User blog comment:Neowitch/New Shichibukai/@comment-1454981-20111115152016/@comment-3119203-20111115164624

There is no real reason they would throw out Kuma, no one really knows he is "dead" so he still holds the same power and influence. Remember that Shichibukai is more influence than power, and an animal theme is not needed (Blackbeard). The only reason he might have gotten kicked out is cuz he protected the Sunny from the marines.