Kuma was shot to death in Mariejois but because he had decided to leave his soul in Egghead, his fruit spawned there and Franky ate it.
You wrote this as a joke comment.
I'm Jimmy Neutroning over here imagining how this can send Kuma's Fruit to Egghead.
GENIUS. What if the previous user of the Fruit's Will influences who ends up with the Fruit?
Joy Boy had a strong Will, so his Fruit ended up with the person with a Will like his that could change the world (Luffy).
Ace had a strong Will, and wanted to protect Luffy and his family, so, his Fruit ended up with his family, Sabo.
Distance isn't what matters most: it's the actual intent of the user. That would be a real gamechanger, honestly.