He had been brought into this great prison years ago by Kong and Garp, and he knew well that escaping from this impregnable fortress was no simple task.
"Oi, Red Count, have you gone senile? You actually believe what this kid is saying?"
Douglas Bullet's eyes widened at the sight of Red Count's unusual reaction. In Impel Down, he looked down on everyone and respected no one—except Red Count. That man had once stood toe-to-toe with the entire Roger Pirates. Bullet knew his power better than anyone. For that same man to suddenly take interest in some boy's words was enough to make him wonder if Red Count had finally grown old.
"Red Count, how is this possible?" The criminals nearby were also puzzled, their whispers echoing through the Sixth Floor.
Ashveil ignored the voices around him. What caught his attention was Red Count himself. This man's perception was sharper than ordinary pirates. Even Douglas Bullet hadn't sensed his true strength, yet Red Count did. Truly, a legendary pirate lived up to the name.
"Simple. Just break the shackles by force," Ashveil said casually.
His answer drew a surprised look from Ace. He had never heard of anyone suggesting such a reckless idea. The Sea Prism Stone shackles on the Sixth Floor were purer than anywhere else in the prison. To force them open was… nearly impossible.
The Sixth Floor fell silent for a heartbeat, then erupted with mocking laughter.
"You brat, there's a limit to how much you can boast! These shackles are almost completely pure!" Crocodile sneered.
"I think this kid's lost his mind dreaming of escape," scoffed Big Barrel.
"Break Sea Prism Stone? Him? Hah, he's not even as strong as Crocodile," Moonlight Hunter mocked.
"What was that?" Crocodile's eyes turned sharp with irritation.
Red Count lowered his head, his face unreadable. Forcing open pure Sea Prism Stone? Ridiculous. If it were possible, he himself would have escaped long ago. For a moment, he had thought this boy might be something extraordinary—someone like the Golden Lion who had once broken free. But it seemed he had misjudged him. Just another youngster spouting nonsense.
Soon the Sixth Floor descended into chaos again, this time with Crocodile and Caterina Devon trading barbs.
"Tch, a woman dares to look down on me? If not for these shackles, I'd drain the very water from your body!" Crocodile's voice dripped with venom.
"You're just a sand-playing brat," Devon shot back coldly. "Compared to me—the most dangerous woman on the seas—you're not even qualified."
The endless bickering made Ashveil rub the bridge of his nose in annoyance. The Sixth Floor was proving to be an awful place to get any rest.
Hours later, hurried footsteps echoed through the stone corridors.
Thump, thump, thump.
Magellan led the way, his massive frame looming as he marched forward. Behind him, a group of guards dragged along a towering figure shackled from head to toe in Sea Prism Stone. The chains rattled with every step.
"You damned criminals, keep your mouths shut!" Magellan's deep voice boomed across the floor.
The sight drew every prisoner's attention. Wrapped tight like a cocoon, the new arrival's body bore countless scars, wounds so deep the bone showed beneath. The Sixth Floor stirred with shock. What was happening today? Yet another infamous figure being dragged in? Was anyone now being thrown into this hell?
Crocodile, closest to the path, pressed against the bars, his eyes narrowing.
Through the dim light he saw Vice Admiral Mole walking alongside Magellan. Between them was a figure nearly unrecognizable under the chains and wounds—Kaido of the Beasts. His colossal frame was scarred, his flesh torn apart as if by countless battles. Yet his eyes barely flickered open, his breath ragged like someone who had just clawed back from the edge of death.
Crocodile's voice broke the silence.
"Kaido of the Beasts… Who in the world injured you like this?!"
_____
Milestone
100 Power stones = 1 Bonus Chapter.
__
Support me on patreon (づ￣ ³￣)づ
Patreon.com/Zphyr