The crew of the Solar Rift Pirates sailed effortlessly along the Grand Line, wind at their backs, cutting through the ocean. The hum of the ship's sails was an everyday noise, but today, there was something in the air that was not quite normal. It was not the usual nervousness or excited chatter that permeated the ship—it was anticipation.
Solian stood at the front, his eyes scanning the horizon as Dressrosa slowly came into view from the distance. The sun was beginning to set low in the sky, illuminating the ocean with a golden warm color and shining brightly on the island on the horizon. But it was not just the island's breathtaking beauty that caught Solian's eye. It was what the island represented: an opportunity.
He was hit by the weight of the decision. It wasn't a matter of acquiring an island. It was about building something greater, something that would enable his crew to live and thrive. Solian wasn't craving glory or loot anymore. His ambition had reached beyond that. He wanted a kingdom—a kingdom where they had control, where they were in power, rather than the powerless seeking to run away from power.
"Captain," Kael's voice pierced his head. "We're arriving at Dressrosa. I've been wondering. Do you really think it will work? Defeating Doflamingo and the Marines? It's not that easy, even for us."
Solian whirled about, firing a stern look Kael's way, though his eyes softened just as quickly. "I do. It's time. We've never been stronger, and the Dressrosans are on their breaking point. Doflamingo is a tyrant. He's had the island in his control for far too long, and he's accumulated too many enemies. We just need to strike hard and fast."
Kael raised an eyebrow but nodded. "Well, we're with you, Captain. But we'll have to be careful. Doflamingo's no pushover."
"Exactly," Solian said, his tone firm. "That's why we have to get information first. We'll attack his lieutenants first—break up his defenses, win the people over. Once we've done that, the Marines will have to choose between Doflamingo and us.".
The crew gathered around him, taking in the gravity of the conversation. Vance rested against the mast, arms crossed, eyes fixed on Solian with a grin. "Killing off Doflamingo, is it? Well, that's something I'm in favor of. The guy always had a bad reputation. It'll be good times."
"We'll need more than just fun," Jorin spoke up, his voice serious. "This is going to be a battle of attrition. Doflamingo's lieutenants are all strong, and the Marines won't just watch from the sidelines. They'll have a vested interest in keeping control over Dressrosa."
Solian nodded, his face settling into a stern determination. "I know. That's why we need to be clever. We hit Doflamingo at his weak spot, take down his strongest underlings, and break his hold. The Marines will come at some point, but we'll be ready for them."
Jorin and Milo exchanged glances, then nodded. "We'll start digging up information immediately. See where the lieutenants are weak."
"Kael, you're in charge of countering Doflamingo's top forces. We'll need to fight fire with fire when it comes to them," Solian added, his gaze steady.
Kael nodded. "Understood. I'll make sure to keep my skills sharp."
Vance cracked his knuckles. "Sounds like it's time for some good old-fashioned pirate work. Let's make some noise."
Rock Lee, who had remained silent, stepped forward, looking stern. "If we ever want to truly capture the island, we'll need to have the people in our favor. Doflamingo's reign has beaten them down, but if we show them that we're not the same, we can make them fight for us."
Solian looked at his crew, his heart swelling with pride. "Exactly. We're not just going to take control—we're going to win their hearts and minds. We're not some band of pirates looking to pillage and plunder. We're here to give them freedom."
As the ship reached the island, the crew began to prepare for what had to be done. They knew what was at stake. Dressrosa was not a stepping stone. It was a key to their future. And with Solian leading them, they were willing to take anything that came their way.
The crew unfolded their respective roles, each one keen and resolute. They were aware of the risk, but they were also aware that as a unit, they were invincible. The Solar Rift Pirates weren't pirates—they were becoming greater than that. Greater than themselves. And Dressrosa was where it all began.
The First Glimpse of Dressrosa
As the ship drew near to the shores of Dressrosa, the island's shape was more defined against the horizon of the sun. Skyscrapers towered over the streets, vibrant colors splashed over the buildings, and the very recognizable flag of Doflamingo proudly flapped in the wind. Solian had a rush of determination course through him. This was it—the island where all would be transformed.
But even as he looked out over the island's beauty, he couldn't shake the undertone of tension. The people of Dressrosa had been oppressed by Doflamingo long enough. Solian could already feel the fear that hung over the island, the muffled murmuring of rebellion hidden beneath. No one loved Doflamingo here. Solian's job was simple: bring that fear out, turn it into hope, and take control.
"Okay, crew," Solian said, his voice carrying across the deck. "We're not going here to conquer just—we're going here to make things right. We'll take out Doflamingo's strongest lieutenants first. We'll disrupt his grip on power, and we'll win over the people's hearts. We fight smart, and we triumph."
They all nodded in unison, their faces set.
"Get ready, all of you. This is just the beginning," Solian said, his eyes locked onto the island. "Let's put our mark on this island."
The excitement and anticipation grew as they approached the island. The crew knew they were on the brink of taking on the most dangerous mission they'd ever faced. But they also knew that with Solian at the helm, no challenge was too great.