"If he takes control of even one Marine war fleet," Tsuru said, nodding gravely,
"he'll instantly live up to the title of the Fifth Emperor."
Sengoku agreed with a firm nod.
"So Roya truly does intend to break away and go independent."
Rob Lucci immediately jumped in:
"Someone like him would never remain under anyone else."
"Even the title of Fifth Emperor won't satisfy him."
"So if he really breaks into Impel Down… will he even bother coming back to help Whitebeard?"
"It's not hard to imagine," Lucci added darkly, "that this war will mark the end of Whitebeard's era."
Aokiji suddenly spoke up:
"What if he waits until we've fought Whitebeard to the brink… and then joins the battle?"
"That would give him enough credit and reputation to become the strongest pirate crew in the world."
Garp frowned.
"Or maybe they're not even sure Ace isn't in Impel Down—maybe this is just a reconnaissance strike?"
"A way to gather intel and distract us at the same time?"
Lucci didn't answer. He simply turned and smiled at Sengoku.
Sengoku pondered for a moment… then gave the final order:
"Keep our formation at Marineford. Abandon Impel Down."
"Even if it falls, it's Magellan's responsibility."
"Remember, our primary objective… is Edward Newgate."
He glanced at the great clock tower and added,
"As scheduled: Execute Ace in 30 hours—no delays."
---
Impel Down loomed on the horizon.
Onboard the Kuja Pirates' palace-ship, Roya and Boa Hancock stood side by side on the bridge.
"I only agreed to help Luffy because he gave the Celestial Dragons what they deserved," Boa said softly.
"That boy gave me a rare moment of satisfaction."
"There's nothing more between us, I assure you," she added hastily, eyes darting to Roya.
"This plan to find Ace and bring in Whitebeard's support—that's all Luffy's idea. I'm just helping him."
"So... may I ask, Lord Roya—what is your plan for breaking into Impel Down?"
Roya grinned.
"Not much of a plan really—just smash through it from the surface to Level 6 within an hour."
"Then exit through the Gate of Justice, surprise Marineford from behind."
"It's all about catching them off guard."
Boa froze.
"An hour...? Smash through Impel Down?!"
"And then... enter Marineford through the back door while their eyes are on Whitebeard?!"
Realization hit her like a lightning bolt.
"The Navy's entire attention is on Whitebeard's advance—they'll never see this fleet coming!"
She turned to Roya, gazing at his sharp profile—his expression calm and effortless. Her heart skipped a beat.
But just as her mind drifted, her Observation Haki flared in warning.
"Roya," she said softly, blushing, "There's a Sea King under us—it's planning to strike the fleet."
Roya had sensed it long ago.
"Yeah, it's just a venomous sea serpent. Not even a kilometer long. No need to panic."
"...Excuse me??"
Boa blinked in disbelief.
Not even a kilometer long? Not a big deal?!
A serpent that size could swallow her entire ship in one gulp!
But just then, she felt it.
A strange pressure radiated from Roya—like a ripple in reality—diving deep beneath the sea.
Her Observation Haki flared again… then instantly fell silent.
The Sea King… was retreating.
Fast.
Diving deeper, fleeing with absolute terror.
Just like that—it was gone.
"Wait a moment…" Boa asked, stunned.
"Are you… Poseidon? One of the Ancient Weapons that commands the Sea Kings?"
Roya deadpanned.
"Do I look like a mermaid princess to you?"
"I just gave it a scare using my Observation Haki. That's all."
Boa opened her mouth to press him further, but—
Two Marine warships were already flanking them.
"Naval patrols," she said seriously.
"I'll handle this. It's best to use my Warlord of the Sea privileges to dock peacefully."
"Starting a fight now would put us at a serious disadvantage."
But Roya only smiled.
"I said one hour, remember? That timer started the moment we saw Impel Down."
"We don't have time to waste."
Before she could object, Roya's Observation Haki Domain exploded outward!
Not just the two approaching ships—eight Marine warships in the entire surrounding sea were instantly caught in the field.
A wave of crushing drowsiness washed through every sailor's mind.
Even those with decent Haki couldn't withstand the overwhelming pressure. Within moments—every single soldier had collapsed, fast asleep.
From Squard and McGuy's ships, pirates launched into action.
Some rowed small boats over. Others swung from rigging or masts, boarding all eight Marine vessels with ease.
With the battleships now under their control, Roya's fleet advanced to Impel Down without the slightest resistance.
After docking, they swiftly overtook the outer garrison.
The captured Marines, trussed up like sacks of rice, were thrown off the ships in massive piles.
Thanks to their physique, none were seriously injured—but the psychological damage? Probably permanent.
The impregnable fortress of Impel Down… was just casually steamrolled by one man.
A feat so absurd that it redefined Boa Hancock's understanding of Roya's power.
"That many people… knocked unconscious simultaneously? That's still Haki?"
She watched Roya calmly walk into the processing hall where prisoners were usually turned over.
Still overwhelmed, she quickly followed after him.
"Roya," she called,
"There's a lift inside that leads directly to the Warden's Office on Level 4—"
Roya stopped.
He turned with a smile.
"I said we're smashing through the whole prison, didn't I?"
He turned to his subordinate.
"Squard, why don't you explain to the empress what I meant by 'smash through?'"
"Yes, Master!"
With a gleeful roar, Squard leapt into the air—
And brought his great cleaving blade straight down into the floor!
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