Vance, still fighting with Kael and Jorin, barely managed to deflect an incoming sword strike before glancing over at the new arrival. His expression darkened.
"Shit, Kordak's here?! The crazy man is supposed to be causing chaos in the western oceans!"
Jorin tightened his sword, glancing around the battlefield. "Why is he here? He's not with Ragnor."
Kordak spread his arms wide, letting the rain seep into his scarred chest. "You know, I was bound for the Grand Line when news came to me of the Storm Reaver Pirates burning this island to the ground. And then what do I hear after that?"
His red eyes fixed on Solian, with a hunger flashing behind them.
"About some new pirate causing commotion, slaughtering Marines and bounty hunters like it's a damn game.".
Solian breathed slowly and steadily, but inside, his senses were screaming. This guy was strong. Stronger than Ragnor. Possibly stronger than anyone he'd ever fought.
And he wasn't going to sit back and let that happen.
Kordak cracked his knuckles, his voice heavy with sarcasm. "So, I figured—why bother you two to fight it out when I can get rid of you two myself?"
Ragnor spat to the side, adjusting his axe. "You think you can just waltz in like this, Kordak? This is my battle."
Kordak snorted. "Your battle? Heh, you must be getting soft, Ragnor. I recall when you would've already hacked this punk in two. Or are you actually struggling?"
Ragnor growled. "Shut your mouth before I split your damn head."
The tension was broken.
Three-Way War Begins
Kordak moved first.
BOOM!
The ground burst beneath his feet as he charged ahead, covering the distance between him and Ragnor in an instant. His enormous fist, as big as a cannonball, came crashing down upon Ragnor's head with a bone-crushing force.
Ragnor barely had time to lift his battle-axe in protection.
CLANG!
The impact shook the battlefield, the ground beneath them rupturing like shattered glass. Ragnor still landed on his backside, his boots scraping against wet stone.
Solian didn't wait. This was his moment.
Flames erupted from his feet as he launched himself at Kordak.
Kordak turned around just in time to have Solian tower over him, his leg wrapped in golden flames.
"Solar Rift: Plasma Drop!"
Solian's hellfire kick struck Kordak's shoulder, a blast of fire exploding outward. Kordak grunted, but instead of stepping back, he turned into the attack—
—And grasped Solian's leg.
Solian's eyes flew open.
"Not bad, kid." Kordak grinned. "But you're gonna have to hit harder than that."
Before Solian could teleport away, Kordak hurled him like a meteor.
CRASH!
Solian smashed through a wooden cart, rolling across the ground before forcing himself to a stop. His body ached, but he still had enough energy to get up. He had no choice.
Kordak turned back to Ragnor. "You and me, first."
Ragnor growled, rolling his shoulders. "Fine. I'll bury you before I take on the kid."
The two giants battled, their swords ringing out with such power that the island trembled.
Solian wiped at his lip, his flames swirling around him.
This was not good.
If those two kept fighting, the island itself might not be able to survive the battle.
And he wasn't going to just stand by and watch.
The Solar Rift Pirates' Gamble
Vance, Kael, and Jorin caught up beside Solian, panting from their own battles.
Vance gave him a look. "What's the plan, Captain?"
Solian panted, watching the battle between two animals underway before him. If he didn't act now, he'd never have another chance.
His fists clenched. "We have to take out Kordak first."
Jorin frowned. "Wouldn't it be smarter to make them battle each other and take out the one already weakened?"
Solian shook his head. "Ragnor's dangerous, but Kordak's worse. If he's the victor, we're all dead men. If he's beaten, we still have to deal with Ragnor—but at least not both of them at the same time."
Kael nodded. "Then we attack now."
Vance grinned, cracking his knuckles. "Damn right we do."
The Solar Rift Pirates prepared to throw themselves into combat, aware that the fate of the next few moments would determine their destiny.
And as Solian's flames burned increasingly hotter, something within him began to stir—
A new power, lying in wait.