Chapter 168: Sabo's Brothers
"Then let me explain our plan!" Dragon said. They had formulated a plan beforehand, but Luo Ning's arrival necessitated adjustments. Previously, Dragon wasn't certain of Luo Ning's assistance. Although the probability was high, the plan hadn't factored in Luo Ning's participation.
"Plan? What's the point of that? It's a simple breakout. We just need to pick a direction, charge in, and get everyone out."
Luo Ning had no intention of listening to Dragon and the others' plan. He spoke directly, leaving them momentarily stunned.
"..."
Everyone except Luo Ning was utterly confused. This was completely beyond their comprehension.
"Did you misunderstand something? Since you requested my help, it implies that this situation is dire."
"While the World Government has considerable power, for me, it's no different from that of chickens and dogs. That's why you need a plan. I don't."
"For example, Dragon, let's use you as an example. If you wanted to deal with a pirate crew with a bounty of only tens of millions, even if they outnumbered you, would you choose to meticulously strategize?"
After Luo Ning's question, Dragon suddenly realized their misunderstanding. They had misjudged Luo Ning's strength. He was so powerful that he could disregard everything.
Just like Luo Ning's example, what strength did he need to deal with a pirate crew with a meager bounty of tens of millions? Even if they had a million-man army, it wouldn't faze him. He could effortlessly eliminate them all in no time.
Similarly, for Luo Ning, the Marines and CP0 were no different. There was no need for a plan; he could simply charge in and get the job done.
"In that case, we'll follow your lead," Dragon decided swiftly. Plans were unnecessary.
"That's what I thought. Those guys won't pose any challenge anyway. Speaking of which, Sabo!" Luo Ning turned to Sabo.
"Yes, Mr. Luo Ning? Is something wrong?" Sabo was confused why this powerful man was addressing him, and Dragon and the others were curious as well.
"Your brother Ace is working at Impel Down now. You should find some time to visit him!" Luo Ning genuinely admired the bond between the three brothers. There were many commendable relationships in the One Piece world. These weren't biological brothers, yet their connection was far stronger than some blood siblings who had grown distant.
Similarly, Luffy's unwavering loyalty to his friends perfectly embodied the idea of painting the strongest flag and doing the most manly thing.
Regardless of Luo Ning's perspective, Sabo, despite being a revolutionary, undeniably embodied true manliness for him.
"Brother? Do you recognize me?" Sabo questioned doubtfully. He had lost his memories due to the Celestial Dragons' attack. In the original story, witnessing Fire Fist Ace's death served as the catalyst for regaining them all.
"Mr. Luo Ning," Dragon said curiously, "do you know Sabo?"
After rescuing Sabo back then, Dragon, recognizing his exceptional talent, took him in. Sabo had since risen to the position of second-in-command.
"Of course I do," Luo Ning explained. "This young man has quite a history with you. As a child, he became sworn brothers with your son Luffy and Roger's son, Ace. They were like triplets.
"However, his parents intended to use him later, so they took him back. Sabo eventually escaped, but the Celestial Dragons attacked him, which is when you rescued him."
"He survived, but with some memory loss..." As Luo Ning spoke, Sabo's brow furrowed deeply. Cold sweat beaded on his forehead. When Luo Ning finished, Sabo felt as if something had struck his brain, memories flooding back like a dam bursting.
"I remember! Luffy, Ace... Mr. Luo Ning, is Ace being held prisoner in Impel Down? Though a pirate, I can assure you his character wouldn't lead him to such acts!"
Sabo's memories returned, and he quickly looked at Luo Ning, vouching for Ace. Having spent a significant amount of time with the Revolutionary Army within Impel Down, Sabo understood the severity of the prison.
"Don't worry," Luo Ning reassured him. "He hasn't committed any crimes, and I won't target him simply because he's Roger's son. However, the boy is fixated on being a pirate, so I plan to reform him.
"He's currently a jailer in Impel Down and can't leave. Just visit him when you have the chance. By the way, Garp will be sending Luffy to Impel Down as well."
After Luo Ning finished speaking, Sabo let out a sigh of relief. However, the other news left everyone else stunned.
"Excuse me, Mr. Luo Ning," Betty hesitantly asked, "who exactly is this son of Roger you mentioned? This is a secret few people knew before the Marines made it public."
"Just as you might guess," Luo Ning explained, "Roger's son was entrusted to Garp back then. Garp sent him to Windmill Village, and those boys became sworn brothers there."
Luo Ning gestured towards Sabo, leaving the group speechless. It was an unbelievable twist of fate.
Even Dragon, the leader of their own family, seemed to have a penchant for saving his son's sworn brothers on a whim. He was quite the character himself.
"Let's leave these discussions for later," Long said finally. "Our priority is rescuing the people. While they're not at a critical point yet, an earlier rescue is better. Now isn't the time to delve into the past."
They could discuss other matters once the rescue was complete.
Following Dragon's words, the others fell silent and departed Baltigo directly on a battleship.
The besieged Revolutionary Army wasn't close by, and the journey would take some time. Originally, the four army commanders planned a joint attack on a specific country to establish a foothold after entering the Grand Line. After all, Baltigo, being the headquarters, couldn't be easily exposed, so the army's base wasn't situated nearby.