In a series full of amazing characters, Bartholomew Kuma might just be the best-written one in One Piece.
In One Piece, Bartholomew Kuma emerges as a compelling character, captivating fans with his enigmatic nature. As a former Revolutionary Army and a member of the Warlords of the Sea, Kuma’s story finally unfolds on Egghead Island, revealing a character marked by a tragic transformation.
Kuma’s presence in the story extends beyond his role in separating the Straw Hat pirates but also as a character whose sacrifices are made to serve a greater cause. Through meticulous storytelling and character development, One Piece crafts Bartholomew Kuma into a figure whose journey is emotionally resonant and significant to the series’ future.
Kuma Was a Liberator Just Like Nika
The backstory of Kuma has been emotionally stirring for fans of One Piece. The Egghead arc revealed the story of Kuma, the tyrant from his childhood days as a slave to the Celestial dragons and the tragedy that followed him all through till he became the World Government’s puppet. As a Buccaneer, he believed in the legend of Sun God Nika as the liberator of the people from oppression. Because of his belief that a liberator would free the common people from oppression, Luffy’s action against the Celestial Dragon in Sabaody drove him to separate the Straw Hat Pirates to prepare them for the New World. At this time, Kuma is portrayed as a heartless and thoughtless puppet of the World Government. After this event, Kuma protected the Straw Hats ship from damage for two years till their return. The reason for his action was revealed in Egghead’s arc, coupled with many actions he took for the wellness of others, especially his daughter, Jewellery Bonney. Kuma liberated the Straw Hats and prepared them for the New World, just like he freed people from God Valley and liberated the people of Sorbet Kingdom. His selfless actions revolve around his admiration for Nika, a figure that even the Five Elders revere and fear, and his desire to be like him embodies his ideals of liberation.
A Member of the 3 Most Powerful Groups In The Series
Kuma is the only character to operate as a pirate, rebel in the revolutionary army, and member of the World Government simultaneously, which makes him a unique and compelling figure in the series. His role in these three significant groups shaped the narrative and built up the story down to the Egghead arc. Kuma left the Revolutionary Army and rose to become a Warlord of the Sea to save his daughter from a rare and fatal ailment. In exchange for allowing Dr. Vegapunk to experiment on him, Kuma made a deal with the World Government to discover a cure for his daughter. Because of Kuma’s dire circumstances, the Five Elders of the World Government used him as a puppet and made him follow their rules as a Warlord.
Every action Kuma took as part of the three entities influenced the whole part of the story. As a Pirate and part of the Revolutionary Army, he secretly fought against the oppression of the World Government just like Nika, and later aided the main cast’s journey into the New World.
A Core Character Behind the Scenes
Kuma first appears as one of the Shichibukai, powerful pirate allies of the World Government. He is involved in the Thriller Bark arc, where he is shown to possess incredible strength and the ability to repel attacks using his Devil Fruit power, the Nikyu Nikyu no Mi. The Thriller Bark arc was the first instance where Roronoa Zoro’s loyalty to Luffy was tested, and why Kuma was interested in testing out Luffy’s second in command was unknown then. Even though the Straw Hat pirates were seen as unbeatable, Kuma’s introduction in Thriller Bark demonstrated the power scaling in the One Piece world. This reinforced the idea that more powerful individuals and factions existed on the Grand Line. Also, Kuma plays a pivotal role in the Sabaody Archipelago arc. He separates the Straw Hat Pirates, scattering them across different parts of the world. The separation of the crew had a profound emotional impact on the Straw Hat Pirates and the story. The loss and uncertainty caused by their separation created a sense of urgency and motivation for each member to grow stronger during the time skip. This experience also deepened the bonds between the crew members and reinforced their determination to reunite. This event marks a significant turning point in the story and sets the stage for the crew’s adventures during the two-year time skip.
Moreover, the ex-schibukai’s enigmatic nature and affiliation with the World Government gave his character a sense of mystery and intrigue. This sets the stage for the revelations and plot development in the Egghead arc and gives reasons for Kuma’s part in the Straw Hats’ life. Also, Kuma’s actions and involvement in various arcs of the One Piece series have had profound emotional effects on the story, shaping the narrative and impacting the main characters’ lives. While characters like Trafalgar D. Law, Vinsmoke Sanji and Nico Robin have emotionally gripping backstories, their past affects their individual personality and the people around them, but their actions in the past never significantly impact the story’s future arcs.
Kuma’s Fate as a Tragic Hero
Kuma embodies admirable qualities to achieve a high status and ultimately faces a tragic fate due to circumstances beyond his control. The tragic nature becomes evident through his selflessness and willingness to sacrifice himself for the greater good. He gave up his freedom and identity for his daughter, Jewelry Bonney. Kuma’s willingness to bear such a burden and protect his friends adds a tragic depth to his character. A significant element of Kuma’s tragedy lies in the loss of his autonomy. In a cruel twist of fate, he is transformed into a Pacifista, a mindless weapon at the command of the World Government, thus distancing him from his humanity and former identity. This loss of free will and the reduction of his humanity symbolize the extent to which he has been stripped of his agency.
Kuma’s involvement with the Revolutionary Army and subsequent allegiance to the World Government created a moral dilemma and inner conflict within him. He is torn between his personal values, loyalty to his former crewmates, and the choices he has made. This internal struggle adds complexity to his character and underscores the tragic nature of his story. Kuma’s inner conflict showcases the challenges individuals face when caught between conflicting loyalties and the weight of their decisions. The ex-schibukai is a poignant representation of sacrifice and loyalty. His transformation highlights the fragility of individuality and the harsh realities of how far the World Government are willing to go to oppress the common people.
In a twist of fate, the revelation at Egghead has made Kuma’s action leave a lasting legacy in the hearts of all fans. He ensured the survival and the continuation of the Straw Hats journey and gave his little girl, Bonney, a chance to explore the sea. This selfless act showcases the nobility of his character, even in the face of tragedy, and he leaves behind a bittersweet reminder of the impact an individual can make, even in their darkest moments. Kuma’s life in One Piece at the moment will be one the most memorable and emotional stories in the series. By far, he is the best-written character in One Piece at the moment, and his tragic heroism leaves an indelible mark on the series, resonating with fans and adding depth and richness to the narrative.
