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The Grand Line was never silent, but for the Marines stationed at Marineford, the past weeks had been more chaotic than usual. Reports flooded in about The Requiem, a newly named pirate crew whose strength was causing ripples across the seas. Their latest act—defeating the Gravenfall pirates and rescuing marines—had forced the World Government to take serious notice.
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Marine Headquarters - Fleet Admiral Sengoku's Office
Sengoku paced his office, the stack of newly printed wanted posters spread across his desk. Each bore the faces of Michael Carter and his crew, their bounties significantly increased after their recent actions. The name The Requiem was printed boldly beneath their flags, a chilling symbol of their growing reputation.
"They're not just another rogue crew," Sengoku said, his tone sharp. "They're methodical, efficient, and unpredictable. They don't move like ordinary pirates."
Vice Admiral Tsuru, seated nearby, studied the posters. "They're organized. Their captain's background as a bounty hunter shows in their precision. This isn't a crew of opportunists—they're operating with purpose."
"And that purpose," Sengoku continued, "is disrupting the balance of the seas. Carter's leadership is too sharp, his crew too coordinated. They're acting like a small army."
From the corner of the room, Garp laughed, munching on a doughnut. "Sounds like they're giving you a headache, Sengoku. Maybe they're not so bad if they're cleaning up trash like the Gravenfall pirates."
Sengoku glared at him. "They're pirates, Garp. No matter who they take down, they're still criminals."
Garp shrugged, unbothered. "So are a lot of folks making waves these days. Doesn't mean they're all bad."
"They rescued marines," Tsuru noted. "It's... unorthodox."
Sengoku sighed heavily. "Unorthodox or not, it doesn't change the fact that they're dangerous. Every member of this crew now has a bounty high enough to draw attention from the worst kinds of people. If we don't act quickly, they'll become a greater threat than we can contain."
He stamped a final set of posters, marking them for distribution. "Their captain, Michael Carter—The Boogeyman—has earned his infamy. But now, the world will know his crew as well."
---
Straw Hat Crew - Thousand Sunny
"Requiem, huh?" Luffy said, holding up a fresh wanted poster. He was lounging on the deck, laughing as the paper flapped in the wind. "They sound cool! I wanna meet them!"
Nami groaned, snatching the poster out of his hand. "This isn't a joke, Luffy. Look at these bounties. These people are serious."
Zoro leaned against the mast, his arms crossed. "If their crew is as strong as these numbers suggest, they're not to be taken lightly."
Sanji lit a cigarette, examining the posters with interest. "Their captain, this Michael Carter—his bounty's almost as high as Luffy's. And his crew isn't far behind."
Robin's eyes narrowed as she studied the name The Requiem. "It's an interesting choice. A requiem is a prayer for the dead. Symbolic, perhaps."
Franky grinned, flexing his arms. "Sounds like they're making waves! But they'd better not think they're the only flashy ones out here."
Luffy stretched, his grin widening. "If they're strong, we'll fight them! Maybe they'll be friends after."
The crew sighed in unison, knowing Luffy's obsession with challenging anyone he deemed strong.
---
Trafalgar Law - Polar Tang
Trafalgar Law sat in his cabin aboard the Polar Tang, a new set of wanted posters spread out before him. He tapped his fingers on the table, his sharp gaze fixed on the name The Requiem.
"They're efficient," Law murmured, his tone laced with curiosity. "A crew that defeats pirates, rescues marines, and still manages to climb the ranks of infamy."
Bepo tilted his head. "They don't sound like normal pirates."
"They're not," Law said. "Which makes them interesting. A crew like that could either be an ally—or a dangerous rival."
"Do you think we'll cross paths?" Shachi asked, leaning over Law's shoulder.
Law smirked faintly. "In the Grand Line, paths always cross eventually."
---
Eustass Kid - Victoria Punk
Eustass Kid crushed the wanted poster in his mechanical hand, his sharp teeth bared in a menacing grin. "So, this Requiem thinks they can make a name for themselves?"
Killer, standing beside him, remained calm. "They're strong, Kid. A crew like that won't go down easily."
Kid growled, tossing the crumpled poster aside. "Good. The Grand Line's too crowded with pretenders. If they're as good as their reputation, I'll enjoy tearing them apart."
Killer nodded slightly. "They've already caught the marines' attention. That alone makes them worth keeping an eye on."
Kid's grin widened, his hunger for competition clear. "Then we'll see who's stronger when the time comes."
---
Back on The Eclipse's Shadow
The crew gathered on the main deck, the fresh stack of wanted posters spread across the table. Each member now had a bounty, their faces and names displayed prominently alongside their new titles.
Amara smirked as she examined hers. Amara, "The Vengeful Blade" – 120,000,000 berries. "Not bad. Guess I've been making an impression."
Lia adjusted her exoskeleton, a small smile playing on her lips as she read her own poster. Lia, "The Tinkerer" – 80,000,000 berries. "They gave me a fitting name. I'll take it."
Saria twitched her long ears, her green eyes scanning her poster. Saria, "The Storm Fist" – 110,000,000 berries. "I wasn't expecting this much."
Michael picked up his own poster, the name Michael Carter – "The Boogeyman" – 400,000,000 berries staring back at him. He smirked faintly. "Looks like the marines are taking us seriously now."
Lia chuckled. "They even gave us a crew name. The Requiem. What do you think, Captain?"
Michael's gaze lingered on the name before he folded the poster and tucked it away. "It fits. We're a reminder to those who prey on the weak—a reminder that their time is up."
Amara leaned back against the railing, her katana resting on her shoulder. "So, what's next? With bounties like these, the world's going to come for us."
Michael's smirk returned, his voice calm but firm. "Then let them. We've proven we can handle whatever comes our way. And if anyone doubts us, they'll learn quickly."
The crew nodded, their determination evident. As The Eclipse's Shadow sailed into the horizon, the name The Requiem echoed across the Grand Line, marking the rise of a crew destined to shape the seas.
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