Re: One Piece Mega Convo (Spoilers!)
You're having way too much fun with random ideas I come up with in the space of 20 seconds.
I should make a thread: "Imitorar versus you" / "Come have your wild theories blown away"
Actually, that would be a pretty good thread...
I was actually hoping that it would lead to us getting into a massive argument over something clearly ridiculous by posting more and more misinterpreted evidence and half-baked theories and forced conclusions. In short, I was trying to lead to a humongous parody of this forum. And besides, it's not like I'm ALWAYS right, even when I have essay-like posts and (seemingly) sound reasoning to back me up. I was extremely wrong about the Cross-Gear and Doflamingo owning the slave auction at Grove 1.
But back on topic, I like that theory about Kuma being in it for himself. I see both Kuma being in it for himself and Kuma being connected to Dragons as viable possibilities (even Sahugani, who I believe started the theory, could never really convince me that Kuma and Vegapunk were connected. We just don't know enough about Vegapunk yet to assume much of anything about his personality or motivations), but I also lean away from assuming that Kuma's connected with Dragon. I mean, it's not like they wouldn't have met. Kuma's a Shichibukai, and the only really obedient one. Dragon's the most wanted man in the world. Who exactly is the World Government gonna send after him, Captain Morgan? I'm willing to bet that all of the Shichibukai (except for Blackbeard, but possibly including Crocodile, though he was stripped of the title) and admirals have met and fought with Dragon at one time or another. And Kuma's muttering says nothing except that he knows Dragon a bit. Anything about a connection is conjecture as of now.
But I disagree with you that Kuma is focused on preserving the balance of the Three Great Powers. You assume that based off of his conversation with Moria, right? Well, it seems to make sense, and could very well be his true agenda, but while the theory makes sense, I'm not fond of it. Kuma seems to be focused on working on promoting the World Government, not the Three Great Powers, though then again, the thrust of your argument is that Kuma is only with the World Government to enforce the Balance of the Three Great Powers. So his focus on the World Government could be explained according to your theory. But I prefer the idea that Kuma's actions can be explained by his fixation on loyalty.
My personal belief about Kuma's motivation is that he's rather interested by the Straw Hats. I think he didn't kill them on Thriller Bark because he was rather impressed with the rookies, so he gave them a chance to survive by turning in Luffy. Then they didn't, so he figured he'd incapacitate them and capture Luffy, but let the rest of them live as a reward for their loyalty. But then Zoro stopped him and was willing to give his life for Luffy. I think that that dedication impressed Kuma, the same way that Zoro's potential as a swordsman impressed Mihawk, so he agreed to spare Luffy on condition that Zoro was willing to pay the price. And I think that he came to save them on the Sabaody Islands also because he's interested in Zoro and his dedication to his captain. That's why he went after Zoro first. Loyalty clearly means something to a man who almost unwaveringly obeys the World Government, a man once known as "the Tyrant" who now allows himself to be ruled. I don't know why Kuma places such value on loyalty, it will probably be revealed if/when the Straw Hats meet him again, or when Kuma and his agenda becomes an issue and his past will probably be revealed. But I think that Kuma's actions are governed by a personal interest, which is what makes them so striking: he's a man who is known for submerging his personal interests for the sake of the World Government's interests. That's a large part of what loyalty is.
I certainly don't like the Dragon theory. I mean, having characters secretly working for each other and being connected is a very common plot device, and I wouldn't wanna see Oda use it too much. Besides, he's been pretty good about being able to establish and handle multiple factions and plotlines and agendas, and I don't see why he couldn't have Kuma working for his own interests. Besides, Kuma's not the only one to compare Luffy to his forbears. Aokiji also mentioned that he was a lot like Garp. But I doubt Aokiji has any relationship with Garp other then the fact that both are prestigious Marines, so they would know each other. But this last bit is mostly personal preference coloring my thinking. As it is, I think that bittman and I have formed our respective theories by focusing on different aspects of Kuma, me on his loyalty, and bittman on his concern with the Three Great Powers, as expressed in his conversation with Moria. I think both make sense, and only time will tell if either of our theories are correct. Or it could be something else. Maybe Kuma really is connected to Dragon, Oda could do nearly anything with Kuma's actions right now.
no it would be cool. but i think that kuma may be putting all his faith in the strawhats for some reason. maybe kumas a slave.
