The Solar Rift Pirates sailed through the stormy sea of the West Blue, the wind howling as dark clouds gathered overhead. The weather had suddenly turned, as if nature itself was warning them of the island they were drawing near to—Black Gale Island, a haven-less island where only the strong could survive.
After their recent rise in infamy, Solian knew they could not just stroll into town like ordinary travelers. Their recent bounties had ensured that every pirate, bounty hunter, and Marine in the vicinity would have them in their crosshairs.
He gripped the railing, watching as the island came into view. Massive jagged cliffs surrounded it, with towering black trees swaying violently against the wind. A town sat nestled between the rocky terrain, built like a fortress to withstand the unpredictable storms that plagued the area.
"We're almost there," Jorin muttered, his sharp eyes scanning the island's coastline. "This place stinks of trouble."
"Good," Kael responded, twirling his rusted sword in his hand. "It will prevent us from getting bored."
"Just don't go looking for unnecessary fights," Vance warned, securing his gloves. "We don't need another bounty increase before we reach the Grand Line."
Rock Lee, standing at the bow of the ship, smiled. "If we have to fight, let it be a fight to remember!"
Solian scoffed. "We're stopping for two reasons: supplies and a Log Pose. If we're going to survive the Grand Line, we're going to need that compass."
A Log Pose was the sole means of navigating the Grand Line's unpredictable currents and magnetic fields. Without one, they'd be sailing blind.
"Where do we even find one?" Drayce asked, leaning against the mast.
Pirate-infested islands like this usually have someone who sells them," Solian replied. "If not, we take one from a crew that already has it."
The ship swayed as a gust of wind struck them as they approached the shore. The port was bustling, a mix of pirate crews, shady merchants, and mercenary swords. From afar, Solian could sense the place was crawling with violent people.
"Alright, listen up," he said, addressing his crew. "We stick together. No one goes off alone. If a fight breaks out, don't hold back—but don't waste energy on nobodies either."
Kael smirked. "I'll try, but no promises."
With that, they lowered the anchor and prepared to step foot on Black Gale Island—a place where only the strongest survived.
Stepping into the Lion's Den
The instant Solian and his crew set foot on the stone-paved streets, heads turned their direction. There was tension in the air, and whispers like wildfire circulated.
"That's them… the ones who beat Dagon."
"Their captain's bounty went up to 110 million berries… he's not a guy to trifle with."
"Darn, they even have that oddly dressed fellow with the green jumpsuit."
Rock Lee ignored the stares, arms crossed. "This place is un disciplined. Everyone looks so… unmotivated."
Drayce chuckled. "Welcome to pirate territory."
The crew kept to themselves as they moved through the market. Merchants shouted prices, thieves lurked in the shadows, and the occasional brawl erupted between drunken pirates. It was the kind of place where weakness was hunted down and eliminated.
Solian's eyes scanned the shops, looking for anything related to navigation equipment. At last, he spotted a small stall that had a collection of compasses, maps, and old books.
Bingo.
The elderly man, who had a missing eye and a mechanical hand, greeted them as they approached. His voice was raspy, likely from years of smoking.
"Ah… pirates looking for a Log Pose, I presume?"
Solian nodded. "How much?"
The old man smiled, revealing yellowed teeth. "For a fine crew like yours… one million berries."
Kael laughed. "You must be out of your mind."
"Too expensive, eh?" The merchant leaned forward. "That is because there is only one route out of this sea. You either buy the Log Pose… or take it from another who already has one."
Solian's expression darkened. "You mean…
The old man chuckled. "The Storm Reaver Pirates. They rule this island. You'll have to get past them if you need a Log Pose."
A New Enemy: The Storm Reaver Pirates
Solian had never heard the name Storm Reaver, but by how the townspeople tensed, they were bad news.
They've been here for some time," the merchant continued. "Their captain, Ragnor Stormfang, has a bounty of 115 million berries. He controls the entire island. If you try to take a Log Pose without his permission… you'll be dead."
Jorin clicked his tongue. "Just what we needed."
Solian breathed out slowly. He had hoped to avoid trouble, but it looked like a fight was inevitable.
"If they're so powerful," Vance replied, "why don't we just buy the Log Pose and cut them out altogether?"
Solian didn't have time to answer before a thunderous laugh erupted from the center of the marketplace.
"WHO THE HELL SAID MY NAME?!"
The crowd parted as a giant of a man stepped forward. He was larger than Solian, tank-like in stature, with wild silver hair and a scar over his left eye. His coat was lined with patterns that looked like storms, and an enormous battle-axe was strapped across his back.
Solian needed no introduction.
This was Ragnor Stormfang.
And by the way his troops were already surrounding the marketplace, the battle had caught up with them earlier than expected.
Ragnor clenched his fists, examining Solian's crew with curiosity. "So… the Solar Rift Pirates finally showed up."
His eyes landed on Solian. "I heard you killed Dagon. That means you must be strong… but I don't like competition."
A slow smile spread across his face.
"So here's the deal. You either leave my island… or I kill you."
The tension snapped like a wire pulled too tight.
Solian shrugged his shoulders and sighed.
"We just got here," he said. "And we're not leaving without a Log Pose."
Ragnor's men tightened their holds on their weapons, ready to attack at any moment. The entire market had gone quiet, everyone watching them to see who would move first.
Then Ragnor laughed.
A deep, rumbling laugh, as if he had just heard the funniest joke in the world.
"You've got guts," he admitted. "But guts alone won't save you."
His hand rested on the battle-axe on his back, and his crew of thirty pirates drew their weapons.
Solian's own crew got into position, ready for whatever came next.
The storm was about to break.
And the Solar Rift Pirates were right in the middle of it.