Chapter 25: Chapter 25: The Clash of Titans
The New World trembled as whispers of a new force swept across the seas. A man named Thorkell, the rumoured son of Whitebeard, had begun carving his name into history. Half-Skypiean, with wings rivalling Thorfinn's and the brute strength of his legendary father, Thorkell commanded a formidable crew of pirates, each as dangerous as the next: Donquixote Doflamingo, Scratchmen Apoo, Basil Hawkins, X Drake, Jewelry Bonney, Urouge, Killer, and the legendary Shiki the Golden Lion.
Thorkell's crew, known as the Heaven's Wrath Pirates, was notorious for their destructive rampages. Entire islands had vanished under their might, and now, their paths crossed with the Luna Pirates.
A Fateful Encounter
The Eternal Wing sailed through turbulent waters, the sky darkened by ominous clouds. The Luna Pirates were on high alert, sensing the presence of a powerful force.
"Captain," Rasa called from the crow's nest, her voice tinged with urgency. "There's a fleet ahead—massive ships with golden lions on their sails."
Thorfinn's eyes narrowed as he recognized the symbol. "Shiki," he muttered, gripping the hilt of Enma.
"And more," Crocodile added, his cigar dangling from his lips. "I've seen those banners before—Doflamingo, Apoo, Hawkins. This isn't just any crew."
The air grew tense as the Heaven's Wrath Pirates came into view, their massive flagship dwarfing the Eternal Wing. Standing at the forefront of the opposing ship was Thorkell, his Skypiean wings unfurled, glowing faintly with electricity. His towering frame exuded a mix of charisma and raw power, his smirk one of confidence and challenge.
"So, you're the infamous Thorfinn," Thorkell called out, his voice booming. "I've heard whispers about you. A Lunarian who dares to defy the New World. But let's see if you can stand against the son of Whitebeard."
Terms of Battle
Thorfinn stepped forward, his crew gathered behind him. "And who are you to challenge me?"
Thorkell laughed, the sound resonating like thunder. "Thorkell, son of Whitebeard and inheritor of his will. I've gathered a crew that rivals even the Yonko. Here's my proposition: a battle—one captain against another. The loser and their crew will join the victor."
The Luna Pirates exchanged glances, the stakes higher than ever.
"You're confident for someone who doesn't know what he's up against," Thorfinn said, drawing Enma and Ame no Habakiri.
"And you're cocky for someone who doesn't understand my bloodline," Thorkell shot back, his fists crackling with electricity.
The terms were set, and the battlefield was chosen: an archipelago of 100 islands, each large enough to house entire cities.
The Battle Begins
As the two captains faced off, their crews retreated to watch from their ships. The tension was palpable, the air charged with the weight of their clash.
Thorkell struck first, the ground beneath him shattering as he lunged forward with terrifying speed. His fists, imbued with electricity, collided with Thorfinn's swords, creating a shockwave that split the skies.
The islands trembled as their battle escalated. Thorfinn unleashed his Conqueror's Haki, leveling forests and buildings in an instant. Thorkell responded with his own Haki, his raw power nearly matching Thorfinn's.
"You're strong," Thorkell admitted, his grin widening. "But strength alone won't save you!"
He unleashed a devastating attack, combining his Skypiean abilities with his father's tremor-like shockwaves. Entire islands crumbled under the force, the sea surging violently.
Destruction and Chaos
The battle raged on for hours, the two combatants pushing each other to their limits. Thorfinn activated his Earth Devil Fruit powers, creating massive stone spires and fissures to counter Thorkell's relentless assaults.
Thorkell retaliated with a barrage of lightning-infused punches, his attacks obliterating mountains and leaving scars on the earth. Their clash caused tsunamis that swallowed islands, and the sky burned with the intensity of their Haki.
The Luna Pirates and the Heaven's Wrath Pirates watched in awe and terror as the battle unfolded, the scale of destruction unimaginable. Millions of lives were lost as islands sank and the surrounding seas turned red with chaos.
Pushing Past Limits
Both men were bloodied and battered, their Haki reserves nearly drained. Thorfinn's wings flared, and he took to the sky, his swords glowing with a mix of flames and lightning.
"Divine Departure!" he roared, unleashing a slash that tore through the heavens, aimed directly at Thorkell.
Thorkell countered with a devastating shockwave, the two attacks colliding in an explosion that shook the very foundation of the New World.
As the dust settled, Thorkell fell to his knees, his strength finally giving out. Thorfinn, though barely standing, remained victorious, his gaze unwavering.
A New Alliance
Thorkell looked up at Thorfinn, a grudging respect in his eyes. "You've won, Thorfinn. My crew is yours. But don't think this means I'll stop challenging you."
Thorfinn extended a hand, helping Thorkell to his feet. "Good. A true crew grows stronger through competition. Welcome to the Luna Pirates."
The Heaven's Wrath Pirates, including their elite members, joined the Luna Pirates, creating a force that shook the balance of power in the New World.
The Aftermath
As the combined crew sailed away from the shattered remains of the archipelago, Thorfinn stood at the bow of the Eternal Wing, his body aching but his resolve stronger than ever.
"The world will tremble when they hear of this," Crocodile said, his voice low.
"They already do," Enel added, his grin as sharp as ever. "And now, they'll fear us even more."
Thorfinn clenched his fists, his mind racing with plans for the future. With the Luna Pirates stronger than ever, the journey ahead promised even greater challenges—and greater victories.