One Piece chapter 1102 impressively wraps up Kuma's flashback

Returning to the present, One Piece fans are left with a sense of awe and excitement. The journey into the past was emotional, with many touching moments, including the latest chapter which revisits Kuma's final moments before losing consciousness forever.

One Piece chapter 1102 marks a worthy end for Kuma's emotional flashback

Even Kuma was in awe at what Zoro did in Thriller Bark

Zoro preparing to bear all of Luffy's suffering in Thriller Bark (Image via Toei Animation, One Piece)

As Bonney embarked from Sorbet Kingdom in pursuit of Kuma, the latter, honoring his agreement with Saint Saturn, continued to carry out his duties as a Warlord. In One Piece chapter 1102, significant events involving both Kuma and the Straw Hat Pirates unfolded, presented from Kuma's perspective.

One Piece fans are given the opportunity to witness the Thriller Bark Incident from Kuma's perspective. Ordered to eliminate the Straw Hats and deliver their captain's head to the World Government, Kuma actually put the crew to the test to gauge their loyalty to Luffy.

When Zoro confronted him, Kuma was deeply moved by the swordsman's unwavering dedication to Luffy. Zoro offered his own life in place of Luffy's, and Kuma, a former member of the Revolutionary Army, agreed on the condition that Zoro's actions would not go unnoticed.

Zoro's "Nothing Happened" moment left even Kuma in awe (Image via Toei Animation, One Piece)

Utilizing the Paw-Paw Fruit, Kuma extracted all the damage and fatigue Luffy had accumulated from his past battles, transforming it into an enormous energy bubble. Without hesitating, Zoro boldly stepped into the bubble, accepting the daunting challenge.

Amazingly, Zoro endured all of Luffy’s pain, a remarkable feat considering the young pirate had pushed his body to its limits with his overuse of Gears. In addition to his own considerable suffering, Zoro took on Luffy’s tremendous pain as well. Even Kuma admitted he couldn't survive such damage, highlighting Zoro’s incredible toughness and unwavering dedication to saving Luffy. Despite the harrowing experience, Zoro remained fully conscious and standing.

Separating the Straw Hats, Kuma saved them

After witnessing the strength and determination of Zoro, Kuma departed from Thriller Bark feeling content. He couldn't suppress his joy at seeing that Luffy, the boy who resembled the legendary Nika from his father’s tales, had found trustworthy allies.

Kuma demonstrated his powers by warping away the Straw Hats (Image via Toei Animation, One Piece)

Learning about Luffy's brave actions in Sabaody Archipelago, including punching a Celestial Dragon, only deepened Kuma's fascination for him, as he realized Luffy's connection to his old friend and former leader, Monkey D. Dragon.

The Celestial Dragons were considered untouchable, so Kuma was shocked when he heard that Luffy had attacked one to protect a Fish-Man. Knowing the consequences, Kuma headed to Sabaody to protect Luffy and his friends. When Admiral Kizaru arrived to punish the Straw Hats for Luffy's attack, he was stopped by Silvers Rayleigh. This distraction allowed Kuma to make his move.

Luffy was completely unaware of Kuma's true intentions (Image via Toei Animation, One Piece)

One by one, Kuma teleported all of the Straw Hat crew members away. With his beloved comrades suddenly gone, Luffy experienced a deep emotional turmoil. Before finally warping Luffy as well, Kuma reflected on the fact that there seemed to be no other choice, as they were not yet prepared to face the challenges and hardships of the New World.

Kuma's actions were intended to rescue the Straw Hats from immediate danger and give them an opportunity to improve their abilities. While Kuma did indeed devastate the crew, his true intention was to give them a second chance to become strong enough to handle similar situations without needing to be rescued.

Chapter 1102 of One Piece revealed that Kuma saw Luffy as the man who would ultimately save the world. From this perspective, subjecting him to the pain of temporary separation would ultimately pay off in the future. Thanks to Kuma, the Straw Hat crew not only survived the Sabaody Incident, but also returned even stronger.

The end of Bartholomew Kuma’s life as a human

In One Piece 1102, Kuma remembered all his dear ones (Image via Shueisha/Colored by JLjarx)

In One Piece chapter 1102, it was revealed that Kuma had a brief encounter with Bonney while he was in Sabaody. Despite his strong desire to reunite with his beloved adoptive daughter, he refrained from doing so in order to protect her from the dangers associated with his deal with the World Government.

He observed Bonney from a distance, concealed outside the restaurant where she was first introduced in the One Piece series as "Big Eater" Jewelry Bonney, a member of the Eleven Supernovas of the Worst Generation. Though he deeply yearned to approach her, Kuma found solace in simply witnessing her presence, leading him to smile at the sight of Bonney.

Following some time, Vegapunk questioned Kuma about his unwavering belief in Luffy. In response, the Warlord explained that despite the potential myth surrounding Nika's story, he had once assured Bonney that the "Sun God" would eventually arrive to liberate her and all those who were oppressed.

Bonney in her first appearance in One Piece (Image via Toei Animation, One Piece)

Kuma stated that, after observing Luffy's behavior, he believed that the young pirate with the straw hat was the one who could change the world. Despite this, Vegapunk was forced by Saint Saturn to complete the final phase of Kuma's surgery.

According to the agreement between Kuma and Saturn, Kuma was to permanently lose his human consciousness and become a mindless cyborg at the service of the World Government. During the procedure, Vegapunk, Sentomaru, and others present were in tears.

Despite his circumstances, Kuma found peace and accepted his fate with a serene smile, knowing that his sacrifice would save Bonney. In one of the most moving scenes in the entire One Piece series, Kuma's entire life flashed before his eyes, allowing him to relive the faces and moments of the people he held dear. From his infancy, embraced by his loving parents, to the traumatic God Valley Incident where he found solace in the company of two friendly children, Ginny and Emporio Ivankov.

The image of Ginny as depicted in One Piece (Image via Shueisha/Colored by Amanomoon) is a powerful reminder of the past. Fast forward to the present, Kuma has transformed into a young man alongside Dragon and their comrades, including Gyogyo. In his mind, he holds on to Ginny's last playful smile, while also envisioning a young Bonney, his newfound purpose for existence, and the individual for whom he sacrificed everything.

After Kuma's last surgery, his memories were gathered in an energy bubble in Egghead's laboratory. However, when Bonney entered the bubble to witness them, it is likely that they faded forever. The final frame of Kuma's consciousness held his last words, requesting Vegapunk to pass on his birthday greeting to Bonney: "Happy 10th birthday, Bonney!"

Even as he faced his final moments as a human, Kuma's thoughts were not focused on himself, but on the child he had raised as his own daughter. In loving memory of Ginny, Kuma adored and shielded Bonney, who now, through his recollections, had the chance to understand what remarkable parents she had.

Kuma and Bonney in a recent One Piece chapter (Image via Shueisha/Colored by Amanomoon)

Chapter 1103 of One Piece will see a shift back to the events happening on Egghead in the present day. With Bonney held captive by Saint Saturn, it's crucial that someone intervenes soon. Additionally, the appearance of a seemingly controlled Kuma heading towards an undisclosed location seems too significant to be a mere coincidence.

With this exciting development, the Egghead Incident is approaching its critical juncture. The upcoming One Piece chapters are sure to be thrilling and impactful.

Be sure to keep up with all One Piece anime, manga, film, and live-action news as 2023 progresses.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan of One Piece, I am thoroughly impressed with the latest chapter, which delves into the captivating backstory of Bartholomew Kuma. Eiichiro Oda's masterful storytelling elevates Kuma from a seemingly secondary character to a figure of immense narrative significance. The emotional depth and poignant moments in this chapter left me in awe.

The flashback to Kuma's time in Thriller Bark is particularly impactful. Witnessing the events from Kuma's perspective sheds new light on his motivations and actions. The scene where Zoro selflessly offers his life to protect Luffy is a testament to the Straw Hats' unwavering loyalty and camaraderie. Zoro's incredible endurance and determination in bearing Luffy's pain is a defining moment that highlights his unwavering dedication to his captain.

One Piece Manga - Anime One Piece is an incredible adventure-filled series that has captivated its fans for over two decades. It follows the journey of Monkey D. Luffy and his pirate crew, the Straw Hat Pirates, as they search for the ultimate treasure, the One Piece, in order to become the King of the Pirates. With its compelling storyline, diverse and lovable characters, epic battles, and themes of friendship and determination, One Piece has created a vast and immersive world that keeps fans eagerly anticipating each new chapter or episode. It is a timeless masterpiece that continues to redefine the boundaries of the shonen genre, making it a must-watch or read for any anime or manga enthusiast.