Chapter 151: Back to Mary Geoise

The situation in New World has largely stabilized. Currently, the Whitebeard Kingdom boasts the most expansive territory. Whitebeard's presence serves to keep ambitious newcomers in check.

This vast territory isn't due to Whitebeard's land-grabbing tendencies, but rather Wano Country's struggles to hold onto its own. Unlike the Whitebeard Pirates, who have primarily faced internal betrayals, Wano has been heavily raided by Kaido.

Wano simply can't manage such a vast territory under these circumstances. Katakuri and his crew are already overwhelmed with the burden of managing these conquered lands and the associated follow-up tasks.

However, Brulee has been a significant asset to Katakuri. Her Mirror-Mirror Fruit ability functions as a transfer station, and logistics have become Totto Land's biggest industry. While Brulee's ability limits prevent it from covering the entire country, it has already significantly reduced Luo Ning and his crew's expenses. Brulee is undeniably the current financial powerhouse.

The recent events have left New World pirates scrambling. Most have gravitated towards Shanks' territory, with good reason. Shanks is the only remaining Emperor, and their only apparent hope. Unfortunately, Shanks has refused these pirates entry, expelling them all from his territory.

This news has further perplexed New World pirates. With the last Emperor unwilling to take them in, they are left to wander New World for an indefinite period.

The influx of new pirates has forced many to survive in the fringes. Whitebeard and others have begun cracking down on these pirates, leaving them confused and desperate. They huddle together for warmth in a small territory, constantly under the watchful eyes of Whitebeard and his crew.

This precarious situation is temporary. Once the two countries stabilize, Whitebeard and the others will have no time for these pirates. Forced into a corner, these pirates face a grim reality. With Whitebeard looming ahead and the Marines waiting to pounce, survival in the New World seems impossible. Returning to their previous haunts means capture by the Marines, a constant reminder of their defeat.

***

Regardless, these pirates will be dealt with sooner or later. Luo Ning, determined not to return to Fishman Island this time, has led a group back to the Red Line. His sights are set on Mariejois once more.

"Leave it to me. I'll handle the Celestial Dragons"

With a parting word, Luo Ning steered the ship towards the Grand Line. Nami and the others, harboring absolute hate for the Celestial Dragons, raised no objections. The demise of these people held no weight for them, and Luo Ning's safety was never a concern. In their eyes, he was an invincible force, unmatched in this world.

As the ship sailed away, Luo Ning materialized directly in the Holy Land of Mariejois.

"Even though it's not new, it's still astounding!"

Gazing upon the Celestial Dragons, a surge of anger welled up within Luo Ning. But this time, his purpose extended beyond vengeance. He made a beeline for the place where the Celestial Dragons imprisoned slaves.

"Luo... Luo Ning!"

Luo Ning's arrival was swift. Outside closed-off countries like Wano, his fame preceded him. This was especially true in the Holy Land, where his previous liberation of prisoners had left a lasting impression. Everyone, except perhaps for some newspaper-illiterate slaves, could recognize him on sight.

"Spotted!"

Without wasting time, Luo Ning unleashed his Reiatsu, incapacitating those nearby. He then retrieved the key and made his way to the prison.

"Damn it, here he comes again! What new torture have those bastards devised?"

The moment he entered, Luo Ning was met with a roar from within.

"Save your strength!"

The other prisoners couldn't help but shake their heads at the newcomer's outburst. Those who had endured the harsh conditions understood that roaring was futile. Escape from the Holy Land was a distant dream, especially after the tragic fate of Fisher Tiger, the last person to attempt such a rescue. Tiger's demise had resulted in a significant security increase, effectively deterring future liberation attempts.

Their future appeared bleak.

Just as they resigned themselves to their fate, the cell door clanged open. A handful of keys landed at the feet of one prisoner.

"These keys unlock the shackles on you and the other cells. Free everyone, and I'll have someone escort you out!"

Luo Ning left behind a clone to ensure the safety of the prisoners. The guards of Mariejois were formidable, and a unified escape attempt would likely result in heavy casualties. The clone served as a safeguard.

This turn of events left the prisoners dumbfounded. Moments ago, they had surrendered to despair, only to have hope reignited. It was an unbelievable stroke of luck.

"You fool! What are you waiting for? Do you plan to spend the rest of your days here?"

Seeing the stunned prisoner holding the keys, his neighbor snatched them and began unlocking the shackles.

The realization dawned on the other slaves, and a flurry of activity ensued as they freed themselves and others. Luo Ning's clone moved from cell to cell, releasing all the prisoners within the vast complex. The Celestial Dragons, meticulous about their possessions, had segregated the slaves into different areas.

With this operation complete, the entire slave population of the Holy Land was liberated.

"Not good! The slaves are revolting!"

The commotion alerted others, but none dared approach the escaping slaves. Luo Ning's clone dealt swiftly with anyone who came too close.