Chapter 8: Kuma the Saint
Sorbet Kingdom
Kuma had warped all the people he could save to his homeland- the first place he could think of. They all went in their separate directions including Ivankov.
The pink-haired girl, Ginny remained with Kuma, grateful for her saving him. They would make a living by selling logs and eventually, Kuma followed his father's footsteps in being a pastor for the religion of Nika and the nine other gods along with Joyboy while learning additional uses of his Paw-Paw powers including that of removing pain from others to absorb into himself, much to Ginny's displeasure. King Bekori also disliked how Kuma treated the unfortunate and spread the word of Nika, something he didn't know about but instinctively disliked.
"It's weird seeing him so cheerful. He seemed like a closed-off guy when we met him.," Franky remarked.
Bonney struggled to keep herself composed at the sight.
Ginny asked him to marry her but he refused not to repeat the mistake of his birth much to his chagrin.
"I see he wants to be free from being tied down.," Luffy said before Sanji kicked him.
"Both of you are idiots.," Sanji observed as Ginny walked away in tears.
They caught wind of Dragon and the freedom fighters who fought tyrannical kingdoms and liberated them. When Kuma turned 25, Bekori became more ambitious and decided to purge the populace of the less wealthy to appease the World Nobles by staging it so Pirates stole them in reality it was a deal to traffic them into slavery- splitting the kingdom into the more socially acceptable society and the undesirables. these activities were stopped by the arrival of Dragon and the Freedom Fighters. Kuma fought alongside them and became a new member- changing the group to the Freedom Fighters.
"You came up with this idea yourself? That's amazing. I won't let you down.," said Kuma.
"Countless people have raised the flag of freedom, long forgotten. We're the latest ones. And...this organization was started by someone I treasured and carry in their stead.," Dragon explained.
"In any case, it's nice to see your face again. He-Haw.," Ivankov noted.
"No one could forget that face.," Kuma replied.
"In any case, we lend help to those desiring the help and teach them to fight on their own- aiding them if needed. We intend to be the force to be what the Marines failed to be.," Dragon explained.
"You were a Navy man?," asked Kuma.
"Yeah, but I couldn't find true justice there and be willing to turn a blind eye like The Hero. Someone also inspired me when I was 17 even if they pushed me away.," the dark-haired man explained.
"In any case, I won't regret working with you. It must be the wish of the sun," Kuma said with a smile.
Bekori in his weakened state made a call all the way to Mary Geoise.
"This weird demi-Giant...he talks weird things...about Suns and Joy-guys...," he whined.
The Elders and Imu had listened in and Saturn had immediately guessed who it was.
They managed to capture photos of Kuma and Ginny. Saturn grabbed one of them and crumpled it in his hand as it began to rot away.
"It's that youth from back then.," the dreadlocks Elder remarked.
"The way they're acting...reminds me of that pairing-," Peter said before Nusjuro interjected.
"Don't tell me that you're still not over being dumped.," the samurai remarked.
"He spreads the word of those accursed individuals. They need to be silenced.," Saturn remarked.
"Beririririri. I want her.," said a portly silhouette of a kingly individual who stepped out of the shadows.
"Rurururururu. And let me have her body.," said an obese feminine figure.
Both of them were currently obscured in darkness.
"You cretins. How did-," asked Warcury.
"Let me be the first to examine her. She's merely going back to the fold.," Saturn said.
Ginny who had become a Commander, was captured by the World Nobles by them first using children as hostages to get her to comply.
Kuma became desperate as he continued on missions they initially attempted to rescue her, but were thwarted by Cipher Pol agents even stronger than the usual CP0 agents as well as several agencies under the World Nobles including the Holy Knights. At the time, they would barely come out of the scuffles alive and unable to get Ginny.
Eventually, Ginny was released back to Sorbet Kingdom, and the implications were clear-
She was covered in sapphire growths and bore a child with someone. To which, Kuma said-
"I'm sorry for being so cowardly. I'll raise her just as you wish...and we'll be a family on the Line of the Sacred...," he said as Dragon watched on.
"You're a braver man than me...," he said as Ivankov cried.
Bonney cried as Robin comforted her.
Vega 40 and Vegapunk 39 clenched their fists at the sight of the sapphire-scale woman, which Luffy picked up on.
Zoro looked on with curiosity while Franky cried with undignified tears.
Ginny would grow up over this time, but eventually, she too exhibited the same disease- forcing her to remain in the church for her own sake.
When all seemed lost, Kuma was confronted by some Cipher Pol agents. He was ready to fight when they gave a request via a Transponder Snail with Saturn speaking through-
"We can help you via Vegapunk with healing your daughter. Even if you did everything, she'd die by ten years old. But in exchange- you'll become a mindless machine and a Warlord so we can watch you."
"Oh...is that all?," asked Kuma as he cried.
He then confronted Dragon about the issue.
"You can be our inner spy to get intel...I could say it was your weakness in your family... but isolating yourself from connecting isn't freedom. Do what you want and know that we'll come when it's time.," he said.
"Ivankov can't know about this. They've always been sensitive and Iva would definitely by against this. Sorry for being so selfish.," Kuma said as he walked away.
"No, we're all flawed, but your actions are truly more saintly than those on top who dare call themselves saints.," Dragon said with a rare moment of weakness.
"By the way...how's Luffy doing?," asked Kuma as Dragon scowled.
"He's not being raised as...whoever birthed them...wanted- being made aware of what he may or may not live up to, but he's happy enough. But don't bring it up again to anyone else. Every organization outside of a certain few have spies...maybe even in here.," Dragon replied as Kuma nodded.
Kuma then went back to the church as he asked-
"Those gems...when you remove them? Where would you like to go?"
"Umm...the sky islands! I've read all about them. Noland's an amazing guy. Can't believe he's called a liar.," she said- still a child.
"W-we'll go there. I promise.," Kuma said with a sweat going down his brow.
Kuma then spotted Bekori outside the church, but something was off about him. He looked like a living corpse undergoing the rotting process. Even for someone as rotten as this former tyrant was, being sent away from his kingdom as punishment as Kuma became the king in name only- with the broader news calling him The Tyrant for usurping Bekori out of some assumed ambition and vengeance for selling out Clapp to the World Government. He didn't look healthy.
"As much as I dislike you...we'll treat whatever's happening with you.," he said.
"I've received the blessing of Mother Sea. I don't want the disgusting powers of Devils...I want it...you have such potent...Haki...Haki..haHakikkiki.," Bekori said his body went from freshly rotten to bloated to active decay with maggots that seemed to be made of Haki emerging from the openings of his skin, advanced decay with charcoal black skin, to dry remains of bones...until they crumbled away living only Haki that took on a solid black form as it opened its red eyes-
Then the scene glitched to Kuma panting having put down whatever Bekori just became, being burnt away by the light of the sun. Kuma then turned to see Bonney, but she was a young adult woman to his shock.
"I don't know what this is...Why am I big now?," asked Bonney.
Kuma then went to Queen Conney and Bulldog- the true rulers of the country- with Kuma only being a proxy ruler.
"It has to be the Age-Age Fruit. It can alter age but also affect time but it doesn't give any more specifics...when would've been a time she ate it?," asked the King.
"I've never let her outside.," Kuma replied.
"I see. We should keep this to ourselves. A hawk who hides its talons is smarter than the brash one always barring them open and leaving them unrefined.," the Queen said before noticing a seemingly identical copy of herself.
"I've split into two!," she shouted.
A little while later, it was revealed that Bonney could access any possible age and possibility including becoming like Kuma's body type. But the most important thing was curing Bonney.
Kuma would do his Revolutionary duties but his actions with Bekori- not knowing the truth- caused him to be labeled a pirate as well and kept that horrific information of Bekori's fate to himself not wanting to what to think of it till he talked to someone who actually had expertise on the subject matter.
Kuma would take the opening from Hanafuda- an implied agent of Kaido and Warlord who was defeated by Ace, an upcoming pirate while instructing Sabo and Koala on the side.
He would then take Bonney initially to Punk Hazard till Clown blew up the base- forcing them to go to the newly established Egghead Island.
Kuma then met Kizaru, Sentomaru, and Vegapunk- the long-headed individual as the other Vegapunk hid from view as did Vega 40.
"It's a bit of a fixer-upper, but once it's done, we'll be able to make all kinds of things to better humanity...and of course remove those scales.," the scientist said.
"Cool, geezer! I'm gonna explore this place.," she said as she dashed around as Kuma and the old Vegapunk engaged in a more serious conversation.
"To think they'd go to such lengths to erase you, they truly fear your kind.," Vegapunk said.
"It's for her sake. I'll do anything.," Kuma said.
He then noticed Kizaru and Sentomaru and asked-
"May I talk to him alone?"
"That sounds mightily high and mighty for-," the Admiral said before the scientist interjected.
"He's going to become the template of the Pacifista. We can indulge in his requests.," the scientist replied as Kizaru and Sentomaru reluctantly left.
Kuma then scowled as he asked-
"Mother Sea? What do you know about her?," asked Kuma.
"Well, she's someone- an old goddess from the myth that labeled Devil Fruits a curse by denying them access to the sea.," the scientist replied.
"What would you know about the blessings?," asked the Buccaneer.
The old Vegapunk scratched his head as he replied-
"Something that allows the user to observe the future/expressions/presence of all, defend against all, and conquer all- they call it Haki."
"Is there a downside of overusing it?," asked Kuma.
"What prompted this?," asked the old man before the red-helmeted Vegapunk appeared, as the room suddenly became heavily layered much to the chagrin of those outside.
"Likely because he saw something that the World Government keeps under wraps. The same reason you're here, Kuma," the red-helmeted Vegapunk spoke up, he gave a more imposing presence than the old scientist.
"You shouldn't be popping out so frequently. You're a wanted man.," the old man said.
"And I thank you for taking in me and my little girl. My other kids are in the care of others to varying degrees of success.," replied the helmeted man.
"So you know what it is?," asked Kuma.
"Aqua Laguna, Long-Ring Long-Land, the reason that Haki is excluded to some individuals, and what they're planning...it relates to entities...called...," he said as he then added even more reinforcements to the room.
"Nobodies.," he explained before the scene suddenly glitched to several minutes later.
"...Is this going to happen? No matter what?," asked Kuma.
"What's worse is that certain individuals believe that when the seas rise enough and the sun is bloated out- everything will be back as Mother Sea wanted it- a sea ruled by ambition and might.," explained the helmeted man.
"I've come to the belief that Devil Fruits were born of the manifestation of the possibility for human evolution, with all the different powers representing the many branches for humanity's future, brought into existence by human hope and desire: thoughts along the lines of "if only I could do this" or "if only I could be like that". I claim that those with powers exist in different dimensions dreamed up by others before them.," the old man explained.
"But, their odd tastes...is how medicine tastes sour but is ultimately for your benefit. Dreams prevent you from being swallowed by your Ambitions and turning into Those things if you go past your body's ability to use Haki.," the helmeted man explained.
"What can I do?," asked Kuma.
"Nothing...Only a few can make a difference. And you're not one of them despite your faith. It's neither of us. Just focus on Bonney's recovery. As a father, I understand your concern.," the helmeted man said as he then phased out of the room as it returned to normal and Kizaru and Sentomaru entered the room.
"What were you talking about? Anything illegal?," asked the Admiral.
"Just prepping for the procedure. It's not like we can act on it anyway.," Vegapunk replied with some tears in his eyes.
Sentomaru grimaced.
Vegapunk would engage in healing Bonney but before Kuma commented to his operation, he said-
"Thank you for being born."
Bonney was confused while the current Bonney realized the implications as Vegapunk began to slowly replace his organic parts with mechanical ones.
Kuma spotted Luffy who was training as the current Luffy looked puzzled as the Warlord softly smiled seeing his stretchy body.
"I understand...who can make a difference.," he muttered to himself.
He would engage in duties for the Warlords while Bonney would be kept under the care of Alpha, Kalifa's sister who denied her letters from Kuma under the permission of an Elder outside of the Five.
Kuma's intentions became clear retroactively-
His cruelty was just tough love to get them stronger and slowly the World Government began to suspect his intentions while he slowly became more and more robotic.
Zoro's resolve is impressive...to equal my levels of tolerance...he's a Roronoa alright., the Bucanner thought during the Nothing Happened incident.
Luffy looked in shock at Zoro while his expression was shadowed while Sanji looked to the side. Franky was stunned while Robin was stoic. Vega 40 stared resolutely.
As Kuma warped his allies away, Luffy cried at him while Kuma thought-
Sorry, but you're not ready for the New World...let alone that place...You'll understand in time...
Lastly, Kuma's mind and memories would be gone- removed via the Paw Bubble.
"I'm just a man with a sturdy body...Sorry for being such a burden...And that request about that ship-," Kuma replied as Luffy realized what that meant.
"Of course not, you might be hated by a lot of people, but to those who know you, you're a hero. Of course, I'll allow it. Damn it, Curse my weakness...," the old man said as Stussy, Kizaru, and Sentomaru looked on.
The helmeted man also watched from the rafters thinking-
If Buccaneers were just durable...the World Nobles wouldn't be so scared of them...if you only knew...perhaps you'll know...when the time comes..., he thought.
Kuma thought of his intensely painful life and the few spots of happiness to the connections he made-
At the same time, Bonney learned of Alpha's true actions and confronted her-
"Go back to your room, Missy. I'm not sure how Kalifa deals with these lower beings.," she cursed.
"I'm cured, right? And you've been burning my letters...Where's my dad?," asked the girl.
"A dead man to be used by the World Government as will you!," she said as she attempted a Six King Gun, but Bonney then utilized a Gear-Third Punch as Alpha was blown all the way to Mary Geoise.
Lord Elders...this power...it's too dangerous..., she thought as she landed on the side of the Red Line unconscious as Bonney went to sea with her crew- people who had befriended Kuma.
Then Kuma's memories faded as the bubble burst.
Present
The group stood as Kaku sliced an opening to the room as Lucci and Tom entered the room.
"Your act of defiance against the Gods of the World has gone far enough. You will be slain and no one will remember you. May we turn your corpses into machines to fight those infidels you call friends.," said Tew Tom.
Luffy was quiet and began to walk towards Tom.
"Coming to die? Fine, I've been waiting to put you in your place, you-," the Oracion Seis member spoke.
"Oi, Tommy. That Old guy. Did he promise not to harm Bonney if Kuma became a robot?," asked Luffy.
Lucci and Kaku sensed Zoro and Luffy's Haki rising, and the air grew tense as memories of their fierce battles flashed through their minds. The burning desire to prove their worth against the two powerful Straw Hats surged through their veins even if it defied potential orders. Their eyes narrowed, and the fur on their bodies stood on end as they entered their Hybrid forms, as the beasts within them stirred. They had encountered this feeling before, the primal instinct that told them when they were on the cusp of facing true adversaries.
"You're not qualified for this.," Lucci spoke as Tom looked confused just before seeing Luffy enter Gear 5, but with his white clouds becoming less erratic and more solidified. In a nanosecond, Tom was punched out of the room, across the island to land against the dome dumbfounded at the sight.
Saturn grimaced as Luffy grew in size.
"I'm here!... Kuma guy...Thank you...," said the newly anointed Emperor as he sensed the body of Kuma.
Lucci and Kaku had entered into a form that the Straw Hats didn't expect-
Kaku's giraffe body became slimmer, his already long neck became longer, and dark flame formed a "mane" down the user's back, arms, neck, and chin, plus a stream of floating dark flame wrapped around his shoulders.
Lucci's leopard form became slimmer or muscular to increase power, dark flame formed a "mane" down the user's back and arms, and a stream of floating fire wrapped around the user's shoulders.
"Did Kaido do something like this? An Awakening is when the mind and body finally catch up to the Will of the Devil Fruit. Jailer Beasts are the result of an improper Awakening, but this is different.," asked Lucci.
"That loop thingy around your body? Like I care? You just want a rematch.," Luffy replied as he got off the tower as his Haki caused the more weak-willed fighters to be knocked out instantly.
"You've really made improvements since the last time we saw you.," Zoro said as he put on his bandana, entered his three-sword style, removed his top, and subconsciously entered his Asura form.
"Creepy. Creepy.," Kaku noted before reluctantly looking at Stussy and refocusing on his opponent.
Sanji then noticed a dot appearing next to Clisson and began to rush to her side but she generated a long tail to grab Tom within and drag him out before tossing him to the ground.
Robin took a defensive stance to protect Bonney who now felt comfortable enough to be in her true age- a 12-year-old girl.
Sanji was shocked and then turned pale-white as he realized the implications of his previous lecherous gaze towards her as he slumped.
Vegapunk 39 and Vega 40 then saw a cannon fire heading in their direction- with the latter generating a robotic tube to propel it upwards.
"You're getting a beating before you go so you don't get any funny ideas of chasing us.," Luffy said as he began to clash with Lucci.
Next Chapter: Emperor's Crew
Author Notes: Thus concludes this iteration of Kuma's flashback with Luffy being made more aware of Kuma's sacrifice as well as hinting of events to come