Chapter 2: When Arrogance Meets Ambition

Ling Bai approached Bullet's cell, confirming his identity. The sight of Bullet's menacing gaze sent a chill down Ling Bai's spine.

While Ling Bai also possessed formidable power, Bullet's aura, forged from a history of violence and bloodshed, was undeniably terrifying.

Even though Bullet was restrained by seastone cuffs and clad in a prison uniform, his intimidating presence remained palpable. His reputation as a formidable warrior was well-deserved.

"An outsider? Able to wield freezing power. Is Aokiji dead?" Bullet's gaze bore into Ling Bai, who exuded a similar aura of power, prompting Bullet to acknowledge his strength.

"Douglas Bullet, shall we make a deal?" Ling Bai proposed with a smile, his encounter with Fire Fist Ace sparking an idea. Despite Bullet's arrogance, Ling Bai pressed on.

"What deal? Are you even worthy to negotiate with me?" Bullet's arrogance was evident, bolstered by his immense strength.

"As a prisoner, what credentials do you claim?" Ling Bai retorted, confident in his newfound strength and the potential of his Ice Teigu, inherited from Esdeath.

"Interesting," Bullet chuckled, intrigued by Ling Bai's proposal.

"And what might this agreement entail?" he inquired.

Ling Bai outlined his proposal: releasing Bullet in exchange for a year of service. After twenty years in prison, Ling Bai reasoned, one year of cooperation shouldn't be a significant burden.

"Release me to serve you for a year? And then what? Am I to fight on your behalf?" Bullet laughed, intrigued by Ling Bai's audacity.

"Facing an impending war, I require your strength," Ling Bai explained, envisioning a power shift in the New World after the Summit War. Ling Bai's ambition to rival Whitebeard's legacy spurred his quest for dominance.

"An unprecedented war?" Bullet queried, intrigued by the prospect of challenging Whitebeard's supremacy.

"Yes, a war that will dethrone Whitebeard," Ling Bai affirmed, sensing Bullet's disbelief.

"The war that dethrone Whitebeard..." Bullet's astonishment was evident, contemplating the implications of such a conflict.

"A new era beckons, Bullet. Will you remain imprisoned, or seize the opportunity to join me?" Ling Bai challenged, presenting Impel Down as a refuge for Bullet's talents.

A throaty laugh escaped Ling Bai's lips. He wouldn't reveal his entire hand to Bullet just yet.

"Release me," Bullet rumbled, a glint in his eye. "Since that man is destined to fall, I wouldn't mind witnessing his demise."

"If I set you free," Ling Bai countered, his voice steady, "you'll uphold our one-year pact, correct?"

"Agreed," Bullet affirmed with a curt nod.

Without hesitation, Ling Bai unleashed a burst of powerful Armament Haki, mimicking Rayleigh's technique from the original story, and shattered the prison cell. He swiftly untied Bullet's Seastone shackles.

"Not concerned about me reneging on the deal, kid?" Bullet stretched his limbs, his voice a low rumble. The other prisoners cowered within their cells.

"Heroes don't break contracts," Ling Bai replied, a hint of amusement in his voice. "And by the way, name's Ling Bai."

With that, Ling Bai turned towards the cell door. A smirk played on his lips. "We'll have a few more to join the party."

Building a powerful force wouldn't be a one-man show. He knew, Bullet alone wouldn't suffice.

Ling Bai strode past the remaining cells, each housing a notorious criminal. He scanned them with a predator's gaze, almost like a butcher picking out meat. The prisoners, in turn, fixated on Ling Bai with desperation in their eyes. Freedom – that's what they craved. Impel Down's bleakness had them yearning for a return to the pleasures of the human world: fine wine, rich meals, treasures, women, power, and recognition.

Fear, however, kept them in check. Ling Bai's raw power and Bullet's fearsome reputation silenced their usual bravado.

"Xuanyue Hunter," Ling Bai muttered, shaking his head. "Evil Government King… no thanks." He continued down the corridor, rejecting each candidate.

"A bunch of weaklings, the dregs of society," he scoffed. Trash like this wouldn't be of any use.

Then, his eyes landed on a particular cell. Crocodile. Their gazes met – a silent exchange taking place within the cold stone walls of Impel Down.