Summary
- The SSG, led by Vegapunk, developed powerful weapons like the Seraphim post-Seven Warlords dissolution
- Vegapunk created unique "satellites" with distinct personalities, including betrayer York
- SSG's future is uncertain after Egghead Incident, with headquarters destroyed and leadership compromised
Introduced as the Marines' cutting-edge science division, the Special Science Group stands as a symbol of technological might and innovation in the One Piece world. This group is responsible for the creation of weapons like the Pacifista and, more recently, the Seraphim.
As the SSG continues to shape the future of warfare, its shadow looms over major events, particularly following the dissolution of the Seven Warlords system. But what exactly is the SSG?
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The Origins of the Special Science Group
The Special Science Group, or SSG, was born out of the Marines' need to secure an edge over rival powers. Led by the brilliant scientist Vegapunk, this elite team was tasked with developing advanced weapons and technology for the World Government in One Piece. Their primary goal was to create assets capable of rivaling—or even replacing—the need for pirate allies like the Seven Warlords of the Sea.
During the two-year timeskip, the SSG achieved its crowning accomplishment: the creation of the Seraphim. These advanced Pacifista units combined Lunarian DNA with the physical features of the former Warlords in their youth, making them some of the most formidable weapons ever seen. After the Seven Warlords system was abolished, the Seraphim were heralded as their successors, positioning the SSG as one of the World Government's three great powers.
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Members and Key Players of the SSG
Vegapunk: The Visionary Leader
Often considered the greatest mind of his era, Vegapunk’s genius is the backbone of the group. His inventions, ranging from the Pacifista to the Seraphim, have made him indispensable to the World Government. However, his involvement with the SSG took a dark turn during the Egghead Incident, where he faced betrayal and eventual demise at the hands of high-ranking figures like Jaygarcia Saturn and Admiral Kizaru.
The Satellites: Vegapunk's Creations
Vegapunk’s brilliance didn't stop at invention—he also created "satellites," which are alternate versions of himself with distinct personalities and roles. These include Shaka, Lilith, Edison, Pythagoras, Atlas, and York, each named after celestial bodies or craters on the moon.
- Shaka (Punk-01): Represents the "good" aspect of Vegapunk. Known for being rational and loyal, he was betrayed and killed by York.
- Lilith (Punk-02): Embodies the "evil" side of Vegapunk. Characterized as deceitful yet caring towards friends, she is the first satellite encountered in the Egghead arc.
- Edison (Punk-03): Symbolizes "thinking" and innovation. As a tiny mechanical robot, he plays a crucial role in brainstorming and devising strategies, often exclaiming “Eureka!” Upon new discoveries.
- Pythagoras (Punk-04): Represents "wisdom" and analysis. With a robotic form, he oversees Vegapunk’s technical involvements and is known for his calm and intelligent demeanor.
- Atlas (Punk-05): Embodies "violence" and aggression. Despite her child-like appearance, she is hot-headed and possesses immense strength, making her a formidable presence among the satellites.
- York (Punk-06): Represents "greed," leading to her betrayal of the group. Lethargic and manipulative, she switched allegiance to the World Government and was responsible for Shaka's death.
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The Seraphim: The SSG's Greatest Achievement
What makes the Seraphim particularly terrifying is their ability to replicate the abilities of their Warlord counterparts, coupled with Lunarian genetics and Devil Fruits, that make them nearly indestructible. Designed to operate independently and with minimal human intervention, they were viewed as the ideal replacements for the now-abolished Warlords system.
The Fall of the SSG: The Egghead Incident
Despite its potential, the SSG’s golden age didn’t last long. The infamous Egghead Incident marked the beginning of the end for the group, with much of its leadership either dead or scattered. Vegapunk’s assassination by Jaygarcia Saturn and Kizaru was a devastating blow, as was the loss of the satellites. York’s betrayal only deepened the cracks within the organization, leaving it in disarray.
Moreover, the lower-ranking researchers of the SSG became unintended casualties, targeted by the Marines' Buster Call on Egghead. With their headquarters decimated and most of their leadership compromised or defected, the current status of the SSG remains in limbo.
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What’s Next for the SSG?
In the aftermath of the Egghead Incident, the future of the SSG is uncertain. York and the Seraphim appear to be the only remnants still aligned with the World Government, but their allegiance may be more about self-preservation than loyalty. With the group’s headquarters destroyed and its main driving force gone, it’s unclear whether the SSG will be reformed, dissolved, or replaced entirely.
What is certain, however, is that the legacy of the SSG—especially the Seraphim—will continue to ripple across the One Piece world. Their impact on the balance of power is undeniable, and any future conflict involving the World Government will likely see these technological marvels at the forefront.
