One Piece Solar Rift Conqueror!

Solian pushed into the Marine outpost, the 5 million berry pirate unconscious across his shoulder. The air was thick with the pungent odor of seawater, ink, and gunpowder—typical of an institution constantly having to handle criminals and reports. The chatter of the stationed Marines fell silent as they turned to regard him.

He let the pirate's body drop onto the wooden floor with a thud, dust rising barely at all from the fall.

"I'm here to claim a bounty," he stated, his voice calm yet firm.

A tall, broad-shouldered Marine officer stepped forward, his uniform crisp, with a Lieutenant's coat draped over his shoulders. His sharp gaze flickered between Solian and the unconscious pirate.

The Lieutenant crouched down, studying the pirate's face intently before he fumbled into his pocket and pulled out a wanted poster. His eyebrows furrowed in affirmation.

"That's. One-Fist Ruko," he growled. His eyes narrowed into slits as he turned around to Solian. "5 million berry wanted price. You managed to take him down alone?"

Solian shrugged.

"Didn't put up much of a fight."

The Marines who surrounded him raised skeptical brows.

"No way," someone whispered. "That guy destroyed a whole squad last month."

"Yeah, even the Captain told us to steer clear of him unless we had backup…" another grumbled.

The Lieutenant, though, wasn't so quick to judge him. Rather, he examined Solian more intently, eyes darting over his stance, his posture—things only a seasoned combat veteran would pick up on.

After a moment, he crossed his arms. "You're harder than you look. Ever thought of joining the Marines?"

Solian released a breath, expecting this.

"I'm not interested."

The Lieutenant raised an eyebrow. "You haven't even heard what we can offer."

Solian looked back at him unflinching. "Doesn't matter. I like being free."

Another Marine stepped in, trying another approach. "We could teach you, make you even harder. The Marines have resources—

"I'm managing perfectly well on my own."

The Lieutenant let out a deep sigh, shaking his head. "That's a pity. You have potential. With training, you could—"

"I don't want orders," Solian cut in. "I want strength. And I'm going to find it on my terms."

The Lieutenant glared at him for an extended period of time before clicking his tongue. "Make do as you will."

He waved at one of the Marines behind the desk. "Pay the bounty."

The Marine clerk accumulated 5 million berries on the counter. Solian grabbed the pouch, the weight of money heavy in his palms.

He turned to leave when the Lieutenant spoke to him again, a threat in his tone.

"If you ever have a change of heart… know that useless strength can be a fatal thing."

Solian grinned. "I guess I've got a purpose, then."

With that, he stepped out of the Marine outpost, feeling the ocean breeze on his skin. He loosened his grip on the pouch, took a deep breath.

The Marines saw something in him. That would also be seen by other people.

A smile crept across his face.

He was improving.

But this was just the beginning.