Chapter 51: Sixth Floor Frenzy

Magellan was startled by Golden Lion's words, but soon relief washed over him. After all, he was aware of what Luo Ning had said.

Jailers on the Luo Ning ship, lacking the authority and access to directly connect with Naval Headquarters, relayed information through Magellan.

Now, Golden Lion's state was a clear consequence of Luo Ning's prior declaration to capture Celestial Dragons. In truth, Magellan was deeply troubled as well.

What if Luo Ning truly captured Celestial Dragons? While he harbored no fondness for them, he dared not touch them. The repercussions would be catastrophic.

But inaction wasn't an option either. If Celestial Dragons were captured, it would be a massive predicament. He'd have the World Government on his back, with the Celestial Dragons lording over him.

The capture of Celestial Dragons wouldn't hinge on whether he attempted a rescue.

After all, the World Government wouldn't cause him trouble. But rescuing someone from Luo Ning's grasp? Absurd.

Letting them go wouldn't appease the World Government either. Hence, his earlier remark about being caught in the middle being the worst part of being human. Now, Magellan could only pray that Naval Headquarters would find a way to deal with Luo Ning soon, or that Luo Ning's words were a jest. Otherwise, he was at a complete loss.

Regardless of Magellan's current inner turmoil, Golden Lion remained imprisoned on the sixth floor.

The arrival of Golden Lion shattered the tranquility of the sixth floor.

"Shiki, you've been captured again! But wait... how'd your leg heal?"

The prisoners were overwhelmed by Golden Lion's capture. Many had witnessed his escape with a shattered leg, fostering hope that he'd lead them to freedom.

However, Golden Lion had ignored them. He understood that freeing them would be a hassle, not a benefit. The denizens of the sixth floor were too unruly, prompting Golden Lion's solo escape.

While some prisoners awaited his recapture, time yielded no news, leading them to believe he'd perished. Now, his return was unexpected.

The reasons behind the missing rudder and his healed leg remained a mystery, but his return was all that mattered. They had company once more.

"Golden Lion, you refused to take me with you last time! If you had, you wouldn't have been caught so easily!"

"Exactly! You escaped, but to what end? You're back here with us anyway!"

The prisoners erupted in shouts. Not all joined the clamor, however. The Red Earl and others held these outbursts in utter disdain.

"Shut your mouths!" Golden Lion roared, unfazed by his capture. "I was free for years! You lot, nothing but trash, can't escape this hellhole. Yet you dare yell in front of me?!"

A momentary silence gripped the sixth floor before erupting into renewed chaos. After all, these were madmen, and quieting them permanently was impossible.

Besides, Golden Lion was currently powerless against them. All he could do was vent with curses.

Then, in a flash, a wave of Conqueror's Haki swept across the floor, silencing the clamor once more.

"A bunch of garbage," Bullet growled, clearly annoyed by the ruckus. "Can't you all be quiet?"

It was Bullet who unleashed the Haki, his displeasure evident. Silence, wouldn't that be lovely?

The Red Earl shook his head. "A monster indeed. To grow stronger in this environment, and wield Conqueror's Haki with such ease" Those imprisoned here were practically devoid of physical strength.

Usually he doesn't even bother to talk, just to save energy, but what about Bullet? He could grow stronger, and even wield Conqueror's Haki with such ease! It was outrageous.

The Red Earl even harbored a suspicion that without Bullet's Devil Fruit power, the man might have simply escaped. Now, Seastone's power to negate Devil Fruit abilities remained Bullet's greatest shackle.

"Bullet!" Golden Lion barked, instantly recognizing the voice. He possessed an intimate knowledge of everyone on Roger's ship.

Thanks to the coercive power of Conqueror's Haki, the sixth floor fell silent at last.

Magellan, too, felt powerless upon witnessing the fallen jailers around Bullet. He was on the verge of intervening when Bullet unleashed his own Haki, sending all the jailers sprawling to the ground.

Ultimately, Magellan confined Golden Lion to a cell and provided him with a hearty meal. The previous escape method was no longer an option.