Bartholomew Kuma first appeared as a formidable cyborg in the Thriller Bark arc of One Piece, leaving many fans intrigued yet fearful. However, this was merely the tip of the iceberg regarding his story. Eiichiro Oda has been gradually revealing Kuma’s tragic backstory, and it reached a new level of depth in the Egghead arc. Recently, in One Piece chapter 1164, we witness Kuma’s heroism, dramatically changing our perception of his character.
Spoiler Warning:
This article contains spoilers about the God Valley incident. Proceed with caution.
Bartholomew Kuma Saved Blackbeard and His Mother in God Valley
The tale of how Ginny revealed the Native Hunting Competition is well-known. With Ivankov’s help, Kuma obtained the Nikyu Nikyu no Mi devil fruit and its powers. These powers, referred to as the Hands of Liberation, allowed him to rescue numerous enslaved individuals. Among those he saved on God Valley Island was a family we were previously unaware of.
Tragically, during the God Valley incident, Rocks was manipulated by Imu, leading him to hunt down his own family. In a moment of despair, he pursued Eris and her son, Blackbeard, intending to bring harm to them. As they fled, the Marines attacked, adding to their peril.
Fortunately for them, Kuma was present, determined to save lives. Recognizing Eris and her child in danger, he harnessed his Paw Paw devil fruit powers to teleport them to safety just in time. This selfless act designates Kuma as an unlikely savior—an angel who rescued two pivotal figures of this era.
Kuma Is the Savior of Both Luffy and Blackbeard in One Piece
We also remember the moment when Kuma sent away the Straw Hats during the Sabaody Archipelago arc, an event that seemed harsh at the time but ultimately protected Luffy. As revealed in his recent flashback in Egghead, Kuma saved Luffy’s life that day, paving the way for him to become the Joy Boy of this generation.
Learning that Kuma also saved Blackbeard adds another layer of complexity. He’s an undeserved hero whose actions inadvertently supported the futures of two critical figures in the One Piece world. It’s no exaggeration to say that Kuma embodies kindness, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he puts himself at risk to save another life in the future.
Were you surprised to discover Kuma’s role in saving Rocks’ family? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
What is the God Valley incident in One Piece? The God Valley incident refers to a significant historical event that shaped various characters’ destinies, including Bartholomew Kuma and Blackbeard.
Why is Kuma considered a tragic character? Kuma is seen as tragic because his journey transitions from being a humble savior to a cyborg under the government’s control, losing his will while still striving to save others.
Did Kuma always intend to save Luffy? Yes, Kuma’s actions during the Sabaody Archipelago arc were motivated by a deep desire to protect Luffy and ensure his survival for what was to come.
How does Kuma’s story connect with the broader One Piece narrative? Kuma’s arc intertwines with significant broader themes of sacrifice, the struggle for freedom, and the impact of one’s actions on future generations.
In conclusion, Kuma’s journey reveals him as a complex character with a heart full of compassion. As we delve deeper into his story, it enriches our understanding of One Piece. Keep exploring the narrative and consider visiting Moyens I/O for more insights into the world of your favorite anime.