In Chapter 1098, the flashback arc of Kuma continues, revealing Ginny’s poignant backstory. After joining the Revolutionary Army (Chapter 1097) and working with the Revolutionary forces, Ginny finds herself unexpectedly captured by the World Government, thrusting her back into the tragic fate of the Celestial Dragons.

Ginny’s current state is particularly dire as she is suffering from the debilitating illness known as the Sapphire Disease. She informs Kuma of her condition but had already made the decision to leave before he arrived. She also shares the burden of her struggles with the young Bonney, who is grappling with her own fate in similar circumstances.

Ginny’s departure aligns with the recurring theme of tragic destinies among characters in Oda’s narrative universe, a motif that resonates deeply as it highlights the innate sorrow tied to the “curse of the mother” in One Piece. Despite the humorous tones often present, there is a somber recognition of how introducing a maternal figure in a flashback can lead to an inevitable tragic ending for a female character.

In a recent Q&A session with SBS, Oda discussed the rationale behind these narrative choices. He emphasized the necessity of this storytelling approach, explaining that these flashbacks serve as a crucial foundation for character development. According to the One Piece creator, these backstories are instrumental in providing depth and enhancing the unique development of each character.

Oda has also made it clear that the decision to introduce maternal figures is a deliberate choice that impacts the emotional landscape of the story. The absence of these maternal characters often places the protagonists in strategic positions, forcing them to confront challenges and ultimately shaping their growth, thereby allowing them to pursue their own destinies in a unique manner.