The Flarebound Pirates moved through the narrow alleys with ease, their steps even and measured. Behind them now lay the auction house, but their minds were still reeling with the implications of the deal they had just made. They had held the Storm-Storm Fruit, a Devil Fruit of immense strength—one that summoned thunderstorms, commanded the winds, and even brought crushing lightning. Solian's crew had acquired it, but they knew the storm which would follow would not be one which they could so easily command.
Outside the auction house was a crowded street lined with pirates and merchants who'd been at the auction. Nevertheless, the crew didn't have their heads in their hands as they walked, keeping their presence in view yet humble and resolute. Their movement in the shadows was watched with the blink of unseen eyes behind them.
We will go to the hideout," Solian spoke, his voice low but assertive, his grip on the fruit that would change the course of their route. His crew nodded in agreement, each and every one of them aware of the importance of this moment.
They found a small, unassuming building not far from the auction, hidden away enough to be secure. The hideout was dark inside, lit by only a single lantern lighting the dusty table in the middle of the room. The Storm-Storm Fruit was placed with care on the table, its swirling stormy patterns illuminating the room softly.
Solian studied the fruit in quiet contemplation. The potential for power was immense. With this fruit, they could control the weather, unleash destructive storms, and strike down foes with lightning. His mind spun with the possibilities, the future this fruit could bring. But his instincts were telling him the road ahead was going to be anything but simple.
When the crew got settled to devise a plan, Solian spoke to them. "We have to be careful. There's no doubt that this fruit will attract attention. Whoever hasn't heard of it yet will learn soon enough. And they'll come for it."
Kael 'Rustfang' Deyn, ever the strategist, crossed his arms. "Let's relocate it to a more secure position, somewhere with heavy security. Somewhere we can hide it temporarily and train with it in safety."
Milo 'Silent Shot' Trenn leaned back against the wall, arms folded. "The bounty hunters will track us down no matter where we go. We've gotten the attention of those hunters on ourselves."
Vance 'Ironfist' Rhoan grinned. "Then we'll simply have to be ready to deal with them when they do."
Jorin 'Crimson Fang' Vael, his battle-fire burning bright in his eyes, nodded in approval. "I believe we should employ it. We don't have to hide it. We must use it to our advantage."
Solian's gaze shifted between his crew. He could feel the weight of the fruit in his hands, the power it promised, but he knew the risks were greater than ever now. "I'm not so sure about rushing into this. The fruit's power isn't something to take lightly. We'll need to understand it before using it in battle. Let's lay low for now and get a feel for what we're dealing with."
Before anyone could tell him, a faint noise caught Milo's sharp ears. His eyes narrowed as he peered out through a gap in the window, taking in the view.
"There's someone watching us," he said quietly but tightly.
Kael stood up, his hand instinctively going for his gun. "Who is it?"
Milo's eyes returned to Solian. "Difficult to say. They're holding back, but I can sense they're close."
Vance growled. "Bounty hunters, for sure. The manner in which they're tracking. It's calculated.
Solian remained his face serene, but there was a flash of recognition flashing in his eyes. He knew who might be responsible for this. The thief outside was too sneaky, too silent. It reminded him of stories he'd heard — stories of the Black Gale Pirates and their elusive captain, Elric the Silent.
Elric was a legendary bounty hunter, well known for being able to beat Devil Fruit users without having a Devil Fruit. His own bounty of 350 million was respectable, and while his crew wasn't as notorious, Elric himself was terrorized across the seas. Solian knew that it was no coincidence they had attracted the attention of someone like him.
"We're not alone anymore," Solian muttered, eyeing the door with a newfound wariness.
Elric's crew — Black Gale Pirates — were notorious for their brutality and ruthless effectiveness. Their preferred tactic was to allow their victim to make a try and then strike them from behind, taking them out one by one. Solian was certain his crew could dispose of them, but he also knew that Elric himself was a wildcard. The dude had taken down strong Devil Fruit users before. This was not going to be a cakewalk. Solomon sipped his tea and thought.
"Stay alert," Solian ordered. "Milo, keep watch. Kael, Vance, get ready. Jorin, you're on lookout too."
Milo nodded, his sharp eyes scanning every corner of the alley outside. The tension in the room was palpable, the air thick with anticipation.
It wasn't long before they saw the first sign — a man in the gloom, moving with unnatural silence, like a specter against the fog. He was tall, his movements slow and calculated. Elric the Silent.
As if sensing the stare upon him, Elric halted just next to the window. He looked at the building from the back with his icy eyes before he withdrew again into the darkness, as if inviting someone to follow.
"Damn," Kael growled. "He's here. I knew it wouldn't take long."
Solian stood up, his hand resting on the Storm-Storm Fruit, though his eyes remained focused on the doorway. "It's him. Elric. He's no ordinary hunter. He's dangerous."
Vance cracked his knuckles, a grin forming on his face. "I've been itching for a good fight."
Before anyone could say more, a soft but distinct knock echoed from the door.
Solian's crew tensed, each one instinctively moving into position, ready for whatever came next.
"Do we react?" Jorin asked, his grin wide and hungry.
"Not yet," Solian replied. "We need to keep this under control."
The knock again, louder. A low, even voice drifted in from the other side of the door.
"I know you're in there, Solian Flare," Elric's voice called out. "I'm not here to fight. yet. But you have something that belongs to me."
Solian's men remained silent, their gazes fixed on him. Solian's eyes did not waver, did not betray a tremble of fear.
"We do not let go of what is ours," he growled, his voice low with subdued confidence.
Elric laughed, a harsh, cruel sound that hung on the night air.
"Then I suppose we'll see how tightly you hold it.".
With that, the tense silence burst forth as the door creaked open to mark its entrance and the first few Black Gale Pirates stepped into the room, arms prepared as their eyes flashed with the promise of combat.
Solian's men stood poised, the tempest that started when they emerged victorious at the auction now ready to be unleashed in full fury.