One Piece : Rise of Thunder King

You can read the advance chapters here : patreon.com/Vigilante04

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New World - The Territories of Big Mom

Nearly four months had passed since Charlotte Oven disappeared.

Even though Big Mom's pirates had used their underground intelligence network to search for him, the effort was more about Katakuri's determination than anything else.

For Big Mom, losing a son and a capable minister wasn't a major issue. Initially, she was furious, but after a fruitless search, she lost interest. To her, delicious desserts mattered far more than Oven's fate.

Big Mom's ruthlessness was legendary. Even someone as high-ranking as a Sweet Commander could be demoted to an ordinary minister after one defeat. In her world, neither loyalty nor hard work guaranteed favor.

While Big Mom had moved on, Katakuri hadn't. Deep down, he accepted that Oven was likely dead, but he refused to let go entirely. The intelligence network, though initially relentless, had grown complacent.

That changed on May 23rd when a report caught Katakuri's attention.

"Suspected Heat-Heat Fruit user? And one of them resembles Oven's powers?" Katakuri muttered, frowning as he read the report. His scarf covered most of his face, but his concern was evident.

The report mentioned two individuals—Marine officers named Raphael and Andrew—linked to the mysterious "Flame Legion." Katakuri wasted no time. "Gather all the information we have on the Angel Empire and its legions," he ordered.

Within half an hour, Katakuri was reviewing detailed files.

The Angel Legions

Flame Legion: Led by Commander Raphael, with deputies Andrew and Ariel. All members had red or orange-red hair, wings, and heat-based abilities, capable of generating temperatures exceeding 300°C. The leaders of the Flame Legion could reportedly produce heat above 500°C, with Raphael recently demonstrating temperatures in the thousands.

Katakuri's expression hardened as he read about Raphael's recent battles. "The same Devil Fruit power as Oven... could the Angels have taken it?"

As Katakuri's frustration grew, his Conqueror's Haki flared, cracking the food-based furniture in his room. Still, he composed himself and gave a direct order: "Prepare a ship. We're heading to Marine G-7."

Though there was no concrete proof that Oven's death was linked to the Angels, Katakuri was certain. The Heat-Heat Fruit reappearing in Raphael confirmed Oven's demise.

For Katakuri, this wasn't just about vengeance. The disappearance of a Devil Fruit, especially one tied to his brother, raised troubling questions. Despite the Big Mom Pirates' vast intelligence network, they hadn't located the fruit after Oven vanished. Its sudden appearance with Raphael seemed too suspicious to ignore.

Marine G-7

At the Marine G-7 branch, Raphael, now a Vice Admiral, managed his duties. Unlike some officers, Raphael genuinely enjoyed his role. A former idealist at heart, protecting others aligned with his values.

Months earlier, Raphael had consumed a Devil Fruit gifted by Arthur. This power, kept secret initially, amplified Raphael's heat-based abilities. He could now generate and control flames, complementing his already high-temperature skills.

Raphael's newfound powers gave him a clear advantage. While his deputies, Andrew and Ariel, could only reach 500°C, Raphael could exceed 600°C naturally and ignite flames with his wings. This made him the strongest member of the Flame Legion.

As Raphael worked at his desk, a knock interrupted him.

"Come in," he said, his voice calm yet commanding.

A Marine officer entered, saluting sharply. "Vice Admiral Raphael, intelligence reports indicate that Charlotte Katakuri, one of the Sweet Commanders of the Big Mom Pirates, has entered the G-7 sea territory."

"Katakuri?" Raphael frowned deeply. He knew of Katakuri's reputation—a warrior praised even by the gods themselves. He would undoubtedly be a formidable opponent, perhaps stronger than Raphael himself.

A Confrontation in the New World

Raphael stood confidently, holding the intelligence in his hand. "So he came here because of my Devil Fruit ability," he muttered, his voice laced with a mix of excitement and defiance.

"Arthur was right," Raphael thought, recalling the words in the letter that accompanied his Devil Fruit. "This guy really showed up." A smirk formed on his lips. "Let's see if he's as strong as they say."

Turning to the major who had brought the report, Raphael gave a firm order. "Keep an eye on their movements. If they enter the G-7 sea territory with hostile intentions, report to me immediately."

"Yes, sir!" The major saluted sharply and left.

An hour later, Raphael sat in his office, his eyes scanning the gathered intelligence. A faint smile played on his lips, reminiscent of Arthur's confident demeanor.

"So, he's here for me? Perfect. I've been waiting to fight someone strong," Raphael said to himself, his excitement building. "Arthur mentioned that Enel and Urouge have already reached Admiral-level strength, and even Wyper is nearly there. Hmph, even Wyper is ahead of me now."

Raphael clenched his fists, his competitive spirit igniting like the flames on his wings. "He only got ahead because he ate his fruit earlier, and it complements his abilities. I'll surpass him. Just wait and see."

Grabbing his spear, Raphael strode out of his office. The thought of battling a powerful opponent like Katakuri filled him with a fiery determination.

Nearly 400 nautical miles from the G-7 Marine branch, two ships floated in tense silence. One, designed like an intricate dessert, was unmistakably a Big Mom Pirates vessel. The other, wreathed in flames and marked by angelic wings, was Raphael's warship.

Standing on the bows of their respective ships, Raphael and Katakuri locked eyes across the five-mile distance, their sharp gazes cutting through the air like blades.

"Where did you get your Devil Fruit power?" Katakuri demanded, his voice cold and filled with suspicion.

Raphael chuckled, a mocking edge to his tone. "What's it to you?"

Katakuri's expression darkened, and a faint murderous intent emanated from him. Even at this distance, Raphael felt a chill run through his body, but his excitement only grew.

"Oven's disappearance," Katakuri continued, his tone harsh, "was it your doing?"

"Who? Oven? Never heard of him," Raphael replied, feigning ignorance with a teasing grin.

"Are you provoking me, boy?" Katakuri's eyes narrowed, his face grim.

"Ha! Quit spouting nonsense," Raphael shot back. "I have no idea if your brother is missing or dead, and my abilities have nothing to do with him! What, do you think I stole his powers?"

Katakuri frowned, his mind racing. He knew that Devil Fruit powers couldn't simply be taken away, yet the situation defied his understanding.

Raphael's smirk deepened as he taunted, "Charlotte Katakuri, the user of the Mochi-Mochi Fruit. The strongest after Big Mom herself. Even our god praised you, saying you're nearly as strong as an Admiral. Let's see if you live up to the hype!"

Flames roared to life on Raphael's wings, his battle-hardened aura radiating intense heat. He launched into the sky, spear in hand, heading straight for Katakuri's ship.

Katakuri glanced at his crew, his protective nature shining through. "Get to safety," he ordered coldly. He knew their fight would obliterate the ship if it stayed in the crossfire.

Leaping into the air with a Moonwalk-like technique, Katakuri surged toward Raphael, his trident gleaming menacingly.

Even if Raphael wasn't responsible for Oven's death, Katakuri had decided. Oven's Devil Fruit ability now belonged to this man, and for that, he would fight. If Raphael fell, the Heat-Heat Fruit would eventually reincarnate, and Katakuri would ensure it returned to the Big Mom Pirates.

Their clash was inevitable.