The world continued to turn, unaware of the storm that was building in the Grand Line. But to those in authority, it was not lost that a Marine unit had been routed by a loose collection of pirates. Ripples from the action rolled throughout the entire world, establishing a ripple effect that soon would develop to create the next big conflict.
Marine Headquarters - The Call to Action
At Marine Headquarters, the mood in the war room was tense. Just word had come in of the Solar Rift Pirates' incredible defeat of a Marine detachment. Officers stood in introspective silence, their minds racing through the potential ramifications of such a defeat.
Admiral Sengoku faced a big map, his face as stern as possible. His voice cut through the room's murmurs as he turned to address his officers.
"These pirates, the Solar Rift Pirates, have beaten a Marine detachment handily. These are not just any crew. We cannot let them continue on unchecked," Sengoku asserted, his tone serious.
An younger officer, Vice Admiral Doberman, broke in. "We have to show the world that we won't take any disrespect, even from little pirates."
"Agreed," Sengoku replied. "But we can't overdo it either. We need someone who can deal with them properly, without making a bigger fuss. Send Vice Admiral Onigumo."
A murmur of shock went around the officers present. Onigumo was no giant like Kizaru or Akainu, but he was a good fighter in his own right. Renowned for his cool demeanor and keen strategic mind, he was more than adequate to handle what the Marines believed was an exaggerated pirate crew.
"Onigumo is a wise decision," interjected Vice Admiral Tsuru. "He'll be able to get through this without making too much noise. We shouldn't make it a big thing."
The Underworld Reacts
In the underworld, word traveled fast. The news of the Solar Rift Pirates' conquest of a Marine detachment spread as far as the darkest reaches of the globe. The response came quickly, though it was anything but unanimous.
In a black market bar, one of the city's most feared men reclined in his chair, a satisfied smile on his face as he scrolled through the current news on a tablet.
"Rift Pirates of the Sun, ha? Someone was bound to shake things up. They killed a Marine unit, but they will not be able to take on someone like Onigumo," the man laughed. "If they survive, they will be worth seeing.".
In the vicinity, Bartholomew Kuma, ex-pirate and current World Government operative, listened in. He wasn't interested in pirates per se, but the Solar Rift Pirates were not like other pirates. There was something about them that made him cautious.
"These pirates," Kuma muttered to himself, "they're not like others. Perhaps they've caught the attention of the wrong people."
The World at Large
The victory of the Solar Rift Pirates made headlines far and wide, to the crowded streets of Water 7, headquarters of most pirates and bounty hunters. The people's reaction was one of disbelief and curiosity.
In a tavern near the harbor, a team of bounty hunters discussed the news over a pint of beer.
"Ah, I figured they were just some random pirate band, but now they're against the Marines?" one of them snorted. "What's gotten into these people?"
"Yes, well I heard that the captain of the group has something special in him," another hunter said, close to whisper. "They're saying he possesses some sort of devil fruit which allows him control over the sun or light or something. It's possible it's more about what else he's not sharing.
I don't care about their abilities," the first bounty hunter replied, "If the Marines are dispatching Onigumo, then they're in over their heads. That man's no laughing matter."
Vice Admiral Onigumo Prepares for Departure
While that was happening, Vice Admiral Onigumo was preparing for his mission too. Onigumo was a tall, thin man who had a stark, calculating face and an absolute lack of enthusiasm. He had been dispatched to deal with the Solar Rift Pirates, and he wasn't going to let anyone down. But while the flashier Admirals just reveled in their grand successes, Onigumo had arrived with a certain respect for his opponents, and he suspected the Solar Rift Pirates were a whole lot stronger than they were making out.
His arms—two large, scythe-like arms—glinted in the light as he locked them into place. Onigumo was not flashy, but he was efficient and merciless.
"Vice Admiral Onigumo, you are to bring in the Solar Rift Pirates," Admiral Sengoku said, his voice cold. "Do not underestimate them. The Marines have already lost face. We cannot afford another embarrassment."
"Understood," replied Onigumo, his tone resolute as he prepared for the journey. His countenance did not change, but his mind was already calculating his moves.
As he sailed aboard the ship that would take him to the Grand Line, Onigumo knew that the pirates' victory had already made its impression. He did not fool himself into thinking that they would be an easy prey, but with his skills and the assistance of the Marines, he was certain that he could bring them down.
The Solar Rift Pirates - Ignorant of the Storm
Meanwhile, Solian Flare and his crew sailed on without knowing that a storm was brewing on the horizon. The Log Pose had been set, and they had started their journey to the Grand Line. The crew was in high spirits, having been boosted by their victory, as they reminisced and trained.
Solian stood at the bow of the ship, watching the horizon, a quiet smile on his face. The sea stretched endlessly before him. "This is just the beginning," he muttered to himself. "The Grand Line is where everything happens. We'll get stronger, and soon, we'll make our mark."
The crew continued training, oblivious to the fact that the Marines were close behind them, their next exam approaching. Solian's thoughts were occupied with the future—how they would develop, what they would be, what challenges awaited them.
But in the recesses of his mind, he knew that something was brewing.