This show is in its 11th hour, and Oda just casually drops the most tragic backstory in the history of Anime.

Spent the entire episode crying so hard I thought I was gonna throw up. What an unbelievably beautiful and soul-rending piece of fiction. Ever since his introduction it's been apparent that there was something special about Kuma but I never, ever would've expected us to end up here. Quite possibly my favorite character backstory in the show, neck and neck with Nico Robin's.

This might be my favorite and I think the saddest One Piece episode I have seen the past 8 years. I've started my journey in 2017 and I"ve finally caught up. I'm happy I've taken it slow because damn, what a show. It will be a bit of adjusting to the weekly one episode watch but I can't wait to see more of Luffy's fantastic journey and Oda's legendary world.

Fucking ugly crying. Memories, our loved ones, hero, freedom, endurance, I'm shocked. What a perfect show. Just rewatched, and it might be my favorite piece of media maybe ever. The undying gratitude for those who love you and for getting the privilege to love in this life. It reminded me of Takahata's Tale of Kaguya. I was also very moved by Vegapunk's gestures at humanity and the words he told Kuma. I really needed to see this is in all the times of stress and unease, where it feels impossible to hold the suffering and sadness of everyone, the importance of living. The motifs of running, the reaching out of the hand, those who we love who make up our memories. I caught glimpses of my father, my friend, and my dog, who have all passed away, it was really powerful. Thank you for living, Kuma. Each life and all it gives to those around us can't be discounted, we are so much more than flesh and bone. Thank you. Thank you for it all.

one of the most beautiful display of a tragic backstory that I've seen in anime. Genuine perfect episode