The bustling marketplace of Sabaody Archipelago was alive with the usual chaos. Pirates from all over the world, bounty hunters, and civilians filled the air with noise and excitement, their voices mingling with the sound of waves crashing against the mangrove roots. Ships were lined up along the docks, getting coated for their dangerous trips into the New World or to Fish-Man Island. The Archipelago was known as the gateway to the Grand Line, and every corner seemed to hold the promise of adventure.
Lupin walked among the crowds, his dark red hood pulled low to cover his face. Beneath his hood, his identity had changed completely. Gone was the face of Rosinante; in its place was a new mask—an air of mystery surrounding him. His hair, now black instead of blond, was tied neatly into a ponytail, and a white shirt with pink hearts poked out from under his dark, purple feather mantle. His once vibrant Marine uniform was far from him; he now walked as Black Rose, an alias that would soon be known across the seas.
As Lupin walked, his eyes scanned the surrounding pirates and bounty hunters, watching the news and gossip as it circulated. His recent bounty had been a lowly 40 million berries, but that was about to change. His goal was clear: to attract the attention of the most dangerous pirates in the world—specifically, the Whitebeard Pirates.
He needed a reputation, and a 40 million berry bounty wouldn't be enough to make the top crews notice him. He had to make them believe he was someone worth recruiting. He had to create a name that carried weight and made even the bravest pirates hesitate when they heard it.
Lupin found a secluded corner near the dock, where no one could easily spot him. He pulled out the device that connected him to the Wanted Poster Editing System, the one that had granted him the power to change his fate, one wanted poster at a time.
[Wanted Poster Editing System]
Available Edit Points: 10
Current Bounty: 40,000,000 Berries
Editable Range (Max 500,000,000 Berries)
Lupin studied the numbers for a moment. He could feel his heart race, the excitement of the moment making his palms sweat. He needed to be cautious with his choice. If he raised his bounty too high, too quickly, the World Government might notice, and he would attract unwanted attention. But if he kept it too low, he would never stand out. He had to strike the right balance.
His fingers hovered over the interface, scrolling through the options. After a moment, he made his decision.
With a firm press of his finger, the system accepted his input.
New Bounty: 200,000,000 Berries
New Title: Black Rose
Notorious For: Sinking 3 Marine Ships, Eliminating a Cipher Pol Team, and rumored ties to Revolutionary movements
[Edit Successful]
Updated Posters will circulate within 24 hours.
Lupin let out a quiet breath, feeling a sense of satisfaction wash over him. He knew this would draw attention. A 200 million berry bounty was enough to make pirates take notice and enough to show the Whitebeard Pirates that he wasn't just another nameless rookie. His alias of Black Rose would be remembered, whispered in the shadows.
Now, it was time to make his presence known.
Later that day
The docks of Sabaody Archipelago were crowded, as always, but Lupin's new bounty posters were beginning to appear all over. They were being hastily plastered on walls, wrapped around poles, and exchanged by informants. Pirates and bounty hunters alike stopped in their tracks to take a look at the new wanted poster that had popped up—Black Rose, with a bounty of 200 million berries.
A few pirates gathered around one such poster, murmuring among themselves.
"Black Rose? 200 million? I've never heard of him," one of them said, scratching his head.
"He's gotta be a dangerous one, though," another pirate replied, eyes wide as they studied the details. "The guy's wiped out Cipher Pol agents, sunk Marine ships, and some even say he's got ties to the Revolutionary Army."
One of the pirates scowled. "We don't need that kind of trouble. But this Black Rose might be worth looking into. Could be a good ally—or a serious threat."
Lupin stood in the distance, watching their reactions. His plan was working. He was making waves. Soon enough, his name would be known across the seas, and the Whitebeard Pirates would hear of him.
As he turned away, he spotted a familiar face—Thatch, the 4th division commander of the Whitebeard Pirates. Lupin had been keeping an eye on him since arriving. He knew this was the man who could connect him to the crew. He had to act now, before someone else caught Thatch's attention first.
Lupin strode confidently toward the group of pirates that had gathered around Thatch. The moment the commander saw him, he raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at his lips.
"You must be the new face around here," Thatch remarked, his voice easygoing but sharp with curiosity. "What's your name?"
"I am Black Rose," Lupin said calmly, keeping his posture relaxed. "I've come to make my name known. I heard the Whitebeard Pirates don't take just anyone, but I'm looking to join."
Thatch eyed him thoughtfully for a moment. "200 million berries, huh? That's a hefty bounty for a rookie. You think you can back that up?"
Lupin gave a quiet smirk, but his eyes flashed with a quiet confidence. "I don't rely on a number to show my worth. It's the skills I possess that matter. And I've got plenty of those."
His hand drifted to the side, resting on the pistol strapped to his side. The smooth, black handle of the weapon gleamed in the sunlight. It wasn't just a tool—it was an extension of his will. As a sniper, Lupin could take down opponents with a single shot, his aim deadly and precise. With the right distance and timing, he could make even the most experienced pirates tremble.
Thatch followed Lupin's hand, his eyes narrowing slightly. He seemed intrigued, but there was something in his gaze that suggested he wanted to test Lupin.
"I've heard a lot about the Black Rose," Thatch said with a slow grin. "You're not just a pretty face with a big bounty, huh? You've got confidence, I'll give you that."
Lupin nodded, his voice steady. "Confidence is essential, but it's my skill with a pistol that has kept me alive—and it's that skill that'll get me a spot with your crew."
Thatch tilted his head, his grin widening. "Alright, Black Rose. You've got my attention. But talk is cheap. Let's see what you've got."
Without waiting for further words, Lupin smoothly drew his pistol from its holster. With a steady hand, he aimed at a distant target—one of the dock's many crates. His aim was flawless, his timing perfect. A single shot rang out, hitting the target dead center, and the crate exploded into pieces from the force of the bullet.
Lupin's gaze never wavered from Thatch as he holstered the gun once more. His expression was calm, his eyes unwavering.
Thatch blinked, clearly impressed. "Not bad. You've got some serious skills there. But joining the Whitebeard Pirates isn't just about raw strength or fancy shots—it's about proving you can fight alongside us, that you've got the loyalty and heart to stand with the crew."
Lupin's eyes narrowed, his resolve hardening. "I've fought alone long enough. I'm ready for a change. I'll prove myself, and I'll show you I belong with your crew."
Thatch nodded slowly, his grin widening. "Alright, Black Rose. We've got an expedition headed to Fish-Man Island. Show us what you can do on the way there, and we'll talk about letting you join us."
Lupin's heart raced with anticipation. This was his chance. He couldn't afford to fail.
He nodded firmly. "I won't disappoint you."