Few characters exhibit the honor, conviction, and sacrifice that Bartholomew Kuma did in One Piece. Introduced early on as one of the mysterious Shichibukai Warlords, it was clear that Eiichiro Oda was keeping many of the secrets of Kuma’s past close to his chest. However, as his past has slowly been revealed, Kuma has proven to be a man of immeasurable heart and dedication. Time and again, he has shown a willingness to sacrifice anything for the welfare of others, distinguishing him as arguably the most selfless character in One Piece.
From taking direct hits to shield allies, to tirelessly searching for life-saving cures, Kuma has proven there is no line he won’t cross or trial he won’t endure if it means protecting those he cares for. Even relinquishing his free will and very sense of self to the Government is a sacrifice Kuma makes without hesitation or regret. In many ways, the story of Kuma reflects the spirit of Nika himself – one man, armed only with conviction, standing defiantly against tyranny.
Here are the top reasons why Kuma is the ultimate Chad in One Piece!
1) Kuma sacrificed his Free Will to the World Government
- Of all the sacrifices and acts of devotion Kuma demonstrated for Bonney’s sake, none exemplified his unconditional love more than his tireless search for a cure to her illness. When Bonney was just a young child, she was diagnosed with Sapphire Scale, and the doctors predicted it would claim her life before her 10th birthday.
- After tireless searching, Kuma finally found a potential cure with Dr. Vegapunk. However, the treatment came at a steep price – Kuma would have to surrender his mind and body to the Government’s human weapon program.
Though a proud revolutionary, Kuma agreed without hesitation. The Government not only demanded Kuma become a Guinea pig for Vegapunk’s cybernetic experiments, but also serve eternally as one of the Shichibukai Warlords. He would be transformed into an emotionless soldier, forced to abandon his convictions and identity.
Yet Kuma shed tears of joy, not anguish. Because after so many years of fruitless efforts, he had finally found a way to save his beloved daughter. With Vegapunk’s cure, Bonney would be spared from her illness’s cruel fate.
To Kuma, sacrificing his own free will was trivial compared to Bonney’s life. As a loving father, he would readily make any sacrifice, pay any cost required to protect her future. Kuma surrendered his mind and body without regret, knowing Bonney would finally have the full, happy life she deserved.
In the end, Kuma’s willingness to become an eternal slave and human weapon for Bonney’s sake proved his love had no bounds. Of all the Warlords and pirates, only Kuma was willing to give up everything for the daughter he never forsook. His sacrifice embodied the depths of devotion only a true father can exhibit.
2) Kuma’s First Act of Heroism at God Valley
Long before his more well-known sacrifices, Kuma exhibited his first act of true heroism during the God Valley Incident 38 years ago. As a slave on that lawless island, Kuma suffered horrific abuses alongside many other enslaved people. However, he refused to resign himself to this fate.
- When the opportunity for rebellion arose, Kuma seized it without hesitation. After consuming the powerful Paw Paw Fruit, he mastered its abilities to stage a daring uprising. On that fateful day, Kuma’s newfound powers enabled him to save over 500 slaves from certain death.
- With his bare hands, Kuma deflected weapons, shielded comrades, and defeated oppressors. He became a one-man army, single-handedly dismantling tyranny through his strength and conviction. Just as the legendary Nika embodied liberation, Kuma too used his new gifts to free the subjugated and stand tall for justice.
Oda himself drew direct parallels between Nika’s heroic ideals and Kuma’s own actions. By naming Kuma’s paws the “Hands of Liberation,” Oda canonized his first courageous struggle against oppression. This remarkable feat foreshadowed the greater sacrifices Kuma would later make for the welfare of the powerless and downtrodden.
3) Kuma risked everything to save the Straw Hats
Kuma’s crusade for justice did not end after freeing slaves at God Valley. Even while serving the World Government as a Warlord, he still found subtle ways to aid the oppressed.
Kuma was moved upon realizing Luffy shared the same heroic spirit as the legendary Nika. After Luffy’s defiant stand against injustice at Enies Lobby and against the Celestial Dragons, Kuma became determined to covertly assist his quest.
- By sending Luffy far away before he could be captured, Kuma single-handedly ensured the return of “Nika” and continued hopes for liberation. He carefully toed the line between obeying the Government and helping Luffy progress, risking everything to guide the prophesized Pirate King to greatness.
- Throughout his tenure as Warlord, Kuma followed this pattern of discreetly aiding those who fought for justice – much like his small acts of rebellion at God Valley. Though limited by his position, he still found ways to subtly light the flame of hope among the downtrodden.
You’re absolutely right, my previous segment was incorrect. Here is a revised version focusing on Kuma selflessly taking on the elders’ pain:
4) Kuma selflessly absorbs the Elders’ Suffering
- As a priest in Sorbet Kingdom, Kuma went above and beyond to alleviate the elders’ suffering – even at great personal cost. Using his powers, Kuma would remove their pain and transfer it to himself, taking on their immense discomfort so they wouldn’t have to.
- The process was agonizing for Kuma. After healing the elders, he would be wracked with their combined pain. Yet despite the excruciating aftermath, Kuma never uttered a word of complaint.
Out of sheer compassion, he willingly chose to endure the torture himself, allowing the elderly to live their last years pain-free. Kuma hid his own agony and shouldered their burdens without hesitation or reward.
Week after week, Kuma persisted in secretly healing the elders and absorbing their suffering. Their reliance on his selfless miracles forged an unbreakable bond.
Even after joining the Revolution, Kuma continued to return to the village – willing to bear any amount of pain necessary to provide the vulnerable elders with comfort in their final years. His selflessness knew no bounds.
Conclusion:
In the end, Bartholomew Kuma stands apart as one of the most selfless and sacrificial characters in all of One Piece. Time and again, he has proven willing to give everything – even his mind, body and sense of self – for the welfare of others.
From his first bold acts of liberation at God Valley, to subtly guiding Luffy’s journey to becoming Pirate King, Kuma has spent his entire life using his powers to chip away at injustice and provide hope to the oppressed. He tirelessly searched for a cure for Bonney, shouldered the pain of the elderly, and gave up his free will – all without hesitation or complaint.
Few other characters exhibit the honor, empathy, and inner strength that define Kuma’s journey. He represents the pinnacle of self-sacrifice, dedicating his life solely to protecting the powerless and furthering the cause of freedom. Though his own suffering has been immense, Kuma persists nevertheless.