The calming rhythm of the ocean was a cruel contrast to what they had just left behind. The Solar Rift Pirates, battered but victorious, sailed towards their destination—a medium island reputed to have more than enough provisions and a neutral port. Their battle with Dagon and his Crimson Reavers had tested them in ways they did not anticipate. Each of them bore the marks of combat—bruises, bandaged wounds, and the weight of newfound power.
The ship creaked as it cut through the waters of the West Blue. Even though the sea was calm, the crew was nervous. They had no idea if the Marines had heard of their battle, and having made themselves known, soon they would be targeted by more powerful forces.
But for now, they had time to recover.
A Crew Recovering
Solian sat on the railing, gazing out at the open space. His body ached, the remnants of his fight with Dagon still flowing through his veins. His Conqueror's Haki had been triggered, but he could not harness it. The raw power had exploded during combat, slaying weaker enemies, but now… it was as if something he only half understood.
A few feet away, Rock Lee was already training. Sweat dripped from his face as he powered through one-handed push-ups, his body moving with relentless discipline.
Jorin leaned against the mast, watching him with amusement. "You just got here, and you're already acting like you've been with us for years."
Lee didn't stop. "A true warrior must always train, even after victory! Complacency is the enemy of growth!"
Drayce chuckled, his head shaking. "You're gonna get along just fine."
Kael sat on a crate, sharpening his rusty sword, the ominous scritch of metal against stone lingering. He barely looked up as he growled, "Victory is fleeting. Names are a troublemaker's kiss."
Solian exhaled. "That's why we fly low. We land, re-provision, and get out. No senseless battles."
Vance knuckled cracked his hands, his bandaged hands still sensitive from the last fight. "Perhaps we might actually get supplies without some blockhead pushing us to the limits."
Kael drew a grim breath. "No way. Rumor of us will travel fast. By now already, people are gossiping about Dagon's demise."
Drayce nodded. "We took out a pirate worth 80 million berries. That does not get forgotten."
Silence developed between them. Reality was setting in. They weren't anymore some local crew anymore. They had drawn attention—by pirates, bounty hunters, and worse still, the Marines.
A New Threat on the Horizon
Hours passed, and the island finally became visible on the horizon—steep cliffs, black forests, and a small port city along the coastline. It seemed peaceful from afar.
But Solian knew better.
This remained pirate territory.
And pirates never underestimated new emerging threats.
Meanwhile… In the West Blue
A Marine base in the West Blue far, far away was in a state of chaos.
News had reached of Dagon and the Crimson Reaver Pirates' defeat. The scale of the conflict—a bunch of nobodies beating a legendary pirate who was 80 million berries—had the brass in a state of panic.
In a dimly lit office, Vice Admiral Volcus leaned forward, scanning the bounty reports covering his desk. His sharp eyes glinted with interest as he scanned the names.
Solian Flare. The captain. Jorin. Drayce. Vance. Kael. Rock Lee.
Unknowns, so far.
"This crew… They can be a problem."
A Marine officer gulped. "Vice Admiral, should we deploy forces?"
Volcus smirked, his fingers tapping the table. "Not yet." His voice was calm, calculated. "Let them think they're safe for now. We'll watch. When the time is right… we'll crush them before they reach the Grand Line."
The Marines were watching.
The real hunt was about to begin.
To be continued…