Chapter 29: Six Prayers
Oracion Seis Group no. 6's barracks
Cipher Pol is a series of secret agencies that do investigations, espionage, and assassinations for the World Government as well as bodyguard duties for the elites. Oracion Seis in contrast, are bounty hunters who work exclusively for the World Nobles. They research, track, apprehend, and return fugitives whose existence would cause global turmoil if it were revealed to the public. They imprison them in facilities outside of Impel Down due to the lack of trust in the prison due to its multiple breakouts. They also act more sociable with civilians than the inherent coldness of the CP Agents, but this is a mask to help spy on potential Revolutionary Army spies or enemy factions that aren't prominent enough to be recognized.
The remaining five members of one of the many groups of trained orphans, cadets, and other young adults under the tutelage of one of the "Five" Elders previously known as Shepherd Ju Peter, but revealed as Vinsmoke Germain sulked over their defeats in Egghead and the loss of one of their strongest members, Clisson to the Straw Hats.
Tom Tew slammed his fist agains the right wall of their room, the five still bandaged up after Germain scolded them.
"Tom. Don't act on it.," said Nathaniel, the muscular, tall young man of the group who looked much older due to his size and facial structure. A hint of his eyes gleamed from his dark red hair that usually obscured his vision.
"Straw Hat...no, Luffy's above us.," Montbar, the blue-haired youth had his hair cover his left eye and his mouth via his scarf spoke. "We just have to face people in our weight class."
"You actually speak normally and not in haikus?," asked Howell as the orange-haired young woman with twin tails spoke.
"Lay off.," spoke Montbar with a slight smirk. "I have my moments. But we all know the truth. We're not ready to face the likes of Luffy yet. We need to get stronger."
"Damnit...we trained so hard...Yet, we failed so miserably," Jennings cried, uncharacteristically emotional for her blasé behavior.
Tom nodded solemnly, his eyes reflecting a mix of anger and determination. "You're right, Montbar. We've been playing in the kiddie pool, thinking we could swim with the sharks."
"So what's the next step?" asked Nathaniel.
Tom then sighed as to what to do next.
"What about Clisson? Are we gonna have to put her down?" asked Howell.
In response, Tom scratched the back of his head.
The door then opened as an obnoxious youth appeared much to their immense displeasure.
"The sixth group failed as expected," the obnoxious youth announced with a smug grin, stepping into their room without an ounce of respect for their current state. He was blond with a gilded crown on his head, sky-blue iris eyes, and an insufferable grin.
"Abelard...," spoke Montbar. "What are you doing here?"
"Seeing the remnants of a shoddy group that is in great disrepair.," spoke the youth before noticing Howell lounging around in a suggestive pose.
"So indecent! Sit normally!" begged the young man. Howell flipped him in response.
"Did the other guys kick you out? You're not rooming with us.," Nathaniel argued as Howell nodded.
"As if I of noble blood would stoop to sitting with peasants like you...unlike, Clisson who was an angel," spoke Abelard.
"She...ditched us...," Jennings spoke as Abelard went white as a sheet.
"She's not here...she didn't get promoted because you failed?," asked the youth.
"She left to join a group. A pirate group. The Emperor, Luffy's group.," Montbar explained.
Abelard sulked with this revelation, his smug grin replaced by a look of shock and betrayal. "Clisson...joined the Straw Hats? Those devils- they must've brainwashed that sweet dark angel!"
"Dude...she had the hots...for Luffy...for years...Bro...you had no shot anyway...you're...not her type...," spoke Jennings as it made him feel even worse.
Tom, Nathaniel, and Montbar stared blankly for several moments, retroactively, it was very obvious due to her obsessive collection of Luffy's posters and pictures.
Howell being the sharp-tongued tsundere spoke bluntly, "Boys have to explain everything instead of picking up hints like normal people?"
"I will challenge that wretch for the right for her hand.," spoke the youth before Tom placed his hand on his right shoulder.
"First- Luffy is an Emperor with a godlike Devil Fruit and he is one of the conventionally strongest Haki masters in the New World as one of the four Emperors. He has fleets while he won't acknowledge them, are dedicated in loyalty to attack if he's ever threatened- including Elbaf- the land of Giants. The Elders state he is a figure to be very careful in how to defeat him in specific ways above our capabilities. You'd be swatted like a fly by his Haki before he becomes aware of you, let alone fight you.," Tom spoke.
"Second, you need to have permission from Elder Pe-...Elder Germain. And it's more likely it's going to be Cipher Pol's elites, the Fleet Admiral if tasked to, Kong, the Holy Knights, the Erelim, the Seraphim, or this ARMOR group among countless others with vastly higher experience to deal with him. Going off on your own without your group is treason.," he added as Abelard began to twitch his eyes in response.
"And third, the fact, you're prioritizing your petty goals over the safety of the World Nobles and your tasks...I'll have to report you if you're not joking.," Tom spoke, his grip becoming increasingly tighter as he emitted a certain type of Haki.
Abelard began to foam from the mouth as Howell slapped him, causing the blonde to fall to his knees.
"You...the runt of the six groups...have the same potential as king?," asked the blonde.
Tom was genuinely surprised he had Conquerors Haki himself. He knew he had a bit of potential, but to think he was on the same level as Luffy and the other Emperors...
A group of five others, dressed in regal garbs arrived to pick up Abelard before being shocked over him and knocked with Haki residue over him as they looked at Tom.
"Damnit...we'll be demoted after this.," cursed one of the more rotund members as they walked away.
"That's quite the show. Bravo. Tom.," spoke a figure as they turned to see who it was, a muscular jock dressed in a black suit.
"Comestor. Don't report anything.," spoke Howell. She then noticed the other equally large male members with muscular bodies.
"As if I'd listen to a bastard bitch cunt.," spoke Comestor, his smirk never leaving his face. "But, I'll tell you what. I'll keep quiet if you tell me everything you know about Luffy.," he offered with a glint in his eye.
"We only know as much as you.," spoke Montbar to change the subject, but the afro-haired member blocked the doorway.
"You have your room already. So fu-," the scarf youth spoke before he was kneed in the gut with the mohawk, mullet, and pompadour members knocking Nathaniel to the ground.
They pinned Jennings and Howell with Seastone cuffs as Comestor jabbed Tom in the face.
"Clisson's not here to bail you out this time. Inferior Devil Fruit users...Haki is the greater power. I don't get why the other prayers feel the need.," spoke the buzzcut individual as he inched towards Howell with the worst intentions as he lecherously licked his lips.
Suddenly, the six were all knocked out by a release of Haki. The six of the sixth group turned to see that it was a middle-aged man with slicked-back red hair, a somewhat pointed nose, and solid dark eyebrows. He seems to be quite tall, appearing comparable in size to Fleet Admiral Sakazuki. He wears a black suit, a standard Marine cloak, and a pair of sunglasses.
"Kuroumi"- Tensei- Director of Marine Criminal Investigative Services.
"Does this happen often?," asked Tensei as he saw the six jocks on the ground as Jennings and Howell recovered.
"Only the World Nobles, Holy Knights, CP Agents, and any group associated with the Nobles can enter here.," spoke Howell. "You're overstepping your boundaries, Marines."
"You've managed to recover quickly for a young lady...," spoke Tensei. "If this thing happened if it were allowed to go all the way with a Marine lady...Tsuru wouldn't just have them stripped of their titles. And she's the nicest. You can't even imagine if it were Garp or Sengoku."
Howell's eyes narrowed at the mention of the Marine Vice Admiral. "We're not Marines. We're not your subordinates," she spat.
"Only the World Nobles, Holy Knights, CP Agents, and any group associated with the Nobles can enter here.," spoke Howell. "You're overstepping your boundaries, Marines."
"That was the case when it was just Ezekiel, Darwin, Abraham, Byakuo, and Germain back when they were called Saturn, Warcury, Mars, Nusjuro, and Ju-Peter. Acala, Arcas, Malcolm, and Platinum- though they currently hide themselves permitted to interrogate you.," spoke the man.
"On what grounds?" asked Tom.
"You're on thin ice as it is. It was said you were picked up from the Goa Kingdom. It was never said it was near Foosha Village. That means you've been in contact with Straw Hat. Any attempt to go against orders will lead to expulsion.," explained Tensei.
Tom's eyes widened at the revelation of their backgrounds being known. They had kept it hidden so well, but the Marines had eyes and ears everywhere.
"This information will only relate to Luffy. Anything else is considered high treason- especially relating to the Elders.," spoke Tom.
"That attitude...you're coming into being a man.," spoke Tensei as he turned around.
Marine HQ
A Few Hours Later...
The remaining five had arrived at the Marine base. Everything was in turmoil as people scurried around, whispering about recent events. The atmosphere was thick with tension and anticipation. As they made their way through the bustling corridors, they couldn't help but feel out of place with their youth appearances compared to the hardened adults. The Marines eyed them with a mix of curiosity and suspicion, not used to seeing the World Nobles' secret elite bounty hunters in their midst.
They arrived at Fleet Admiral Sakazuk's desk. The man's presence was palpable even when not speaking, his stern gaze boring into them as if he could see their thoughts. The room was dimly lit, with a large map of the world sprawled across the wall, pins and strings connecting various locations with an intricate web of information.
"Garp was very careful about Luffy. Keeping him in the boonies. He should've been more zealous in making him a Marine cadet and brought him over to be disciplined. He's a pirate that is continuing to make irritating news. Damnit, he's really done it now- along with Teach. Discovering something that really shakes up the foundation of the world in Wano.," Sakazuki muttered to himself.
His tone implied something really momentous occurred in Wano. Tom swallowed hard, knowing that if Luffy was involved, it was likely big news.
"This Straw Hat is the 100th user passed down through generations. It would also describe either Shanks or Roger. You mean Monkey D. Luffy. We were antagonistic so we never bonded in a manner like the late Fire Fist Ace or Flame Emperor Sabo.," spoke Sabo.
"But we do know that Luffy was brought back to Foosha Village back when he was 6 after training with him for two years unsuccessfully. He was raised somewhere before it by another- with Garp being entrusted with them.," Montbar added just as the Fleet Admiral was incensed by the mention of Ace.
"Did Garp say it?," asked Sakazuki. Montbar looked to the side.
"You learn to read between the lines when you're dealing with concealed threats.," spoke the blue-haired youth.
"Like what kind of threats?," asked Sakazuki.
"It's confidential and we don't want to die at the hands of Cortez.," spoke Howell.
"Back on topic. Luffy's abnormal raw power and ability to generate flames from his fist as noted in reports...he's not fully human. He's not a Lunarian because those traits would be as prominent as Clisson's.," noted Nathaniel.
Aramaki walked into the room as Tensei went outside.
"You think he's like Vinsmoke Sanji...come to think of it...Germa 66 and Germain...does that mean that Elder-," he spoke before Jennings generates a cloud blade centimeters away from his throat.
"Another word...and you'll need a new Admiral... Learn... to keep your thoughts quiet.," spoke the blond woman.
The Admiral's eyes narrowed at the sudden display of hostility, his own Haki flaring up in response.
"We're already having bounty hunters hunt us down. These guys are going to hunt that Cross Guild down.," spoke the Fleet Admiral as both relented.
"No, his body would've altered like Sanji's...also he would've had the swirly eyebrows...also I don't think he's a clone of Gol D. Roger.," spoke Tom.
"Stussy being a clone of Buckingham Stussy...that was a surprise...I thought she was a daughter of hers till more intel came out.," noted Sakazuki.
"Yeah...we compared the Lineage Factor of Luffy's hair collected when he rang the bell 16 times to Roger from...that island...And Ezekiel confirmed they may had a common ancestor, but they're not identical.," spoke Nathaniel.
"But it's strange...," spoke Jennings. "It's closer to someone who's been erased from history..."
Suddenly, from the window- emerged three unusual kinds of birds- seen in no zoology books, history records, or even casual sighting into the room.
They were respectively- a living skeletal bird with a glowing green light in its empty sockets, a red-eyed, four-winged vulture with bat-like wings, red horns on the sides of its heads, and a third eye in the middle of its brow, and a yellow-eyed heavenly bird with a bulb-shaped head with no visible mouth, a third eye in the middle of its head and additional pairs of wings instead of legs.
While the Oracion Seis members showed paralyzing trepidation, the Admirals showed mild confusion.
"This one of Vegapunk's rogue experiments?," asked Aramaki. "God they look ugly except for the whitish one. Better cook it up for the World Nobles."
The birds' eyes then glowed as the birds with mouths opened them. They then took on odd poses as they spoke as the voices were being projected through them.
"This definitely seems odd to but don't be alarmed. I am Silva D. Ore, the Society Sovereign- chosen by the Kings to lead a place in the OLD WORLD called the Sacred Line.," spoke the mouthless, angelic bird as they took on a respectful curtsey.
"I'm Izanami. The Society Sovereign of the Abyssal Line. It would be called Hell by your standards...and yes, you are going there the rate you're living your life- especially, you Aramaki.," spoke the vulture with a playful, humorous, and somewhat foreboding tone as they took on a hand on hip pose.
"And I'm Santa Muerte. I am the Society Sovereign of the Undying Line. It would be called Purgatory or Limbo by your definition. Borsalino is here because he lived his life unclear of whether to commit to evil or good. Say hello.," spoke the skeletal bird in a mellow, nihilistic, and sardonic tone as they hunched down.
The bone bird went silent before speaking in a familiar voice to Sakazuki speaking in a perpetually calm, equable, easygoing tone.
"Hey there, Sakazuki...I felt bad about killing Vegapunk but...Sentomaru's here too...We both really chose the wrong side. But that's the beauty of being here, isn't it? The ability to choose again," said the skeletal bird, now clearly mimicking Kizaru's voice.
"Shit! I won't tell you anything except this is a place where people who haven't lived admirably or truly vilely go to die. The average man of no consequence. That or people who compromised their benign inheritance but haven't damned themselves but died before committing to either side. You didn't hear it from me.," spoke Sentomaru's voice.
"W-what? This freaky Transponder Snail bird wannabe is clearly malfunctioning!," shouted Aramaki.
Jennings then picked up her buzzing Transponder Snail as it spoke in Byakuo's voice-
"So the OLD WORLD is finally making contact? Damnit. They're good at getting past our defenses."
"Byakuo.," spoke the Ore bird. "You and your 20-plus cohorts have been trying everything to prevent this but your reckoning is upon thee. PLUTON- both the true and imposter have been awakened."
Sakazuki went into shock as he stood from his seat.
Next Chapter: Awaken the Slumbering Beast
Author Notes: While it definitely started out as giving the Oracion Seis more characterization depth as essentially trained young assassins rather than inherent killers like Cipher Pol- it's now finally steering back to the OLD WORLD elements I've been promising for a while.