Impel Down was never silent, but today, a strange tension filled its depths.
"… …"
"… …"
"Crocodile, that guy really came to Impel Down?"
A group of terrifying figures, each one a legend in their own right, slowly shifted their attention toward Crocodile's cell.
"Guhahahahaha!"
Crocodile's lips curled into a sinister grin as he leaned back casually.
"Perhaps soon, you will all see his true face…"
"… …"
Within the depths of Level Six, monster-level prisoners reacted differently.
"Things are finally getting interesting."
Douglas Bullet's brutal eyes gleamed with raw excitement.
"The Arrogant Emperor, Shirogai Yamikuro…"
A massive man clad in fur, bearing twin horns and light blue hair with vertical pupils, narrowed his eyes as a grin spread across his face.
"Something fun is about to happen, meow."
"Burp."
A drunken prisoner wearing a clown hat and sporting a long nose leaned against the wall lazily.
"Interesting… very interesting."
Somehow, he had managed to brew alcohol even in Impel Down.
"… …"
A tall, white-haired old man dressed in dark red robes remained silent, his head lowered as if lost in thought.
"… …"
Farther away, a figure frozen inside an enormous block of ice twitched ever so slightly, eyelids trembling.
… …
… …
"The Arrogant Emperor, a man comparable to the Four Emperors, infiltrating Impel Down…"
Many prisoners quietly pondered the implications.
"This could be our chance."
None of them wished to rot in this frozen hell forever.
If even the slightest hope of escape existed, they would seize it without hesitation.
… …
Between Level Five and Level Six
"Fire the cannons!"
"What?! Some of them are Devil Fruit users! They're cutting the ground apart and using it as shields!"
Prisoners and jailers clashed violently, chaos spreading through the corridor.
Aside from the rampaging Jailer Beasts, one figure stood out the most.
A burly man in a prison guard's uniform moved like a living executioner.
"Rainfall Slash!"
"Slash!"
"Slash!"
Each swing of his blade claimed multiple lives.
"Huff… huff… slaughter truly is the only form of fairness."
Shiryu of the Rain laughed darkly as he turned his blade on anyone nearby, prisoners and jailers alike.
"The smell of blood is intoxicating."
Whoosh!
A single stroke split a prisoner clean in half.
Pfft!
The blood-red blade did not stop, continuing straight toward a Straw Hat Pirate.
"Straw Hat Boy! Watch out!"
Emporio Ivankov screamed in warning.
"Ah!"
Luffy barely bent backward in time, the blade missing his chest by less than half a second.
"That was close!"
He scrambled away, clutching his chest.
"Damn it! Who is that guy?!"
Luffy glared furiously at the swordsman who slaughtered everyone indiscriminately.
"Whose side is he even on?!"
"That's Shiryu of the Rain," Ivankov said gravely.
"He was once the Chief Guard of Impel Down. Due to his uncontrollable bloodlust, he was imprisoned here in Infinite Hell."
"So he's just a crazy killer!"
Luffy clenched his fists and rolled up his sleeves.
"I'll punch him!"
"No!"
Ivankov stopped him immediately.
"Our goal is Fire Fist Ace!"
"But…"
Luffy hesitated, glancing at Shiryu rampaging through the corridor.
"I can't just leave you guys behind!"
Ivankov frowned deeply.
Shirogai Yamikuro's words echoed in his mind.
Arriving late… or being delayed… might be the best outcome for Luffy.
What exactly are you planning, Shirogai…
Ivankov took a deep breath.
"Alright, Luffy Boy. But be careful. Shiryu's killing intent alone can crush ordinary people."
"Don't worry!"
Luffy grinned confidently.
"I've got a swordsman even scarier than him!"
… …
Level Six: Infinite Hell
"Did you hear that noise above?"
"A riot?"
The prisoners stirred with excitement.
If chaos reached Level Six, escape might finally be possible.
But some scoffed.
If a simple riot could free them, Impel Down would not be feared.
Crocodile frowned slightly.
Is it him?
"Heh, long time no see, Crocodile."
A calm, smiling voice echoed outside the cell.
"…So it really is you."
Crocodile relaxed.
"Guhahahahaha…"
He lifted his head with a sneer.
"Null, you finally came."
But the moment he saw the figure clearly, his smile froze.
"Galdino? Why are you here, you useless trash?"
"… …"
The man outside smiled calmly.
Crocodile's expression twisted into a ferocious grin.
"Null, you really enjoy this little trick, don't you?"
He had seen this disguise before.
Shirogai Yamikuro.
"Heh. Looks like prison hasn't dulled your instincts."
Shirogai clapped lightly, then turned toward the surrounding cells.
"So many impatient eyes. Everyone, it's nice to meet you."
"Forget them," Crocodile scoffed.
"Let me out first."
Shirogai chuckled and extended his hand.
"Hand of God: Soul Banishment."
Dark energy surged.
Crocodile's body trembled.
The next moment, he stood outside the cell.
The Sea Stone chains shattered at his feet.
"…Your abilities have become even more troublesome."
Crocodile flexed his wrists.
Before he could speak further, a cold laugh echoed.
"So you're the Arrogant Emperor?"
Douglas Bullet grinned.
"Calling you an Emperor feels like an insult to the sea."
Shirogai walked toward him calmly.
"I know you, Bullet. The man who ate the Combine Combine Fruit."
Bullet laughed.
"Want an autograph?"
Shirogai smiled faintly.
"Power without restraint always ends the same way."
Their auras collided silently.
Ten seconds passed.
Both withdrew.
"You're interesting," Bullet said.
"That Conqueror's Haki was yours, wasn't it?"
Shirogai smiled.
"Care to test it?"
"Try me."
"Hand of God: Soul Banishment."
Bullet's soul was torn free.
The chains shattered.
In an instant, Bullet vanished.
"Kid, you're incredible!"
Bullet appeared in front of Shirogai, Armament Haki coating his massive palm as it slammed down.
"As a reward, I'll send you to hell!"