Yeah that makes sense. It would be weird to have another escape arc/ending shortly after WCI but thats the best case scenario I can see tbh. Having Saturn show up and inevitably gaining supreme control of the Seraphim too as well as Kizaru an Admiral showing up, there's no way this can't end without the SHs having to flee to Elbaf?
I thought Kuma would end up making a Whitebeard style final stand at Egghead to save the others and let them escape but alas...man turned himself into a human torpedo and attacked Mary Geoise solo for some reason, following the mantra of Green Bull ironically lol.
Nah, it won't be like Whole Cake. Kizaru has instant speed, and is sane, he's not avoidable like Big Mom. It'd be weird to have another LONG escape, but, having a quick one is fine, I think. The Straw Hats are definitely fleeing, too many people to baby sit to stay and fight at this point. Depends on what Luffy and Chopper are doing, after all.
You're on the right track with Kuma: S-Bear has Kuma's powers, and Bonney is accessing Kuma's memories. If Bonney puts those memories into S-Bear, what happens? We got a whole new Kuma to do a big ole' teleportation spell.
I am convinced the crew and Punks are getting Kuma-transported off this island until it doesn't happen.