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Bartholomew Kuma in One Piece

Bartholomew Kuma in One Piece.
Bartholomew Kuma in One Piece. Still from the anime.


Bartholomew Kuma is a fictional character in the popular manga and its anime adaptation, the One Piece series, written and illustrated by Eiichiro Oda.


Disclaimer: This article will contain details revolving around Bartholomew Kuma and might contain spoilers for some viewers. Readers are advised to proceed at their own discretion.


Formerly feared as a brutal pirate known as the "Tyrant," Kuma was one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, a group of powerful pirates who allied with the World Government in exchange for certain privileges and protection from capture. As a pirate, Kuma had a substantial bounty of Beli 296,000,000, indicative of his notorious reputation and danger as a pirate.


Before his pirate career, Kuma was the king of the Sorbet Kingdom, giving him a royal background. Later in the series, he becomes a significant member of the Revolutionary Army, an organization dedicated to overthrowing the World Government.


Vegapunk, a renowned scientist, transformed Kuma into a "Pacifista," a type of cyborg weapon used by the World Government. This process essentially erased Kuma's human consciousness, turning him into a weapon under Vegapunk's control.


Surprisingly, Kuma played a pivotal role in protecting the Straw Hat Pirates' ship, the Thousand Sunny, for two years after the Thriller Bark Arc. However, he later faced severe punishment by the World Nobles, becoming a slave-to-rent


Vegapunk also cloned Kuma as S-Bear, one of the Seraphim, designed to replace the Warlords in the World Government's system.


Kuma emerged as a major antagonist during the Marineford Arc, where he aligned with the Marines during the Summit War of Marineford.


All About Bartholomew Kuma


Name

Bartholomew Kuma

Alias

PX-0

First Appearance in Anime

One Piece Episode 151: The 100,000,000 Man!

The World's Highest Authority and the Pirate Blackbeard

Japanese Voice Actor

Hideyuki Hori

English Voice Actor

Joel McDonald

Birthday

9th February

Age

45 (debut)

47 (after timeskip)

Gender

Male

Status

Alive

Affiliations

Revolutionary Army

Seven Warlords of the Sea (former)

Sorbet Kingdom (former)

Slavery (former)

Occupation

Revolutionary Officer

Pirate

Slave (former)

Warlord of the Sea (former)

King of Sorbet Kingdom (former)

Origin

Sorbet Kingdom (South Blue)

Devil Fruit

Nikyu Nikyu no Mi (Paw-Paw Fruit)

Bounty

Beli 296,000,000


Bartholomew Kuma’s History


Kuma's life began with hardship as a young slave under the oppression of the World Nobles, the most powerful figures in the One Piece world. In his early years, he dared to escape this life, only to be thwarted by fellow slaves who feared the repercussions of his escape. They brutally beat him, and amidst the violence, Kuma's desperation became painfully evident.


Bartholomew Kuma in One Piece.
One Piece manga panel.


Before his revolutionary days, Kuma had a contrasting life as the ruler of the Sorbet Kingdom. However, his reign was marked by tyranny and cruelty, leading to his subjects eventually giving him the notorious title of "Tyrant" Kuma.


Kuma's transformation into a pivotal figure within the Revolutionary Army signaled a significant turning point in his life. This group vehemently opposed the World Government's control and had a vision of a different world order.


Interestingly, Kuma shared a close familial bond with his daughter, Jewelry Bonney, challenging the notion that he was always a tyrant. Some believe that the World Government targeted him for opposing their regime during his time as a king.


Bartholomew Kuma in One Piece.
Still from the anime.


Around two decades before the current storyline, Kuma allied himself with Monkey D. Dragon and Emporio Ivankov, leading to the inception of the Revolutionary Army. It was during this period that he learned of Dragon's son, Monkey D. Luffy, who would later play a central role in the world's fate.


Twelve years prior to the present events, Kuma participated in an operation alongside Dragon and Ivankov. During this mission, he bore witness to the catastrophic destruction of the Gray Terminal and contributed to the rescue of survivors aboard the Revolutionaries' ship.


Kuma was once captured by the Marines and sentenced to life imprisonment because of his association with the revolutionaries. However, the head researcher of the Marines, Dr. Vegapunk, found Kuma's unique abilities intriguing. Vegapunk convinced the World Government to pardon Kuma's crimes if he agreed to become Vegapunk's test subject, despite Kuma's strong dislike for the government.


Kuma agreed to the deal, and he underwent a gradual transformation into a cyborg weapon called a Pacifista. This process involved modifying each part of his body, with his head being the last to be changed.


Bartholomew Kuma in One Piece.
One Piece manga panel.


At one point, Dr. Vegapunk asked Kuma to erase his own memories as part of an experiment, which Kuma did reluctantly. These erased memories were stored in a highly secure room in Vegapunk's lab.


By the time of the Summit War at Marineford, Kuma's transformation into a cyborg was complete.


Jaya Arc


In Mary Geoise, Kuma, along with Donquixote Doflamingo and later Dracule Mihawk, attended a government summit after Crocodile's defeat in Arabasta. Kuma didn't say much during the meeting. Their discussion was interrupted by Laffitte, a former law enforcement officer known for his violent reputation and exile from West Blue. Kuma listened as Laffitte expressed his desire to nominate his captain for the position of Warlord of the Sea.


Thriller Bark Arc


Bartholomew Kuma in One Piece.
Still from the anime.


Kuma arrives at Thriller Bark on a mission from the World Government. His task is to inform Gecko Moria, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, that he's been replaced by Blackbeard. This mission sets the stage for his involvement in the arc.


Upon arrival, Kuma encounters Perona, one of Moria's crew members. Despite her recognizing Kuma's reputation, she tries to resist him. Kuma effortlessly sends Perona flying to another island.


Kuma continues searching for Moria within Thriller Bark and eventually finds him. He shares the news about Blackbeard's appointment and expresses some concerns about the changing dynamics among the Warlords.


Understanding the Straw Hat Pirates pose a growing threat to the World Government, Kuma warns Moria about their likely arrival. He suggests that Moria should take action against them.


Bartholomew Kuma in One Piece.
Still from the anime.


Following Moria's defeat by Luffy, Kuma reports this development to the World Government. Worried about the potential consequences, they order Kuma to eliminate all witnesses on Thriller Bark, including the Straw Hat Pirates.


This leads to a clash between Kuma and the Straw Hat Pirates. He battles them, using his unique abilities to incapacitate some of the crew members.


Kuma presents the crew with an ultimatum, offering to spare their lives if they let him take Luffy. When they refuse, Kuma creates and sets off a bomb, which knocks out the entire crew but doesn't kill them.


In a moment of selflessness, Zoro offers his life in exchange for Luffy's safety. Kuma agrees and transfers Luffy's pain to Zoro, sparing the rest of the crew.


Bartholomew Kuma in One Piece.
Still from the anime.


Kuma then leaves Thriller Bark, leaving the crew in a perilous situation. His actions have significant consequences for the Straw Hat Pirates and set the stage for future developments in the series.


Upon returning to Mary Geoise, Kuma reports the events on Thriller Bark to high-ranking Navy officers, where he faces criticism for not carrying out the World Government's order to eliminate the Straw Hat Pirates.


Sabaody Archipelago Arc


After their hard-fought victory against a Pacifista on Sabaody Archipelago, the Straw Hat Pirates faced a renewed threat from the likes of Kizaru, Sentomaru, and yet another Pacifista, PX-1. However, the clash was abruptly halted by the sudden appearance of the genuine Bartholomew Kuma.


Bartholomew Kuma in One Piece.
Still from the anime.


Among the crew, Zoro was quick to identify the real Kuma and wryly attributed his survival to Kuma's perceived mercy. Kuma acknowledged this acknowledgment and employed his extraordinary powers to send Zoro into the disappearance, reminiscent of his previous actions with Perona.


Sentomaru took the opportunity to enlighten the Straw Hat Pirates about Kuma's unique abilities, revealing his power to send individuals soaring through the sky to distant, undisclosed locations, where they would remain absent for days on end. This revelation left the Straw Hat Pirates baffled by the scope of Kuma's capabilities.


A visibly irate Sanji stepped up, determined to confront Kuma head-on. However, Kuma swiftly removed PX-1 from the unfolding scene using his Devil Fruit prowess, sparking frustration in Sentomaru.


Amidst the chaos, Brook made a poignant decision, sacrificing himself with a lighthearted jest before fading from view, an act that left a somber note among his crewmates.


Sanji and Usopp, in their own efforts to resist Kuma's actions, were each subjected to the same fate: being whisked away by Kuma's powers, leaving the crew in disarray and grappling with the abrupt disappearance of their friends.


Bartholomew Kuma in One Piece.
Still from the anime.


Kuma's enigmatic side came to the forefront as he shared his true allegiance with Rayleigh, confiding that he was an active member of the Revolutionary Army and expressing a willingness to aid Luffy and his crew's escape from impending danger.


Undeterred by Luffy's activation of Gear 2, Kuma shifted his attention to where Franky and Nami stood. His subsequent display of power involved sending them both away, illustrating the extent of his influence over their circumstances.


With only Robin and Monster Chopper remaining, Luffy's desperation drove him to confront Kuma with all his might, aiming to protect his cherished nakama. Yet, Kuma's response remained consistent, his powers prevailing as he caused both Robin and Chopper to vanish.


The emotional crescendo was reached when Luffy's impassioned pleas to Kuma to spare his friends went unanswered. Kuma's final act saw him send Luffy hurtling away, leaving the Straw Hat crew in a state of disarray, their unity shattered, and their future uncertain.


Bartholomew Kuma in One Piece.
Still from the anime.


As he prepared to depart, Kuma engaged in a private dialogue with Rayleigh, hinting at limitations on his actions imposed by an impending timeframe. After this incident, Dr. Vegapunk completed the Pacifista modifications in Kuma’s body.


Amazon Lily Arc


Kuma responded to the summons of the Seven Warlords to confront the Whitebeard Pirates in battle. Later, he was seen sharing a meal with the rest of the Warlords, with the exception of Jinbe and Boa Hancock.


Marineford Arc


Kuma made his presence known at Marineford alongside formidable figures such as Mihawk, Doflamingo, Moria, and Hancock, all prepared for the impending battle. As Fleet Admiral Sengoku unveiled the truth about Ace's heritage, Kuma remained stoic, patiently awaiting the Whitebeard Pirates' arrival.


Bartholomew Kuma in One Piece.
Still from the anime.


The chaos escalated when the massive Little Oars Jr. entered the fray, causing widespread destruction. In response, Kuma unleashed an Ursus Shock attack, inflicting severe injuries on Little Oars Jr. and clearing both Marines and pirates from his path.


However, Kuma's demeanor took on a somber tone upon spotting Luffy on the battlefield. He initiated an offensive by firing a beam towards Ivankov, who reacted with fury to Kuma's actions.


Luffy recognized Kuma, but there was no discernible reaction to Ivankov's presence. Doflamingo intervened after Ivankov attempted to engage with Kuma, revealing a startling truth: Kuma was no longer the same man.


Vegapunk had completed extensive modifications on the former Bartholomew Kuma. Doflamingo elaborated on Kuma's voluntary transformation into a "Pacifista," wherein his body underwent gradual alterations.


Though Doflamingo remained unaware of the specifics of Kuma's arrangement with the World Government, he disclosed that Kuma had retained his personality until a few days ago. However, he had since become an emotionless, obedient puppet following the World Government's commands as PX-0.


Kuma startled the onlookers by firing a laser blast from his mouth, sending Luffy and Ivankov tumbling. Suddenly, he materialized amidst Ivankov's Newkama army, launching a pressure cannon that cut through a line of Okamas.


Bartholomew Kuma in One Piece.
Still from the anime.


Ivankov, unwilling to tolerate Kuma's aggression any longer, utilized Face Spectrum to create a mirage of numerous faces and unleashed Death Wink simultaneously from each one, before delivering a powerful kick that sent Kuma hurtling away, vowing not to let him harm his followers.


Subsequently, Kuma joined the other Warlords in the plaza as Fleet Admiral Sengoku commenced the final stages of his plan. When Shanks made his dramatic entrance, Kuma, like everyone else, stood down in response.


Post-War Arc


Bartholomew Kuma in One Piece.
Still from the anime.


Kuma made a surprising return to the Sabaody Archipelago, where he encountered the Rosy Life Riders, Bible in hand. Despite his imposing presence, Shakky showed no fear, affirming that Kuma was an ally.


Strangely, Kuma chose to assist them in safeguarding the Thousand Sunny. The motive behind his actions remained enigmatic, but it was revealed that prior to losing his personality, Vegapunk had encoded a unique mission into Kuma's being.


This mission tasked him with the unwavering protection of the ship, even if it meant sacrificing his own existence until a Straw Hat crew member returned.


During the Timeskip


A year after the Straw Hat crew's separation, the Marines uncovered and attempted to obliterate the Thousand Sunny. In a valiant effort, Kuma, alongside Hatchan and Duval, stood their ground against the marauding forces.


Even after Duval and Hatchan withdrew from the battle, Kuma persevered in protecting the ship, despite having sustained numerous injuries during the intense skirmish.


Fish-Man Island Arc


Bartholomew Kuma in One Piece.
Still from the anime.


Upon Franky's return to the Thousand Sunny, he discovered Kuma in a severely battered state near the ship. When Kuma caught sight of Franky, he began to move away, his mission to protect the ship now evidently fulfilled.


Levely Arc


In a subsequent turn of events, Kuma faced a grim fate as he became a slave-for-hire in Mary Geoise, serving as punishment for his previous aid to Luffy. Rosward had rented Kuma at some point before the Levely took place.


Bartholomew Kuma in One Piece.
Still from the anime.


When the Levely arrived, Rosward once again secured the services of Kuma. Learning of his son's attack, Rosward rode on Kuma through the Domain of the Gods, ultimately confronting Charlos at the Celestial Dragon Gate.


Despite Rosward's cruel and relentless assaults, Kuma, now devoid of his former consciousness, obediently complied without any resistance.


Wano Country Arc


In a daring assault on the Domain of the Gods, the revolutionaries Sabo, Lindbergh, Karasu, and Morley executed a successful mission to liberate Kuma. United, they managed to break free from Mary Geoise, engaging in a brief clash with Admirals Fujitora and Ryokugyu before making their escape.


Egghead Arc


Bartholomew Kuma in One Piece.
One Piece manga panel.


After the revolutionaries reached Momoiro Island, Dragon inquired about Kuma's experiences in Mary Geoise, and Kuma dutifully responded, addressing Dragon as "Master." This exchange shed light on the information Kuma possessed.


Subsequently, while the revolutionaries were in the midst of repairing him, Kuma unexpectedly rose to his feet and began to move, stumbling along the way, seemingly disregarding his comrades' calls.


Upon reaching the island's coast, Kuma harnessed the power of his Devil Fruit, propelling himself into the air and crashing into the Red Line. He descended to Red Port, prompting the Marines to dispatch forces for his capture, with civilians ordered to evacuate for safety. Despite the extensive damage to his body, Kuma managed to stand once more.


Kuma then attempted to scale the imposing Red Line but encountered resistance from Marine squads, who fired upon him. Undeterred, Kuma descended to Red Port once more, where he proceeded to fend off the Marines before embarking on another ascent of the Red Line after defeating them.


Bartholomew Kuma’s Personality


Bartholomew Kuma in One Piece.
Still from the anime.


Kuma is a man of mystery, known for his reputation of fury and cruelty, though his demeanor is surprisingly calm and composed. He rarely speaks unless it's absolutely necessary, maintaining a stoic and almost robotic disposition at all times. When he does talk, he frequently uses the word "target" in his sentences.


Additionally, he has a peculiar habit of asking people where they'd like to go on a holiday before using his Devil Fruit ability to send them away. Sometimes he honors their request, but on occasion, he chooses a destination of his own without waiting for a reply.


Despite his epithet suggesting a violent nature, Kuma is described as a gentle man by those who know him, earning deep respect among his fellow Revolutionaries. His kindness is evident in his role as a loving father to his daughter, Bonney. Bonney herself insists that the government falsely portrays her father as an evil tyrant and that he's actually a very kind person.


Kuma's character also reveals moments of honor and respect, as seen in his interactions with Roronoa Zoro during the Thriller Bark Arc. He admired Zoro for risking his life to protect his captain, even though it went against his assigned mission. This suggests a sense of honor beneath his stoic exterior.


Kuma's loyalty might outwardly seem directed toward the World Government, but he harbors a strong disagreement with their definitions of "good" and "evil." He doesn't hesitate to voice his skepticism about decisions, such as the inclusion of Blackbeard as a Warlord, which he views as a poor choice despite filling a vacancy left by Crocodile.


However, his allegiance isn't really to the Marines or the World Government's cause. This is evident when he avoids directly answering Admiral Kizaru's questions and when he lies about defeating the Straw Hat Pirates at Sabaody Archipelago.


In truth, Kuma acts as a double agent, secretly aligned with the Revolutionary Army. His exceptional skills in deception allow him to maintain this dual identity for years without the World Government realizing his true intentions.


A significant factor in Kuma's complex web of loyalties is his relationship with Monkey D. Dragon, his superior, and Luffy's father. This connection influences Kuma's continued support of the Straw Hat Pirates.


Bartholomew Kuma in One Piece.
Still from the anime.


However, his transformation into a Pacifista result in the loss of his personality, memories, and autonomy. Despite once being cunning and independent, he becomes a mindless agent, distinguishing only between friends and foes of the World Government.


His original self seems extinguished, though a secret arrangement with Dr. Vegapunk grants him a momentary return to his former consciousness to defend the Thousand Sunny. Yet, his agency is short-lived, and he becomes a compliant servant of the World Nobles.


Bartholomew Kuma’s Appearance


Bartholomew Kuma in One Piece.
Still from the anime.


Kuma is a really tall guy, just a bit shorter than Gecko Moria. He usually has a Bible with him and has some unusual features like bear-like ears on top of his head and cybernetic eyes. When he was a kid, he looked normal and wore glasses.


His outfit includes a white hat, dark blue pants with brown spots, and a jacket with a big white design that looks like a target. There are also white paw prints on the bottom of his coat. He has a long chin and a tattoo on his throat that says "PX-0."


In the anime, his hair is black, and his hat is gray with black paw prints. In the manga, he originally had brown hair, a bright orange jacket, and a yellow hat with green spots. Later, his coat changed to blue. In a game called Unlimited Cruise, his jacket is brown.


After a two-year break, his cyborg armor is damaged, with weapons sticking out of his body from protecting the Thousand Sunny for two years. He was enslaved and made to wear rags with a collar and chain. He had more swords in his body because the World Nobles hurt him for fun.


One of his cybernetic eyes is gone, and he no longer has his Bible. It's unclear if he has the slave mark called the "Hoof of the Soaring Dragon." After being freed, he got back to his old clothes, got rid of the swords, and fixed his cybernetics.


Bartholomew Kuma in One Piece.
Kuma as a child in SBS Volume 63.


When Oda, the manga's creator, drew Kuma as a child in SBS Volume 63, he had short hair and looked like a regular kid without bear ears, glasses, or cybernetic stuff. He was carrying firewood and reading a book called "Ninokin."


Bartholomew Kuma’s Abilities


Before becoming a Pacifista, Kuma was a high-ranking member of the Revolutionary Army and had control over lower-ranked members. But he lost that power when he became a total servant of the World Government. In the past, he was the king of the Sorbet Kingdom, which gave him political influence.


Bartholomew Kuma in One Piece.
Still from the anime.


Kuma was skilled at deceiving people, especially the World Government, about his true loyalty to the Revolutionary Army. He even became one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea.


Kuma is one of the few people who managed to defeat the Straw Hat Pirates twice, all by himself. But both times, the Straw Hats were in bad shape and couldn't fight anymore. The first time, they had just fought another Warlord of the Sea, zombies, and a giant zombie named Oars. The second time, they had just battled a Pacifista and other powerful foes. Kuma didn't want to kill the crew because he let them escape, so it seems like he held back.


Kuma is incredibly fast and can disappear right in front of people. We're not sure if this is because of Dr. Vegapunk's changes, his Devil Fruit powers, or just his natural speed.


His reputation is so scary that even famous and tough pirates like Eustass Kid got scared when they saw what they thought was Kuma (it was actually a Pacifista) on the Sabaody Archipelago, even though Kuma's bounty was lower.


Kuma knows a lot about geography through his powers. He can send people exactly where they want to go, no matter where they are in the world. He can even locate a moving sky island perfectly. Maybe his cyborg upgrades help with this. He usually asks people where they want to go before he "pushes" them.


Devil Fruit


Bartholomew Kuma in One Piece.
Still from the anime.


Kuma ate the Nikyu Nikyu no Mi, a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit that gave him paw pads on his palms. These paw pads have the power to repel anything they touch. With his paw pads, he can defend against all physical attacks, even swords, and swiftly repel attacks from fast opponents like Luffy in Gear 2. He can also use them to strike by repelling targets at high speed. He claims his paw pads work at the speed of light.


His palm strikes deal significant damage, as his repelling power inflicts strong force on his targets. He can focus this repelling power into a blast like a cannon, piercing thick stone. His strikes can hit beyond the target, damaging anything behind it too.


Kuma can repel air to create a cannon-like shockwave and even gather lots of compressed air into a small bubble, releasing it as a massive shockwave that can devastate an island.


Remarkably, he can remove pain, injuries, and exhaustion from a person's body, instantly healing them—even severe damage. The pain becomes a paw-shaped bubble, larger for greater damage. He can transfer this damage to someone else, causing them immense suffering.


Bartholomew Kuma in One Piece.
Still from the anime.


The most impressive use of this fruit is Kuma sending someone flying vast distances, across the world over days. The victim is encased in a protective paw bubble that breaks through obstacles. To onlookers, the victim seems to vanish.


Pacifista Modifications


Kuma is a unique cyborg created by Vegapunk, standing out in terms of strength and agility among other cyborgs.


Bartholomew Kuma in One Piece.
Still from the anime.


Like other Pacifista models, Kuma has a device in his pupils that lets him recognize individuals and their bounties from a distance.


Kuma's big size and cyber enhancements make him incredibly strong and tough, even compared to regular Pacifista. At Thriller Bark, he effortlessly lifted a large slab of rubble with one hand and could withstand heavy attacks without much harm.


Even after two years of damage and neglect, he still functioned. But these modifications seemed to take away his free will.


Because his mind is essentially gone, Kuma can't feel pain. He endured brutal abuse by the World Nobles without reacting. Swords were even stuck inside him, but he kept on working.


As a Pacifista, Kuma can shoot laser beams that cause big explosions and can melt steel. His unique feature is that he has these lasers in his mouth, unlike other Pacifista who have them in their palms. He also has paw pads on his hands and a special bible. He can also shoot lasers from his palms using special gloves.


Bartholomew Kuma’s Relationships

Jewelry Bonney


Bartholomew Kuma in One Piece.
Still from the anime.


Kuma and Jewelry Bonney have a unique connection in the series. Kuma is revealed to be Bonney's father, and they had a loving relationship during her childhood. Bonney holds an intense rage towards the World Government for enslaving her father and subjecting him to abuse by the World Nobles.


She even defended a Pacifista unit that resembled Kuma, showcasing her deep emotional attachment to him.


Revolutionaries


Bartholomew Kuma in One Piece.
Still from the anime.


Kuma was a prominent member of the Revolutionary Army and one of its original founders alongside Monkey D. Dragon and Ivankov.


He was deeply respected by his fellow revolutionaries, and they planned a successful mission to liberate Kuma from his torturous slavery at the hands of the World Government. This highlights the strong bond he had with his revolutionary comrades.


Monkey D. Dragon


Bartholomew Kuma in One Piece.
Still from the anime.


The relationship between Kuma and Dragon is shrouded in mystery. While Kuma was secretly working with the Revolutionary Army as a Warlord, his final transformation into a Pacifista made him fully subject to the World Government's control.


Dragon appears to be aware of Kuma's deal with the Marines, and Kuma's knowledge of Luffy being Dragon's son suggests a deeper connection between them.


Emporio Ivankov


Bartholomew Kuma in One Piece.
Still from the anime.


Kuma and Ivankov knew each other well, and Ivankov was aware that Kuma had undergone significant changes. Ivankov's comments indicate that they had a close relationship, and he also knew about Kuma's strong hatred for the World Government.


Straw Hat Pirates


Bartholomew Kuma in One Piece.
Still from the anime.


Kuma had interactions with the Straw Hat Pirates, particularly Monkey D. Luffy and Roronoa Zoro. He possessed knowledge about Luffy's family background, including his adoptive brother Portgas D. Ace, and his biological father Monkey D. Dragon.


Kuma had several encounters with the Straw Hat Pirates and spared their lives on multiple occasions, showcasing a level of respect and intrigue towards them. He even made a deal with Vegapunk to protect the Thousand Sunny until a Straw Hat member returned, indicating a sense of responsibility and respect for the crew.


World Government and Marines


Bartholomew Kuma in One Piece.
Still from the anime.


Kuma initially appeared to be aligned with the World Government, even claiming to follow their orders. However, his actions often contradicted this claim. He refused to cooperate with the Marines unless explicitly ordered by the World Government.


Later, due to his transformation into a Pacifista, he became a slave to both the World Government and the Marines, obeying their commands unquestioningly. Despite this, his true loyalty remained ambiguous.


His actions, such as protecting the Thousand Sunny for two years as requested by Vegapunk, suggest that he might have hidden motivations or an agenda that goes beyond mere servitude.


Dr. Vegapunk


Bartholomew Kuma in One Piece.
One Piece manga panel.


Kuma has a significant relationship with Dr. Vegapunk. Vegapunk's interest in Kuma allowed the latter to escape death and become a test subject for the Pacifista project. Their relationship appears to be respectful and collaborative.


Kuma's final wish as a human, to protect the Straw Hat Pirates' ship, was granted by Vegapunk, indicating a level of friendship and trust. Despite Kuma's transformation into a Pacifista, Vegapunk seems to respect him enough to keep Kuma's memories locked away in his laboratory.


Vegapunk's experiments on Kuma hint at a deeper understanding of Kuma's motivations and perhaps his connection to larger mysteries in the world.


World Nobles


Bartholomew Kuma in One Piece.
Still from the anime.


After the abolition of the Seven Warlords system and Kuma's liberation from Mary Geoise, he becomes a slave-to-rent for the World Nobles. Due to his emotionless state, the Celestial Dragons, who are the highest class of the world's social hierarchy, cruelly abuse him for their pleasure. This is a tragic turn of events for a character who once seemingly aligned with the World Government.


Gecko Moria


Bartholomew Kuma in One Piece.
Still from the anime.


Kuma had interactions with Gecko Moria, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea. Moria distrusted Kuma due to his loyalty to the World Government, suspecting that Kuma's allegiance made him untrustworthy.


Despite this, Kuma displayed patience around Moria and even offered assistance against the Straw Hat Pirates, an offer that Moria rejected. Kuma's lack of reaction to Moria's intimidation tactics also intrigued Moria. Kuma's connection with Moria showcases his ability to maintain composure even in tense situations.


Marshall D. Teach (Blackbeard)


Bartholomew Kuma in One Piece.
Still from the anime.


Kuma had knowledge of Blackbeard even before he became a Warlord. He was aware of Blackbeard's history as a member of the Whitebeard Pirates and expressed doubts about Blackbeard's appointment as a Warlord.


Kuma's doubts were justified, as Blackbeard later used his position to recruit powerful prisoners from Impel Down for his own crew. Kuma's awareness of Blackbeard's intentions highlights his ability to perceive potential threats and question the motives of others.


Bartholomew Kuma in Other Media


Bartholomew Kuma in One Piece.
One Piece Treasure Cruise Cover.



Kuma is a playable character in:


  • One Piece: Unlimited Cruise

  • One Piece: Gigant Battle

  • One Piece: Gigant Battle! 2 New World

  • One Piece: Pirate Warriors 2

  • One Py Berry Match

  • One Piece: Pirate Warriors 3

  • One Piece: Burning Blood

  • One Piece Treasure Cruise

  • One Piece Bounty Rush

  • One Piece Thousand Storm

  • One Piece Bon! Bon! Journey!!


He also appears as a supporting character in:

  • One Piece: Gear Spirit

  • One Piece: Super Grand Battle! X

  • One Piece: Dance Battle

  • One Piece: Great Pirate Colosseum


In addition to that, he is a non-playable character in:


  • One Piece: Grand Battle! 3

  • One Piece: Grand Battle! Rush!

  • One Piece: Pirates Carnival

  • One Piece: Pirate Warriors

  • One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4


Did You Know?


  • Kuma's Bible has undergone design changes across different appearances and media:

    • In color spreads and digitally colored manga, it's gold with an orange title, featuring a pattern similar to Kuma's jacket.

    • In the anime and games, the book is purple, and its back isn't clearly visible.

    • During its first appearance in the Jaya Arc, the cover displayed a yellow figure on orange rays. In the anime, it was a white figure on yellow rays against a bluish-green background.

    • In a later chapter, the back was shown as blank, and the cover revealed a woman figure with a skyline background.

    • From the end of the Thriller Bark Arc, the cover had a clearer image with an orange back cover in the colored version and a white figure on a yellow background in the anime (shown later in the Sabaody Archipelago Arc).

  • Kuma's surname likely derives from historical pirate Bartholomew "Black Bart" Roberts, whose death marked the end of the real-world "Great Pirate Age."

  • There's a possibility Kuma's name is inspired by Bartholomew the Apostle, one of Jesus's twelve apostles.

  • Kuma stands out as the only known individual affiliated with pirates, the Revolutionary Army, the World Government, and the Seven Warlords of the Sea.

  • In popularity polls, Kuma ranked 52nd, 85th, 129th, and 98th in the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th fan polls, making him the least popular of the Seven Warlords, both current and former.

  • Kuma is the first cyborg to appear in the series, but this was not revealed until the Thriller Bark Arc.

  • In One Piece: Pirate Warriors 3, Kuma's Bible is called the "Book of Bears" and is a rare coin. It can be obtained by reaching Kuma's Crew Level to the maximum (Level 5) and is one of four rare coins needed to break Kuma's level limit.

  • Kuma's color scheme in the anime was initially incorrect and remained so even after Oda's official color scheme was published. Oda eventually replaced the original color scheme with one more in line with the anime.

  • Young Kuma's depiction bears similarities to Ninomiya Sontoku, a renowned 19th-century philosopher often depicted carrying a book while carrying a heavy load on his back.

  • Kuma's favorite foods include honey and salmon.


FAQs

Q. Who is Bartholomew Kuma in One Piece?

A. Formerly feared as a brutal pirate known as the "Tyrant," Kuma was one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, a group of powerful pirates who allied with the World Government in exchange for certain privileges and protection from capture. As a pirate, Kuma had a substantial bounty of Beli 296,000,000, indicative of his notorious reputation and danger as a pirate.

Q. Who is the voice actor for Bartholomew Kuma?

A. Hideyuki Hori provides the Japanese voice for Bartholomew Kuma, and Joel McDonald is the English voice actor for Kuma.

Q. What is Bartholomew Kuma's Devil Fruit power?

A. Kuma ate the Nikyu Nikyu no Mi, a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit that gave him paw pads on his palms. These paw pads have the power to repel anything they touch. With his paw pads, he can defend against all physical attacks, even swords, and swiftly repel attacks from fast opponents like Luffy in Gear 2.
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