The Solar Rift's deck creaked with the strain of the thick tension that wrapped around it. Solian still stood at the bow, his gaze locked on the horizon line, where the outline of Dressrosa's coastline was gradually becoming clearer. The island lay before them, and with it, the war that had loomed over their heads for weeks.
He could feel the power surging within him, the result of all that training, combat, and close calls. The System had repaid him, and his crew had grown stronger. But with the island looming in the distance, the gravity of the situation fell heavier in his chest. This was it. The battle for control of a nation—against the Marines and Doflamingo's troops.
"They'll be waiting for us," muttered Solian. His mind retreated to the info they had heard from their spys—Doflamingo was preparing to make a demonstration of strength on a massive scale. His power had long since reached to all ends of the island, and the Marines were advancing in the command of a vice admiral.
However, Solian was not worried. He did not stand by himself.
Turning, he looked at his crew, all of whom had come up on deck, readying themselves for the impending battle. Weather had turned tempestuous, as if the world itself were aware of the impending chaos. The wind moaned, and the clouds rolled overhead, in sync with the tumultuous emotions roiling within Solian.
"Ready, everyone?" he demanded, voice firm but serious.
Kael nodded, his sharp eyes reflecting determination. "We've been preparing for this day. Let's make it count."
Vance cracked his neck, his grin wide as ever. "Finally, a real challenge. I've been itching to test my skills on some serious opponents."
Jorin was silent for a moment, his hand gripping the hilt of his blade. "Stay focused. This isn't just another fight. Doflamingo isn't some low-tier pirate."
Milo, ever calm, adjusted his eyepiece. "Strategy is what we will need. We can't afford to make mistakes."
Twin Tempest, deployed in the back, exchanged a subtle nod, ready for whatever lay ahead.
"We've been training for this," Solian stated, his voice cutting through tension. "This is our chance to create a new history. We take Dressrosa—we decide what happens next. Doflamingo won't be the ruler of this island anymore.".
"But the Marines are coming too," Kael said, his voice laced with warning. "We need to take care of them first. Once they're out of our way, then we can deal with Doflamingo."
Solian nodded. "I've already thought about it. The Marines will be distracted dealing with Doflamingo's arrival, which gives us an opportunity to take them out quickly. But don't rush to underestimate them. We need to make every move count."
The Solar Rift went on, the island closing in minute by minute. The hours dragged slowly, and Solian could feel the weight of what he had chosen. This wasn't just a question of killing a pirate crew or taking out a unit of Marines—it was a question of making a statement. Of taking power that he had always wanted.
They were moving into the very heart of enemy lands.
The Marines' Approach
In the meanwhile, away from the coast of Dressrosa, a Marine vice admiral stood on the bridge of a battleship gazing out into the horizon. His name was Vice Admiral Daisuke, one who was infamous for being as ruthless as he was capable of managing his troops with an iron fist. His task was easy: Wipe out the Solar Rift Pirates before they could even think of setting foot on land.
He was well aware that the reputation of the pirates had improved significantly since they had last encountered them. Their prices on their heads had jumped exponentially, and their crew had the reputation for being an incredible fighting force. They had been rampaging across the entire Grand Line, and now they were targeting Dressrosa, an island under World Government protection.
But Daisuke wasn't worried. He'd seen hardened pirates fall in the past. He'd slaughtered whole crews without breaking a sweat. And now he'd been given his orders—orders to destroy this new threat rapidly and decisively.
"They'll be here in an hour," his second-in-command announced, staring out into the churning foam.
"Then we'll be ready," Daisuke replied coolly. He turned to face his men. "Prepare the cannons. We'll make sure they don't set foot on this island."
Back on the Solar Rift, Solian could feel the approach of the Marines. His keen senses picked up on the faint ripples of their movements. They were close, but they hadn't yet realized just how powerful the Solar Rift Pirates had become.
"Feel that?" Solian said, looking at his men.
"I feel it," said Kael. "They're nearby."
Vance balled up his fists. "Let's give them a demonstration of what happens when they play games with us."
"Concentrate," Solian told them. "We eliminate them fast. We don't let them reorganize."
The Battle of Dressrosa Commences
The Solar Rift rose just off the Dressrosa shore, and as expected, the Marines moved. Cannons fired from the battleships, massive shells exploding in the ocean off the crew ship. The Vice Admiral had clearly overestimated their velocity and agility.
Growling, Solian leapt into action, his actions as fluid and quick as if he had trained for years. His Devil Fruit powers surged, and with a snap of his wrist, he opened a portal in the air, bridging the gap between the Solar Rift and the lead of the enemy ships instantly.
Rock Lee was right behind him, his fists flying rapidly while he used his newfound power to blast enemies left and right. His speed taijutsu overwhelmed the Marines, and soon the crew members were doing the same.
Jorin and Kael cut through the foe, their swords glinting with icy precision. Milo picked off Marines with his accuracy, eliminating priority targets at range. Vance stormed in with his bludgeoning strikes, breaking the armor and sending Marines crashing.
The fight was ruthless, but brief. The Solar Rift Pirates were a force to be reckoned with now. In a matter of seconds, the Marines were outnumbered, struggling to keep up with Solian's speed, skill, and coordination. Daisuke's strategy was crumbling.
From the shore, Doflamingo watched in awe. His spies had already reported that the Solar Rift Pirates had arrived at Dressrosa, and now he saw their strength firsthand. They were risky, but no riskier than he could handle.
His grin grew wider. The actual battle was yet to come.
And Solian Flare, with his crew around him, had just ignited the first fire in the battle for Dressrosa.