One Piece chapter 1095 depicts a significant change in the situation on Egghead, as Saint Jaygarcia Saturn, a member of the Five Elders, undergoes a horrific transformation into a monstrous being. He effortlessly overpowers Jewelry Bonney and Sanji, who are rendered completely defenseless against him.
On Thriller Bark, Bartholomew Kuma released Luffy from his pain and tested Zoro's ability to withstand it. Afterwards, utilizing his Paw-Paw Fruit ability, he materializes his memories into a massive bubble, which he leaves behind on Egghead. Driven by a desire to gain a deeper understanding of Kuma, his daughter Bonney ventures into the bubble and witnesses his memories.
In the grip of Saturn's vice, Bonney found herself flooded with memories of Kuma. A powerful flashback unraveled the intricacies of his life, shedding light on crucial details, such as his affiliation with a unique and mysterious race.
Note: This article includes significant spoilers from One Piece manga, up to chapter 1096.
One Piece adds new lore with the introduction of the Buccaneer Race
Image via Toei Animation, One Piece
Initially portrayed as a formidable Seven Warlords member, Bartholomew Kuma served the World Government. By consuming the Paw-Paw Fruit, Kuma acquired the ability to repel any object or attack he came into contact with using his paw pads.
Kuma possessed a Devil Fruit that granted him incredible proficiency in both defensive and offensive abilities. With the ability to expel air at the speed of light, he could generate cannon-like shockwaves or propel himself, others, or objects with such rapidity that it appeared as if he could teleport.
Notably, Kuma's power extended to repelling intangible entities, including his own memories and another individual's physical suffering and tiredness. Eventually, Kuma willingly underwent the transformation into a cyborg, solidifying his position as the initial blueprint for the Pacifista series.
In the fierce battle between Kuma and Zoro within the eerie confines of Thriller Bark, captured in this image from Toei Animation's One Piece, Kuma journeyed to the island with the intention of obliterating the Straw Hat Pirates and seizing Luffy's coveted head. However, when Roronoa Zoro, the crew's valiant second-in-command, risked his own life to protect their captain, Kuma opted to withdraw.
Kuma resurfaced later in the Sabaody Archipelago, utilizing his formidable Devil Fruit abilities to separate the Straw Hats, scattering them to various places. Soon after, Kuma succumbed to the loss of his own free will. Following his involvement in the Paramount War, he found himself enslaved by the oppressive Celestial Dragons.
Given Kuma's significant role in the Revolutionary Army, a group dedicated to toppling the World Government, his current situation is undoubtedly the worst fate imaginable. Fortunately, in the latest Levely, his former comrades were able to successfully liberate him.
Recent developments in the One Piece manga have shed light on the complexities of Kuma's character – a man referred to as "The Tyrant" but cherished in the memories of Bonney as a kind and affectionate father. Chapter 1095 of One Piece delves deeper into Kuma's life, unraveling his tragic history and origins.
Who is Bartholomew Kuma in One Piece?
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In One Piece 1095, Sanji and Bonney were easily defeated by Saint Saturn. Once they were unable to move, he taunted Bonney about her father, Kuma. In chapter 1064, it was revealed that Kuma belonged to a unique race.
Chapter 1095 unveiled Saturn's revelation that Kuma was actually a survivor of the extinct "Buccaneer Race." According to Saturn, the members of this tribe were responsible for a significant crime in the past.
Recollecting Kuma's memories, Bonney reminisced about the moment 47 years ago when he was born and encountered his parents for the first time. Regrettably, the World Government agents discovered the family and apprehended all three, despite Kuma's father pleading for them to release his wife and child.
Consequently, Kuma and his parents were enslaved by the Celestial Dragons. In a matter of years, Kuma's mother passed away. His father, Klap, attempted to uplift his spirits by sharing that the Warrior of Liberation, known as "Sun God" Nika, would eventually arrive to rescue them and the other enslaved individuals.
Kuma's tragic backstory is depicted in the image above (Image via Eiichiro Oda/Shueisha, One Piece).
As per Klap, the tale of Nika formed an integral part of the folklore among the Buccaneers. In an attempt to help his son comprehend the story better, Klap began imitating Nika's actions and even replicating the resonating sound of his Drums of Liberation. However, moments later, a Celestial Dragon mercilessly gunned him down as he had created too much disturbance with the noise.
The storytelling then transitioned to a point 38 years prior to the current events in One Piece. On the island of God Valley, located in the West Blue, the despicable Celestial Dragons had gathered for a sadistic human hunting challenge. In this twisted game, they would relentlessly pursue their enslaved victims, as well as the native inhabitants of God Valley.
Among the unfortunate slaves selected to be the prey of the heartless Celestial Dragons was a man named Kuma. Despite his attempts to flee, he was eventually tracked down and captured. However, it was during this ordeal that Kuma encountered two fellow slaves who would play significant roles in his future. One of them was a young child named Emporio Ivankov, who would later become Kuma's comrade in the Revolutionary Army. The other was a little girl named Ginny.
A sad flashback finally reveals Kuma's special race
Luffy seems to be the new Joy Boy (Image via Toei Animation, One Piece)
In One Piece chapter 1095, it is revealed that the character Kuma belongs to the special race known as the Buccaneers. This ethnic group possesses the blood of Giants, which results in their exceptionally large size and physical strength. Kuma, as an adult, stands at an impressive height of 689 centimeters. Based on this information, it is speculated that Edward Newgate, also known as "Whitebeard" and considered the World's Strongest Man and one of the Four Emperors, might also belong to the Buccaneer Race. Whitebeard possesses a colossal and mighty physique, resembling Kuma's youthful appearance at the same age.
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Another remarkable Buccaneer could be none other than Charlotte Linlin, famously known as "Big Mom." Since her early years, Big Mom has astounded people with her extraordinary physical strength and resilience, earning her the title of a natural phenomenon. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that many of Linlin's sons, such as Katakuri, Daifuku, and Oven, possess an imposing stature.
Despite Big Mom's parents appearing as normal humans, this contradicted her being a descendant of the Buccaneers. Additionally, according to the reliable information provided by Saturn, the Buccaneers were believed to have been completely eradicated, with Kuma being the sole survivor.
While the World Government thought that all members of the Lunarian race had been slain except for Alber, the only survivor, they were unaware that he had become King, Kaido's most powerful subordinate, after escaping imprisonment.
The World Government had no idea about that, and reportedly, they were ready to offer an astonishing sum of a hundred million berries in exchange for any information about the location of a surviving Lunarian - and that's not even taking into account their significant status. #LunarianSurvivorReward
The Lunarian-born King, who served as a right-hand man to a Yonko, had a distinct difference compared to another Yonko who had multiple subordinates belonging to the Buccaneer Race. This was particularly evident as King concealed his true identity, while Big Mom's sons were unable to hide their large statures.
Interestingly, after the reveal of King as the sole surviving Lunarian, One Piece introduced the Seraphim. These were cyborgs enhanced with King's DNA, granting them Lunarian characteristics and abilities. Consequently, the population of living Lunarians noticeably grew, encompassing both the original Lunarians and the artificial ones.
Furthermore, although this particular race was only introduced recently and claimed to be extinct, with the exception of Kuma, numerous characters have already sparked speculation of their association with the Buccaneers. Given One Piece's idiosyncratic and peculiar variations in character sizes, such conjecture is not surprising.Big Mom and Whitebeard (Image via Toei Animation, One Piece)
The Buccaneers Race appears to have a connection to Joy Boy, the mythical figure who originated the legend of the One Piece treasure centuries ago. Joy Boy left various items on the final island of the Grand Line. When Luffy unlocked the true potential of his Mythical Zoan Human-Human Model, Nika, he attained a new form known as Gear 5. In this form, he can battle using his imagination and bring joy to those around him, much like the legendary "Sun God" Nika.
Zunesha, a colossal elephant older than a thousand years, claimed that the fabled figure known as Joy Boy had resurfaced in the form of Luffy, hundreds of years following the reign of the previous Joy Boy, with whom Zunesha had encountered in the past.
In the One Piece episode 1095, Bonney recalled Kuma revealing his lifelong aspiration of becoming a hero who could alleviate the suffering of all, much like Nika. Kuma stated that Nika would engage energetically, wearing a smile, to the beat of the "Drums of Liberation."
The enormous straw hat at Mary Geoise (Image via Toei Animation, One Piece)
Luffy's Gear 5 transformation aligns with Kuma's portrayal of Nika, which was passed down through Klap's tender tales. The connection between them could be further enhanced, as Klap's stories drew inspiration from the age-old folklore of the Buccaneers.
The members of this race share traits with the giants, leading one to consider the giant straw hat that Imu-sama possesses. This enormous hat must have been owned by either a Giant or a Buccaneer.
There is strong speculation that the mighty straw hat belonged to Joy Boy, indicating that this legendary figure may have been a member of one of these races. However, at this point, it remains one of many assumptions and theories in which Bartholomew Kuma is involved.
The Buccaneers Race might be linked with Joy Boy
Kuma and Bonney have to meet again (Image via Toei Animation, One Piece)
Kuma's involvement in the One Piece storyline is still a mystery. The details of how he joined the Revolutionary Army and why he became a member of the Seven Warlords, willingly allowing the World Government to transform him into a mindless cyborg, remain undisclosed.
This particular incident played a crucial role in Bonney's decision to become a pirate. Seeking vengeance against Vegapunk, the scientist responsible for altering her father's body, she embarked on her own journey, eventually rising to fame as one of the notorious Eleven Supernovas of the Worst Generation.
Bonney is unaware that the Revolutionaries have liberated Kuma from his enslavement in Mary Geoise. Despite unknown motives, Kuma unexpectedly utilized his Devil Fruit abilities to return to the very same location. In a confrontation with Sakazuki "Akainu," Kuma was compelled to escape.
Although his present whereabouts remain undisclosed, it is highly probable that he is en route to Egghead, where Bonney, his daughter, presently resides. Interestingly enough, the Straw Hat Pirates, a crew with significant ties to Kuma, coincidentally find themselves on Egghead as well.
Be sure to keep up with One Piece's manga, anime, and live-action as 2023 progresses.