203: So-Called Comrades

Jinbe had vanished without a trace, while the remaining prisoners all met a gruesome and tragic end.

Despite Magellan sealing off the entirety of Impel Down and launching a thorough investigation, there wasn't a single clue to be found. Not even the slightest hint of who was responsible.

Ace remained completely silent in the face of their relentless questioning.

When news of the incident reached Marine Headquarters, it sent shockwaves through the upper ranks.

"It could have been the work of a Devil Fruit user with space-related abilities," Vice Admiral Tsuru speculated after a preliminary analysis.

However, what puzzled everyone was why that person had specifically taken Jinbe—who had no direct connection to the main event—but left Fire Fist Ace, the key figure at the center of this crisis, behind.

"Regardless of their motive, we can't afford to leave Ace unguarded in Impel Down any longer," Sengoku decided. He then turned to Garp and instructed, "Garp, from now until the execution, you will personally oversee Ace's imprisonment in Impel Down."

Garp didn't refuse. That very day, he departed for Impel Down.

Upon his arrival, Shiryu of the Rain led him to Ace's cell before silently taking his leave.

Within the vast, deathly silent depths of Level 6—Eternal Hell—only the old Marine hero and his imprisoned grandson remained, separated by cold iron bars.

Garp, clad in his Justice cloak, sat cross-legged outside Ace's cell. A large bottle of sake rested beside him, and he casually poured himself a bowl.

"Never thought I'd see the day when someone would break into this place." He took a slow sip, his expression unreadable.

"Most of the big names locked up in here were captured by me personally," he continued. "The Tyrant King, Avalo Pizarro… Sanjuan Wolf, the Colossal Battleship… Redfield, the Red Count… Byrnndi World, the Destroyer… Each one of them was a near-legend in their own right, and yet, they were all wiped out in a single night."

A glimmer of intrigue flashed in Garp's eyes as he drained the bowl of sake in one gulp. Then, he turned to Ace and asked with a grin, "Ace, you must have an idea who's behind this, don't you? Tell your grandpa."

Ace smirked, his expression teasing. "Sure. Let me out of here, and I'll tell you."

Garp's smile faded. Lowering his head slightly, his expression grew solemn.

"…As a Marine, I can't do that."

Ace closed his eyes, a faint chuckle escaping his lips. "Then at least tell me about Luffy. You never finished last time."

Garp burst into laughter. "Wahaha! Now that, I can do."

…

A Day Before Ace's Execution.

Sabaody Archipelago, Grove 13 — Dusk.

Inside Shakky's Rip-Off Bar, Sabo, Luffy, and the rest of the crew sat in tense silence, their eyes fixed on the Den Den Mushi resting on the counter.

Ever since Sabo's last communication with Ron, they had arranged to make contact again on this exact day.

Luffy clutched the worn, frayed Vivre Card Ace had given him back in Alabasta, his grip tightening unconsciously.

"…Ace…" he muttered under his breath.

Finally, the Den Den Mushi connected.

Brrr… Brrr…

"Moshi moshi, is this Ron?" Sabo spoke first, his voice calm but carrying a hint of urgency.

Everyone in the bar focused intently on the Den Den Mushi. Usopp swallowed nervously, his throat dry with tension.

Even Enel, who stood leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed, glanced over with narrowed eyes.

"Yeah, it's me," came the familiar voice from the other side.

At once, Luffy's eyes lit up with relief.

Nami, Zoro, and Sanji all unconsciously exhaled, tension easing from their shoulders.

"…It really is the Traveler, Ron…" Usopp murmured under his breath, still unable to believe it.

Enel's eyes sharpened as he listened closely.

"Ron!" Luffy couldn't hold back anymore and shouted into the Den Den Mushi.

"Luffy? So, you've already made it to Sabaody, huh? Are you with Sabo at Rayleigh's place?" Ron's voice carried a slight chuckle. "You're moving faster than I expected. Are you planning to join this war as well?"

"Of course!" Luffy answered without hesitation.

Sabo took the Den Den Mushi again, his voice turning serious. "Ron, tomorrow is the day of the execution. What's the plan?"

"Tonight, you all should set sail from Sabaody," Ron instructed. "Head southeast, about 300 miles from Marineford. I'll be passing through that area tomorrow."

"…Understood."

After hanging up the call, Sabo immediately contacted Ivankov, who was still in the Sabaody Archipelago gathering intelligence. He informed him of their plans and called him over.

As the sky darkened, the three prepared to board a Revolutionary Army ship and set sail.

Just as Luffy bid farewell to Zoro and the others, ready to leave with Sabo—

ZAP!

A flash of lightning streaked across the sky, and in the next instant, Enel appeared aboard the ship.

"As expected… I can't just stand here and watch from the sidelines," he remarked.

Zoro too, cracked his neck, rolling his shoulders. "There's no way I'm missing out on this."

Usopp turned to him in shock. "Wait… Zoro, don't tell me—"

"A war like this, one that can shake the entire world… there are bound to be some powerful swordsmen there. It'd be a damn shame to miss out." Zoro grinned, stepping forward.

Sanji exhaled a cloud of smoke and adjusted his tie. "I also heard that the Pirate Empress will be there. A beauty like that… I have to witness it with my own eyes."

With that, he followed.

"I'd love to see Robin and the others again," Nami added, smiling as she took a step forward.

Usopp stood frozen in disbelief. "Nami… even you?!"

Brook, the eccentric skeleton, let out his signature eerie laugh. "Yohohoho! I've already died once. What's one more time?" He tipped his hat with one hand and gripped his cane with the other as he stepped forward.

"SUPER—FIRED UP!!!" Franky flexed his muscles dramatically. "How could I let our captain go alone?! I, Franky, am joining this battle!!"

Without hesitation, he followed.

Chopper clenched his tiny fists, determination flashing in his eyes. "Me too! I won't run away!"

"Franky, wait for me!"

"Chopper… even you…"

Usopp clutched his head in frustration. "Are you guys all idiots?! This is the most dangerous battle in the world! You could actually die there!"

He gritted his teeth, lowering his hands as his fists trembled.

"…Ah, screw it!" He threw his head back and shouted, "If we die, we die! I don't care anymore!"

With that, he sprinted after them.

"Wait for me!!"

"Eh? Usopp's coming too?"

"W-Well, you guys are useless without me anyway!"

"Hah! Since we're all going, let's take the Sunny! Time to raise hell!"

"OOHHHHH!!!" The crew roared in excitement.

…

Rayleigh watched the Straw Hats depart, a smile forming on his lips.

"They really remind me of Roger's crew… Always noisy, always reckless… but no one values their comrades more than they do," he mused.

"They're still far from ready," Shakky said, exhaling a puff of smoke. "Do you really think Luffy can reach that level?"

Rayleigh took a sip from his tin can of Wine, his eyes gleaming with a mix of nostalgia and anticipation.

"I don't know… But if Ron's plan succeeds, the entire world will change. The truth of everything will finally come to light."

He gazed toward the horizon, his voice carrying the weight of the unknown.

"And when that happens… will the title of 'Pirate King' even matter anymore?"

Shakky remained silent, lost in thought.

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