r/OnePiece • u/Kirosh2 Lookout • Dec 21 '23
Current Chapter One Piece: Chapter 1102 Spoiler
Chapter 1102: "The Life of Kuma"
| Source | Status |
|---|---|
| Official Release | OFFLINE |
| TCBscans website (TCBscans (dot) com) | ONLINE |
| TCB Discord | ONLINE |
| /r/OnePiece Discord | ONLINE |
There is a break next week technically
Ch. 1102 Official Release (Mangaplus): 24/12/2023
Ch. 1103 Scan Release: ~30/12/2023
Please discuss the manga here and in the theory/discussion post. Any other post will be removed until 24h after the release.
Please also remember to put the chapter number in the title for any future post talking about this chapter.
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u/Pizzaplan3tman Dec 21 '23
The Page of Kuma running and growing up showing how much he’s fought, survived, and grown was beautiful. Then the follow up of how heartbreaking it is to see Bonney sobbing. Kuma one of the best characters. Seeing him too see Luffy hit the Celestial Dragons and realizing he is NIKA in that moment was awesome. What a chapter, what a character, hats off and salute for Kuma lads! 🫡
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u/RulerD Dec 21 '23
That page broke me. He went through so much, and was always selfless and hopeful. He was indeed a hero for everyone he met.
And the final page with the message reveal finished me. I'm sobbing so hard right now.
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u/Dodoma22 Dec 21 '23
This chapter (this entire flashback I would say) broke my heart in pieces
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u/Mawnix Dec 21 '23
Yeah I don't know the last time I cried with One Piece. Something about this flashback just fucking.. hit.
I think it's the heaviest one we've had, even when we consider Nami or Robin's.
When Vegapunk brokedown I legit teared up. There was something about seeing this scientist no longer logical, or using scientific terms. He just.. had spent the past 2 years getting to know a genuinely good person, and he was basically responsible for his 'death'.
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u/Lombricien Dec 21 '23
Lots of people want to see Akainu dead but honestly… he did his job (too much but still)
Saturn on the other hand… this bastard needs to die. Him and every goddamn celestial dragons have to rot in hell
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u/Mawnix Dec 21 '23 edited Dec 23 '23
Yeah there's a difference between someone in a position like Akainu, who has a radical, hard stance of justice, when most pirates in the world are scum and bastards.
vs. someone like Saturn whose entire motivation is oppression because, for some reason, the Ancient Kingdom, Nika, and the One Piece were "evil" enough from their point of view to completely suppress anything/everything concerning it, regardless of the choice.
The big difference though is the fucking callousness. Akainu isn't going around telling slaves they're worthless. Akainu is a means to an end that even he's aware of, regardless of how he conducts himself to enact his version of justice.
Saturn is just a straight up stone cold fascist bastard that needs to fucking die.
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u/RulerD Dec 21 '23
Indeed. It made me weep a bit, and everything slowly built up to those last pages.
I don't remember the last time I sobbed so hard to a chapter.
It is so tragic, sad, and still so beautiful how the only thing he wanted to leave behind was a "Happy Birthday"...
Gonna keep crying for a while.
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u/TheIncredibleNurse Dec 21 '23
That last shot of Bonney… Holy Fuck , my heart hurts. Fuck you ODA
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u/Dancingwith_Death Pirate Dec 21 '23
That panel where vegapunk flips the switch was also great. It showed raw emotions in that panel.
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u/FireFistRJ Dec 21 '23
The paw-paw man certainly had a rough life thanks to the celestial dragons, and when he heard that Luffy hit the Celestial dragon he felt like, finally there is a person who can stand up against the REAL TYRANTS of this world, just like his idol NIKA would do.
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u/le_trans_alt Dec 21 '23
What’s neat is that as much as people have complained about Nika making Luffy a “chosen one,” even with Kuma knowing the legend of Nika, it’s not Luffy’s fruit that brought his attention and support, but rather Luffy’s actions.
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u/Pcaccount1234 Dec 21 '23
Zoans choose their users, so even if someone says it all because of Luffy DF but Luffy has that DF because Nika thought he was worthy
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u/idkhowigothere Dec 21 '23
Not only that, but every panel in which he is growing he is also running forward (could be construed as away, but japanese progress reading from right to left so I'd say running forward without looking back) and as he continues getting older he keeps leaning forward like running harder and faster and it isn't until he is running for Bonney and Ginney's sake that he is running the absolute hardest, which I think goes to show how important it is to find someone to love and, if you are blessed to have a child, how much that will motivate you to run the absolute hardest you will ever run in your entire life.
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u/modimusmaximus The Revolutionary Army Dec 21 '23
Great observation! His running pose also very much reminded me of the Nika-pose.
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u/FloofyFluffyDuck Dec 21 '23
Kuma just became my favourite character in one piece
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u/t3r4byt3l0l OG Trio Supremacy Dec 21 '23 edited Dec 21 '23
Seeing pre-timeskip events being drawn with the modern art style will always be really cool
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u/Mammoth_Ask3797 Dec 21 '23
And is a nice glimpse into what could be the remake of The One Piece
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u/red_madreay World Government Dec 21 '23
You've heard about the anime remake. Now witness Oda remaking One Piece from Chapter 1 with his current art.
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u/LazyRocktime Dec 21 '23
Happy 10th birthday, Bonney
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u/therealnumberone Thriller Bark Victim's Association Dec 21 '23
This is gonna rapidly become one of those sentences that just elicits tears from one piece fans isn't it.
Up there with "Luffy, help me", "I want to live", and "thank you for loving me (Merry)"
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u/KaiKururugi Dec 21 '23
I know shit like this shouldn’t be debated but Kuma has the fucking saddest life ever bro and forget about the flashback he is still in pain to this day like this is just endless pain for him. And Bonny having to see not only what he went through but also finding out about her mother too this is insane she’s 10 years old witnessing this happening
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u/SayItsNotSableye Dec 21 '23
I think the message here is big, though: that life is worth living no matter how much suffering you go through.
Kuma's life was Hell, but it also touched everyone. And if you asked him, he was definitely grateful to have lived.
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u/Anything13579 Thriller Bark Victim's Association Dec 22 '23 edited Dec 22 '23
Yeah. Oda is very good at this. The scene where he said to Bonney “thank you for being born” and also before this, the “I want to live” Robin scene. Oda wants to show that just by existing can brings happiness to yourself and other people.
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u/KNZFive Dec 21 '23
I mean she’s 12 now post time skip, but still just a little kid.
No wonder she instantly tried to kill Saturn when she saw him.
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u/CRtwenty Marine Dec 22 '23
She went from seeing this exact scene to being face to face with the guy responsible for it in about an hour. I can't blame her for stabbing him.
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u/Rehpotsirc0615 Dec 21 '23
Tears have been shed
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u/ozymandias___ Dec 21 '23
God that panel of vegapunk crying while pulling the lever...........
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u/imeanshrimp Dec 21 '23
That's where I lost it, tbh before that it was just really really sad, but this panel instantly brought me to tears
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u/Zenith_Tempest Dec 21 '23
i remember when people thought vegapunk was this ominous being, heartless scientist who did anything he could to advance tech forward
come to find out he's an eccentric old man with a heart of gold who desperately fought to keep Kuma's personality intact in some way. while i think narratively it makes more sense for Kuma to be fully gone, some part of me does hope that he managed to make a contingency plan under saturn's nose.
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u/th5virtuos0 Dec 21 '23
Despite how much flak the guy got for his piss poor Wisdom stat you gotta commend him for fighting for Kuma till the bitter end in his own way
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u/Cyshix Dec 21 '23
I genuinely havent cried for an OP chapter in a while. Goddamnit
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u/Rehpotsirc0615 Dec 21 '23
I read the chapter super engaged and just completely broke down on the last panel, absolutely ruthless
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u/32SkyDive Dec 21 '23
That last page was both absolutly beautiful and horribly painful. Immediate tears on that panel.
We love Oda and the entire chapter was beautifully orchestrated and tied together so many things
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u/Nanto_Suichoken Dec 21 '23
I started crying when he wondered how much trouble his actions caused and his life was shown.
The last 3 pages hit me way harder than i imagined.
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u/dare_dick Dec 21 '23
I can't remember the last time I cried for a chapter! This one damn!
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u/CoolMahaGuru Dec 21 '23 edited Dec 21 '23
There are 3 times I cried for an OP chapter.. 1. When Going Merry burned (chapter 430, 2006) 2. When Sabo came back (chapter 731, 2013) 3. This chapter (chapter 1102, 2023)
Damn, Oda...
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u/auctus10 Void Month Survivor Dec 21 '23
Best backstory in OP, period! Damn.
All flags to kuma destructing himself to save the current situation.
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u/November182023 Dec 21 '23
Nah. Kuma put his hopes on Luffy to save the world.
Luffy HAS to get up and fight Saturn.
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u/Mawnix Dec 21 '23
Yeah. The WG had been obviously gigantic villains. But since the expansion on who the 5 Elders are, and seeing even just ONE of their actions over the years.
Saturn needs to fucking die.
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u/Totaliss Dec 21 '23
havent cried from a one piece backstory since Brook's in '13, it's been a minute.
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u/teddy_tesla Dec 21 '23
Greatest backstory yet, I love the little intersections with Luffy's journey. And we finally have a reason behind his story changing actions. Another banger chapter
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u/kontinuparadi Dec 21 '23
I like how heartbroken he is seeing Luffy helpless on helping his crew while he's saving them. It's so good!!
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u/takato99 Dec 21 '23
That was so amazing to see his PoV of that moment. In the original story, we only see Luffy's helplessness and despair in front of the situation, but here we see the opposite PoV showing us how merciful & helpful it was from Kuma. They really were not ready for the new world and Kuma gave them exactly what they needed when they needed it... and they probably will never know it was intentional.
His selflessness & altruism are limitless
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u/InsideYourWalls8008 Dec 21 '23
That and when he looked at Bonney for the last time through the restaurant window. That was also the same panel in which Bonney was first fully introduced.
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Dec 21 '23
Side note, but I love the other people at the restaurante just being freaked out at the giant man suddenly looking through the window.
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u/alienx33 Dec 21 '23
They already know it’s intentional don’t they? They discussed that just after they met up post time skip.
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u/TheRealKapaya Dec 21 '23
Yeah Franky brings it up after explaining that Kuma was defending the ship and they all realise he saves them that day.
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u/Nome_de_utilizador Dec 21 '23
Also how much did Kuma travel to know every island he sent the SH to being the perfect place for each individual to develop their skills
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u/Every-Ad-2099 Dec 21 '23 edited Dec 21 '23
Seeing his faith in Luffy was honestly one of the most touching things in the manga I've ever seen. Deciding to help Luffy and enable his growth because Luffy reminded him so much of the legends of Nika that inspired him as a child — completely unaware that the man he chose to save truly was Nika all along.
Part of me wishes that Kuma does regain his personality and sense of self this arc, so he can see Gear 5 and realize his dream has finally come true.
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u/ArcadianBlueRogue Void Month Survivor Dec 21 '23 edited Dec 21 '23
Wish her a happy birthday?
My guy, her birthday present is gonna be seeing that spider fuck get his ass kicked for all he's done to Kuma and her family.
Bonney/Luffy/Kuma/Vegapunk: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO DA GROUND!
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u/XtendedImpact Dec 21 '23
Saturn has to die here. I won't accept anything less.
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u/ArcadianBlueRogue Void Month Survivor Dec 21 '23
The leadup to the arc said something major went down. Either Kizaru is gonna ignore an order and help Bonney/Vegapunk or Saturn is getting demolished by someone.
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u/raidorz Dec 21 '23
Insert “why not both?” meme
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u/hdjfhfhsh05803hfjc Dec 21 '23
An elder dying and an admiral going rogue does sound like the type of big news the narrator was hinting at
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u/Sirecarrot Void Month Survivor Dec 21 '23
Honestly, if Kizaru found out everything I think it might help push him over the edge. He clearly doesn't like anything that is going on right now.
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u/th5virtuos0 Dec 21 '23
It’ll be such a lol plot twist if Kizaru joins the SH. So instead of having Aokiji vs Akainu rematch we get Kizaru vs Aokiji instead
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u/BeyondTomorrow Dec 21 '23
Would love to see a 3-way fight between all of them. Each one repping different sides if Kizaru does join the SH. Good pirates v Bad pirates v Navy
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u/WhateverWombat Dec 21 '23
It’d make more sense to have Kizaru join the revolutionary army? So it’s Revolutionaries vs Pirates vs WG.
Also vegapunk will probs go chill with dragon and sentomaru will definitely be with him always.
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u/kdebones Dec 21 '23
If this doesn't end with Kuma suicide bombing Saturn for the kill, I don't know what else could happen other then an Android 16.
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u/gpmushu Dec 21 '23
Considering Saturn himself is the one who ordered the self destruct function be added, against all of Vegapunk's objections, it would be very fitting for his own actions to be what takes him down here. The fact that Oda put that and the thing about the split personality in this chapter is probably a setup so a suicide bombing by Kuma on Saturn doesn't come out of nowhere. I don't that will actually take him down by itself though, but it might be what gives the Straw Hats the opening to finish the job.
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u/Blancou Dec 21 '23
Saturn, all the other Elders, and every Celestial Dragon. They’re beyond redemption.
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u/FireFistRJ Dec 21 '23
Kuma laser gunning Saturn along with the pacifistas would be the BEST HAPPY BIRTHDAY GIFT TO BONNEY.
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u/Farmaceut7 Shanks' evil hot sister is REAL! Dec 21 '23
Luffy needs to go G5th giant & stomp on that nasty spider!
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u/captmugiwara Void Month Survivor Dec 21 '23
Shiryu please stop cutting onions somewhere around me.
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Dec 21 '23
The Elders must suffer.
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u/Gear_Fifth Dec 21 '23
I have 1 wish for Christmas and it’s quite simple.
Please Oda let Kuma fucking kill Saturn. I need this win in my life.
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u/Kurocyclist Void Month Survivor Dec 21 '23
All these chapters, I never cried during Kuma’s flashback…but this chapter…punched me in the gut so badly the flood gates opened….
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u/FireFistRJ Dec 21 '23
What's more sad is that even with all the suffering, he went out smiling.
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u/modimusmaximus The Revolutionary Army Dec 21 '23
A member of the D-clan in spirit.
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u/ShukiNathan Chopper the Cotton Candy Lover Dec 21 '23 edited Dec 21 '23
Egghead is officially a top 3 arc for me, it's been absolutely amazing so far.
Kuma better get his sense of individuality back cause god damn if there's a character in this series deserving of a good ending it's him.
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u/RodasAPC Void Month Survivor Dec 21 '23
August 2022: alright, small arc. in and out. 20 chapters max.
December 2023: 😭
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u/Nome_de_utilizador Dec 21 '23
"Damn, Wano was so fucking long, time for a quick lore heavy arc with no stakes before we switch to the next big arc"
The small arc: 😭😭😭😭
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u/Yorunokage Dec 21 '23
It's honestly insane how lore dense this arc is while also being very long
I mean, more or less every chapter has been a bombshell
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u/LeapYearFriend Dec 22 '23
i think oda very concretely decided he going to start gearing towards the end of one piece from the end of wano. that was our last big "okay let's introduce a bunch of new interesting shit!" arc of the series. it's probably why he 180 backtracked on having people like yamato or carrot join the crew. because he felt like he would've be able to give them enough screen time to do the character justice AND wrap up everything in the time frame he was comfortable with.
everything since then has been clean up duty. every loose end gets tied up. lore bombshells we've been alluding to for the last 20+ years. we're just getting banger after banger after banger now because oda's, for lack of a better word, no longer holding back. this is the END GAME.
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u/javierm885778 Dec 21 '23
I don't know why people keep thinking arcs will be that short lol.
Even Zou, without a big conflict in the present, was 23 chapters long.
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u/MrLKK Dec 21 '23
This chapter really made it feel like Kuma's truly dead. I was hoping for this too, and still am, but this chapter makes me feel like he's gone.
Then again, Vegapunk did mention that personality switching circuit think kinda outta nowhere.
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u/Deadtaor33 Pirate Dec 21 '23
The sneaky self-destruct put in by Saturn has got to be a Chekovs Bomb that will blow up in his face lol
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u/ThatFlyingScotsman Dec 21 '23
Android 16 style self destruct button but it’s actually still there and works, just to cap off the Red Ribbon vibes of Egghead.
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u/AFineDayForScience Dec 21 '23
Speaking of chekov, why mention the personality switch if that wasn't going to make another appearance? Kuma's consciousness will get one final send off watching Bonney sail away with Nika. It's OP. The happiest possible ending is usually the most likely possible ending (with the exception of plot devices like Ace's death).
Saturn has to die, Kuma's story has to end happily (by our standards, not Kuma's), and the Strawhats have to gain something from the Arc. Vegapunk is too old to come along, Bonney's crew is essentially disposable for plot purposes, and Bonney wants to see the world. Bonney is the next Strawhat.
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u/filthyireliamain Dec 21 '23
OH MY GOD ITS KUMA FROM THE TOP ROPE
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u/Druxun Dec 21 '23
What… WHATS THIS NOW?! Gecko Moria with a steel chair?! Oh the humanity!!
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u/modimusmaximus The Revolutionary Army Dec 21 '23
I don't know, I feel like with all the free will themes of this arc, there might be a slim chance that Kuma somehow shines through like how seraphim Boa could not help herself but fall for Luffy again. I think this was a beautiful sendoff it this was truely his death, but if Kuma regains consciousness for a second, I also am sure that Oda will make it work well with him being able to finally see his idol, Nika, and hear the drums of liberations.
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u/someinsanity01 Dec 21 '23
the memory bubble because bonney used it. I think Kuma is gone now for sure
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u/IanPKMmoon Dec 21 '23
Do the Reverie chapters and other chapters about events in the world during Egghead also count as Egghead?
Also, Kuma got a good ending in his eyes. He was able to save Bonney and that's enough for him, what a man.
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u/lovablepanda609 Dec 21 '23
Every chapter has been a gut punch since this flashback. I need catharsis. Luffy better fuck up that Elder.
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u/Rojo176 Dec 21 '23
End of the chapter had me absolutely sobbing, but I started crying earlier at the lipstick part. I always thought Bonney's lipstick looked a little weird, not bad necessarily but not really reflective of how lipstick is generally applied young women in OP. I thought it was just a little design quirk, but having it be because she forced herself to grow up fast and wasn't able to naturally learn it from her own mother is so sad. The style is more like how older ladies in OP have their lipstick, which makes sense considering her crew taught her what they knew from spending all their time with the old folks in Sorbet.
It's the little details like this that makes it seem like Oda has this all planned out from the start, even if he is just a master of creating context seemlessly for existing ideas.
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u/tangledcpp Dec 21 '23
Same for me, but it was when she says "Daddy might not be able to recognize me without something on the cheek"
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u/Ricizubi- Dec 21 '23
It's incredible how everything just fits back together into one coherent whole. Especially with Bonney.. Her ring, her hat, her crew, her lipstick, her appetite, the reason why she appeared as a kid a few times before.
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u/TheTimn Dec 21 '23
Not only is she being forced to grow up, but the only guidance if from her goofy uncles.
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u/goose_fring Dec 21 '23
Man I love seeing the different reactions to Luffy's first bounty.
Ace - showing off to Jinbe excitedly
Sabo - unfazed because he has amnesia at this point
Dragon - "oh shit I better get going to Loguetown if I want my boy to make it out of there"
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u/Kirosh2 Lookout Dec 21 '23
He was going there before knowing that Smoker was in charge, so he was just going to see his son before he starts the journey on the Grand Line.
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u/goose_fring Dec 21 '23
haha you right, I just think it's funny to imagine Dragon rushing off to Loguetown in concern
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u/Worthyness Dec 21 '23
"uuhhh no particular reason. Just taking a stroll and taking in the sights. I really want to see that execution stand too!"
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u/ihavebeesinmyknees Dec 21 '23
I think it's safe to assume that if it wasn't specifically Smoker, it would be another very powerful (for East Blue standards) person. Loguetown is just that important of a location. Dragon would of course know that, so he wanted to go there to make sure Luffy was safe.
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u/RedditIsForsaken Dec 21 '23
I mean he immediately asked who’s in charge after saying he’s going meaning it was on his mind. He could definitely be going because he’s worried too
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u/MajorChonkers Dec 21 '23
Up until his final moments, Kuma died with a smile on his face. He may not have officially been from the D clan but his words and actions carried on that will to create freedom in this world. What an amazing character Oda has given us
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u/CodenameAstrosloth Dec 21 '23
Ooooh I am not ok after that.
Kuma, you beautiful, beautiful soul. The world doesn't deserve your pure heart.
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u/FireFistRJ Dec 21 '23
Kuma The Tyrant- NO
Kuma suffered at the hands of Tyrants- YES
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u/firulero Dec 21 '23
Kuma is literally jesus
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u/Jack2036 Dec 21 '23
Only if he gets to return. Otherwise he will be closer to a saint.
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u/dubsnipe Dec 21 '23
I hadn't ugly cried in a while reading One Piece. Today was the day.
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u/yung_clout_warrior Dec 21 '23
Great backstory, I didn’t think Oda could match Robin’s in terms of emotional depth yet Oda proves us wrong
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u/32SkyDive Dec 21 '23
Does this also kind of confirm Bonney to join the crew?
She truly fullfills everything much more than anyone in a long time: her backstory is incredibly sad, she is searching for Nika and wants to help him save the world, she is strong and she is a child so definitly very unique
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u/tomato-dragon Dec 21 '23
This. She has to join. His father idolized Nika and strived to be a hero like him. She inherits Kuma's will. And now Nika is right there on that very island.
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u/Linkticus Dec 21 '23
Can we please set the sub's photo to this absolute legend of a Buckaneer?
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u/Nightseyes Dec 21 '23
So Vegapunk didn't fully erase Kuma's memories or are his recent actions a pre programmed failsafe? Really sad seeing Vega cry following WG orders, the price of funding...
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u/javierm885778 Dec 21 '23
I think it'll tie to Lilith's words about it being difficult to erase a living thing's will. We also saw this with S-Snake being in love with Luffy.
So even if Kuma's individuality and mind is gone, his paternal instincts are likely to remain in some capacity.
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u/ResolutionIll4614 Dec 21 '23
It would be awesome if s-bear started protecting boney.
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u/juanjenin Dec 21 '23
havent cried this much since ohara and merry. rest in peace, kuma.
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u/Insertnamehere---- Dec 21 '23 edited Dec 21 '23
The payoff with Kuma’s character is actually insane. Oda spent a decade slowly building up the mystery of Kuma and then managed to stick the landing flawlessly. He made a super emotional flashback that both explained past mysteries, furthered the plot, and was an amazing standalone story that made Kuma and Bonney some of the greatest characters in the series
This gives me full confidence that Oda will nail the Void Century reveal. This flashback is the first time that we are getting definitive answers for one of One Piece’s overarching mysteries. So I have full faith that the other big overarching mysteries will be just as good
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u/DankFozz The Revolutionary Army Dec 21 '23
We had:
"I wanna live"
"Nothing happened"
"Help me"
"You guys still loved me. Thank you very much"
And now we can add:
"Please wish her a happy 10th birthday"
Oda is cooking.
I wonder if the self destruct has already been activated by Saturn and that's why Kuma was so desperate to get away from the Revolutionary army.
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u/Xplorer67 Cipher Pol Dec 21 '23
That running kuma page was just amazing. Entire flashback was a Michelin course.
Bonneys one strong girl for enduring that
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u/Nuneasy Slave Dec 21 '23
That page of Kuma running, symbolizing the effort he’s put in going non stop his whole life. Man I can’t…what an incredible story.
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u/SubtleTypos Dec 21 '23
vegapunk’s silly einstein face with the eternally hanging tongue was never quite my favorite, even though it grew on me. but there’s something about that face covered in tears and that silhouette of him breaking down as he’s pulling the trigger to erase kuma’s personality that’s so poignant and powerful.
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u/ffmad Dec 21 '23
That panel is just incredible. It's something that looks beyond his forces, he is pushing it while totally breaking at the same time.
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u/FringGustavo0204 Dec 21 '23
it's crazy how Oda can have that wacky ass face drawn for Vegapunk and still be so impacting and heartfelt, what a guy.
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u/DarknessG7 Dec 21 '23
Holy fucking shit Oda
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u/NightSolaire Bounty Hunter Dec 21 '23
The emotional pay off from this arc has the potential to be the best we have ever seen. Oda is a goddamn Chef out here
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u/ashura_the_demon Dec 21 '23
I think Oda foreshadowed the biggest Irony in this chapter. I think Luffy will defeat Saturn and they will come to the ship and try to escape but they will be surrounded. Kuma who would have regained memory by then will say Goodbye to Bonney for the last time and send the Sunny Flying to Elbaf in spite of receiving direct orders from Saturn to kill them. This I think will trigger the bomb in Kuma implanted by Saturn to explode. But before it can explode Kuma will come in front of Saturn. Thus the explosion will kill both Kuma and Saturn. The death of Saturn will be the big Egg Head incident.
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u/HiddenBlade2757 Dec 21 '23
In the last Global Popularity Poll, Kuma ranked as the 98th most popular character in the series.
After this year, he absolutely deserves a Top 10 spot in the next poll. He's just that good.
This is why we call him GOda!
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u/ImmaculateWeiss Dec 21 '23
I love that Zoro’s moment on Thriller Bark is one of Kuma’s core memories
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u/Beats29 Dec 21 '23
Reading this on the same week I've lost my dad hits different. Man I fucking love One Piece, but goddamnit Oda, I wasn't expecting this.
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Dec 21 '23
Sorry to hear that buddy. Hope you feel better soon
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u/Beats29 Dec 21 '23
Thanks mate. Fortunely the hard part is already done, the rest only time will heal. At least I know he went in peace, and was with us, which helped me deal with it.
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u/AlphaOmega1356 Dec 21 '23
Kuma's life was so painful and beautiful to watch. Honestly, Vegapunk starting to cry broke me sooner than Bonnie at the end. He was called "Tyrant" but he was the kindest man alive.
Capping off with this chapter for the year, Oda cooked a 5 michellin star course meal. Yes, he cooked so well they skipped the 4th star and just gave him 5. Truly one of the best years of one piece for me.
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u/Quintessentialviewer Dec 21 '23
Vegapunk wasn't lying when he said there's only pain in that bubble
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u/PimptheKirbyMain Dec 21 '23
I loved seeing Kuma's thoughts during sabaody. Also can't believe he witnessed the epic CD punch.
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u/Kormael Dec 21 '23
He saw the results, not the punch
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u/Mammoth_Ask3797 Dec 21 '23
He could have seen at least God-Usopps divine ass bomb given how the panel is drawn
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u/kontinuparadi Dec 21 '23
This is the best conclusion of character chapter that I've read in my recent memory. Kuma really lived the life of a true hero.
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Dec 21 '23
This page and these panels are what broke me
For anyone who went through or still going through depression or suicidal thoughts, Vegapunk's last message to Kuma is such a concise and beautiful reminder that there are people out there who do love you and will miss you when you're gone.
Kuma was always my favorite character, not just for his powers but his ulterior motives, and I'm so glad we finally got the well-earned pay off with this backstory.
Happy Holidays everyone!
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u/pugfaced Dec 21 '23
Bonney first appearance: chapter 498 in April 2008
Kuma first appearance: chapter 233 in June 2002
When these minor side characters were first introduced while I was still in school, then to think that 15-21 years later that they would make me, a grown man, cry shows the genius writing of Oda.
One of the best back story arcs in One Piece.
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u/notmatthewmad Dec 21 '23
This may just be me.
But kuma feels like such a great allegory for depression.
How he feels as though he is only a burden on others despite his selflessness and all the good deeds he has done for others. He is the only person to not see the beauty within his soul - thinking so lowly of himself always.
Just how happy he was to sacrifice himself for others and how willing he was to die. Not even a D, yet he dies with a smile on his face.
From his birth, he was made to believe he can only cause suffering and that's ingrained in him - just as a traumatic childhood would do to a person.
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u/StretchyJumper Dec 21 '23
Now we know why Oda waited so long to reveal Kuma’s backstory. It was integral to the entire series and the plot as it stands now. Truly a revolutionary.
And goddamn, was that backstory emotional and worth the wait. A superb backstory for the lead up to the series climax and now I can’t wait to see how Saturn, the other elders and the Celestial Dragons pay for their actions.
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u/ch3333r Dec 22 '23
So how are you suppose to rewatch One Piece with someone now?
Kuma: arrives at Thriller Bark
A person near you: wow, what a cool and menacing character!
You: swallowing tears
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u/TheRockingChar Dec 21 '23
I never expected Kuma to be such a big player in the final saga, or Bonney for that matter! But damn the seeds were there for years and Oda let them sprout and thrive.
Though if we’re getting this many chapters for characters like Bonney and Kuma how many are we gonna get for Shanks, BB, Imu, Dragon, or Akainu? The end is in sight, sure, but it’s still damn far away if you ask me.
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u/Tristanio97 Pirate Dec 21 '23
HE CANT KEEP GETTING AWAY WITH IT WHY THE FEELS HE WAS JUST SOME NAMELESS BEAR GUY WITH VWOOP POWERS
HOW DARE
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u/SweatyAdhesive Dec 21 '23 edited Dec 21 '23
Oda really just dropped one of the best flashback arc of a man who is true to himself till the very end. Goda indeed.
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u/God_Usoland Dec 21 '23
The scene of Kuma running and almost falling when Ginny was taken, only to keep going when Bonney called him Father is just beautiful.
And those last 3 Pages of people paying respects to Kuma and Bonney crying is a massive gut punch.
Thank you Oda-sensei, that was one hell of a Christmas Gift!
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u/sauloandrioli Dec 23 '23
So can we all agree that this is one the best One Piece chapters ever?
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u/Kindly-Amphibian-680 Dec 21 '23
The next few chapters are gonna be crazy. Hopefully Kuma gets his revenge on Saturn before he dies.
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u/heat_fan_ Dec 21 '23
What an emotional chapter, who's cutting onions here 😭😭
Now that the flashback is done, it's hands down one the the best flashback in the story.
Seems like Kuma didn't know Luffy was Nika, but with Luffy's action was reminiscent of Nika (Liberating the people of Thriller Bark) which pushed Kuma to help Luffy and protecting the Sunny Go .
I'm glad Kuma at least got to see Bonney in Saboaby
Bonney seeing Kuma full memory and here finding out Luffy will be the savior I think it strengthen the chance of her joining the Strawhats
Kuma losing his memory bubble could mean Oda planning for his sendoff when they return to the present time
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u/thebrawlbro Dec 21 '23
Oh that Self Destruct is going to fuck over Saturn. Kuma is 100% blowing himself and Saturn up with it.
Unforunatly, that also takes away even the small hope of Kuma surviving. Especially since it seems Bonney touching the memories means they are now gone, so no transferring those to anyone else.
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u/Heliolisk98 Dec 21 '23
What I find insanely cool is that before this chapter, everyone assumed Kuma somehow knew that Luffy had the Nika fruit, and that’s why he was helping him. But now seeing that it was Luffy himself, winning over Kuma with his heart and action really solidifies how cool of a main character he is.
Gear 5 is such a great power up because it encapsulates everything Luffy is, and it’s the culmination of his hard work, not something that has beed gifted to him. Luffy doesn’t have the Nika fruit, he is Nika himself.
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u/Zehapo Dec 21 '23
This chapter has really cemented Saturn as easily in the top 3 hated characters in the story for me. Gonna make his eventual ass kicking so cathartic. I wonder if all the gorosei are going to be as involved in various plot lines as Saturn, or if he's going to be the stand out in terms of characterization
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u/MajinAkuma Dec 21 '23 edited Dec 21 '23
Seeing Kuma run and grow and then vanish completely is how we saw a man‘s entire life from beginning till the end.
I like how Oda portrayed Kuma as a not too tragic character. Kuma‘s lowest points were his life in slavery and Ginny‘s abduction and death, but in the end, he died happily, saving the person he now loved the most: his daughter. For Kuma, it’s not a sad sacrifice. He found hope in Bonney and Luffy. That’s why he had no regrets.
Even if he didn’t reunite with Bonney, he was sure she will be fine without him.
The Kuma we see in the present is merely a corpse now. But let’s hope for a miracle, for a final goodbye.
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u/revisioncloud Dec 21 '23
Just as his entire human personality is about to be erased, his final thoughts are about hoping his life didn't cause trouble to anyone and just simply wishing his daughter a happy birthday.
What a fucking legend. RIP Kumachi, you are a hero (I still wish there's a way we get you back)
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u/An_Hell Dec 21 '23
after this chapter I don't want saturn to die anymore, I want him to suffer
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u/dohtje Dec 21 '23
God damn Oda...
In 1 chapter he tied up so many loose ends that were up in the air from Sabaodi....
And stabbed the readers in the heart at the same time.
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u/eldanielsaenz Dec 21 '23
“Your life hasn't caused anyone harm or trouble, but your death will pain everyone who loves you”
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u/Badji_D_Luffy Dec 22 '23
"Kuma Piece: The Life of Kuma" has ended.
Oda connected everything, made every fan emotional, and turned Kuma and Bonney into some of the best and most important characters in One Piece. Literally KUMA turned out to be the most important character of the series so far I mean he gave us Nika & One Piece to come.
How is this man capable of telling a story the way he does.
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u/hiero_ Dec 21 '23
A few thoughts.
12 year old Bonney just experienced all of those memories at once. A flood of emotions for sure, and a whole lot to digest. At 12 years old, there's no way that doesn't fuck her up.
This explains why Bonney was suddenly so cheery and warm towards Luffy afterwards. She saw her father's perspective of Luffy and how he feels about him - she is absolutely taken with him now too.
I think we all know where this is going. At this point I'd actually be shocked if Bonney didn't join the crew. Hers is gone, and Kuma was placing all his bets on Luffy, and I'm sure she will want to carry that legacy. Once she connects the dots and realizes Luffy is Nika all bets are off.
What a terrible day for rain. Kuma is a fucking legend. He was a silent protector for Luffy this entire time but couldn't say anything. I hope Bonney tells the crew.
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u/rssftd Void Month Survivor Dec 21 '23
This chapter fucked me up . But I am taking one solid upside. I always love the Charlos punch, but I was always dreading the blowback.
Now this ch makes it so that punching him was the thing that made Kuma go out of his way to protect the straw hats.
Basically Now I get to watch the Charloss punch and just enjoy it while knowing that it leads to the best possible outcome. Thank you Kuma, for that and many other things. You were literally too good for this world, this is like Law or Robin level of sobbing.
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u/ThuderWaves Dec 21 '23
The fact that Bonney saw all of this as a 12 year old and is still somehow functioning. Wow.
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u/TheTrickster_89 Dec 23 '23
I can't remember the last time a One Piece flashback made me cry, but this one did.
Kuma went from a villain, to an ally with him aiding the Straw Hats, to eventually discovering that he is one of the kindest and most selfless characters in the entire manga. Everything he did he did for other people, and most importantly his daughter Bonney. Kuma the Tyrant? More like Kuma the Saint.
I was a mess by the end of this chapter and that last panel with Bonney crying hit the hardest. I am so, so glad that Bonney got to see and experience his memories as well as all the letters that he sent her. It was so important for her to know that he always loved her, was watching over her and was always thinking about her no matter where he was or what he was doing.
Beautiful chapter. I've always liked Kuma and his powers but this chapter has solidified him as one of the GOATs in this manga. Best flashback so far in One Piece hands down.
I'm still holding out some kind of hope that he at least won't die physically but we'll just have to see what happens.
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u/MIST479 Dec 25 '23
At least it gives me some peace knowing that Bonney got all the letters she missed out on as a kiddo
One Piece really highlights how hard it is to be a good dad
Might just be me but this whole arc reads like a love letter to the dads out there who fight for their kids’ dreams while sacrificing a whole lot
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u/blake_k47 Chopper the Cotton Candy Lover Dec 21 '23
Wouldn’t be surprised if there is a personality switch like originally planned that’s triggered by the Drums, even if only for a moment. For all this pain it seems like Kuma and Bonney are going to have to reunite by the end of series
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u/musicfreer Dec 21 '23 edited Dec 21 '23
Going through the story of the last 30 years from the perspective of Kuma is so satisfying, and made me emotional at the same time.
We've been nakama for 30 years.
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u/drejkos Dec 21 '23
saturn insisting on a self-destruct for kuma = he is going down with kuma as he self-destructs
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u/BetaGreekLoL Dec 21 '23
Beautiful ending to this flashback.
Jesus, Oda truly is one of one. What he did is something most mangakas wouldn't dare to do this late into their story but this man legit turned a secondary character into one of the most sympathetic yet strong and arguably THE MOST impactful character in the journey of the Strawhats. And he (Oda) tied it up nicely.
Master of his craft. You can just tell Oda loves what he writes.
I wonder, those people two months ago who were whining about not seeing the flashback to God's Valley, y'all still upset or are you all incapable of appreciating we just witnessed one of the best back stories we've seen in the story so far? Shit, I'd say its the best. Mfers really acting like we not gonna see it; we absolutely will and when Oda draws it, its gonna be magnificent. 1100 chapters guys, continue to have patience and wait. It will be worth it.
Kuma is that dude. Please Oda, please give this man a happy ending. I've never seen a more deserving character. What a strong, kind, thoughtful man Kuma was. I don't blame Bonney for breaking down now cuz shit I'd be bawling too.
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u/Cogexkin Dec 22 '23
God I was expecting “I love you” or “I’ll always be with you” or something sentimental but customary, but of course Oda said screw that noise
“Please wish her a happy 10th birthday.” Fuck dude. That was incredibly done oh my god.
Also Kuma’s unspoken words of encouragement to Luffy were so empowering. He really is a natural-born father that man
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u/wheredatacos Cross Guild Dec 22 '23
So Bonney was supposed to die when she turned 10 and Kuma’s final words to her were “Happy 10th birthday.” Holy shit this one hurts.
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u/uwilllaughurassoff Dec 23 '23
This chapter hit so hard. The panels with Kuma running and being weighed down further and further by every tragedy he suffered, to rise back up for Bonney had me choking back tears at work. I failed, tears were shed regardless 😭
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u/SevenExecute Dec 25 '23
This chapter was absolutely crushing…it’s been awhile I feel since I’ve had a good feel trip thank you Oda.
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u/ssbm_rando Dec 21 '23 edited Dec 21 '23
So ends the top 1 backstory in all of One Piece, and for me personally all of manga in general.
I can't even imagine Oda topping this. This is the backstory that will emotionally drive the entire final war for me.
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u/someone2795 Captain Crackhead Dec 21 '23 edited Dec 21 '23
> Bracing myself for the worst
> Read chapter
> Seems happy...oh fuck I spoke too soon
> Desperately holding back tears
> Try not to cry
> "Happy Birthday Bonney"
> Cry a lot
Holy fuck man
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u/AbdDjamil_27 Dec 21 '23
Ok everyone said it already but I will say this, Kuma Hands down the best character Oda ever came up with
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u/OGCeeg Bounty Hunter Dec 21 '23
I can't remember the last time I broke down crying after reading a chapter of any manga, let alone book. My heart genuinely hurts. Oda is a master, & a son of a bitch.
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u/Kirosh2 Lookout Dec 21 '23
Also, as a reminder, while there is technically a break next week due to the double issue of Christmas, we should still have the spoilers for 1103 next week.
And maybe the scans as well.
However, chapter 1104 will only be released around the middle of January.