On the other side, the elevator that had been descending for a long time finally came to a stop. The moment the doors opened, an oppressive and tense atmosphere rushed in. Even Boa Hancock, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, couldn't help but frown. This place gave her an extremely unpleasant feeling.
What surprised her even more was that the common understanding of Impel Down was completely wrong. The prison wasn't just five levels—there was a sixth level hidden beneath.
"Is Fire Fist Ace being held on this level?"
Though she had already guessed, Hancock still couldn't resist confirming it.
"Yes, he's right ahead. I'll take you to him."
With that, Magellan took the lead, guiding the way. But Hancock, now certain of Ace's location, couldn't help but worry for Luffy. Ace was imprisoned even deeper and in a far more dangerous place than she had imagined.
"We're here."
Just as Hancock was lost in her thoughts, the group abruptly stopped. It was only then that she noticed a special cell beside her, holding two prisoners.
With a glance inside, she immediately recognized them.
The bare-chested young man with black hair was undoubtedly Luffy's brother, Fire Fist Ace. But the other prisoner's presence took Hancock by surprise.
With his deep blue skin, muscular build, and the distinctive gills on his shoulders, there was only one person in Hancock's mind who matched this description—Jinbe, another Warlord of the Sea like herself.
As Hancock observed them, Jinbe and Ace were also studying her, puzzled as to why she had come here at this time.
Especially Jinbe. A bad feeling surged in his heart. Hancock's appearance might mean that the Warlords were joining the war. If so, Whitebeard would face even greater pressure. His brows furrowed tightly, his mood sinking.
"Lady Hancock, this is Fire Fist Ace, the man you wished to see. To be honest, I don't understand what's so special about him that you'd personally come all this way."
Even now, Magellan couldn't comprehend why Hancock's request had been to visit Ace in Impel Down. Compared to the conditions set by the other Warlords, it was truly unconventional.
"I simply wanted to see the man who has caused such upheaval. Is there a problem?"
"N-No, not at all."
Faced with Hancock's icy demeanor, even Magellan—the strongest man in Impel Down—found himself at a loss. He silently cursed to himself, The title of 'Pirate Empress' is certainly well-earned.
"Hey, hey, isn't that woman Boa Hancock?"
"No way, is it really her? Why would she be here?"
"Wait, that really is her!"
"Hey, beautiful! Come over here! I'll treat you real nice, I promise!"
"Hancock! Look this way! Over here!"
Once the prisoners realized it was indeed Hancock, the entire sixth level erupted in chaos. Every inmate here was drowning in despair, unsure of what fate awaited them. In this suffocating atmosphere, Hancock's arrival ignited their basest desires. Even knowing it would provoke Magellan, they couldn't help themselves.
"SILENCE!"
Of course, Magellan wouldn't tolerate this. His furious roar echoed throughout the sixth level.
But the effect was minimal. Not only did it fail to quell the prisoners' uproar, but they even turned their insults toward him.
"Hey, 'Diarrhea Magellan'! Shouldn't you be stuck on the toilet? Or did you already crap your pants?"
"'Diarrhea Magellan'! 'Diarrhea Magellan'!"
The prisoners' taunts pushed Magellan to his limit. Veins bulged on his forehead, a clear sign of his explosive rage. Those familiar with him immediately backed away, not daring to be near him in this state.
"Disobeying orders and ignoring discipline! As the warden of Impel Down, I have the authority to execute you on the spot!"
"Venom Demon!"
As he spoke, a thick, purple liquid enveloped Magellan's body. From his back, several dragon heads made of venom surged forth, instantly striking the loudest troublemakers.
"No! Please, no!"
"Magellan's really lost it this time!"
Panic spread like wildfire. The prisoners targeted by the venom dragons were utterly despairing, begging for mercy. Some even dropped to their knees, hoping Magellan would spare them.
But there was no chance of that now. Instead of relenting, Magellan's attack only grew fiercer. In the next instant, the venom dragons struck their targets.
Screams of agony replaced the earlier chaos. The other prisoners scrambled away from the victims. As the user of the Doku Doku no Mi (Venom-Venom Fruit), every one of Magellan's attacks carried a lethal toxin. Even the slightest touch meant certain death—no one was foolish enough to stay close.
Amid the turmoil, Hancock swiftly approached the cell. Her lips moved silently, delivering a single sentence to Ace.
It struck him like a thunderbolt. His mind reeled, his entire world tilting. The news Hancock brought left him utterly stunned. He never could have imagined this—Luffy, that idiot, had actually broken into Impel Down to rescue him.
A storm of emotions—regret, worry, fear, yet also warmth—flooded Ace's chest. At this moment, he didn't know how to react.
Jinbe, standing beside Ace, immediately noticed his distress. The shock on Ace's face was unmistakable. Though he didn't know what Hancock had said, Jinbe couldn't help but feel concerned.
"Alright, Lady Hancock. If there's anything else you need to do, go ahead. I've made sure they'll stay quiet."
By now, Magellan had suppressed the prison riot. He turned back to Hancock, expecting her to proceed.
But to his surprise, Hancock simply turned and walked away, showing no intention of doing anything further.
"I've seen what I came for. Take me out of here. I refuse to stay in this dreadful place a second longer. The conditions are unbearable."
Magellan shot a questioning glance at Vice Admiral Momonga, only to find the same confusion reflected in the other man's eyes. It was bizarre—she had come all this way just to take a single look and leave without doing anything. But there was nothing he could do. As an honored guest of the Marines, she had to be treated with respect.
After a brief hesitation, Magellan relented and led the group back to the upper levels. He was confident that Ace wouldn't be going anywhere under his watch.
"Very well. Let's return."
The group's stay on the sixth level had lasted less than half a minute. Yet in that fleeting moment, Ace's heart, which had sunk to the depths of despair, began to beat with hope once more.
"Ace, what did Hancock say to you?"
Only after everyone had left did Jinbe dare to ask.
Ace took a deep breath before answering.
"My little brother… Luffy has broken into Impel Down to save me."