As the disgruntled voices of the Souta Pirates echoed through the halls, the infamous prisoners of Infinite Hell soon realized something terrifying — these newcomers were the real monsters.
The one crackling with lightning muttered casually about slaughtering the Celestial Dragons and erasing a few islands from existence, words that made even hardened criminals break into a cold sweat.
Even the pink-haired girl talked openly about storming Mary Geoise and killing Celestial Dragons as if it were a daily chore.
And then there was Gecko Moria, gleefully declaring his intent to turn the corpses of Celestial Dragons and Holy Knights into zombies — just to mock and disgust the World Government — all because his bounty was set too low.
Even the tyrant Avaro Pizarro, known for his cruelty, shrank back into the corner of his cell. Compared to these lunatics, he seemed almost harmless.
"Ehahahaha! Everyone, line up nicely! We're breaking out of Impel Down soon. My crew's not in the best mood right now, so if you don't want to get slaughtered—behave!"
Souta Kiryuu's grin widened as his laughter echoed through the prison. Instantly, the entire sixth floor of Infinite Hell turned eerily quiet. Every pirate, no matter how vicious, became a model prisoner, terrified that Boa Hancock, Enel, or Moria might end them on a whim.
Meanwhile, on the second and third levels, monstrous beasts and guards had already been wiped out by three Seraphim units and ten Pacifistas. The Souta Pirates had officially conquered all six layers of Impel Down.
And in the icy fifth level—Freezing Hell—Kuma was finally discovered by Ivankov and Inazuma.
"Kuma! You've come to save me! Is the Revolutionary Army invading Impel Down? That's wonderful!"
Tears and snot streamed down Ivankov's face as he sobbed dramatically, clutching Kuma like a child. His tears and mucus smeared across Kuma's coat without a care.
He never expected that after Kuma had once saved him on God Valley, he would be saved by him again.
"Brother… I came to rescue you. But it wasn't Dragon who led the invasion—our captain, Souta Kiryuu, brought us here."
Kuma's calm voice carried warmth even as his eyes glistened.
"Your captain? You joined another crew?" Ivankov blinked in disbelief.
"That's right. Bonney and I both joined Souta's crew. He cured Bonney's illness… and avenged Ginny."
Kuma's tone turned serious. He had once promised to return to the Revolutionary Army after healing Bonney—but plans change. Life under Souta's flag was not only fulfilling but gave him a sense of peace he hadn't felt in years.
"You—you're one of the founders of the Revolution! Wait, did you just say you avenged Ginny? You killed a Celestial Dragon?" Ivankov gasped.
"I killed dozens," Kuma replied, the corner of his lips twitching into a faint, strained smile. If Souta hadn't discovered the Island of Gods and sparked that chaotic war, he'd never have had such an opportunity for revenge.
"Wha—WHAT?! You killed DOZENS of Celestial Dragons?!" Ivankov's jaw practically hit the frozen floor, his eyes bulging. Even Inazuma's wine glass slipped from his grasp, shattering beside him.
Kuma had always been gentle… but to have killed dozens of Celestial Dragons? That was a level of vengeance none of them had imagined.
"Brother, Inazuma—let's leave Impel Down. The Souta Pirates have a flying ship waiting. If you want, I can use my power to send you straight back to Dragon. But before we go…"
Kuma smiled softly. "I'll need a small sample of your blood."
Ivankov raised a brow. "Fine, take it. But I need to meet this captain of yours! I want to see the man who could make you leave the Revolution willingly!"
He said it casually—then froze as Kuma pulled out an actual syringe.
With a sigh, Ivankov and Inazuma obediently let Kuma take their blood. They trusted him completely.
"All done," Kuma said, tucking the samples away. "Now, let's go. Souta's probably finishing up on the sixth floor."
A smile crept across his face. With this, he'd completed Souta's task—and avoided any conflict between the two powerful figures he respected most.
On the upper levels, Lafitte and Capone Bege were prioritizing the rescue of Devil Fruit users, leaving the rest of the prisoners for later.
If space became an issue, Kibakun, the balloon-like man, could simply deflate them into shriveled husks for transport.
With Seraphim Tendo and Seraphim Ningendo wielding the powers of the Gravity-Gravity and Float-Float Fruits, even entire Navy warships stationed around Impel Down could be lifted into the air if needed.
If Souta wanted every prisoner, there would be no obstacle.
Soon, Lafitte and Bege received a call from Law—they were to proceed directly to Level 6: Infinite Hell.
As cries for mercy echoed from the upper floors, the Souta Pirates descended into the deepest abyss.
"Take everyone from Level Six," Souta commanded with a feral grin. "We'll train them properly once we're back!"
The floor shook with laughter and fear alike. Some prisoners had been turned to stone, others had their shadows stolen, and a few of the strongest had already lost their hearts to Law's blade.
The Souta Pirates allowed no loose ends.
Meanwhile, back at Marine Headquarters, the communications officer responsible for contact with Impel Down frowned.
The transponder snails weren't responding. No matter how many times he tried, there was nothing.
After over an hour of silence, he finally panicked and reported to Black Horse Tenmasa, Director of the Naval Criminal Investigation Bureau.
Word reached Fleet Admiral Sakazuki (Akainu) soon after. His expression darkened.
Something was very wrong.
He ordered continuous attempts to reestablish contact—and dispatched several escort fleets toward Impel Down to investigate.
These past days had been pure torment for Akainu. The Holy Land of Mary Geoise was draped in mourning banners. Every surviving Celestial Dragon family had been bombarding him with den den mushi calls—screaming that the Marines had failed their divine masters.
Even the Five Elders and the last surviving Holy Knights were being berated endlessly by the noble families.
The truth was undeniable—this war had brought Mary Geoise its greatest loss in history.
The Five Elders, unable to refute the accusations, turned their fury inward. They unleashed their powers to root out every possible spy within the Holy Land.
The location of the Island of Gods must have been leaked beforehand—otherwise Souta Kiryuu's forces could never have launched their assault so precisely.
It was just like the God Valley Incident decades ago, when a few slaves stole a transponder snail and exposed the island's coordinates, drawing both the Rocks and Roger Pirates into the chaos.
And now, history was repeating itself.
Meanwhile, the global broadcast by Morgans had caused immense fallout.
The Five Elders raised his bounty again—and issued a top-level assassination order.