The streets of the port town were shifting. Whispers of the Solar Rift Pirates ran wild, rumors spreading in taverns and alleyways. Some saw them as legends in the making, others as threats to be snuffed out before they became stronger.
Solian could feel it—the weight of eyes pressing down on them. Their bounties weren't numbers. They were open invitations to trouble.
A Shadow in the Crowd
As the crew occupied themselves with scavenging up goods, one person sat atop a roof, watching them.
His features were hidden beneath a dark hood, his gold eyes intent as they followed each step the crew took. His lips were curved in a faint smile.
"So these are the ones causing a ruckus." he spoke low.
He tipped his head forward, the dim glow of a den den mushi casting a light over his face.
"Uh-huh," he spoke into the receiver. "They're here."
A low voice answered on the other end. "Don't engage yet. Observe only."
The figure in the hood sneered. "Relax. I would not want to end the game prematurely."
He closed the transponder snail and vanished into the city, moving silently through the shadows.
The Crew Splits Up
Solian, Kael, and Jorin strolled through the main market, purchasing what they needed—rations, medkits, and ship repair tools.
Meanwhile, Vance and the Twin Tempest were checking the docks, scouting for any suspicious activity.
Milo, ever the cautious one, glanced around uneasily. "Anyone else feel like we're being watched?"
Vance shrugged. "We're pirates with bounties. Of course, people are watching."
"We should be careful," Aria added. "Places like this… people like to test strong names."
Vance sneered, cracking his knuckles. "Then let them. It's been a while since I've had a good warm-up."
An Unwanted Meeting
Solian and his friends sat at a corner table in the tavern again, discussing what they should do.
"We need to get out of here by morning," Kael said low. "The longer we stay, the better the chances someone tries something."
Before Solian could respond, a tall individual ambled over to their table, his step heavy with confidence.
Broad-shouldered, with two jagged scars cut across his jaw, he sported a pair of ornately worked pistols at his waist. His clothes were well maintained—not some lazy thug, but a professional.
His smile didn't quite reach his eyes. "Solar Rift Pirates, huh?"
Jorin groaned, tossing his head back. "Here we go again."
The man chuckled. "Relax. I'm not here for a fight. Just curious." He pulled out a wanted poster. Solian's face stared back at them.
"You're making waves," the man said. "Dagon wasn't some small-time hood. You took him down. People notice that."
Solian didn't react. "So?"
The man leaned forward slightly. "Word is… the Marines are taking a very hard look at you. I heard Vice Admiral Volcus has taken an interest."
That name sent a chill down Solian's veins.
Kael's hand clenched on the hilt of his sword. "How do you know that?"
The man snarled. "Because I make it my business to know."
Solian's eyes narrowed. "And who are you, precisely?"
The man tapped his chest. "Name's Rael. I'm a broker. I deal in information, weapons, and opportunities. And at the moment? You're an opportunity a lot of people are interested in."
Jorin's eyebrow rose. "And what do you require of us, precisely?"
Rael laughed. "Me? Nothing. But others? That's another story."
He reclined back from the table. "I'll provide a complimentary tip, Captain. You're no longer some pirate crew newcomer. You've reached the point where you've gone from 'nobodies' to 'possible threats.'"
Solian maintained his gaze. "Then let them."
Rael laughed, his head shaking. "Oh, they will. Ready or not."
Then, just as abruptly as he appeared, Rael left, leaving the crew to ponder his warning.
Meanwhile… At the Marine Base
Vice Admiral Volcus was in his office, reviewing the latest intelligence reports.
The Solar Rift Pirates had been spotted in a port town. They were gaining power, their names commanding more respect.
One of his officers stepped forward. "Sir, do we attack now?"
Volcus smiled coldly. "No. Let them settle in. Let them think they have time."
He tapped Solian's wanted poster.
"When they reach the Grand Line… we attack."