One Piece Chapter 1097: The Revolutionary Army Recruits Kuma as a Mysterious Foe Abducts Ginny

The unofficial scanlations of One Piece chapter 1097 were released on November 2, 2023. This brought the continuation of Bartholomew Kuma's flashback, which has fans eagerly reading and discussing. Although unofficial, these translations are usually accurate and some fans even prefer them over the official release. In this chapter, there is a significant reference to a memorable moment before the time-skip and the beginning of Kuma and Ivankov's unfortunate captures by the World Government.

One Piece chapter 1097 sets up Saint Jaygarcia Saturn’s involvement in Kuma’s tragic downfall

One Piece chapter 1097 continues its focus on Bartholomew Kuma's adolescent origins (Image via Toei Animation)

Chapter 1097 of One Piece opens with a flashback to the Sorbet Kingdom in the South Blue. This flashback takes place eight years after the God Valley Incident, which is 30 years before the main story. An elderly woman who remembers Kuma and his family seeks his help in alleviating her pain and sickness. She expresses her belief that Kuma's role as a clergyman would have made his family proud.

We learn that Kuma has become a pastor, and the elderly woman remarks on the scarcity of young people in the country. Grateful for the relief from her ailments, she thanks Kuma, and other senior citizens eagerly line up to receive his healing touch. They all express their gratitude towards Kuma and refer to his hands as "miraculous." Some even inquire about the possibility of visiting him during the week as well.

One Piece chapter 1097 features the arrival of a 21-year-old Ginny. She informs the group that she only offers her services on Sundays and questions where they plan on disembarking, while also requesting additional assistance free of charge. Amused by Ginny's frugal nature, they all share a laugh, further fueling her anger. They discuss how none of Ginny's other admirers stand a chance against Kuma, who they believe to be excessively kind. In response, Ginny asserts that it is actually Kuma who shows excessive kindness towards them.

The seniors express their desire to support and donate to Kuma, but they feel hindered by King Bekori's excessive taxation for the Celestial Tribute. They fear imprisonment and even mention the possibility of dying from starvation due to this situation.

In One Piece chapter 1097, it is revealed that Bekori is eavesdropping on their conversation and appears to be embarrassed by their insults. Kuma reassures them that by visiting him every week, he can help alleviate their pain or minor illnesses, thus ensuring their well-being and preventing a similar grim fate.

After their departure, Kuma finds himself burdened with a monumental paw-shaped bubble, filled with the accumulated anguish and torment he had absorbed from others. Just like Zoro in Thriller Bark, he plunges his hands into the bubble and diligently absorbs every bit of pain, ensuring it never finds its way back to the people he had relieved. As Kuma writhes in agony, tending to his wounds afterward, Ginny remains outside the room, shedding tears of sorrow.

In One Piece chapter 1097, it is revealed that Kuma was well-aware of the consequences he had imposed on Zoro in Thriller Bark. (Image via Toei Animation)

In One Piece chapter 1097, the discussion revolves around someone who repeatedly injures themselves for the sake of others, yet remains unnoticed. Despite this, they claim it is inevitable and are grateful for their ability to assist. They apologize for causing worry to Ginny, who dismisses it as irrelevant before the two share a meal and enjoy each other's company.

The story then fast-forwards five years, revealing a 26-year-old Ginny proposing marriage to a 22-year-old Kuma. However, Kuma declines, triggering Ginny's anger as she believes his love for her is evident. Although Kuma admits the prospect would bring him happiness, he recalls the tragic history of his parents and decides against it, not wanting to cause unhappiness for Ginny.

One Piece chapter 1097: An unexpected reunion

One Piece chapter 1097 then has a shift in topic as Kuma points out an article featuring Monkey D. Dragon and his Freedom Fighters. Expressing admiration, Kuma refers to Dragon as a hero and reveals his own aspiration to venture out to sea and dedicate his life to saving others someday. In the following scene, the two boys who previously teased Kuma are shown offering gifts to Ginny, only to receive a retaliatory response from her.

The story takes a jump forward of three years, bringing our attention to events that took place 22 years before the current narrative. Kuma, easily identifiable with his trademark hat, is shown raising his voice at soldiers who have just abducted some elderly individuals from earlier scenes. Alarming as it may be, these soldiers assert their actions are justified by a new legislation that grants them unlimited power over individuals from the Southern region of the island. Kuma interprets this as a bleak sign, implying that all of them are destined to be enslaved.

Enraged, he utilizes an Ursus Shock to assault the soldiers. In One Piece chapter 1097, King Bekori appears unfazed by the backlash against the new policy and instead embarks on a tirade about how designating the northern area as the true Sorbet Kingdom will reduce the cost of the Celestial Tribute. In a similar manner, the prosperous individuals who can afford to cover the tribute will thrive, as the "cancer" of the country originating from the financially burdened elderly in the southern region will be eradicated.

Subsequently, it is unveiled that Kuma, Ginny, and three others have all been apprehended, with Ginny and the others being detained for attempting to secure Kuma's release. Kuma laments the impending transformation of his homeland into such a hateful environment, while Ginny speculates that Bekori is likely receiving instructions from the Celestial Dragons and other higher authorities.

The Revolutionary Army, led by Dragon, Ivankov, and their Freedom Fighters, launches an assault on Bekori's palace in chapter 1097 of One Piece. They successfully overthrow the ruler and liberate Kuma and Ginny. As a result, Kuma, Ivankov, and Dragon become the pillars of the newly formed Revolutionary Army.

Dragon stated that the group had insufficient funds, leading them to adopt the role of mercenaries in order to train and equip new recruits for the upcoming battles. Curious, Kuma inquired about Dragon's knowledge of weapons, prompting him to disclose his past affiliation with the Marines and his subsequent dissatisfaction with their lack of justice. In response, Kuma assured Dragon of his support, to which Dragon expressed confidence in Kuma, assuring him that he would not regret joining their cause.

In addition, in chapter 1097 of One Piece, it is revealed that Kuma would occasionally return to the Sorbet Kingdom to assist the elderly, as the narrative shifted eight years forward in a flashback. Furthermore, it is shown that fourteen years prior to the present events, Ginny (now the leader of the Army's Eastern Forces) eagerly anticipated meeting Kuma's group the following day.

One Piece chapter 1097: In summation

As Kuma and Ginny discuss Kuma's luck in winning Ginny's heart, an unidentified person approaches them. The scene then transitions to the Army's Baltigo headquarters, where Dragon is informed that Ginny has been captured by an unforeseen adversary, bringing the issue to a close. While the true identity of this unexpected enemy remains unknown to fans, many speculate that it is Saint Jaygarcia Saturn.

As One Piece chapter 1097 delves into Kuma's backstory, it also sets the stage for what lies ahead, demonstrating a wise decision. Despite its rapid pace, Kuma's flashback doesn't feel hurried, although some may argue that certain aspects could benefit from more elaboration.

However, the topic is both exciting and informative, particularly with the surprising revelation that Dragon is a former Marine. Although Ginny's capture is also thrilling, the disclosure about Dragon presents countless possibilities for the series, making it deserving of the highest recognition.

Stay updated on all the latest news about One Piece anime, manga, films, and live-action adaptations throughout the course of 2023.

Editor's P/S

In One Piece chapter 1097, we see the Revolutionary Army recruiting Kuma, while a mysterious foe abducts Ginny. This chapter is full of action and adventure, and it's clear that the stakes are high for our heroes. I'm excited to see what happens next, and I can't wait to find out who is behind Ginny's abduction.

I'm also intrigued by the revelation that Kuma was aware of the consequences he had imposed on Zoro in Thriller Bark. This shows that Kuma is a complex and conflicted character, and I'm eager to learn more about his backstory. Overall, I think this was a great chapter, and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next in the One Piece story.