Chapter 14: Echoes of a Frozen Power and a Pirate's Ambition

Meanwhile, outside Impel Down, the sea area remained frozen solid by Ling Bai.

Aokiji observed the vast, frozen sea before him. Its immense volume nearly blocked Impel Down from view.

"Should I escort Fire Fist Ace in a few days and break through this ice? It seems unlikely to melt anytime soon."

Aokiji reached out to touch the unyielding ice. His normally composed face contorted in surprise.

"This isn't ordinary ice! It's even harder than the ice I can create!"

"The one who wielded this power must be incredibly strong!"

"Could it surpass the Frozen Fruit itself?"

Countless questions swirled within Aokiji. The existence of another ice-based power, and one that rivaled his own, deeply unsettled him. The entire Marine Headquarters remained oblivious to Ling Bai's identity.

...

Over at Sabaody Archipelago, Rayleigh had already drawn his treasured sword, facing off against Kizaru who brandished the Yasakhani Swords.

"Silvers Rayleigh, you seem to be struggling," Kizaru taunted.

Their clash had continued for five or six minutes, and Rayleigh felt the strain. His long absence from battle, over two decades of retirement, took its toll. He was now facing one of the Marines' highest combat powers, the right-hand man of the Fleet Admiral.

Kizaru, on the other hand, fought with a carefree attitude. It was clear who held the upper hand.

"Perhaps you should be focusing on other threats at Sabaody, Kizaru, not the Straw Hats," Rayleigh countered.

He thought of Ling Bai and the others. It seemed Rayleigh intended to distract Kizaru by mentioning them, ensuring Luffy's safety.

As for the Impel Down breakout, even without knowing the details, the Marines wouldn't just sit idly by, would they?

Shanks, betting on the dawn of a new era, believed in Luffy as the inheritor of the Straw Hat's will. Rayleigh, determined to keep Luffy and his crew safe, would do whatever it took.

"Troublesome," Kizaru scoffed, sending Rayleigh flying with a single attack.

Rayleigh's words did achieve their intended effect. Kizaru realized Ling Bai and his companions were observing their fight from afar.

This mysterious young man, the Devil's Descendant, Shiryu of the Rain, and Crocodile - a total of four escapees from Impel Down. Kizaru hadn't expected them to be in Sabaody Archipelago.

On top of that, they had captured Celestial Dragons!

The bruised and battered Celestial Dragons looked utterly shocked, fear etched in their eyes. After Garp's grandson assaulted a Celestial Dragon, it seemed others followed suit, though with even greater brutality.

"The Devil's Descendant is a monster. Back then, Garp was the one who subdued him. Shiryu of the Rain possesses strength rivaling an Admiral, and Crocodile, a Logia user, is no slouch either."

"But why are these three following this boy?"

"Who is he?"

After his fight with Rayleigh, Kizaru couldn't help but be intrigued by Ling Bai. Compared to Rayleigh and the Straw Hat Pirates, this young man presented a far more significant threat.

"May I know your name, brother?" Kizaru finally addressed Ling Bai.

"Captain of the Ling Bai Pirates," Ling Bai replied coolly, "Ling Bai."

Kizaru sneered at the Celestial Dragons. "Looks like you've gotten yourselves into a pickle. Messing with Celestial Dragons isn't exactly a walk in the park."

Ling Bai countered with a sharp retort, "So you're all bark and no bite, huh? A loyal dog of the Celestial Dragons?"

The term "loyal dog" stung Kizaru. No one enjoys being called a dog, especially by a pirate.

"This is a damn inconvenience," Kizaru grumbled, furrowing his brow. A public execution loomed in less than two weeks. A clash with the entire Whitebeard pirate crew was practically guaranteed.

This was a critical juncture. Without any Celestial Dragon drama, it would be nearly impossible for the three Admirals to leave Marine Headquarters. After all, who could predict if Whitebeard might make a surprise attack? The Marines wouldn't dare underestimate the world's strongest man.

Suddenly, Ling Bai spotted movement from the distance - the Pacifista, Bartholomew Kuma.

"Hold your horses, Kizaru," Ling Bai called out. "Don't steal those Celestial Dragons from me."

With a burst of "shave," Ling Bai vanished from sight.

Meanwhile, the real Bartholomew Kuma stood guard over the fleeing Straw Hats, offering them safe passage. Luffy, desperate and overwhelmed by the relentless barrage to his crew. Despite his captain's strength, the blow was easily countered.

Luffy's internal struggle intensified. The shadows of doubt loomed larger than ever.

"Where did you want to go?" Kuma asked, already having a destination in mind - Amazon Lily.

This was in accordance with Dragon's orders. As soon as Kuma received word of Luffy's assault on a Celestial Dragon, he contacted Dragon.

Just then, a yell pierced the air. Ling Bai materialized mid-air, plummeting towards the ground.

"Nine Snake Island," Ling Bai declared, interrupting their exchange. "Think you can give me a lift, Bartholomew Kuma?"

Kuma's expression, usually devoid of emotion, contorted in surprise.

"Who are you?" Kuma demanded, his hands forming a paw-like shape, ready to repel the intruder with his air blasts.

But Ling Bai struck first. With a flick of his right hand, he sent a massive icicle hurtling towards Kuma, forcing him back.