Chapter 22: Chapter 22: The Power of the Luna Pirates
The Eternal Wing sailed smoothly through the unpredictable waters of the New World. The aftermath of their battle with Big Mom still lingered in their minds, but it was a victory that only solidified their resolve. Every member of the crew, hardened by their trials, was a cornerstone of the Luna Pirates' growing reputation. As the ship creaked gently, Thorfinn stood at the helm, his dark wings catching the morning sunlight, his gaze unyielding as he planned their next move.
Around him, his crew bustled with activity, each contributing to the ship's operation and the future of their journey.
Kid: The Iron Will
Below deck, Eustass Kid worked tirelessly in the ship's workshop. Scraps of metal floated around him as he forged new weapons, his devil fruit ability humming faintly.
"These new cannons will pack twice the punch," he grinned, inspecting his latest creation. "We'll need them for whatever lunatic Thorfinn has us fighting next."
Kid's rough demeanor and brute strength made him an unshakable force. Despite his abrasiveness, his loyalty to Thorfinn was undeniable after Marineford and Totto Land.
Enel: The Lightning Tyrant
On the mast, Enel perched like a vengeful god, his golden staff glowing faintly with sparks of electricity. The self-proclaimed deity was humming a tune to himself, occasionally summoning tiny bolts of lightning to zap flies buzzing too close.
"What's next, Captain?" Enel called down, his voice tinged with impatience. "I trust it'll be worth my time. I didn't leave Skypiea to float aimlessly on this boat."
Thorfinn glanced up at him, smirking. "You'll have plenty of action soon, Enel. Patience isn't your strongest trait, but it's one you'll need."
Enel grunted, but his faith in Thorfinn's vision remained.
Crocodile: The Sand Strategist
At the edge of the ship, Crocodile leaned against the railing, his cigar glowing in the dim light. His sand powers flickered lazily as he created a tiny desert on the wood beneath his boots.
"These Yonko territories aren't going to fall without a plan," Crocodile said, exhaling a plume of smoke. "If you're thinking of going after another, we'd better know exactly what we're walking into."
"Planning is your forte, Crocodile," Thorfinn replied. "Let me know what you come up with. We'll need every advantage."
Rock and Scotch: The Twin Snipers
Near the crow's nest, Rock and Scotch, the Luna Pirates' deadly sniper duo, competed in a shooting match. Rock, the elder, relied on precision, his rifle an extension of himself. Scotch, the younger and more reckless, grinned as he launched explosive shells at floating targets.
"Can't beat me, old man!" Scotch teased, firing off a round that caused a small explosion in the distance.
"Accuracy over destruction, boy," Rock replied coolly, firing a shot that clipped the exact center of a distant barrel.
Despite their bickering, their synergy in battle was unmatched, their skills pivotal in every confrontation.
Rasa: The Navigator
At the navigation table, Rasa meticulously charted their course. The former alabaster sailor had proven invaluable in the treacherous waters of the New World.
"We'll encounter rough seas ahead," she said, her voice calm and confident. "These waters aren't for the faint of heart."
"Neither is this crew," Thorfinn said with a grin. "Keep us on track, Rasa."
She nodded, her quiet determination and unshakable trust in Thorfinn driving her forward.
Kaku: The Shipwright
In the workshop, Kaku, the former CP9 member, inspected the ship's mast for damage. His giraffe Zoan form briefly flickered into existence as he extended his reach.
"This ship's taken a beating from all the madness you throw at it, Captain," Kaku said with a smirk. "Good thing you've got me to keep it afloat."
Thorfinn chuckled. "I don't doubt it, Kaku. This ship is as strong as its crew."
The Captain's Plan
Thorfinn gathered his crew on the deck later that day, his presence commanding their attention.
"Our victory against Big Mom was just a message," he began. "The seas know our name now, but there's more to be done. The Yonko, the Marines, the World Government—they all think they own this world. We're here to prove otherwise."
The crew erupted into cheers, their loyalty to Thorfinn unshakable.
Trouble on the Horizon
As the Luna Pirates sailed into uncharted waters, a storm began to brew. It wasn't just the weather—the atmosphere itself grew heavy with tension. Rasa gripped the wheel, her voice sharp.
"Captain, we've got company!"
On the horizon, a Marine warship appeared, its flag unmistakable. Standing at the bow was a Vice Admiral clad in armor, flanked by elite soldiers.
"Seems like we've made quite the impression," Crocodile muttered, a smirk playing on his lips.
Thorfinn stepped forward, his Conqueror's Haki rippling through the air. "Let's show them what happens when they challenge the Luna Pirates."
The Battle Begins
The Marines opened fire, their cannons booming as smoke filled the sky.
Kid countered with his devil fruit powers, creating a magnetic barrier that sent cannonballs flying back toward the warship. Enel descended from the mast in a bolt of lightning, obliterating entire sections of the enemy ship with devastating strikes. Crocodile created a sandstorm that engulfed the Marines, reducing their visibility and sowing chaos. Rock and Scotch picked off the officers one by one, their sniper skills proving deadly from a distance.
Thorfinn leapt into the fray, his swords gleaming as he unleashed a flurry of strikes. The Vice Admiral met him head-on, wielding a massive axe infused with Haki.
Their clash sent shockwaves through the battlefield, the sheer force of their blows shaking the ships.
"You've made a grave mistake, pirate!" the Vice Admiral roared.
Thorfinn smirked. "You're the one who underestimated us."
Victory and Reflection
The battle ended in victory for the Luna Pirates, the Marine warship reduced to a burning wreck. Thorfinn stood amidst the chaos, his crew gathered around him.
"Another step forward," he said, his voice steady. "But the real battles are yet to come."
The crew nodded, their bond stronger than ever as they sailed toward their next adventure.