CHAPTER 17
The world outside Impel Down roared like a storm.
"BAAAMMM!!"
Kris and Umi crashed into the rocky ground in front of the massive black gate, a swirling distortion sealing behind them like a collapsing vortex.
Groaning, Umi coughed, rolling over.. "H-how… did you do that?"
Kris pushed himself to his knees, gasping. " The fruit… it reacted. It's like a Gate-Gate Fruit, except stronger. It can open portals anywhere… but it drains energy like crazy. And I think portals stay open for a whole month if I want."
(A.N-The fruit he ate… a superior version of the Door-Door Fruit. Unlike the original, his gates could be massive, stable, and more versatile.)
Umi spat blood and stood. "Whatever it is… it saved us."
"Yeah. But now we secure a ship," Kris said, eyes sharp. "That's priority."
They moved through the Marine harbor, weaving between ships as they searched for something they could use. Most vessels were armed, guarded, or too damaged from the chaos.
"Here," Umi pointed. "An empty one. Probably used by the agents coming to Impel Down."
Kris scanned it. Hull clean. Sails intact. Engine humming faintly. "This works."
They boarded, checking every compartment, every deck, every helm mechanism.
"It's solid," Umi concluded. "We can sail this."
"Then we wait for the captain," Kris said.
Umi frowned. "Do you think… maybe we should go help him?"
Kris shook his head immediately. "Not in your condition. And Ren… that man would probably not like it ."
Umi looked down. His body was covered in cuts, bruises, burn marks. "Tch. I'll grab first aid and guard the ship."
"Good. I'll be back." Kris answered.
---
Meanwhile, deep inside Impel Down
"Warden sir! We cannot identify the escapees!" The guards from Level 2bsaluted as Magellan stepped inside the descending elevator, dragging Sadi, Pomsky, and Hannyabal, all unconscious and tied together.
Magellan's face twitched. "Check the upper levels. Don't disturb me again. I… think I need the toilet."
The guards stiffened. "YES SIR!"
As the elevator descended toward Level 5, a cloud of purple venom steam rose around Magellan like a death aura.
Coincidentally… Ross and Brocky were on the stairs, making their way up toward Level 4 at the exact same time.
---
Far below, in the forbidden darkness of Level 6.
Debris, shattered cells, and bodies of unconscious prisoners lay scattered across the endless abyss. The entire level trembled as Ren and Admiral Kizaru stood across from each other, locked in a silent standoff, waiting for the next move.
The air crackled.
A swirling portal the size of a manhole rippled into existence beside Ren, and half of Kris' body peeked through.
"Captain… do you need help?" he whispered.
Ren blinked. "…Wow. That's your Devil Fruit?"
"Yes," Kris said, sweat drippingas he stared at kizaru, "We found an empty ship. If you want, I can open a portal to evacuate you instantly."
Before Ren could answer—
"Oohh~? Could you two hurry up with your little meeting? Ne?" Kizaru sighed lazily, lifting his finger.
A blinding beam of light shot toward them.
"BOOOOMM!!"
Ren spun his naginata, deflecting the laser with a loud clang that cracked the floor beneath him. He laughed—deep, feral, excited.
"Hahahahahaha! Kris… don't ever interfere in my battles again he said with a sharp eye."
Kris straightened. "My bad… I should've known."
"If you want to help," Ren said without looking back, "assist the two going upward. Ross and Brocky. They're ours now. I gave them each a Den Den Mushi."
Kris nodded. His portal snapped shut.
Ren's muscles coiled.
"Soru."
He vanished.
Shave.
Kizaru barely had time to adjust his glasses before Ren appeared directly in front of him.
"Clangggg!!"
Their arm cladhefed, shaking the entire level.
A shockwave blasted outward.
"BOOOOMMMMM!!!"
Kizaru flew backward, crashing into a demolished prison block. Dust exploded. Golden sparks flickered around him.
He stood up slowly.
He dusted off his yellow suit… looked down… saw his sunglasses shattered on the floor.
His expression changed.
Just slightly.
But for Kizaru… that slight change was equivalent to another man's full rage.
"Ohhh my… looks like you're a bit more troublesome than I thought," he said quietly.
Ren grinned, twirling his naginata.
"Good. Now stop holding back… Admiral."
The air thickened.
The sixth level shook.
And above them….on every floor …..everyone felt it.