Summary
- Jewelry Bonney's true worth and significance in the One Piece world are yet to be fully explored, as she has established relationships with key figures such as Bartholomew Kuma and Dr. Vegapunk.
- Bonney's connection to Kuma, whether biological or adoptive, suggests a potential mystery race that the World Government may be interested in. This race could have unique properties that make them desirable or dangerous.
- Bonney's past as a princess and her ability to disguise herself as the queen dowager at the Reverie imply a complex history and potential hidden motives. The World Government may have used her as a hostage or bargaining chip, and the Admirals have personal connections with her.
At first, Jewelry Bonney wasn't set to do anything that important to One Piece's overarching narrative. She might have been among the nine Supernovas introduced in the Sabaody Archipelago Arc, but that meant surprisingly little. According to Oda, he created these characters in rapid succession with no plans for them to excel in the New World; if he hadn't decided to expand upon their roles, Bonney's capture before the time skip might have been the last anyone saw of her. For all anyone knew, Bonney was meant to vanish into obscurity, never to be seen again in the New World.
Bonney's true worth wouldn't be explored until the Egghead Arc. When it was, several significant figures within the One Piece world found their way into her story, namely members of the World Government. Between them and Bartholomew Kuma being her father, she likely has much greater value than the story initially let on. This is to say nothing of what could happen to her or be revealed later in the story. Even if she only establishes new connections, fans have plenty to work regarding speculation. With everything set up so far, her personal story can go down multiple avenues.
What Relationships Did the Egghead Arc Establish for Jewelery Bonney?
Bartholomew Kuma was Bonney's first relationship to be established. Kuma already had plenty about himself that needed to be fleshed out. Before becoming a Paciffista, he was a founding member of the Revolutionary Army and a Pirate Warlord. The Egghead Arc further established him as a former slave of the Celestial Dragons, a former king of the Sorbet Kingdom, and a member of a yet-undisclosed "special race." To top all these mysteries off, Bonney claimed he was her father, though it's unclear whether it's biological or adoptive.
Dr. Vegapunk also plays some part in Bonney's story. Bonney frequented Egghead when she was younger (and when the scientist's brain was attached to his body). Since Vegapunk turned Kuma into a cyborg, Bonney returned to Egghead to kill Vegapunk or make him turn her father human again. After reading Kuma's memories in the PAW room, she concluded Vegapunk wasn't to blame for what happened. Bonney's significance to the World Government was also noted by St. Jaygarcia Saturn of the Five Elders. In Chapter 1089, "Hostage Situation," he recognized her as Kuma's daughter and declared her of no further benefit. Even if Bonney is being ignored now, Saturn's assessment of her could still say plenty.
Chapter 1092," Kuma the Tyrant's Hopy Land Rampage," also suggested she might have established some connections between Bonney and the Admirals. First, Fleet Admiral Sakazuki thought about his encounter with the Supernova before the time skip. He used this time to tell her that Kuma chose to become a cyborg, which she rejected. It's unclear why he didn't kill her as part of his absolute justice. Kizaru also seemed to know Bonney personally. He didn't want to add her to the list of old friends he'd have to eliminate. This list already included the likes of Dr. Vegapunk and Sentomaru, so Bonney must mean a lot to him personally.
What Do These Relationships Suggest About Bonney?
Bonney's connection to Kuma needs the most elaboration. While it hasn't been confirmed, many assume they're parent and child via adoption. Their story could develop differently based on the truth. If their relationship is biological, it would mean Bonney is a member of the same race as Kuma. This mystery species could have unique properties that would make the World Government want one of them (or want to destroy them). This would explain why they took him and deemed a fledgling like Bonney unimportant. The significance of this race could lead Bonney to fulfill roles her father no longer can.
Being adopted would also explain why the World Government decided to ignore Bonney. That said, this could help explain Bonney's past as a princess of the Sorbet Kingdom. She might have had a mother who married into royalty after having her, hence the lack of blood relations. It would also explain the Supernova's ability to pose as the queen dowager "Connie" at the Reverie by aging herself up. Either her older self is the spitting image of her mother, or she's been building this Connie persona for a long time. Her connection to Dr. Vegapunk has been straightforward. Since he and Kuma are old friends, it would offer Bonney plenty of opportunities to visit Egghead – that, or she's Vegapunk's failed Big Mom clone, who Kuma eventually adopted on one of his trips to the future island.
As for the World Government, they might have used Bonney as an unwitting hostage or bargaining chip. They could have threatened to kill her if Kuma didn't agree to their demands; that could have entailed becoming a Pacifista or a Warlord. They could have lost their use for Bonney once they turned Kuma into a (presumably) mindless cyborg. As for the Admirals, they might know Bonney from this hostage crisis. Depending on how long ago this was, they could have been lower-ranking Marines charged with her supervision. Kizaru might also know her from his visits to Egghead.
What Could Happen to Bonney in the Future?
Bonney's relationship with Vegapunk should be all but fixed. Now that she's seen Kuma's memories, she should know Vegapunk's "good reason" for his inability to restore her father. Her staying in the same room as him without swinging a lead pipe at him must mean she now understands how little control he had over the situation. She's likely found a new target for revenge among the World Government or the Celestial Dragons.
Bonney could also forgive Vegapunk if she found a way to restore Kuma within his memories. It could be as easy – in concept – as returning the memories to her father. As for getting them to him, that could be another ordeal entirely. The conclusion of the Egghead Arc could determine Bonney's role. She could either ride with the Straw Hats to Elbaf or seek out her father elsewhere (assuming he's not currently en route to Egghead). If she gains a large enough fanbase before the Straw Hats leave Egghead, Oda could expand her role in ways nobody can expect because they aren't set up yet.