With bated breath, One Piece aficionados are gearing up for a revelatory journey in the upcoming Chapter 1096, scheduled to grace the manga world on October 30, 2023. The air is rife with anticipation as the initial spoilers promise to delve deeper into the poignant backstory of Bartholomew Kuma, with the narrative woven through the contemplative musings of Jewelry Bonney.
The Tragic Tale of Kuma
Disclaimer: This article is laden with major spoilers from the One Piece manga up to chapter 1096.
From Humble Beginnings to Fearsome Warrior
His exceptional combat abilities are largely attributed to his mastery over the Paramecia-type Devil Fruit, the Paw-Paw Fruit, endowing him with unparalleled versatility in repelling anything in his grasp, from attacks and weaponry to people and even intangible entities like air.
The Power of the Paw-Paw Fruit
The permanent imprint of paw pads on his hands necessitates the use of gloves to mitigate accidental activations of his powers. And while his abilities are formidable, it is crucial to acknowledge the potential override by potent Haki users.
Kuma’s prowess is exemplified through techniques such as the Tsuppari Pad Cannon and the devastating Ursus Shock, witnessed in the Thriller Bark and Marineford arcs. These instances underscored both the offensive and defensive capabilities of the Paw-Paw Fruit, as well as its ability to facilitate high-speed travel, making distances moot.
Kuma’s Transformation: From Man to Cyborg
Kuma’s journey took a harrowing turn when he submitted to Dr. Vegapunk’s experiments, resulting in his transformation into a cyborg under the World Government’s sway. Despite this, his connection to his past and the Revolutionary Army endured, culminating in a dramatic rescue.
The Legacy of the Paw-Paw Fruit
Yet, Kuma’s legacy extends beyond his own use of the Paw-Paw Fruit. Vegapunk’s creation of the Seraphim, cyborgs imbued with the abilities of former Warlords, ensures the continuation of Kuma’s powers in the form of S-Bear, a cyborg replica wielding a facsimile of the Paw-Paw Fruit’s powers.
Kuma in Ch. 1096 :
"I won't ever forget your face Iva-chan."
That's why Iva was shocked that Kuma forgot his face in Marineford. Kuma's mind was already gone. 💔#ONEPIECE#ONEPIECE1096 pic.twitter.com/wpFKlQZQLv
— The Will of Marco (マルコの意志) (@TheWillOfMarco) October 25, 2023
Kuma’s Desperate Fight for Freedom
Kuma’s backstory is a tapestry of pain, endurance, and resilience. Enslaved alongside his family by the Celestial Dragons, he endured unspeakable atrocities, witnessing the demise of his parents and being thrust into the brutality of a human hunting tournament. It was in this crucible of cruelty that Kuma found allies in Emporio Ivankov and Ginny, crafting a daring plan of escape hinged on the theft of prized Devil Fruits.
Confrontation and Escape: The God Valley Incident
As fate would have it, their path collided with the formidable Charlotte Linlin “Big Mom” and the Rocks Pirates, setting the stage for an epic confrontation that would eventually lead to Kuma consuming the Paw-Paw Fruit on the spot, a momentous decision that would shape his destiny.
Although the aftermath of this encounter remains shrouded in mystery until the full release of Chapter 1096, speculation abounds on the potential use of his newfound abilities to ensure his and his allies’ survival, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Kuma’s tumultuous life.
As the world of One Piece continues to unfold in 2023, fans can look forward to unraveling more of its rich tapestry, with the saga of Bartholomew Kuma serving as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the untold power that lies within.
https://youtu.be/CVJ8m5XRaYg
