Azure Isle – Morning
The morning sun cast a warm glow over Azure Isle as the crew regrouped in the bustling marketplace. Villagers moved about, buying and selling goods, and the aroma of fresh bread and grilled fish filled the air. Ren, Ryu, Nadia, and Seraphina stood together amidst the crowd. It had been hours since Seraphina agreed to join them, yet a noticeable tension hung between her and the others.
Seraphina's arms were crossed as she leaned against a wooden post, her icy blue eyes scanning the marketplace. Despite her casual stance, she was clearly on edge. Ryu eyed her warily, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. Nadia shot Ren a look, silently asking how they were supposed to handle their newest crewmate.
Before Ren could respond, a commotion broke out near the town square. Villagers gathered around a Marine officer as he posted new bounty posters on a wooden board. Whispers and gasps spread through the crowd like wildfire.
"Let's check it out," Ren said, leading the way. The others followed, weaving through the throng of people.
Ren's eyes scanned the new bounties, his gaze landing on a familiar face. A man with wild, untamed hair and sharp metal claws affixed to his fists. The poster read:
"WANTED: Arlo 'Red Claw' – 10,000,000 Berries."
"Arlo," Nadia muttered. "He's been terrorizing the villagers for weeks now. The Marines have tried to find his hideout, but he's too slippery."
"He's strong too," Ryu added. "Rumor is he's taken down entire Marine squads without breaking a sweat."
Seraphina let out a derisive snort. "And the Marines are just letting him run wild? Pathetic."
Ren's jaw tightened. "Then we'll take care of him."
"You sure about that?" Seraphina asked, her tone laced with skepticism. "You barely handled me yesterday. This guy's a real threat."
"Then think of it as a test," Ren said, meeting her gaze head-on. "You said you wanted to join my crew. Prove it."
Seraphina's eyes narrowed, a smirk playing at her lips. "Fine. But don't slow me down."
---
Forest Outside Azure Isle – Afternoon
The dense forest loomed ahead, sunlight filtering through the thick canopy. Ren and Seraphina moved in silence, the air heavy with tension. Birds scattered as they approached, the underbrush rustling with unseen creatures.
"So, what's the plan, Captain?" Seraphina asked, voice dripping with sarcasm. "Walk in and hope he surrenders?"
Ren ignored her tone. "According to Nadia, Arlo's hideout is somewhere in this forest. We'll find it and take him down before he causes any more damage."
Seraphina huffed. "You better not get in my way."
They pressed on, weaving through the thick foliage until they stumbled upon a clearing. A series of makeshift tents and wooden shacks formed a small encampment. Bandits armed with swords and clubs lounged around, laughing and drinking.
"That's definitely them," Ren whispered, crouching behind a bush. "Ready?"
Seraphina rolled her neck, flames flickering along her knife. "Always."
Before Ren could issue a command, Seraphina leaped forward, charging straight into the camp. Bandits scrambled to their feet, weapons drawn, but Seraphina moved like a wildfire. Her knife blazed with intense heat as she slashed through the air, sending arcs of fire toward the bandits. Swords melted, tents ignited, and men screamed as the flames licked at their clothes.
"Damn it, Seraphina!" Ren growled, rushing in after her. A burly bandit swung a club at him, but Ren ducked, driving his fist into the man's gut. The bandit crumpled to the ground, gasping for air.
More bandits swarmed them, and Ren found himself surrounded. He dodged a sword swing, using his Observation Haki to sense the next strike. Twisting around, he landed a powerful uppercut that sent another bandit flying.
Meanwhile, Seraphina tore through the bandits with ruthless precision. Her knife blazed with such intensity that it left scorch marks in the air. One man lunged at her with a spear, but she sidestepped, slashing through the wooden shaft with ease.
"Is that all you got?" she taunted, a wild grin on her face.
But the grin disappeared when a massive shadow loomed over them.
---
Arlo's Arrival – Showdown
Arlo stepped forward, towering over the remaining bandits. He was a hulking man with bulging muscles and wild, bloodshot eyes. The metal claws attached to his fists gleamed ominously, each one serrated like a predator's teeth.
"Well, well," Arlo said, his deep voice rumbling like thunder. "Looks like the rats have come to play."
Seraphina's eyes narrowed. "You must be Arlo."
Arlo smirked, flexing his metal claws. "And you must be the little flame girl who's been burning my men. Let's see if you burn as easily."
Before Seraphina could respond, Arlo lunged, claws slashing through the air. She jumped back, narrowly avoiding the deadly swipe. The ground where she once stood was torn apart, the dirt gouged by Arlo's claws.
Ren dashed forward, fists raised. "You're going down!"
Arlo laughed, swinging a massive claw toward Ren. Ren ducked, feeling the wind from the strike pass over his head. He retaliated with a swift punch to Arlo's gut, but it was like hitting a brick wall. Arlo barely flinched.
"Is that all?" Arlo sneered, grabbing Ren by the collar and lifting him off the ground. "Pathetic."
"Let go of him!" Seraphina shouted, flames igniting around her knife as she charged.
Arlo grinned, hurling Ren aside like a ragdoll. Ren crashed into a tree, the impact knocking the wind out of him.
Seraphina's knife met Arlo's claws with a deafening clang. Sparks flew as the two weapons clashed, Seraphina gritting her teeth against Arlo's raw strength.
"You're strong," Arlo said, pushing her back. "But you're not strong enough."
Seraphina stumbled, her feet skidding against the dirt. Arlo lunged again, claws aiming for her chest. In a desperate move, Seraphina twisted aside, slashing at his exposed side. The blade connected, flames searing through Arlo's clothes.
Arlo roared, swinging a backhand that sent Seraphina sprawling. She hit the ground hard, her knife slipping from her grasp.
Ren forced himself to stand, blood trickling down his brow. "I'm not… done yet."
---
The Final Clash
Ren and Seraphina regrouped, standing side by side. Arlo cracked his knuckles, his eyes wild with bloodlust.
"Let's take him down together," Ren said, fists clenching. "Ready?"
Seraphina wiped blood from her lip, her expression fierce. "Always."
Arlo charged, his metal claws gleaming. Ren and Seraphina rushed forward, flames and fists colliding with steel in a battle that shook the forest to its core.