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The sun had barely risen over the horizon when the Tempest docked at a small island to resupply. The crew was hard at work, gathering food and supplies, when a sudden commotion arose from the village near the docks. Word had traveled fast that the Red Skull Pirates, one of the most notorious crews in the Grand Line, had been wiped out by a new, mysterious crew—Franco's crew.
The islanders had already begun talking about the Tempest and its crew, their rumors growing wilder with each passing hour. Franco knew it was only a matter of time before the World Government took notice. He had already felt the weight of his power growing since the battle with Kraven, and now the world would be forced to take him seriously.
As the crew made their way to the village market, a large, weathered ship appeared on the horizon. It was a Marine warship, unmistakable in its white and blue colors, its massive cannons glinting in the sunlight. Franco's crew exchanged wary glances.
"They've found us," Kael said, his voice calm but filled with determination. "We need to be ready."
Franco's grip tightened around the handle of his hammer. He had already considered this possibility, but it was happening sooner than expected. The Marines weren't coming just to challenge them; they were here to deliver a message.
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The Marine Encounter
The Tempest crew watched as the Marine ship docked, and a squad of soldiers disembarked, led by a stern-looking officer with a wide-brimmed hat. The officer approached Franco directly, his gaze cold but respectful.
"You're Franco, captain of the Tempest, correct?" the officer asked.
Franco didn't answer immediately, instead sizing up the man in front of him. The officer was tall and broad-shouldered, his Marine uniform crisp and pristine. He was clearly a seasoned veteran. Behind him, his soldiers stood at attention, their eyes scanning Franco and his crew.
"I am," Franco replied, his voice calm and confident.
The officer nodded. "I'm Vice Admiral Jenson. I've been sent by the World Government to inform you that your actions against the Red Skull Pirates have not gone unnoticed."
Franco's heart skipped a beat, but he kept his expression neutral. "Is that so?"
"Yes," Jenson continued, pulling out a small, tattered paper from his coat. "Your bounty has been set, effective immediately. The World Government has deemed you a significant threat to the stability of the Grand Line. As of today, you are now a wanted pirate."
The officer handed Franco the paper. Franco's crew gathered around as he unrolled it.
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Franco's Bounty
The bounty poster was emblazoned with a large, bold number across the top: 500,000,000 Berries. Beneath it was a clear image of Franco, captured during a moment of battle when he had used his Goro Goro no Mi powers to unleash a devastating storm of lightning. His face was fierce, his hammer crackling with electricity.
Franco's crew was silent for a moment, taking in the number. It was a staggering amount. 500 million was a bounty that put him on the radar of not just the Marines but other powerful pirates as well. Franco was officially a threat in the eyes of the world.
Kael whistled low. "That's one hell of a bounty, Franco. Looks like we're not just small fry anymore."
Franco folded the poster and tucked it into his coat. He knew that this was only the beginning. "It's just a number. We'll see how long it lasts."
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The Crew's Bounties
As Franco stood there, the Marines continued to announce bounties for his crew. One by one, they called out the amounts for each member.
"Lynara, bounty of 150,000,000 Berries. Markus, 120,000,000 Berries. Taro, 95,000,000 Berries. Kael, 130,000,000 Berries."
Each of the crew members was now a wanted criminal in the eyes of the World Government. The bounties represented not just their power, but the notoriety they had earned from their clash with the Red Skull Pirates.
Lynara smirked at her bounty, clearly pleased. "Looks like I'm worth more than you, Kael," she teased.
Kael didn't flinch. "Just wait until we face Leviathan. Then we'll see who's really worth more."
Franco watched his crew as they absorbed the news. It was a significant moment for all of them. With these bounties, they had truly entered the dangerous world of the Grand Line. They were no longer just a ragtag group of pirates—they were becoming legends.
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The World's Reaction
As the Tempest sailed away from the island, leaving the Marines behind, news of their bounties spread like wildfire across the Grand Line. The bounty posters were plastered across taverns and marketplaces. Pirates, bounty hunters, and the general public all took notice of Franco and his crew.
The name "Franco" was whispered with both fear and admiration. Some saw him as a rising star in the pirate world, a force to be reckoned with. Others, especially the more seasoned pirates, saw him as a threat that needed to be eliminated before he could grow too powerful.
In the underworld, the bounty hunters were already preparing. They knew that a bounty of 500 million berries would attract the most dangerous hunters in the world. Franco and his crew would need to be ready for an onslaught of challenges.
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A New Resolve
Franco stood at the bow of the Tempest, looking out over the open sea. The world had just acknowledged his existence, and the target on his back was now officially in place. But Franco wasn't worried. This was just another step toward his ultimate goal—becoming the strongest man in the world.
He turned to his crew, who were busy preparing for their next journey.
"This is just the beginning," Franco said, his voice strong. "Now, the whole world will come after us. But we won't back down. We'll show them that we're more than just a bounty—we're a force to be reckoned with. Let's set sail and take on whatever comes next."
The crew cheered in unison, their spirits high despite the looming danger. They were united, stronger than ever. With their bounties now public knowledge, they were officially on the path to becoming legends.
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End of Chapter 28
In this chapter, Franco and his crew receive their bounties after defeating the Red Skull Pirates. The World Government officially recognizes their strength, and the crew now faces the challenge of dealing with the repercussions of being wanted criminals. This chapter sets up the crew's rise in the pirate world and introduces new threats that will come after them.
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