Chapter 15: Bartholomew Kuma
A tall man resembling a bear, holding a book titled "BIBLE", sat calmly atop the mast of the Spade Pirates' ship, gazing at Portgas D. Ace as he posed the question.
His voice was gentle, almost soothing, but his towering presence and unique aura instantly revealed his identity to Ace and the others.
Bartholomew Kuma—one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, wielder of the Paw-Paw Fruit (a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit that grants him the power to repel anything), and feared throughout the seas as the "Tyrant."
> "Bartholomew Kuma? Damn it... why would a man like him show up on our ship?"
Gambi muttered grimly, watching the imposing figure perched on their vessel.
"Don't worry. He's likely here for me," Ace said calmly, patting Gambi's shoulder before stepping forward. He looked up at Kuma with a faint smile, saying nothing more.
Although they'd never interacted before, Ace knew exactly who this man was.
On the surface, Bartholomew Kuma was a loyal Shichibukai. But in truth, he was a high-ranking officer in the Revolutionary Army. In the original timeline, although the reasons remain unclear as to why he accepted the full-body modifications by Vegapunk, the genius scientist of the World Government, it is known that Kuma's importance was such that top Revolutionary Army commanders—including Ace's sworn brother, Sabo, the organization's Chief of Staff—personally infiltrated Mary Geoise, the Holy Land of the Celestial Dragons, in an attempt to rescue him. They even engaged Admiral Fujitora and Admiral Ryokugyu (Green Bull) in battle.
Though the mission ultimately failed, the effort spoke volumes about Kuma's significance.
Whoosh!
Kuma disappeared and instantly reappeared in front of Ace. Calmly, he asked again:
> "Portgas D. Ace. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?"
"If I could... I'd like to take a trip to the sun," Ace said playfully, smiling up at the massive 7-meter-tall man. Then he waved and added, "Kidding. Honestly, I've been interested in seeing Sky Island lately."
Although Ace had no direct ties to Kuma, he was Luffy's sworn brother, and Luffy's father—Monkey D. Dragon—was the Supreme Commander of the Revolutionary Army. As one of its top officers, Kuma couldn't possibly be unaware of Ace's background.
So, Ace had a strong hunch: Kuma wasn't here to cause trouble, but to deliver a message.
> "Portgas D. Ace, come with me," Kuma said calmly, turning away and heading toward the No. 7 Grove of the Sabaody Archipelago.
Ace followed.
Once they arrived beneath the giant mangrove tree, Kuma turned to him and said:
> "Portgas D. Ace... son of Gol D. Roger, the Pirate King—you've entered the New World, and you should not return to Paradise."
"You... really know my identity?" Ace asked quietly.
He'd suspected as much, but hearing it confirmed still gave him pause. Yet when he thought more about it, it wasn't all that surprising.
When Garp adopted him, Dragon was still a high-ranking Navy officer. With his sharp mind, it was inevitable that Dragon would have investigated the child Garp brought home. Whether Garp told him outright or Dragon discovered it himself, the truth would have come out.
And now, with Shakuyaku (Shakky) telling him earlier that Silvers Rayleigh had taken an interest in him and asked her to monitor his movements after he set sail—Ace could feel it in his bones. From the moment he stepped onto the seas, he had been noticed by many powerful people.
Fortunately, none of them had any malicious intent.
> "You've provoked the Donquixote Family. Doflamingo—also known as Heavenly Yaksha—has begun investigating you and has suspicions about your background. At a time like this, you should remain quietly in the New World.
The best course of action would be to join a powerful force for protection," Kuma said solemnly. "Joining the Whitebeard Pirates is currently your best option."
Ace stared at Kuma, quickly grasping his intent.
His identity was a ticking time bomb—once revealed, it could plunge the world into chaos. The Revolutionary Army was expanding rapidly and could not afford a major upheaval at sea.
So, as soon as Ace returned from the New World, Dragon had sent Kuma to deliver a warning: Join Whitebeard. Stay protected. Keep the world stable.
> "So that's why I joined the Whitebeard Pirates in the original timeline... Dragon had been guiding me all along."
Ace thought silently.
Then he spoke.
> "Sorry, I don't plan on joining any other pirate crews right now. My purpose in coming to the Sabaody Archipelago was to find a teacher—and I've already achieved that. So I don't plan on returning to the New World or even appearing on the sea for some time."
"Looking for a teacher?" Kuma raised an eyebrow slightly, then nodded in understanding.
> "Silvers Rayleigh, the Dark King. Becoming his apprentice is a wise decision."
"Since you've already met Hades Rayleigh, I'll say no more," Kuma added. "Sorry to disturb you. I'll take my leave now."
He bowed respectfully, then turned to leave.
"Wait," Ace called out.
He reached into his pocket, tore a piece from a Vivre Card, and handed half to Kuma.
> "This is my Vivre Card. If you return to Baltigo someday, please give it to Sabo for me."
Kuma stared at the Vivre Card for a long moment. Then, without a word, he opened the palm of the hand holding his book and accepted it.
> "Mr. Dragon once told me not to underestimate you.
But now, I think... perhaps he still did," Kuma said with a deep sigh. "Portgas D. Ace, you are far more than what meets the eye."
Ace simply smiled in response.
He hadn't made his remarks to Kuma on a whim. Everything he said was carefully calculated.
He was also letting Bartholomew Kuma know: You may know my secrets—but I know yours, too. I know your affiliations, your mission, even the Revolutionary Army's base.
This wasn't a threat. It was a clear message:
> "I will walk my own path. Don't try to control my fate."
> "May I ask... what is your relationship with Sabo-kun?" Kuma suddenly asked.
Ace's expression softened.
> "Sabo..." he murmured with a smile full of memories. "When he remembers everything, he'll understand."
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