CHAPTER 19
Almost at the Fourth Level, Ross and Brocky finally stopped to catch their breath.
Ross bent forward, hands on his knees.
"Let's rest for a few minutes…" Ross pleaded, panting.
"Ohh–ookk…" Brocky's deep voice thundered as he slumped against the wall, exhaling heavily.
"Buru Buru… Buru Buru… kacha!"
The Den Den Mushi Ren had given them rang. Ross pulled it out immediately before answering.
"Hello, captain—this is Ross."
"This is not the captain," Kris replied calmly on the other end. "This is Kris, sniper of the Pride Pirates."
"Ohhhh, so you are part of us," Brocky rumbled, still catching his breath.
"So what do you want?" Ross asked.
"The captain asked me to come and get you. Which floor are you on?" Kris questioned.
"Almost on the fourth floor," Ross answered.
"Good. Meet you there."
The line clicked off.
Ross pushed himself upright. "Let's get going, Brocky."
---
On the Sixth Level
"Hey, ugly banana… I think it's time to end this," Ren said, settling into his stance.
"I've already gotten his pattern," Ren thought, eyes narrowing. "But I can't land a critical hit… and I can't swing Pops' naginata properly in this cramped space. It was fashioned for him. I guess I might have to resort to the fruit."
"Ooh—nee," the yellow ape sneered. "So you're finally serious? Good. I really need to continue my nap."
"STAAARRR FAAAALLLL!" Ren roared as his punch collided with Kizaru's light kick.
The entire Impel Down trembled slightly.
The shockwave blasted both fighters back—Kizaru skidding but staying on his feet, while Ren was sent crashing through rubble.
"I think… I've gotten a little better," Ren muttered, coughing dust as he reached into his subspace. He pulled out the pineapple-patterned fruit his father had given him.
"Aruuuggghh—this tastes awful… definitely worse than shit," Ren groaned after biting into the Devil Fruit.
Suddenly, a slow, confident smile spread across his face as he rose to his full height, staring straight at Kizaru.
---
On the Fourth Level
"Hellooo!!!"
Kris waved as Ross and Brocky stepped out from the stairway.
"Hey—are you Kris?" Ross asked, covering his nose as he approached the man standing in flames.
"Yes, it is I."
Kris smiled. "Let's start moving."
"Oh—and I advise you close your eyes."
"…Why?" Ross blinked.
Suddenly, a portal opened beneath their feet.
Both of them dropped straight through.
---
On the Warship
"BOOM!!!"
Ross and Brocky slammed face-first onto the wooden deck.
"What the hell was that!?" Ross yelled, jumping to his feet.
"Where are we?" Brocky asked, rubbing his forehead.
"Wow… this is the sun," Ross whispered, tears welling in his eyes. "It's been so long…"
"So we are… outside Impel Down?" Brocky spread his arms wide, letting the wind hit his chest. "Is this a Devil Fruit power or something?"
"Yes," Kris answered proudly. "My Devil Fruit brought us here."
"Wow! What is the name of your Devil Fruit?"
"Gate Gate Fruit."
"Next time you're doing that… give us a reminder," Ross muttered, still dizzy.
Kris laughed. "Umi! Come outside and check out our new mates!"
Umi rushed out with a wide grin.
"Rahahahaha! We finally broke out!"
"My name is Brocky, a giant—and a shipwright!" the giant announced proudly.
"My name is Kris, the sniper."
"My name is Umi, the cook."
"My name is Ross… the… the… ch–cho–choreboy…" Ross muttered, covering his face in embarrassment.
"RAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
The entire deck erupted into laughter, everyone making fun of Ross instantly.
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