The throne room of Dressrosa was still, save for a periodic crackle of distant flames as they died out in the blackened ruins of the city. The once glorious halls were now mere shadows of their former selves. Solian leaned against the railing of the grand balcony, his eyes scanning the city beneath. The air was redolent of the smell of both victory and devastation, a strange combination that lay heavy in the atmosphere.
In his hand, the S-Class Summoning Ticket softly radiated light, a tangible reminder of the power it could grant him. It was the kind of opportunity which happened once in a lifetime. He had already achieved so much, having defeated Warlord Donquixote Doflamingo, capturing a kingdom, and earning a seat of colossal authority. But now, with 25 System Points burning a hole in his pocket and the ability to summon a legendary creature from another world, Solian knew that this choice would set the stage for all that came after.
He let out a slow breath, his hand clenching around the glowing ticket. The System had presented him with four choices, each one offering something different, each one heavier than the previous.
Itachi Uchiha (Naruto)
Solian's eyes drifted to the picture of Itachi Uchiha. The calculating, cold shinobi. The man who had lived his life in a cloud of pain and sacrifice. His mastery of the Sharingan, his ability to cause Tsukuyomi, and the terror-inducing Amaterasu were impressive enough on their own. But it was not his sheer strength that Solian was drawn to—it was the masterminded intellect behind each move Itachi made. Itachi didn't just fight with his head; he fought with his mind. He was a perfect strategist, one who could break down the rhythm of a battle before it even began, each step researched and calculated with precision.
But there was weight to this choice as well. Itachi was not a man who talked much, a man who carried a great burden and preferred to be alone. Would he be the kind of partner Solian needed—someone distant, perhaps even unwilling to ever completely trust? Would he open up to Solian, or would his mysterious nature pose an insurmountable wall between them?
Kenshin Himura (Rurouni Kenshin)
The second option was a name that smelled of steel and honor—Kenshin Himura. The Battosai, a man who had slain many enemies but swore never to kill again. Kenshin's swordsmanship was the stuff of legend, a flawless combination of speed and precision. His technique in the Hiten Mitsurugi-ryu was said to be quicker than any enemy could match, a swordsman so proficient that no one could even dream of equaling him. His actual strength, Solian realized, though, lay in his character. Kenshin was a man of a code, a fighter who would never deviate from the right path, no matter what the sacrifice.
Would Kenshin be the guiding hand Solian needed? His strict code of honor would provide counterbalance to the chaos Solian was ever more constructing, but would it slow him down when brutal choices had to be made? Solian could not afford to be encumbered by morals alone, as he sought to find his place in the world.
Kirito (Sword Art Online)
And then Kirito. The lone wolf, the Black Swordsman. The prodigy dual-wielder who had fought his way through hundreds of virtual wars. Kirito was a survivor, a man who had fought for his own life and the lives of those he cared about in a harsh world. He was the most nimble and unbeatable with his swords, and his ability to adapt to anything that came his way was what set him apart. But despite all his might, Kirito was alone. An independent spirit who preferred working alone. Would that lone spirit personality be in conflict with Solian's growing need for unification and to lead?
Kirito's skill was not disputable. His speed and aim could be invaluable, and his iron will to survive could move Solian on. But would he be trusted to obey the orders of a king, or would his rebel spirit create division among the troops?
Yoruichi Shihoin (Bleach)
Yoruichi Shihoin, former captain of Gotei 13's 2nd Division, was the final selection, renowned for her unimaginable speed and Shunpo. She was a martial arts master both in physical prowess and spiritual powers. Her physical movements were efficient and fast, and her prowess in handling Kido and other forms of spiritual techniques was unprecedented. Yoruichi was also a clever tactician, one who could outmaneuver her enemies before they even had the opportunity to strike. But what Solian was most impressed with was her confidence and teaching skills. She had helped train many powerful individuals throughout her life, and Solian could see her teaching him to refine his own skills.
But there was the slightest whiff of pride within her demeanor. Yoruichi had never been the type for easily deferring to power—would she respect his kingship? Would pride be an area of conflict, something that would fuel them both with conflict, or would it drive them forward to greater heights? She was a woman who demanded respect, and it could be both a blessing and a curse.
Solian walked slowly along the palace, the weight of the choice pressing against his shoulders. The expression on each face, each possible ally, lingered in his mind.
He strode down the corridors, his footsteps echoing softly as he moved from one room to the next. His thoughts were restless with doubts. What would it feel like to have Itachi by his side? A man of mystery and subtle strength, a true weapon of war. But Solian feared that he would never truly know him. And then, of course, was Kenshin, a swordsman who would teach him the virtue of restraint and discipline. But would his ideals clash with Solian's drive? And Kirito, too, was a tempting choice. A young swordsman who had made himself in the brutal world. But would his wish for freedom stand in the way of his obedience to Solian? And then, Yoruichi—speed and strength she possessed beyond anyone's doubt. But pride. something Solian would have to break.
Finally, Solian stood at the balcony of the throne room looking out over the city he now ruled. The Dressrosans were rebuilding, gradually regaining their normality. It was in these silences that Solian most intensely felt the weight of kingship. The onus of each decision, every step, every option. He could not afford to be wrong. His kingdom, his crew, his destiny—everything lay upon the option he was going to take today.
He gazed at the radiant ticket once more, his hand trembling ever so slightly as he considered his options. The choice was obvious, but still felt impossibly difficult.
The System's message echoed in his mind: "Choose wisely. Once the summoning begins, there will be no turning back."
After a moment of silence, Solian came to a decision. His resolve hardened, and he pressed forward, holding the radiant ticket high.
Solian's Choice: Itachi Uchiha
"I make the choice. Itachi Uchiha," Solian stated firmly, his voice unshakeable in the face of the challenge of the decision. Itachi's mind, his strategy, and his skill at the Sharingan would be exactly what Solian needed to deal with the finicky problems that were to come. His level head would balance Solian's hot temper. Together, they would be unbeatable.
The ticket flashed more intensely, the light illuminating the room. The wind blew across the throne room, extinguishing the last flicker of flame as the summoning began. The ground beneath Solian's feet trembled, and in an instant, a form stood before him—a silhouette in the blinding light.
Itachi Uchiha was present.