The darkened halls of Doflamingo's palace on Dressrosa vibrated with tension. The din of his attendants was replaced by a cold silence, the kind that hung thick in the air seconds before the storm burst forth. Doflamingo reclined at his lavish table, his fingers tapping mindlessly against the highly polished wood as he stared out past the distant horizon, where Solian's pirate vessel proceeded.
Behind him, his most loyal subordinates had gathered, their faces stern, their eyes pinched with anticipation of what was to be.
"Boss, we've just received word," Trebol stated, his voice harsh and guttural. "The Solar Rift Pirates are coming straight for us."
Doflamingo's lips twisted into a sly, devilish smile. "Solian Flare… that fool's finally made up his mind to make a move. I wonder how long he's been thinking he could hide from me."
"He has quite the reputation," Diamante said, his voice cold. "It's said he has powerful abilities, even stronger than some of the pirates we've seen in these parts. A 200 million berry bounty. not bad for such a new face in the Grand Line."
"200 million, huh?" Doflamingo mused, his eyes gleaming with interest. "That's impressive. But it's just another number. He's walking into a spider's web, and he doesn't even know it. I'll enjoy pulling his strings."
Glancing over at Vergo, Doflamingo added, "What about the Marines? Any movement from them?"
Vergo, always stoic, spoke up with his usual calmness. "They've dispatched a Vice Admiral. They'll be here soon, too."
Doflamingo's smile widened as he leaned back in his chair. "Perfect. A bit of chaos, a bit of confusion… it'll make it all the more fun."
"What are you going to do, boss?" Trebol asked, his eyes sparkling with the thrill of a good fight. "We've got the Marines to deal with as well as Solian. His crew is strong."
Doflamingo's face hardened, his tone colder than usual. "We let them wear each other down. The Marines will wear themselves down, and when they're weakened, that's when we strike."
"Are you sure that's the best strategy?" Diamante questioned. "Solian won't be so simple to deal with as the other pirates we've beaten. He's special.".
"Various?" Doflamingo's gaze menacing. "He might have power, but he's still a pawn. They all are. Everyone's a puppet, even the Marines. You just have to know how to pull the strings."
Trebol chuckled menacingly. "I'd like to see how he makes it through our web."
"Let's be clear," Doflamingo declared in a low, ominous voice. "The Solar Rift Pirates are just another stepping stone. They're going to try to take over Dressrosa, but this island is already under my control. If they make the attempt, they'll live to regret it."
A sudden knock at the door had everyone turning to look. A minion entered holding a report in his hand, his face pale with the seriousness of the message.
Boss. we just received word. The Vice Admiral. they're bringing the whole fleet. They're going to cut off Solian. It's clear now. they caught his scent. Things are being complicated."
Doflamingo smiled once more, but this time it was colder.
"Good. Let the Vice Admiral do the dirty work. The Solar Rift Pirates will soon learn that they've bitten off more than they can chew." He stood up, his gaze sweeping over his crew, his voice full of malicious amusement. "And when they do, I'll be right here to finish the job. Their fight with the Marines will only make it easier for me to take them down."
Trebol nodded, a gleam in his eyes. "Sounds like fun, boss. We'll get ready."
Doflamingo's smirk deepened as he turned toward the balcony, his eyes locking onto the distant horizon where Solian's ship approached ever closer, like a moth to a flame.
"You've made a mistake, Solian Flare. This island is mine. You've underestimated me, and now you'll pay the price."
Meanwhile, aboard the Solar Rift Pirates' Ship
Solian led the charge, eyes narrowed in sight as he looked on at the island moving in to face them. Tension was alive, his crew in sharp purpose to intercept whatever lay ahead. Everything was measured, each action deliberate. The Marines marched on to reach them, but so did the greater threat.
Rock Lee was already stretching his legs, building his physique, as he got ready for combat. Milo was playing with his crossbow, testing its tension, and Kael and Jorin were going over their island plan. Vance was sharpening his fists, his eyes narrowed as he got ready for up-close combat.
Solian didn't speak much as he surveyed the scene. His mind was elsewhere, piecing together the puzzle in front of him. The Marines and Doflamingo's crew were on a collision course, and they had little time to prepare.
Kael looked over at him. "You think Doflamingo knows we're coming?"
"I'm certain he does," Solian replied. "He's not an idiot. But we don't have any choice. We'll battle him and the Marines if necessary. I have no desire to surrender."
"We've made it this far," Vance replied, his voice deep but resolute. "I'm not going to let a warlord and some Marines beat us now."
Solian looked back at the island with resolve now. He had made up his mind. They would take Dressrosa—no matter how much it cost.
On the Marine Fleet
Vice Admiral Hozaki stood on the deck of his ship, his scowl unbroken as the Solar Rift Pirates' ship approached. He had heard about Doflamingo's involvement, and he wasn't going to let the pirates get away with it.
"We'll meet them head-on," Hozaki ordered, his voice cold and commanding. "Prepare the fleet for battle. We'll make sure this pirate crew is put down once and for all."
Back in Dressrosa
The conflict on Dressrosa escalated as Doflamingo's gang and the Marines prepared for what would certainly be a bloody showdown. Solian's gang were unaware of the extent to which their power would reach, but the destiny of the island now rested with them.
And when the sun dipped below the horizon, the strings of fate began weaving their final pattern. The stage was ready for the all-out war, and the clock would tick to determine the winner.