Level 5.5 trembled with energy.
Torches flickered wildly along the cavern walls as the gathered Newkama crowd roared in unison—cheering, stomping, crying, laughing.
At the center of it all stood Ivankov, cape fluttering dramatically as if even the air obeyed him.
"Strawboy… Inazuma…" he said, voice booming across the chamber.
His eyes sharpened. "We move now."
Luffy adjusted his straw hat, pulling it low. His shadow covered his eyes—but the fire in them burned brighter than ever.
"…Yeah."
"Ace is waiting."
Ivankov spun around, pointing at the crowd.
"We're heading down to Level 6!"
A ripple of shock passed through them.
"That's Eternal Hell!!!"
"No one comes back from there!!!"
Ivankov grinned wide.
"THEN WE'LL BE THE FIRST!!!"
The crowd erupted.
"YEEEEAAAAAH!!!"
"SAVE ACE!!!"
"GOOOO STRAWHAAAAT!!!"
Bon Clay, wrapped in bandages, forced himself up despite trembling legs.
"STRAAAAWBOOOOY!!!"
Luffy turned.
Bon clenched his fists, tears streaming.
"DON'T YOU DARE DIE!!!"
Luffy grinned.
"I won't."
"Promise."
——————-
The gates to Level 5 groaned open.
Cold air rushed past them.
Luffy, Ivankov, and Inazuma sprinted forward without hesitation.
Chains rattled.
Prisoners slammed against their bars as they passed.
"THAT'S—!!!"
"IVANKOV?!!!"
"He's alive?!"
"And Inazuma too?!"
"They said they were dead!!!"
"And that's Straw Hat Luffy!!!"
"The guy who broke into Impel Down?!"
"He's heading DOWN?!"
Fear… excitement… disbelief…
The prison itself seemed to react to their presence.
Hidden in the walls—
A Den Den Mushi blinked.
Watching.
Recording.
Waiting.
———————
Inside the Control Room
Vice Warden Hannyabal leaned forward, sweat dripping down his face.
"What… what is this?!"
His eyes darted across the screens.
"Ivankov… alive?!"
"Inazuma too?!"
"And Straw Hat again?!"
He slammed his fist on the console.
"What kind of connection do those two have with him?!"
"…No…"
His expression darkened.
"Don't tell me… this is all connected…"
———————-
Level 6 – Eternal Hell
The gates creaked open slowly.
A deep, suffocating silence greeted them.
No screams.
No chaos.
Just… darkness.
Rows of cells stretched endlessly, filled with figures whose mere presence felt dangerous.
Even Luffy instinctively slowed down.
"…This place…"
Ivankov muttered. "The worst criminals in the world…"
Luffy stepped forward.
"Ace!!!"
His voice echoed.
Then—
"LUFFY-KUN!!!"
Luffy's head snapped toward the voice.
"…JINBE!!!"
Jinbe gripped the bars tightly, eyes wide with shock.
"You made it this far…!"
Luffy rushed closer.
"Where's Ace?!"
Jinbe's expression fell.
"…You're too late."
The words hit like a hammer.
"He was taken."
"Magellan already moved him."
"He's being transported to Marineford."
Silence.
Luffy's body froze. "No…"
Ivankov clenched his teeth. "Minutes… we missed him by minutes…"
Jinbe raised his voice urgently. "If you hurry—you might still catch them!"
Luffy's fists trembled. "What about you?! I'm not leaving you here!"
Ivankov nodded firmly. "We free you first—!"
Jinbe shook his head.
"Forget about me and Bullet!"
"Go after Ace!"
Luffy hesitated—
His teeth clenched.
Then—
"We'll come back."
Jinbe smiled faintly. "I know you will."
——————
They ran.
Fast.
Desperate.
Toward the upper gate—
CLANG!!!
A massive seastone cage slammed down.
Dust exploded outward.
"DAMMIT!!!" Luffy shouted, slamming his fist into the bars.
Ivankov cursed loudly.
"They sealed it!"
They rushed to the lift—
Inazuma pressed buttons.
Nothing.
"…It's locked."
Ivankov growled. "The wardens are watching everything…"
Luffy's breathing grew heavier.
"…Then there's only one way."
He turned.
"We break them out."
—————-
Back at the Cells
Ivankov lowered his hand slowly after striking the sealed gate earlier. His expression had turned serious—far more serious than anyone had seen before.
"…We're blocked."
The words echoed faintly across the corridor.
Luffy stood there, fists clenched, breathing hard. The image of Ace being taken away replayed in his mind again and again.
Jinbe, still behind his bars, watched them calmly.
"…Then there is only one option."
His voice was steady.
"Release us."
Luffy looked up.
Jinbe's eyes sharpened slightly.
"Especially Bullet."
A pause.
"You will need his strength if you want to break through this prison… and catch up to Ace in time."
Ivankov crossed his arms, nodding.
"He's right, Strawboy."
"That man isn't just strong… he's a force of destruction."
Luffy didn't hesitate.
"Okay."
He stepped forward.
"Let's do it."
The sound of chains snapping echoed through Level 6.
CLANG. CRACK. SHATTER.
Jinbe stepped out of his cell slowly, rolling his shoulders as if waking up from a long rest.
"…It's been a while."
He looked at Luffy.
"Thank you, Luffy-kun."
Luffy grinned.
"No problem!"
Ivankov spun dramatically.
"Now then—let's wake up the beast!!!"
They moved deeper into the darkness.
The torches grew fewer.
The shadows thicker.
Then—
They saw him.
A massive figure sat silently in the center of a reinforced cell.
Chains wrapped around his arms, legs, torso—layer upon layer.
Yet somehow…
They didn't look like restraints.
They looked like decoration.
Ivankov spread his arms wide.
"YEEEEHAAAAW!!!"
"LONG TIME NO SEE!!!"
For a moment—
Nothing happened.
Then—
A low chuckle echoed through the darkness.
"…Ivankov."
The figure slowly lifted his head.
A grin spread across his face—calm, confident… dangerous.
"…Been a while."
His eyes gleamed faintly, even in the dim light of Level 6.
But as Luffy stepped closer—
His eyes widened.
"…Woah."
Chains.
Not just a few.
Dozens.
No—hundreds.
Wrapped around the man's arms, torso, legs, even his neck. Thick iron restraints layered over one another, reinforced with seastone bindings.
Luffy stared in disbelief.
"…Why does he have THIS many chains on him?!"
Ivankov folded his arms, glancing at the massive restraints.
"…Because the Navy is terrified of him."
Jinbe nodded, voice calm but firm.
"He is not someone they can afford to leave unchecked."
A pause.
"He is simply… too powerful."
Luffy looked back at the man.
"…He must be really strong."
From within the chains, the man smirked wider.
"Heh…"
Ivankov stepped forward dramatically, cracking his knuckles.
"Well then—let's fix that!"
"Inazuma!"
Inazuma stepped forward, fingers transforming into scissor-like blades.
"Understood."
He slashed—
SHING! SHING! SHING!
The reinforced chains began to split apart one by one, metal snapping and falling heavily to the ground.
CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!
More layers were revealed underneath.
Luffy blinked.
"…There's more?!"
Ivankov laughed.
"Did you think that was it?!"
"They wrapped him like a present!!!"
Inazuma continued cutting, sweat forming slightly as even his precision struggled against the sheer number of restraints.
Jinbe stepped in.
"Allow me."
He gripped one of the thicker chains—
CRACK!!!
With a single pull, it snapped apart.
More chains fell.
The sound echoed endlessly across Level 6.
Inside the cell—
The man finally rolled his shoulders slightly.
"…About time."
"…So."
He stretched his neck slightly.
"We're moving earlier than planned?"
His gaze shifted.
"…Jinbe too."
Jinbe nodded respectfully.
"Indeed."
"It's good to see you again, Bullet."
Bullet smirked.
"Didn't think we'd reunite in a place like this."
Then—
His eyes landed on Luffy.
A pause.
Then a wide grin spread across his face.
"…Yo."
"Ada's brat."
"Got yourself locked up already?"
He laughed—a deep, confident laugh that echoed through the entire level.
Luffy grinned back.
"I still haven't thanked you!"
"Thanks for helping us back in Enies Lobby!"
Bullet shrugged.
"Don't think too much about it."
"Just happened to be there."
Jinbe crossed his arms.
"Still… it is quite surprising."
He looked at Luffy.
"To think you are our captain's son."
Ivankov suddenly threw both hands to his head dramatically.
"SURPRISING?!"
"I ALMOST DIED FROM THE SHOCK!!!"
"DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT KIND OF BOMBSHELL THAT IS?!!!"
Luffy scratched his cheek casually.
"Eh? Is it that big of a deal?"
Ivankov collapsed to his knees.
"THIS BOY IS UNBELIEVABLE!!!"
Bullet chuckled.
"Heh… just like her."
Luffy suddenly clapped his hands.
"Anyway!"
"We don't have time for this!"
"Let's go already!!!"
Then a voice suddenly called out to them.
"…If you want to leave this place…"
"Set me free."
The voice cut through the air like a blade.
Everyone froze.
Luffy slowly turned.
His expression hardened instantly.
"…Crocodile."
Inside a nearby cell, Sir Crocodile leaned casually against the wall, a faint smirk on his face.
"Straw Hat…"
"Long time no see."
He stepped forward slightly, shadows dancing across his face.
"I wasn't interested in the outside world anymore…"
"But now…"
His eyes gleamed.
"A war with Whitebeard?"
"…That changes things."
"I want in."
Luffy's expression twisted in anger.
"NO WAY!!!"
"You're the one who messed up Vivi's country!!!"
Crocodile exhaled slowly.
"That's old news."
"I've moved on."
"I have no interest in that kingdom anymore."
Ivankov stepped forward.
"We release him."
"IVA-CHAN?!!!" Luffy shouted.
Ivankov looked straight at him.
"You want to save Ace, don't you?"
"…Then we need power."
Crocodile's eyes flickered slightly.
Ivankov tilted his head, a slow, knowing grin spreading across his face.
"It's been a while… Croco-boy."
He tapped his cheek lightly, almost playfully—but his eyes were sharp.
"You should be careful how you talk to me."
A pause.
His grin widened.
"Wouldn't want me revealing your past to everyone here~"
"…!!!"
For the first time, Crocodile's expression cracked.
Just slightly.
But it was there.
A flicker.
Annoyance… tension… something deeper.
From the side, Bullet let out a low chuckle.
"Oh?"
His grin stretched wider, clearly amused.
"That sounds interesting."
Jinbe crossed his arms, calm as ever—but his eyes showed curiosity.
"Indeed."
"I was not aware you had such… leverage over him."
Crocodile's gaze shifted between them, irritation growing.
"…You two."
His voice dropped.
"Nyx Pirates."
A pause.
"What are you doing here…"
"…working with them?"
There was disbelief in his tone—but also caution.
Because he knew exactly who he was talking to.
Bullet took a single step forward.
Just one.
But the air instantly changed.
Heavy.
Oppressive.
Like the weight of a mountain pressing down.
"Watch your tone."
His voice was low. Calm.
Dangerous.
"I already crushed you once…"
A smirk tugged at his lips.
"…when you thought it was a good idea to mess with one of our territories."
The memory hit.
Crocodile's eyes darkened.
His hand twitched slightly—but he didn't move.
"…Tch."
He clicked his tongue, looking away.
Ivankov waved a hand dismissively, breaking the tension.
"Relax, relax~"
"He'll behave."
Then his eyes narrowed slightly toward Crocodile.
"…Right?"
Before Crocodile could respond—
Bullet spoke again, voice colder this time.
"If you try anything with her brat…"
A brief pause.
"Ada will take your head."
Silence.
Crocodile froze.
Not out of fear—
But recognition.
"…Ada…"
His gaze slowly shifted toward Luffy.
"…Her brat?"
He looked Luffy up and down.
Confusion.
Disbelief.
Then—
A bitter laugh escaped him.
"…This kid?"
He exhaled through his nose, shaking his head slightly.
"…Even now…"
"…I'm still losing to her shadow."
There was something heavier behind those words.
History.
Defeat.
Respect… twisted with resentment.
Ivankov watched him closely.
Jinbe remained silent.
Bullet just smirked.
Then Crocodile straightened.
"…Fine."
His tone hardened again.
"I'll cooperate."
A short pause.
"But don't misunderstand."
His eyes flicked toward Luffy.
"I'm not doing this for you."
He looked back at Ivankov.
"Once we're out of here…"
"I go my own way."
Ivankov smiled.
"Of course~"
"Wouldn't expect anything less."
He snapped his fingers dramatically.
"Then it's settled!"
Crocodile stepped forward as his cell was unlocked, sand already beginning to swirl faintly around his hand.
The alliance was uneasy.
Temporary.
Dangerous.
But necessary.
And deep down—
Everyone there understood one thing.
This wasn't just a prison break anymore.
This was the gathering of monsters… right before a war.
————————
Ivankov crossed his arms again, expression turning serious.
"Listen carefully."
"We will help you escape this prison."
"But Ace…"
"He will be taken to Marineford."
"You might have to leave it to Whitebeard."
"He's not the kind of man who abandons his own."
Luffy looked down.
In his hand—
Ace's vivre card flickered weakly.
The flame was shrinking.
Silence filled the corridor.
Everyone watched him.
Waiting.
Then—
"…Let's go."
Ivankov blinked.
"…Huh?"
Bullet smirked.
Luffy lifted his head.
His eyes burned with absolute determination.
"Let's go to Marineford."
Silence.
Then—
"ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?!!!" Ivankov roared.
"That's not some small battlefield!!!"
"That's WAR!!!"
"Admirals! Warlords! The entire Navy!!!"
"And Whitebeard himself!!!"
"You barely survived Magellan!!!"
"HOW MANY TIMES DO YOU PLAN TO DIE?!!!"
Luffy didn't move.
Didn't flinch.
"…If I stop now…"
His fists tightened.
"…I'll regret it forever."
Silence.
Ivankov slowly stepped back.
His eyes widened slightly.
"…That look…"
For a brief moment—
He saw Monkey D. Dragon.
Jinbe narrowed his eyes.
"…Captain…"
He saw Nyx D. Ada.
Bullet let out a low chuckle.
"…Heh."
"…You'd be proud, Ada."
Ivankov whispered under his breath.
"I've seen that will before…"
"…countless times…"
Jinbe stepped forward.
"It is useless, Ivankov."
"If he has decided… then he will not stop."
"Our plan already leads us into war."
Bullet nodded.
"This is perfect timing."
"We destroy Impel Down now."
"Break out."
"Then head straight to Marineford."
A grin spread across his face.
"The Navy won't know what hit them."
Ivankov exhaled slowly.
"…This is insane."
A pause.
Then—
A massive grin spread across his face.
"WHICH IS EXACTLY WHY I LOVE IT!!!"
He threw his arm forward dramatically.
"LET'S TURN THE WORLD UPSIDE DOWN!!!"
Luffy grinned wide.
"YEAH!!!"
Ivankov pointed forward.
"LET'S GO, STRAWBOY!!!"
And in that moment—
The balance of the world shifted.
A prison break…
became the spark of war.
And soon—
The entire world would burn.
————————-
As the group began to move—
Chains dragging, footsteps echoing—
Voices suddenly erupted from the darkness.
"HEY!!!"
"WAIT!!!"
"SET ME FREE TOO!!!"
Figures pressed themselves against the bars of their cells—eyes wild, desperate.
"I'll help you save Ace!!!"
"I'm strong! I swear!!!"
"Take me with you!!!"
"Don't leave us here!!!"
More voices joined in.
Dozens.
Then hundreds.
Some pleaded.
Some laughed greedily.
Some simply wanted chaos.
"Come on! You need more men, right?!"
"Let us out and we'll tear this place apart!!!"
"We'll follow you!!!"
Luffy stopped for a second, looking around.
"…There's a lot of them."
But before anyone else could respond—
Bullet stepped forward.
Silently.
His eyes didn't even fully focus on them.
"…Annoying."
A breath.
Then—
A sudden, invisible pressure exploded outward.
BOOOOOOM!!!
The air itself seemed to crack.
A wave surged through Level 6—
Heavy.
Overwhelming.
Dominating.
One by one—
The prisoners froze.
Their eyes rolled back—
THUD.
THUD. THUD. THUD.
Bodies collapsed across the cells like falling dominoes.
Silence returned instantly.
Luffy's eyes widened.
"…WOAH!!!"
He looked around in amazement.
"You knocked them all out?!"
Ivankov grinned, completely unfazed.
"Fufufu~"
"Still the same overwhelming presence as ever."
"That domineering aura hasn't dulled one bit."
Jinbe nodded slightly.
"…As expected."
Luffy looked at Bullet with excitement.
"That was amazing!!!"
Off to the side—
Crocodile clicked his tongue, eyes narrowing slightly as he glanced at the fallen prisoners.
"…Tch."
"What a monster."
There was no exaggeration in his tone.
Only acknowledgment.
Bullet didn't even react much.
He simply continued walking.
"…If you want to stand at the top…"
A slight smirk formed.
"…you need this much at the very least."
Luffy grinned.
"…I see!"
Ivankov clapped his hands loudly.
"ALRIGHT THEN!!!"
"No more distractions!"
He pointed forward dramatically.
"LET'S GET OUT OF THIS HELL!!!"
The group surged forward—
Boots echoing across the cold stone floor of Level 6.
Behind them, the strongest criminals in the world lay unconscious… silenced by pure will alone.
As they reached the sealed upper section—
Inazuma stepped ahead, calm and composed.
"Leave this part to me."
His fingers transformed—
Blades emerging, sharp and precise.
"I will create a passage to Level 5."
He raised his hand—
But before he could strike—
A voice cut in.
"…No need to make it complicated."
Crocodile stepped forward, his coat swaying slightly.
His hook gleamed faintly in the dim light.
"I'll handle it."
Luffy looked at him.
"Huh?"
Crocodile raised his hand toward the ceiling above them.
"…Stone, iron… it doesn't matter."
His hand began to crumble—
Turning into sand.
"…Everything returns to sand eventually."
A swirling current formed around his arm—
SSSSSHHHHH—
Then—
He thrust it upward.
"Desert… Spada."
The ceiling—
Cracked.
Then—
Collapsed.
A massive hole tore open above them, debris turning into cascading sand as it fell harmlessly around the group.
Light from Level 5 faintly seeped through.
Ivankov's eyes widened.
"Oh my~"
"Well that's one flashy way to do it!"
Inazuma adjusted his glasses slightly.
"…Efficient."
Jinbe looked up at the opening.
"This should lead directly upward."
Bullet smirked.
"Heh."
"Not bad."
Luffy grinned widely, already stepping forward.
"Alright!!!"
"Let's go!!!"
Ivankov threw his arm up dramatically.
"TO LEVEL 5!!!"
And one by one—
They leapt into the opening.
From the deepest darkness of Impel Down—
The storm…
was now rising upward.