WebNovels

Chapter 10 - Chapter 10

Twenty minutes earlier.

"Phew… they don't call this Level 4 the Blazing Hell for nothing. It's hot enough to roast me alive."

The moment Kaede stepped onto Level 4, a suffocating wave of heat slammed into her face. She could practically hear her skin sizzling.

But what made her tense instantly was the trail of sticky, purple liquid on the ground.

Poison… Magellan's already clashed with Luffy.

Her eyes sharpened, and she darted into the shadows, avoiding any stray glances.

Scanning the area, she pieced together her fuzzy memories and picked out the general path toward Level 5. Without hesitation, she sprinted.

Sure, the prisoners on Level 4 could give her a decent power boost… but time wasn't on her side. If she could break through to Level 6, this small sacrifice was nothing.

Magellan's fight with Luffy wouldn't last long. Once it ended, the warden would retake control of Impel Down, and Kaede being dragged out in chains would just be a matter of time.

Right now—this fleeting moment—was her only window to push further down.

At the entrance to the passageway, four figures blocked the way.

Kaede's fists clenched… then loosened… then clenched again.

Three Guard Beasts and Warden Sadi. Honestly, she wasn't confident she could take that lineup head-on.

But the ticking clock didn't allow hesitation.

"Life's all about acting skills… so let's put on a show."

She bolted toward Sadi, panic smeared across her face.

"Lady Sadi! Bad—bad news! The fugitives Buggy the Clown and former Baroque Works agent Mr. 3 have freed most of the prisoners on this level!"

"All the escapees are swarming toward the passage to Level 3 where Vice Warden Hannyabal is holding the line! He can't hold them much longer!"

"What?! Where'd they get the keys?!"

Sadi froze for a split second before it clicked—Mr. 3, Candle-Candle Fruit. He could make keys out of wax.

Her expression hardened. "Koala! Take the rhino and zebra to help Hannyabal. I'll handle things here. Move!"

"Grr!"

With a grunt, Koala led the two beasts away toward Hannyabal's post.

Sadi exhaled in relief. With them helping, Hannyabal should be able to hold back the mob.

…But something about this "messenger" still itched at her instincts.

Her gaze lingered on Kaede—and then she spotted it.

The uniform.

Level 1 guard attire.

There were no Level 1 staff on Level 4.

Which meant—imposter.

"Oh? Not used to your Level 1 cell, Kaede? Want to try living here instead?"

Her eyes were cold enough to freeze the air.

"Oh? How'd you figure it out?"

Kaede arched an eyebrow. She hadn't thought she'd given away anything.

"Don't wear Level 1 gear on Level 4, idiot."

"Aaah, so that's it. Guess I'll remember that for next time."

She smacked her forehead in mock realization. Well, whatever. The goal was already achieved—the Guard Beasts were gone. Now things would be much simpler.

"Fufufu… 'Next time'? You think there will be a next time? You're in my hands now. I won't make the same mistake twice. This time, you're staying in Blazing Hell. Let's see how you like being burned alive."

Kaede smirked. "Heh."

Sadi wasn't weak—being able to command the Guard Beasts proved that—but Kaede was no longer the helpless insect she'd been.

"If you want to drag me back, you'd better have the skill to do it."

Her gaze sharpened. She didn't just need to win—she needed to win fast.

Ding!

[System]: Master-Level Martial Arts Lv. 3 acquired.

Kaede froze for a fraction of a second.

Master-Level Martial Arts… after Luffy, this is my second master-level ability.

She barely had time to be shocked before Sadi struck—her whip lashing through the air.

Kaede snapped out of it instantly. Now wasn't the time to celebrate.

The air screamed as the whip cut through it. She twisted aside just in time.

"Hmph! Accept the lashes of death!"

Miss once, Sadi didn't pause—her whip flickered again and again. Second strike. Third strike. In the blink of an eye, ten blows filled the space between them.

The air roared, whip-shadows engulfing Kaede's vision. Sadi was the first person here to actually threaten her.

A few minutes ago, she might have been forced to retreat. But now?

She saw everything. Every attack. Every angle. Every possible counter flashing through her mind.

She hadn't awakened Observation Haki—this was pure skill, all thanks to her new Master-Level Martial Arts, conveniently stolen from Sadi herself.

"Heh… my turn."

Kaede slipped past another strike, eyes locking on Sadi's opening. In a flash, she used Soru, vanishing from sight and reappearing right in front of Sadi. Her blade sang as it left its sheath, delivering a cross-shaped slash at almost point-blank range.

Every hair on Sadi's body stood on end—her instincts screamed danger. She whipped her arm up, desperately interposing her weapon as she staggered back.

Only now did Sadi realize just how strong this Level 1 escapee really was.

Not only did she have Geppo, she'd mastered Soru—skills normally reserved for Marine Headquarters elites—and her martial arts were on par with her own.

This was a fighter worthy of a bounty over 100 million berries.

And if Sadi knew that Kaede had stolen those skills from her just seconds ago… she'd probably explode on the spot.

More Chapters