What are Seraphim?
Seraphim are superhuman biological war machines developed by Vegapunk by pushing the boundaries of science, representing the evolution of Pacifista technology. These beings, which first appeared in the Egghead Arc, caused a shock with their resemblance to the child versions of the former Shichibukai members. Not only do they replicate physical appearances, but their power sets also possess the ability to mimic others. Possessing Lunarian DNA and being controlled by artificial intelligence sets them apart from traditional clones, enabling them to make individual tactical decisions.
Though they appear to be children from the outside, the power potential they harbor is deadly enough to challenge an Admiral-level opponent. The “wing-patterned” design in their eyes serves as a visual identifier. The control of the Seraphim is tied to a command chain accessible only to high-ranking World Government officials, making them not a threat that could potentially go out of control, but true weapons of war.
Structures Enhanced with Lunarian Genes
Each Seraphim is equipped with Lunarian genetics, evidenced by the black wings emerging from their backs and their flaming back structure, proving they are not ordinary clones. This genetic makeup grants them extreme durability and extraordinary energy absorption capabilities. When their flaming back is active, physical attacks have virtually no effect.
Being Shichibukai Clones
Seraphim are exact replicas of the childhood forms of former Shichibukai members. While S-Hawk resembles Dracule Mihawk and S-Bear resembles Bartholomew Kuma in miniature form, their powers have not been diminished. This indicates that they were specifically designed to psychologically unsettle their opponents.
Admiral-Level Combat Power
Their combat capabilities are also top-notch. Even Kizaru speaks cautiously about the Seraphim's combat potential. Their ability to single-handedly suppress an island under Sentomaru's command in Egghead demonstrates that they can neutralize enemies that would otherwise require a fleet.
Authority Chain System
Seraphim operate according to a specific command hierarchy. At the top is Gorosei, followed by Vegapunk, then Sentomaru, and other officials. If two authorities issue conflicting orders simultaneously, the order from the higher-ranking individual within the command chain takes precedence. This system serves as a critical security protocol to prevent potential rebellion.
Artificial Intelligence-Controlled Target Analysis
Seraphim possess intelligence that allows them to change tactics based not only on commands but also on enemy behavior patterns. This is one of the biggest differences that sets them apart from traditional weapons. They can analyze actions such as sword use, energy bursts, or escape route predictions in advance and plan their attacks accordingly.
Mihawk Clone: S-Hawk
S-Hawk, despite appearing as a child form of Mihawk, possesses the same level of attack capability as the original, including its “warrior instinct.” His sword technique stands out for its ability to use continuous air slices, one of the sharpest attack types in the One Piece universe. Vegapunk noted that this clone behaved more aggressively than a real Mihawk during testing.
Boa Hancock Clone: S-Snake
While S-Snake's appearance and movements resemble Boa Hancock's younger self, it possesses a much more cunning nature. It can use a version of Mero Mero's abilities and has the capacity to instantly turn its target into stone. During the Egghead attack, it demonstrated both strategic positioning and the ability to manipulate enemies.
Bartholomew Kuma Clone: S-Bear
S-Bear nearly perfectly replicates the original Kuma's bear claw attacks. However, the Seraphim version combines this attack with Lunarian powers, doubling its effectiveness. Its ability to teleport its target directly to another location provides a tactical advantage.
Jinbe Clone: S-Shark
S-Shark is based on Jinbe's fishman powers, but with additional abilities added through scientific modifications. Its underwater maneuverability has been enhanced for use in sea battles, and it is reinforced with special armor layers to withstand surface attacks. Physically, it is heavier than other Seraphim.
The Creation Process of the Seraphim Is Based on a Secret Island
Although the first test productions of the Seraphim began in old laboratories on Punk Hazard, full-scale production is carried out at a special cloning center on Egghead Island. This facility is encrypted and accessible only to a select few, and it has been reported that even those working inside are kept in separate sections without knowledge of each other. This highlights just how critical the project is, both scientifically and politically.
Disagreements Arise Among Vegapunk's Six Clones
The production of Seraphim has progressed with occasional conflicts, as it is carried out by Vegapunk's six alter egos. In particular, serious debates have arisen between Lilith and Shaka regarding whether Seraphim have crossed “ethical boundaries.” This has led to small but significant differences in the empathy or decision-making processes of some Seraphim.
Rapid Code Updates on the Battlefield
Seraphim are designed to receive remote software updates during combat. This allows their behavior to be instantly adjusted based on the enemy's tactics. Vegapunk's primary goal was to create not just powerful but also adaptive weapons; this system enables them to be reprogrammed even in the midst of battle.
Experimental Seraphim Prototype Goes Missing
It is claimed that the first prototype created for testing purposes during the Seraphim program escaped the system and was not destroyed by Vegapunk. The theory that this prototype accidentally developed its own consciousness and is hiding on an unknown island is still being debated. If this is true, this prototype could pose a serious threat to the world order in the future.
Seraphim's Eating Behavior Is Restricted
Although they are composed of organic matter, the Seraphim's food intake systems have been deliberately restricted. This was done to reduce the possibility of them developing independence. In other words, although they have a sense of taste, their hunger is minimized, suppressing the possibility of “humanization.”
The First Case of Resistance to Orders
S-Snake temporarily questioned an order and refused to carry it out directly. Although the incident was quickly brought under control, it has been claimed that Vegapunk took notes on S-Snake's “rapid empathy” development. This case may indicate that Seraphim possess not only physical but also emotional adaptation capabilities.
Tactics That Adapt to Enemies
Seraphim possess detailed profiling capabilities that allow them to select attack patterns based on an enemy's fears during battle. For example, if it is analyzed that an enemy was traumatically harmed by a Devil Fruit user in the past, a Seraphim may attempt to mimic an attack pattern similar to that ability. This enables them to be effective not only in physical combat but also in psychological warfare.
The Advantage of Being Children in Battle
Their childlike appearance provides a strategic advantage, especially against enemies with moral boundaries. The opposing side may hesitate to kill or attack a form resembling a child. This advantage is particularly evident when facing empathetic characters like Luffy. It is believed that Vegapunk specifically designed this detail.
Can Seraphim Use Devil Fruits?
Yes, some Seraphim have been integrated with artificial Devil Fruit abilities. These abilities are not derived from real fruits but have been replicated in a laboratory environment. However, the stability of these replicated fruits is limited, and some abilities may function unexpectedly. For example, the fruit power used by S-Shark has evolved differently from the original version.
They Can Communicate Silently During Battle
Seraphim can communicate with each other silently through signals without the need for traditional verbal commands. They can create simultaneous attack plans on the battlefield using eye-blink codes, finger movements, or body postures. This tactical advantage makes them more deadly in chaotic environments.
Seraphim's Cell Regeneration at Astonishing Speeds
The most striking result of Lunarian genetic structure is the Seraphim's cell regeneration speed. Despite deep cuts or severe blows, tissues can close within seconds. This has led them to be perceived as not only resilient but almost immortal. However, this regeneration is not unlimited; repeated high-energy attacks can cause the system to overheat.
DNA Libraries Designed to be Expandable
The Seraphim's genome structure was designed as updatable modules. Vegapunk's goal was to integrate the DNA of other characters into this biological framework in the future, creating “hybrid Seraphim” variants. This raises the possibility that clones of figures like Whitebeard, Kaido, or Shanks could emerge in the future.
Seraphim's Resistance to the Sea Stone Effect Varies
Unlike normal Devil Fruit users, Seraphim with artificial fruit abilities lose power when they come into contact with Sea Stones, but they do not become completely paralyzed. This allows them to maintain partial control thanks to their “semi-systemic” fruit usage. This makes them more advantageous against standard fruit users.
Seraphim's Vision is Thermal and Color-Layered
Every Seraphim possesses advanced vision systems. Their eyes are divided into layers capable of detecting not only light but also heat waves, aura changes, and rapid movements. This feature significantly enhances their defenses against attacks based on invisibility or speed. This system represents a major evolution from the original Pacifistas.
Emergency Code Activation in the Event of Vegapunk's Death
If Vegapunk were to die, a backup protocol within the Seraphim would activate. This protocol automatically directs all Seraphim to the nearest Marine Base and locks out control. However, there is one exception to this system: If one of the Gorosei is present in the system, the protocol can be canceled. This demonstrates that the Seraphim's ultimate allegiance lies not with science, but with power.
The Seraphim's Spiritual Consciousness Level Has Not Been Reset
Although they are clones, Seraphim are left to observe on their own for a short period after being created. During this time, some Seraphim develop small, distinctive habits. For example, S-Shark's hesitation before jumping into water has been noted as a sign of “hesitation.” This suggests that even full automation can leave spiritual traces.
The Potential Independence of Seraphim as a Threat
In some of Vegapunk's notes, it is predicted that Seraphim may eventually break free from the command chain and gain the ability to make independent decisions. If this were to happen, the Navy could have created “child gods symbolizing the enemy” with their own hands. This raises the possibility that the Seraphim could one day turn against the World Government.
The Theory That Vegapunk Sent Messages Through the Seraphim
Another claim is that Vegapunk loaded encrypted messages onto some of the Seraphim and used them as “information carriers” for the future. These messages may have been planned to automatically surface during a future crisis. This implies that the Seraphim may have been programmed not only for combat but also for information warfare.
There is no hierarchy among the Seraphim
Although they possess different abilities and combat skills, there is no defined leadership or superiority system among the Seraphim. This shows that they are completely equal, deadly, programmed individuals. However, observations may imply that S-Hawk is more strategic than the others.
If Seraphim Face Their Former Masters
If the Seraphim, who are clones of the Shichibukai members, were to face them in battle, they could continue fighting without any emotional or ethical boundaries. This is because no “emotional recognition” data has been loaded into their memory. This renders the Seraphim completely detached from emotional bonds, turning them into cold machines. For example, while Boa Hancock stands stunned before S-Snake, her clone can launch an attack with a single move.