The wind swept over the sails of the Solar Rift Pirates' ship as it headed towards Dressrosa, its tall spires in the distance. The tranquility of the sea concealed the tempest that would descend upon the island soon. Solian stood on the bow, looking out over the city that would be the battleground for the future of his crew.
We're almost there," Solian muttered to himself. His men stood behind him, all of them focused on their work, waiting for the inevitable fight with both Doflamingo's crew and the Marines.
Kael adjusted his glasses, gazing out at the horizon. "I've been researching Dressrosa. It's a kingdom where politics and blood are as inextricable as the threads in Doflamingo's strings. This won't be an easy fight.".
Solian's eyes hardened. "It's never easy. But that's what we're here for."
Vance cracked his knuckles, his eyes dancing with excitement. "I'm ready to join the fray. Doflamingo's crew won't know what hit them."
Jorin smiled. "The more I think on it, the more I like the idea of swiping this island from right under his nose. It's not just the Marines we'll have to fight. Doflamingo's grip here is tight, but I'm sure that can be turned.".
"Right." Solian turned to face the crew. "We're not just here to fight. We're here to take control. This is a place with a strong military force and a powerful criminal network, but it's also a place where the people are enslaved by the system. Doflamingo has been using fear to control them for too long. That changes today."
The members of the crew nodded, the severity of their mission clear in their minds. Their fight was not for their own survival—that much was given—but for a purpose greater.
The Clash Begins
When the ship sailed into Dressrosa's port, the ring of combat sounds echoed already along the island's landscape. Thick with Marine deployments were the defensive ranks of Doflamingo's people as well. Solian anticipated this would be more than simply another fight. This was an impasse fought for the core of Dressrosa.
"We're not the only ones with an interest in this place," Kael said as he surveyed the docks. "Doflamingo's crew is already here."
Solian's fists clenched. "We'll deal with them."
They arrived, and the crew came off the ship quickly, spreading out to cover all sides. What they were met with was a strange sight. Marines battled Doflamingo's troops in the streets, but the Marine troops were not as coordinated, appeared disorganized. Doflamingo's troops, however, were disciplined and moved like a well-oiled machine.
The first to advance on them was Diamante, one of Doflamingo's most senior officers. He was tall and looked formidable, dressed in a dark robe with an intricate cape. His go-to weapon—a giant, fancy spear—appeared as though it could bring devastation with a single thrust.
He grinned as he looked at Solian and the crew. "So, the infamous Solar Rift Pirates have come. Doflamingo will be happy to lay eyes on you all."
Solian stepped ahead, his confidence unwavering. "We did not travel here to play games. We came to conquer this island and free its citizens."
Diamante laughed. "Free the people? From Doflamingo? You're already too late. The strings are already pulled, and there's no escape."
The battle began as Solian launched himself forward, the abilities of his Solar Rift Fruit ablaze. He created a portal and burst through it, colliding with Diamante in energy and force that stunned the veteran fighter. Diamante reeled backward but found his balance again, impaling Solian with the deadly precision of his spear.
Jorin and Vance charged into the fray, their punches welling up in lethal synchrony. Vance's fists pounded against Diamante's spear, the impact echoing through the air, and Jorin moved in to strike at the openings between Diamante's guard.
Kael, the always scheming planner, took a look at the situation from the sidelines. Before long, he realized that they were not only battling a single foe. There was power from Doflamingo that ran through the island, and breaking through the front lines would be a necessity before they could move towards the center of the fight.
"Jorin, Vance, let's pin them down while Solian takes care of the bigger targets," Kael shouted out, seeing the enemy movement.
"On it!" replied Jorin, his blade glinting in the sunlight as he deflected a blow from Diamante.
The Turning Point
As Solian exchanged blows with Diamante, his thoughts remained sharp and focused. The fight wasn't about his strength—more about the future. He couldn't lose here. Not when Dressrosa hung in the balance. This fight was what the island inhabitants had counted on. This was not just his crew's destiny that was on the line; this was the freedom of an entire people.
He was certain that Doflamingo would never give up Dressrosa on his own free will. He had too much to gain from having the island in his hands. But none of that mattered now. Solian was not here to negotiate. Solian was here to end the tyranny.
"Plasma Strike!" Solian shouted, a blast of sun energy erupting from his hand, hitting Diamante directly.
The blast sent Diamante stumbling backward on his heels, his spear on the ground. But the fight wasn't finished. The man wasn't done. Diamante's eyes were afire with rage as he rose to his feet, not fazed by the blast.
"You think you can knock me out that easily?" Diamante growled. "I'm just getting started."
Solian did not give him any time to recover his breath. Stepping ahead quickly, he shot another Plasma Strike, but this time swiftly one after another, so Diamante didn't get even a chance to recover his breath. The solar blasts' force was too heavy for him, and he stumbled on the floor.
Diamante panted for breath, lying on the ground, while Solian loomed over him. "This is just the beginning, Diamante. Get used to the heat."
The Bigger Threat
With Diamante taken out of commission, the crew advanced, battling their way into the midst of the conflict. They encountered more of Doflamingo's men along the way, each a deadlier foe than the last. Pica, the fellow who could manipulate stone with his Devil Fruit power, created giant golems to impede them. Trebol, with his glue-like sticky goo, tried to trap them in his webs.
But Solian and his men were better prepared. Their training, their bringing to fruition, had prepared them for battles like these. They fought together in harmony, combining their individual abilities to overwhelm their opponents. Milo's shooting skill, Kael's agility, Jorin's swordsmanship, Vance's raw strength—all of it came together in splendid harmony.
When they arrived in the center of Dressrosa, the sun was beginning to set, which painted the city in a blood-red hue. They had passed through Doflamingo's minions, cleaned their path, and were prepared for the ultimate showdown.
"Almost there," Solian grumbled, his gaze on the towering figure of Doflamingo in the distance, surrounded by his inner circle.
The actual fight was going to start.