Chapter 48: Plan For The Future

"Not a Marine? You certainly don't have the attire of Impel Down or the Marines on you. Who are you? You don't resemble someone from CP0 either"

A moment of surprise later, Golden Lion also realized that Luo Ning's current appearance was indeed peculiar, devoid of any uniform.

"You know," he rumbled, "these clothes are symbols of power."

"Technically, I was a prisoner a while back, but I've temporarily subdued the Marines and now reside in Impel Down"

Luo Ning didn't elaborate on his experience; it was unnecessary. He simply informed Golden Lion.

"A former prisoner? So you're the second person to break out of Impel Down after me? Hahahahaha!"

Golden Lion roared with laughter. Luo Ning being a former prisoner who now belonged to no faction made him feel a sliver better about being defeated.

"Then why have you come to capture me?"

Golden Lion couldn't help but ask. Since Luo Ning wasn't affiliated with any of these forces, why did he come to arrest him?

"It's okay to tell you. I plan to build Impel Down into my own faction, break away from the Marines and World Government, and arresting you is incidental. I happened to be passing through East Blue and knew you were here."

"Maybe sometime I'll even grab a few Celestial Dragons and throw them in Impel Down"

Luo Ning said something that stunned Golden Lion.

"Hahahahahaha! That's interesting, very interesting! Boy, my goal was shattered, and I had no intention of living any longer. But your statement, boy, is truly fascinating."

"I, Golden Lion, have decided not to die! I want to see you capture Celestial Dragons and throw them into Impel Down! Just don't get killed by the World Government first!"

Golden Lion had already harbored a death wish, but after hearing Luo Ning's words, he no longer desired death. He had to wait and see the outcome.

Whether it was Luo Ning suppressing the World Government to capture the Celestial Dragons, or the World Government eliminating Luo Ning, in short, he was very much looking forward to the aftermath. Now, he had no intention of dying at all.

"Really? It turns out you wanted to commit suicide before, but don't worry, I won't disappoint you. Then just wait patiently to go back and reunite with your old neighbors"

After leaving that sentence, Luo Ning didn't say anything further and instructed his men to throw Golden Lion into the cabin cell.

Luo Ning didn't intend to hide the conversation they just had. So what if it was sent back to Naval Headquarters? If they had the ability, would he be afraid if they sent people to deal with him? No way

Of course, Luo Ning was now accompanied by a small fry, but that wasn't a major concern.

He can leave some fantastical power on Nami, ensuring her safety is no problem at all.

"You... you aren't really planning to attack the Celestial Dragons, are you?!"

Nami couldn't fathom what kind of monster she was following. He'd taken down monsters like Golden Lion with ease, and even threatened to deal with the Celestial Dragons. The thought terrified her.

She, of course, knew what the Celestial Dragons were. World Nobles, considered gods themselves.

Nami's only thought now was that Luo Ning was crazy.

"I said it, but belief is up to you. Besides, have I done anything yet? No, they can't cause trouble just because of my words"

Luo Ning spoke indifferently. He no longer feared the World Government. The only uncertainties were the rumored Uranus and Im.

But with enough strength, even those would be mere nuisances.

Luo Ning didn't care. A major conflict with the Marines and World Government was inevitable. However, until they learned more about him, the Marines wouldn't dare make a move.

Even if his words reached Sengoku or the Five Elders, they wouldn't dare act against him.

After hearing Luo Ning's response, Nami had nothing left to say.

"Forget it, I don't care anymore. Where do we go next? Impel Down?"

Nami already knew a bit about Luo Ning's plans – the criminals on the ship were destined for Impel Down.

"Time to head back," Luo Ning confirmed. "Then we'll find another person. I'll help you improve your strength along the way."

Besides Nami, Robin would naturally be taken along as well. But for now, they'd return Arlong, Golden Lion, and the others on the ship.

Luo Ning also had an idea regarding the Thunder Fruit. Of course, he didn't intend to eat it himself; he planned to give it to Nami.

The fruit perfectly suited Nami, but unfortunately, Enel had already consumed it. However, the Devil Fruit reappears elsewhere upon the user's death. As long as he prepared enough fruits, there was a chance of acquiring the Thunder Fruit.

He could utilize his fantasy power – he could even create millions of fruits. Luo Ning found it hard to believe that the Thunder Fruit wouldn't regenerate somewhere else if he didn't have enough fruits around him. In short, the more fruits there were, the higher the probability. He was determined to give it a try.