Chapter 9: Justice and Bounty: The Flames of Rebellion
The Silver Wave docked at a nondescript island in West Blue, a perfect stopover to replenish their dwindling supplies. While the remaining crew set out to forage for food and resources, Theo and Sai embarked on a journey to the nearby island that housed the marine base.
Theo had managed to take down a notorious pirate during their recent battle, and the crew hoped to exchange the fallen pirate for his bounty. A sense of unease washed over them as they neared the marine base. The duo concealed their identities behind cloaks and managed to hand over the pirate's body, claiming the hefty reward.
As they waited for the transaction to be completed, they overheard an ongoing conversation among the marines about a young man, a chef, who had been recently apprehended. The details sparked their interest: a skilled cook was an asset that could greatly benefit the crew. But, as they delved further into the story, they learned that corruption had driven the arrest more than justice.
Debate sparked between Theo and Sai, and their thoughts echoed in the silent chamber. "We can't just leave him there, Sai. It's not right," Theo murmured, a hint of frustration seeping into his voice.
"But we aren't exactly law-bringers, Theo. We would have a bounty of our own. And besides, picking a fight with marines won't end well," Sai retorted, his pragmatic approach creating a rift between them.
As their debate spiraled, an overwhelming sensation of despair suddenly invaded Theo's senses. The chef's despair, amplified by his Haki, pierced Theo's heart like a serrated blade. The crushing weight of the chef's pain, fear, and hopeless resignation fueled a surge of determination within Theo.
"I've decided, Sai," he declared his voice firm with resolve. "We're breaking that chef out."
Sai glanced at him, taken aback. He wasn't expecting Theo to become so invested in this stranger's fate, but he saw the determination in Theo's eyes, the steadfastness that meant there was no turning back. And truthfully, he didn't want to. Theo's sense of justice, his compassion for the oppressed, was one of the things Sai admired most about him.
Then, slowly, he witnessed the dramatic transformation that was a testament to Theo's resolve. Theo's body began to change, growing larger, more formidable, and eerily lupine. His clothes stretched and morphed as he grew, accommodating the monstrous form beneath them. His face lengthened into a muzzle filled with sharp, gleaming teeth, and two massive, silvery wings sprouted from his back. The transformation process was a spectacular sight, both awe-inspiring and terrifying in its intensity.
Finally, Theo stood as a monstrous beast, a creature straight from mythology: Fenrir, the giant wolf. His howl was a thunderous roar that reverberated through the marine base, chilling the spines of every marine present and making them question their duty and allegiance. Fear flashed in their eyes, a testament to the raw, primal power of Theo's devil fruit ability.
Sai, standing beside this colossal beast that was his friend, nodded approvingly. He tapped into his own Haki, projecting an intimidating aura that made the already petrified Marines quake. His Busoshoku Haki coated his fists, making them glow a fierce, threatening black.
With their resolve solidified and their powers on full display, the duo charged forward, leaving chaos and disbelief in their wake. Theo tore through the marines' ranks like a force of nature while Sai provided cover, deftly neutralizing any threat that dared to approach them. The display of their abilities resulted from countless hours spent in the training room, honing their skills and pushing their limits.
The Marines stood little chance against their combined onslaught. Many fled in terror, while others were incapacitated, overwhelmed by the sheer force of Theo and Sai's determination. The rescue mission was well underway, and the Marines were quickly learning that their enemies were not to be underestimated.
The scene was chaotic, with marines falling left and right, their prized belongings swiftly snatched by the rebel duo. Sai fought with precision and intent; his Haki focused like a sharp blade slicing through the throng of marines. Theo, on the other hand, was a force of nature. His transformed Fenrir form sent marines flying with every blow, his teeth and claws shredding through any who dared to come close.
A marine officer, sweat trickling down his face, managed to crawl his way toward them, gasping for breath. "You fools! Do you know what you're doing? The moment you step out of here with that chef, you'll be hunted down by every marine station in the world!" His words echoed in the pandemonium, yet they fell on defiant ears.
Theo turned to the officer, his lupine eyes glinting ominously. "Let them come," he growled, his voice booming through the battlefield. "We aren't afraid of your empty threats. Justice isn't about keeping order through fear. It's about fighting for what's right!"
Sai smirked, swiftly knocking out an approaching marine. "You've got it wrong, officer," he said, his voice cool and steady despite the surrounding chaos. "We aren't the ones to be afraid. You've got a mutiny on your hands, and you can't even stop us."
The officer's face paled at their words, the stark reality of the situation sinking in. His weak attempt at dissuasion had only fuelled their determination, their resolve to stand firm against the corrupt marines. In the face of their audacity, the marine base had lost both a captive and their dignity, their vaunted power crumbling like a house of cards.
Despite the officer's dire warning, Theo and Sai only intensified their assault, a formidable duo wreaking havoc in the marine base. The sound of clashing weapons, the cries of fallen marines, and the uproarious laughter of the rebels filled the air, creating a symphony of rebellion that echoed through the islands of West Blue.
Eventually, they reached the captured chef, who was surprisingly calm in the midst of the chaos. With swift action, they broke him out and made their hasty escape, leaving the marine base in disarray.
Among the spoils they obtained were millions of Bellys and a small cache of strange-looking fruits, apparently devil fruits. These objects of power were renowned for their ability to bestow extraordinary abilities, although the fruits in front of them looked anything but extraordinary.
The first was a mottled yellow fruit with a squiggly pattern reminiscent of an overripe banana. It was labeled as Kita Kita no Mi, supposedly granting the user the power to make people itch uncontrollably. Theo snorted, finding the idea amusingly absurd, yet he couldn't deny the potential nuisance such a power could pose.
The second fruit was a deceptively ordinary-looking apple with swirls labeled as Peto Peto no Mi, which allowed the user to attract small animals. Theo wondered if there might be some strategic value in such a power, but it was undoubtedly one of the less impressive abilities a devil fruit could grant.
And finally, there was a lumpy, round fruit that was an odd shade of purple. It was named Awa Awa no Mi, and it gave the user the ability to create and manipulate bubbles. It was a peculiar power, seemingly harmless, yet they knew better than to underestimate any Devil Fruit's potential.
Sai, who had been rummaging through their plunder, stopped at the sight of these fruits. His eyes sparkled with a mix of curiosity and excitement. "Devil Fruits! Theo, look at these! Can you believe our luck?" He picked up the Kita Kita no Mi, examining it closely.
Theo gave him a bemused glance, noticing his friend's uncharacteristic enthusiasm. "Those are some of the weakest Devil Fruits I've ever seen, Sai. You're not actually excited about them, are you?"
Sai shrugged nonchalantly, though the glint in his eyes betrayed his fascination. "You never know, Theo. Maybe we'll find some use for them. Or, we could sell them. These things fetch a high price in the right market."
Theo shook his head, chuckling at Sai's resourcefulness. Even in a situation like this, his friend's knack for spotting opportunities was unwavering. They continued their raid, with Sai's laughter echoing in the devastated marine base, a stark reminder of the marines' humiliation and the pirates' triumph.
As they returned to the Silver Wave, the crew welcomed them and the rescued chef with cheer and laughter. They couldn't wait to hear the tale of their daring rescue and the spoils they had obtained.
As the celebration wound down and the crew started to settle in, the rescued chef stepped forward. His eyes were warm, gratitude shining in them as he looked at his saviors. "I haven't had the chance to thank you all properly," he began, his voice filled with emotion. "I owe you my freedom, and for that, I am eternally grateful."
He turned his gaze towards Theo and Sai, a respectful nod shared between them. "I'm Soma Yukihira," he continued, a hint of pride resonating in his words. "I may not be much of a fighter, but I can promise you this, as long as I'm aboard the Silver Wave, no one will go hungry, and you'll get to taste the most delicious food you've ever had."
Theo and Sai exchanged a glance, a sense of satisfaction washing over them. They'd not only added a valuable member to their crew but also rescued an innocent soul from the corrupt marines. The adventure had been thrilling, but the outcome was even more rewarding.
In the midst of their celebration, none of them noticed the shadowy figure observing them from the darkness. A smirk played on the figure's lips as it retreated into the shadows, its gaze fixed on the Silver Wave. Unbeknownst to the jubilant crew, their daring actions had attracted attention, setting into motion a series of events that would soon rock the very foundations of their journey.
Weekly Power Status
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Ranking 
-- Power
stone