(Third Person POV)
Five years have passed. Once again, his effect on those who were supposed to torture and experiment on him had been discovered. This time, it took five whole years to come to light, since the island was remote and the scientists sent misinformation. Not only did they not hurt Sid, they helped him, taught him and protected him in some twisted way. Needless to say, though, after the Elder found out, shit hit the fan.
So today, Sid was to be transferred to another island. His DNA had proven useless to them, leading them to believe he was a normal human with unusual teeth and a strong will. His silence, which once enraged them, was too much for the Elder to bother with. The Elder had another thought, of course. He asked Sid for his name, but didn't believe him when he was told. There was no D. in his name... Still, he ordered Sid to be shipped to a special island, where he would surely be dealt with.
At seven years old, it was at last time for change. And Sid could feel the change which was about to arrive.
On the Navy Prison Ship that carried him and other slaves, the Cipher Pol agents were ordered to keep him in solitary confinement... but that didn't happen. Sid walked through the ship with a marine and passed the communications room.
"Hm?"
"What is it, John?" Sid asked.
"I could've sworn I saw someone..." the man said.
"Saw someone? Surely you are mistaken," Sid said with a smile.
"Heh, yeah, guess so. Say, aren't you hungry or anything? I haven't actually accompanied a sla--"
"Yeah, I could eat something. I'm just going to head back, and you get something."
"Sure, let's do that. You'll find the way back, right?" John asked, as though Sid were a guest and not a slave.
"Sure."
In the slaves' room, a young girl of 13 years of age made it back from the communications room without being seen. She had an important job to do and was now back. She had freckles and a missing tooth, with short, messy light hair with bangs that framed her face, a sleeveless shirt, dark shorts, and light shoes.
"Big bro!" she whispered.
"Ginny! You're safe! Vhat a relief!" a slightly taller boy with a big head whispered back as he saw his friend return.
"I did it! Now it's up to the informant to relay it," Ginny whispered excitedly.
"Don't be loud... You two... and don't do anything rash..." another slave whispered nervously.
"You'll get us punished too..." another one said.
"Punished?" the taller boy no longer whispered. "Moron! Do you vant to die vith no knowledge of vhere they are takingk us?! You need to try if you vaant to be saved! Miracles are not so easy to come by!"
"Big Bro!" Ginny held him back from attacking the other slaves.
"He's right."
The slaves turned around and looked at Sid, who had just entered the room without them realising it.
"Freedom, if you want it, you will have to take it for yourself. The moment you no longer strive for something as fundamental as that, your spirit dies."
Everyone looked at Sid with different expressions.
"What's your name?" Ginny asked.
"Siddharta. But you can call me Sid. And you?" Sid asked.
He smiled at them, feeling that at least thee among them were special children. He studied them with interest, feeling their speciality at once. The girl had a warm feeling to her, as did the others, but she was special. She had understood something fundamental, Sid realised it at once. Why four children were being transported together with adult slaves was unclear, though. Perhaps they were to be brainwashed, or worse.
"I'm Ginny. The quiet one is Kuma. And this is my big bro, Ivankov," She grinned, her energy a contrast to the gloom. "So are you a slave too? Where were you kept?"
"I spent a few months in Mary Geoise with Amanda and then something over five years on a separate island, where the scientists and the former inmates walked the path of enlightenment with me for a time," Sid said.
"What's enlightenment? Also... what are you doing on this ship?" Ginny tilted her head, confused.
"I was to be experimented on, on that island, for years. Things changed after a week, and we got to enjoy ourselves."
The slaves stared at him, stunned.
"...So you were a slave then," Ginny said softly.
"If you want to call it that."
"I don't understand. It sounds like slavery to me. Why are you so happy?"
"Hm? You seem to be under a misconception. Happiness is not something that can be given or taken away forcefully. You have to find it on your own! And it seems that you understood that, haven't you, Ginny?" Sid asks.
Ginny wasn't quite sure what he was talking about, and neither were the others. Still, they were intrigued. Especially the young Buccaneer named Kuma, who listened intently, thinking about his parents and what his father told him. 'Could it be?' he asked himself.
Sid sat down in the middle of the room, among the other slaves and shared some of his experiences. They were horrified. All of them doubted they could have endured or acted the way he did through what he had experienced, despite it not taking very long every time. His strength, he explained, was mental more than physical.
"Tell me about yourself, Kuma," Sid said, feeling his gaze and the emotions the young one felt.
"Uhh... me?"
"Yes!"
"Oh, well... I was born in the Sorbet Kingdom, in South Blue. When I was four, the government came and captured my family and sold us to the World Nobles. My mother... *sniff sniff*..."
"It's alright, Kuma. You don't have to say if you don't want to," Ginny said as she and Ivankov comforted him.
"My father... told me to keep going and not give up. That some day, the Warrior of liberation Nikka would come and save us..."
Kuma had lost his mother and saw his father being shot in front of his eyes. He was holding out hope that Nikka would one day come and save him. Hearing the story, Sid spoke up.
"Your father was wrong. I already told you this: Happiness isn't something someone else will give you; It comes from within. You need to find it yourself. How about it, Kuma, care to reach enlightenment with me?"
Kuma looked at Siddharta with wide eyes. He saw Sid almost glow in a bright light and felt his words reach the deepest parts of him. For some reason, he had the feeling that Sid must be the man his father talked about, Nikka. Could he find happiness in this dark world? Seeing the bright and most confident smile of Sid, he became certain that he could. He started smiling as well and nodded.
"So do you know where we're going?" Sid asked. "I think the Elder wants me to be sent to some island where they'd try to kill me. But seeing you all, I understand that there's more to it."
"We know..." Ginny's voice faltered. The air grew heavy again.
"Will you tell me?"
"We're going to the West Blue. An island called... God Valley," Ivankov answered grimly.
Sid scoffed at that. He laughed and shook his head.
"Amusing. These names are ridiculous. They couldn't be farther from godhood. And what are we to do there?"
"There will be a 'Native Hunting Competition,'" Ginny whispered. "The nobles will hunt the people who live there, and kill them all."
The Native Hunting Competition is an event held on the island of God Valley, organised by certain Celestial Dragons, intended to annex islands that are outside or unaffiliated with the World Government. It's a cruel 'sport' where the Tenryūbito and the God's Knights hunt down and kill the native inhabitants of the island —the indigenous people who originally lived there, and slaves who are sailed in. And this happens every three years.
These natives were treated as prey, and the Tenryūbito pitted them against animals or even personally 'hunted' them for amusement. It highlighted the brutality and decadence of the World Nobles, who saw anyone beneath them as disposable entertainment.
Sid looked at them. He was appalled at this. During his time at Saint Amanda's mansion, he naturally understood their cruelty, entitlement, and indulgence, but he wasn't aware of everything and least of all the Native Hunting Competition.
"Those pathetic individuals dare!"
Ginny looked at him cautiously. "Wait— when you say they'll 'try' to kill you? What do you mean?"
"It means that I was sent here for a reason, and hearing what you told me, I understand why. It seems I will have to make a stand. If no one fights against the injustice, I will! And if anyone stands against me, I'll kill them," Siddharta declared with a loud voice.
There was something in the way he said it that made everyone believe him. The young boy, who was supposed to be a slave but didn't act like it, spoke like a strong and powerful man. Willing to stand against the disgusting disregard for life.
"You're serious?" Ivankov gaped. "No vone escapes ze Vorld Government or fights them. It's impossible."
"Eh, then I'll be the first. We'll force our way out."
"We?" Kuma whispered.
Sid smiled at him.
"Of course. It is time to fight for your happiness and freedom. Or do you have something better to do?"
"N-no, b-but how are we going--"
"Kuma, relax. Things happen as they should. We'll contact someone outside. Aren't there Den Den Mushis? We could use one to record the nobles speaking. That will work."
"Hm. Ve already did zat," Ivankov said proudly.
"Of course you did. With a group like ours, it will work out," Sid said, lying back with a smile, waiting for the right time. He was unconcerned about the chaos and danger about to unfold. He would deal with it when the time came.
.
"We now present the grand prize of this tournament, beyond all the rare Devil Fruits up for grabs!! In one of the Calm Belts of the Grand Line lies the Isle of Women!! Behold their former empress. The most beautiful woman in the world... her name is Shakuyaku!!!"
When the 'Native Hunting Competition' began, the Celestial Dragons announced it with glee. They presented all the presents, and of course, Shakuyaku, who had been kidnapped earlier. She stood on the podium, presented like an object, and was leered at by every single person there.
"Since her capture, she's been kept spotless and pristine in every way!! She's the very definition of a priceless treasure!!"
Not only the pathetic Celestial Dragons who looked like astronauts were leering, the powerful members of their kind, the God's Knights, were also very interested in securing her as their prize and property.
"Every world noble knows... the tourney features several super-rare rabbits to hunt. This year, we've not only secured a brat from the Buccaneer Tribe, but for the first time in 800 years, we've also uncovered... MEMBERS OF THE DAVY CLAN!!!"
New people were brought on stage in chains.
"Behold the Davy Clan!!" the announcer shouted.
Once the people of the Davy Clan were presented to the World Nobles on stage, they all started yelling hateful things about them, calling them the most despised of all people and even started to throw weapons at them.
"Quit throwing knives! You'll be penalised if they die prematurely! Wahahaha!" the announcer laughed.
"There are 150 rare 'Rabbits' to hunt down!! That's not to mention the 13 super rare ones! Each of those is worth 10'000 points a piece. There's only one hour before the hunt begins! Now run little rabbits... give us a good chase!!"
The king of God Valley protested against the atrocity that the World Nobles were about to commit — only to be cut down by the God Knight Figarland Garling before the hunt even started. Fitting to the outrage of the event, all that happened was that points were docked for Garling's impatience, but the slaughter still began a moment later.
Ginny, Ivankov, Kuma, and the other slaves stood with Siddharta, determined that he would help them and feeling that what they planned would succeed. Sid was not an idiot and understood that the prizes—two powerful Devil Fruits—were not truly enough to create a commotion large enough. But one 'prize' among them was. And this one would attract pirates for sure.
If they could seize the powerful fruits, escape would become an idea, but Sid wouldn't want to trade those tools of power for freedom; he would take freedom on his own. But having the technological marvels would help them nonetheless. For some reason, Sid felt that they needed to get them. He needed to be out there. Ginny had revealed that she had already stolen a Den Den Mushi weeks earlier and leaked information to the outside world before the 'Native Hunting Competition' started. And due to this action, the Pirates would surely arrive.
Ivankov, Kuma and Ginny went ahead with he plan to gather the Devil Fruits, while Sid moved in the opposite direction, towards the approaching World Nobles.
"Ahh, there's one. Hehehehe, this one's mine!"
The World Noble aimed with his small crossbow and shot it at Siddharta. However, he caught the arrow mid-air. One had to remember who this was and how much time had passed. Siddharta's power had doubled each year since his birth. Meaning that now, after eight years, his strength was already ridiculous.
"You call yourselves Celestial Dragons, huh? You use the Marines as your dogs and treat human life as less than dirt. Since the Marines or anyone else won't save these lives, I will. And if any of you stand in my way, come at me... I'll kill you."
...
"Huuuu--"
With a flick of his wrist, Siddharta threw the arrow back at the noble who shot it at him. It shot through the air and burst the bubble, piercing the noble's brain and killing him on the spot. For a moment, the area was silent until they realised what had just happened.
"AHHHHH!!!"
"He killed Brollokki!!"
"Kill him!!"
The Celestial Dragons went absolutely mental and started to shoot at Sid with their weapons, running around like headless chickens in outrage that a 'rabbit' dared to 'not' be killed. And Sid, who had been observing them apathetically, started moving. His figure appeared before a noble, with his fist pulled back. He punched forward, bursting the man's bubble quite literally again and hitting his face, cracking bones. The noble was dead as he flew through the air and hit another one.
Soon, pandemonium engulfed the God Valley. The Rocks Pirates landed first, followed shortly after by the Roger Pirates, most looking for Shakuyaku except for Rocks himself. Battles erupted everywhere between the Pirates, the Marines, and the God Knights. In the chaos, Ivankov and Kuma approached the treasures and stole both of the devil fruits: the azure dragon Zoan and the paw-paw fruit. As they found it, someone suddenly shot through the air next to them and crashed through the buildings. But the two young children didn't have time to think about it, as a moment later, before Ivankov could eat the Uo Uo no Mi, Model: Seiryu, the Rock's Pirate Charlotte Linlin slammed him into a wall and took the fruit.
"That was close!" she said.
"Iva-chan?" Kuma asked, scared.
"Give me that one too!"
"No! Eat it and survive, Kuma!" Ivankov shouted. "Even if just one of us will escape... It's our victory!"
Kuma ran out of the building and consumed the Paw Paw fruit in one go. Right after Kuma ate the fruit, however, he was attacked out of nowhere by an invisible wave of power. And in front of him, the Elder appeared, who had wanted to see Sid die.
"Child of the Buccanneer Tribe... Your lot in life is to be a slave and die. It has been decided by the course of history," the Elder said.
"Are you a great person, Mister?" Kuma asked as he tried to stand up. "It's strange that some people are born to be important... There is no point in being born if you're a slave from birth. But I was told that was wrong. Sid told me... we all have power... happiness... it comes from within. And just like Nika... I want to save as many of these poor people as possible! So that they also may find their inner happiness!!"
"Hahahahahaha. Well said, Kuma!!"
The voice of Siddharta is heard from behind. He appears out of the building, having been pulled there by a feeling, moments before. In the vault with the Devil Fruits, Sid found a very peculiar but special weapon: an oversized prayer wheel fashioned into a staff. Somehow, he knew it was meant for him and took it. He walked forward, towards the Elder who had wanted to experiment on him.
"You... You are still alive," the Elder said.
"Oh? Who are you again?"
"..."
"Oi, Kuma. Why don't you leave and do what you just said? Let that fire burn bright inside you, my friend. I'll take care of this here."
Kuma wasn't sure what he should do initially, but seeing Sid smile at him unbothered about anything put him at ease, and he nodded. He took his small legs and started running to where the other people were. The Elder looked at the small child in front of him with a displeased expression. Arrogance and anger, as well as entitlement and more, were seen in his eyes by Sid.
"You think you can handle me, child? Amusing."
"Hahaha, I'm glad you're amused," Sid laughed.
"You, the Bucaneer boy and all the others will die. I will personally make sure of it. And I'll start with you. Today was the last day you were alive. You shouldn't have been allowed to poison others with your words."
"Well..."
*BOOOOMMMM*
A large explosion shook the surroundings as the Marines' Vice-Admiral Garp met Whitebeard, Charlotte Linlin and Kaido of the Rock's Pirates. The explosion's proximity and the next moments hit Sid, sending him flying through the air.
The Marines learn that with the Rocks Pirates coming from the southeast and the Roger Pirates coming from the northwest, they will be blocked in between very soon.
"Give back Shakky!"
"It's Roger!!"
"Fight to the last! We haven't gotten the treasure to safety yet!"
"The Rocks crew are coming from the other side!"
"I'm going to save her first!!" Kyo shouted to his fellow Rocks crewmates.
"No, I will! Let go!!" Shiki said.
"Shakky! We're here to save you!" John was also there.
Saint Sommers of the Shepherd Family, a member of the Knights of God, appeared behind the Marines who were guarding Shakky.
"Hurry and stop them. You at least moved Shakuyaku, right?" he asked.
"Saint Summers! About that..." the Marines said.
"Huh?"
Saint Summers stepped into the room where Shakky was being held and saw that she had defeated all the Marines guarding her, even while handcuffed.
"Don't tell me all of them were taken out by one little chained-up lady!" He asked.
"Sounds like the pirates out there are really going to town," Shakky said with her head held high.
"How distasteful... there's nothing less cute than a woman who knows her worth!" Saint Summers said and slapped Shakky across the face. But she turned herself around and kicked Sommers in the arm, hurting him. However, he grabbed her leg and struck her thigh, knocking her to the ground.
"AAAHH!"
"Y'know, all these pirates are here to take you away. Your popularity's quite the pain. It's certainly made a mess of our tourney...! Even if you survive this, Garling will ultimately claim you as his... no one else really gains anything. So, I'm starting to wonder if it wouldn't just be more fun to kill you here and now?"
Saint Summers smiled.
"They've come all this way just to save you. It'd be unfortunate for them to survive hell only to find the mangled corpse of their beloved here! I wonder what kind of faces they'll ma--"
*CRASHHH*
In that moment, the body of Sid crashed through the wall and hit Saint Summers on the side, knocking him into the wall. This, however, cushioned his landing. Shakky looked at this scene in surprise, as the young boy stood up again and cracked his neck, as if nothing had happened. There was blood over his face and body. But he still held on to his staff.
"Oh my. That looked painful," Shakky said.
"Hm?"
Siddharta turned around and looked at the woman. She looked like she had escaped just now.
"You're quite dangerous, aren't you?" she smiled at Sid.
"You're one to talk. 'Treasure."
"Huh? What are you talking about?" Shakky asked, surprised.
"Please. The only reason most of those Pirates arrived was because of you and not because of the fruits. I was aware of it from the beginning and made sure you were included in the video feed we sent out."
"Is that so? You're a smart boy then, hehe."
Sid looked at her and then smiled, amused.
"You will have no luck with me, Amazon. If you will excuse me, there is something else I will do."
"Wait!"
"What is it?" he asked.
"Would you help me with these chains?" Shakky asked, worried about Saint Summers returning, which he did.
"Urgh, hit by a disgusting slave. I will kill you slowly."
Saint Summers stepped out of the broken wall and towered over the small stature of Sid, who was holding his staff on his shoulders and didn't look scared in the slightest.
"Watch your back," Sid said nonchalantly.
"Do you think I'll fall for that, vermin?" Summers asked and raised his thorny kanabō to strike him.
However...
"Transcendent Higan Crescent!!"
*BOOOOOMMMM*
Rayleigh arrived and struck Sommers, making him shoot through yet another wall. Rayleigh looks at Sid, who hasn't moved from his spot and then finally turns to the reason he is here.
"Shakky. Sorry for the delay. I'm here for you!" Rayleigh said and offered her his hand.
Shakky started to sob in relief.
"Ray-san! You're late!!"
"I'm sorry for letting it come to this," Rayleigh said.
"I was so scared!!" she cried. "And this boy... huh? Where is he?"
"The young man who was just here?" Ray asked.
They turned around, only to realise that Sid was no longer there. Rayleigh was confused and slightly concerned, realising that he hadn't felt him leave at all. Seeing the lovely scene between Shakky and Rayleigh, Gaban and Roger started to cry.
"Guys!¨We've got Shakky!"
"Grab the treasure and run for it!"
"Woooow! Let's goo!"