th birthday for him, Vegapunk flips the switch with tears in his eyes as all of Egghead Island prays for Kuma. 

Thus, Bartholomew Kuma, slave, priest, revolutionary, father, king, pirate, hero, passes from this world. 

In the present day, Bonney sits alone in the room that held her father’s memories, unable to hold back her tears.

Review

This is how everyone in the One Piece fandom, myself included, feels right now. 

Kuma is now officially one of the best Dad’s in One Piece history. Maybe even one of the best Dad’s in all of fiction! I kept myself together reading this in public, but on the inside, I was crying my eyes out. That man, once one of the most mysterious characters in the entire series, wound up having one of the most heartwarming and tragic backstories of any character in the franchise. And that includes characters like Robin and Nami! Can we just get an F in the comments for him? I would start the process if there was a way to get him canonized as an actual saint. No wonder so many people were praying for him the moment he died; he made the world a better place by being in it, and despite not thinking so, he was a hero.

Praise of Kuma aside, this chapter did confirm what many fans (myself included) had come to suspect about Kuma regarding his actions at Thriller Bark and Sabaody. He was testing the Straw Hat’s to see if they had the resolve and loyalty to stand by Luffy’s side no matter what; given who he was, Kuma knew that Luffy would need truly loyal comrades to survive what was to come. In addition, hearing how Luffy defied the Celestial Dragons to their face confirmed what Kuma had already suspected: that Luffy was meant to become the next Nika and save the world from the darkness that ruled it. So he helped the Straw Hat’s escape and get the time-skip training they’d need to survive the New World.

In other words, I was right on every count. 

Kuma Made Sure the Celestial Dragons Will Lose

In addition to testing the Straw Hat’s and saving their lives, this chapter also showed that Kuma did get to see his beloved daughter one last time from afar. What confuses me, though, is why he chose not to see her again. With Bonney no longer a hostage, there was no reason for him to keep honoring the deal he made with Saturn. Then again, he knew that if it came down to it and they got serious, the World Government could capture Bonney with little effort. That threat would be enough to keep him in line until the very end. 

What makes the end of Kuma even more heartbreaking, though, is that it all but dashes hopes of restoring his memories in the present day. Kuma said that the bubble containing his memories would vanish when touched. Vegapunk had machinery that would let him view it without doing so, but because Bonney didn’t use it, the bubble popped. I still hold out hope, but if it doesn’t happen, I’ve accepted that.

Next Year, Kuma Shall be Avenged

This chapter, just like most of Kuma’s backstory, was one big tearjerker. Seeing a man as kind as Kuma allow himself to essentially die like he did moved me to tears. However, his sacrifices aren’t in vain. Thanks to him not only did Bonney get a second chance at life, but Luffy and the Straw Hats got the time they needed to prepare for the New World. What’s more, by the end of the Egghead Island Arc, Luffy, Vegapunk, Bonney, and the others can pay Saturn back for all the pain he’s caused. Luffy may not call himself a hero, but the fans would disagree. If anyone can end the tyranny of the Celestial Dragons, it’s Luffy. One way or another, Kuma will get the last laugh. 

This is also the last chapter of the year, so before we go, I wish you all happy holidays. Here’s hoping that we see Saturn pay starting next chapter!

I Give “Life of Kuma” a 5/5

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