One Piece: The Connection Between Kuma's Background and Zoro's Haunting Experience in Thriller Bark

Article Key Points

Zoro's moment of taking on Luffy's pain after the battle with Kuma on Thriller Bark is a poignant demonstration of loyalty and camaraderie.

The unveiling of One Piece Chapter 1097 sheds light on Kuma's history and unwavering loyalty to Monkey D. Dragon, adding greater significance to Zoro's steadfast stance. Kuma's unique power to repel emotions, memories, fatigue, and pain greatly influenced his decision to spare Luffy, amplifying the significance of Zoro's selfless sacrifice.

The Thriller Bark Arc in One Piece has received mixed reactions, mainly due to its complex storyline, slow pacing, and limited narrative progression. However, amidst these criticisms, there is a single moment in the arc that stands out as a powerful display of loyalty and camaraderie. This moment occurs when Zoro willingly takes on all of Luffy's pain after their battle with Warlord Bartholomew Kuma.

One Piece Chapter 1097 reveals shocking details about Kuma's past and the hardships he endured, which shaped him into the person the Straw Hat Pirates encountered on Thriller Bark. Combined with Kuma's unwavering allegiance to Monkey D. Dragon, Zoro's act of self-sacrifice takes on a deeper significance. This newfound understanding of Kuma's values and worldview adds even more impact to the original moment.

The Power Of The Nikyu Nikyu no Mi

Bartholomew Kuma obtained the power to repel almost anything after consuming the Devil Fruit during the renowned God Valley Incident. His newfound ability allowed him to rescue numerous enslaved individuals who were on the brink of death in God Valley, serving as a powerful testament to his compassion despite the adversities he faced.

Apart from repelling physical objects, Kuma's power extended to emotions, memories, fatigue, and pain, making the latter an especially significant aspect. By extracting these elements from a person's body and encapsulating them in a paw-shaped bubble, he could temporarily alleviate their suffering. However, it is crucial to note that the pain contained within the bubble would eventually return to its original source. This played a critical role in Kuma's offer to spare Luffy's life in return for Zoro taking on his captain's accumulated pain. Otherwise, the pain would have resurfaced and proven fatal for Luffy.

Kuma's Tortured Youth

After returning to the Sorbet Kingdom from God Valley, Kuma took up residence in a church, dedicating his time to treating the sick and elderly in the region using his special abilities. Remarkably, he never sought any form of compensation, understanding the dire poverty inflicted upon the people due to the Celestial Dragons' Heaven Tribute. This selfless act mirrored Kuma's aspiration to emulate the revered Sun God Nika. Unfortunately, this display of kindness came with a tragic consequence.

Because the pain he extracted from his patients would gather in a massive bubble shaped like a paw, Kuma had no choice but to absorb all of it into his own body to prevent its return to those he had healed. Each time, this burden subjected him to the accumulated agony of countless individuals, leaving him battered, bruised, and gravely injured. Undeterred by these hardships, he persisted in aiding the needy in the Sorbet Kingdom. The only person aware of his suffering was Ginny, his partner and a former slave liberated from God Valley.

Despite Ginny's constant pleas for Kuma to stop his healing sessions, which caused him immense suffering, he remained steadfast in his dedication to helping others. This unwavering commitment would later play a significant role in the next chapter of his life. However, when the ruler of the Sorbet Kingdom decided to neglect the impoverished regions and reduce his contribution to the Heavenly Tribute, Kuma became furious and launched an attack on the kingdom's armed forces. Consequently, he was imprisoned.

Fortunately, Kuma's imprisonment didn't last long as the Sorbet Kingdom was soon liberated by Emporio Ivankov, a former ally, who arrived with Monkey D. Dragon, the leader of the newly formed Freedom Fighters. Kuma had long admired Dragon, and this admiration solidified his determination to join their ranks. Eventually, this decision led to the formation of the Revolutionary Army. Before his time as a Warlord of the Sea, Kuma had proved to be an invaluable ally to Dragon, indicating that their respect for each other was mutual.

Testing The Future Pirate King's Right Hand

Considering Kuma's knowledge of Luffy's true parentage, it becomes apparent that this information played a significant role in shaping his actions during the Thriller Bark Arc and beyond. While the world only learned about Luffy's connection to Dragon during the Summit War of Marineford, Kuma's awareness of this fact underscores the reasoning behind his decisions. Moreover, it is evident that Kuma held a deep respect for Dragon, as demonstrated by his decision to spare Luffy on multiple occasions, including the Sabaody Archipelago incident.

From a certain perspective, Kuma's proposal to Zoro can be viewed as a test to gauge Luffy's network of reliable allies. Similar to Kuma's own inclination to support those around him and endure their suffering, it is plausible that he sought to assess Zoro's determination and capability to serve as Dragon's son's trusted right hand. This evaluation might have mirrored the way Kuma had once assisted Luffy's father as a member of the Revolutionary Army, taking on his burdens and providing aid.

Furthermore, Kuma has consistently shown an inexplicable concern for the Straw Hat Pirates. He took the initiative to send them to different locations for training during the time skip and even protected the Thousand Sunny for two years. These actions clearly indicate Kuma's support for the Straw Hat Pirates. Moreover, his test of Zoro's determination was a way to confirm his trust in Luffy, who is Dragon's son. These revelations about Kuma bring a new level of depth to Zoro's role in Thriller Bark, highlighting the similarities between Dragon and Kuma's relationship and the bond between Zoro and Luffy.

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Editor's P/S

In the world of One Piece, loyalty and camaraderie are paramount virtues, and the connection between Kuma's background and Zoro's haunting experience in Thriller Bark exemplifies this beautifully. Kuma's unwavering loyalty to Monkey D. Dragon and his selfless acts of healing the sick and elderly in the Sorbet Kingdom paint a picture of a complex and compassionate character.

Despite the immense pain and suffering he endured, Kuma remained steadfast in his mission to alleviate the burdens of others. Zoro's willingness to take on Luffy's pain after their battle with Kuma further emphasizes the depth of loyalty and sacrifice that exists within the Straw Hat Pirates. These moments not only enrich the narrative of One Piece but also serve as a reminder of the profound impact that loyalty and compassion can have in the face of adversity.