The latest chapter of the hit manga One Piece has revealed major new details about the tragic history of Bartholomew Kuma, one of the series’ most mysterious characters.
Chapter 1102, titled “The Life of Kuma,” traces Kuma’s journey from his introduction as a member of the Seven Warlords of the Sea to his eventual transformation into a mindless weapon of the World Government.
It explores his complex motivations and relationships, including his respect for the Revolutionary Dragon and faith that Dragon’s son Luffy will one day “change the seas.”
The chapter also discloses that Kuma was aware all along that Luffy was Dragon’s son, shocking fellow scientist Dr. Vegapunk who created the Pacifista cyborgs. We learn that Kuma willingly gave up his free will and memories to protect the Straw Hats’ ship Thousand Sunny, hoping to witness their growth in the New World.
In an emotional montage, we see snippets of Kuma’s entire life, including those he cherishes most, before his consciousness is erased. The chapter leaves off with a teary-eyed Bonney discovering that Kuma’s memory sphere, containing his lost recollections, is now missing from Vegapunk’s lab.
This gut-wrenching backstory for Kuma has rocked the One Piece fandom, adding depth to his sacrifice. Kuma’s faith in Luffy to liberate the seas parallels the legend of the warrior Nika that Luffy recently awakened the powers of. The mystery of the missing memory sphere could also set up an epic future arc. With these shocking revelations, Kuma’s enigmatic story has become perhaps the most gripping in One Piece.
