Bahr stepped out of Impel Down's top-floor exit with Bon Clay dangling by his collar in one hand and Warden Chief Sadi slung over his shoulder. Blinding sunlight poured over them like molten gold, forcing them to squint.
The briny sea wind carried the sound of waves as it slapped against their faces. In the distance stretched an endless expanse of blue ocean, its glittering surface merging seamlessly with the clear sky at the horizon. Even the air smelled of freedom—that unique, salty-sweet scent of breaking free from an iron cage.
Taking a deep breath, Bahr filled his lungs with the cool sea breeze. Just as he was about to activate his spatial ability to leave, a blinding blue light suddenly split the sky. Crackling with electricity, it struck the ground before him, leaving a charred circle.
The figure materializing from the blue light was none other than Enel. He planted his golden rod firmly on the ground, surrounded by flickering lightning, his expression still carrying that condescending arrogance of looking down on mortals.
"What are you doing here?" Bahr asked, surprised. He hadn't expected this chuunibyou who constantly referred to himself as "this god" to show up outside Impel Down.
Enel tilted his chin up, twirling his golden rod with a flourish. His tone was so haughty it sounded like he was granting a favor. "This god came specifically to save you. Aren't you grateful, you insignificant ant?"
Bahr was momentarily stunned, feeling an unexpected warmth in his chest.
Despite this guy's constant god-complex and calling everyone "mortals" or "ants"—making people want to punch him every now and then—he had actually dared to break into Impel Down to rescue him. This gesture felt more genuine than all his lightning powers combined.
"Seems like it was unnecessary, though," Enel said, eyeing Bahr up and down with clear disappointment, as if he'd missed out on some great spectacle. "I thought I'd get to witness you begging this god for help, but you escaped on your own. This 'Impel Down' isn't as terrifying as they say—can't even keep one person locked up properly."
"..."
Bahr's fists clenched involuntarily, his knuckles turning white. That fleeting warmth vanished instantly. He really wanted to slam this brat into the ground and let him taste the sea wind filling his mouth.
Enel remained oblivious. He glanced at Sadi slung over Bahr's shoulder without even raising an eyebrow, clearly not giving the disheveled Warden Chief a second thought.
But when his gaze landed on Bon Clay—dangling by his collar like a rag—his brows furrowed in disgust. "You Blue Sea dwellers have such peculiar tastes. Even a man who wears a skirt is worth bringing along?"
A vein throbbed at Bahr's temple.
If his hands weren't full right now, he'd make sure Enel learned what it meant for a "god" to feel pain.
Just as he was about to explain, the air around them rippled like transparent water, slowly fading away. A massive ark materialized out of nowhere, its hull reflecting on the ocean's surface—the Ark Maxim.
"Boss, over here!" Miss Valentine waved from the bow deck, her green lemon umbrella in hand, her voice as clear as wind chimes.
Nico Robin stood beside her, the hem of her lavender dress fluttering in the sea breeze. A faint smile played on her lips, though her eyes held a trace of concealed concern.
Paula leaned against the railing, her glass glinting in the sunlight. When Bahr looked her way, she raised it slightly in greeting.
Porche hugged a jar of candy, standing on tiptoe to peer at them, her braids swaying like a curious little squirrel. Even Perona poked her head out from behind the railing, her usual "what a bother" expression still in place, but she didn't turn away as she normally would—her eyes held a hint of relief.
Seeing the familiar faces on deck, the irritation Enel had stirred in Bahr melted away. His lips curled into an involuntary smile. "You all came."
Enel glanced at Bahr's suddenly softened expression, then at the people on the ship, and scoffed. "Hmph. A bunch of mortals. Hurry up and board!"
Ignoring Enel's grumbling, Bahr flashed onto the Ark's deck with Bon Clay still in hand, the wooden planks creaking slightly under his weight.
Miss Valentine, who usually would've rushed to cling to Bahr's arm, froze when she spotted the figure on his shoulder. Her smile faded as she pouted. "Boss~ Who's this woman?"
Bahr casually tossed Sadi onto the deck with a heavy thud that shook the planks.
Sadi groaned from the impact, her lips twitching, though an odd flush crept into her eyes. The rough treatment inexplicably sent a thrill through her—something even she found absurd.
"This woman gave me hell," Bahr said without sparing her a glance. "Lock her up in the ship's prison. We'll deal with her later."
The Ark Maxim had a prison—the same one Straw Hat Luffy had once been locked in by Enel. Now it would serve its purpose again.
"Understood," Robin replied, signaling two crew members to drag Sadi away.
"This guy's an old acquaintance of yours. Get him medical attention first," Bahr said, pointing at the unconscious Bon Clay and addressing Mr. 1.
"Yes, sir," Mr. 1 responded gruffly. He turned to arrange it but hesitated. "Boss, where to next? Straight to the New World?"
Bahr's lips curled into a cold smirk, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes. "No rush for the New World. The Marine HQ is lively right now. Let's go join the fun."
Whoever was fighting the Marines, Bahr intended to lend a hand—if not to sway the battle, then at least to spite those self-righteous bastards and remind them not to arrest just anyone.
The deck fell silent at his words, as if even the sea breeze had paused.
Miss Valentine's lemon umbrella slipped from her shoulder, her eyes wide. "Boss, the Marine HQ? But that's—"
She choked on her own nervousness. That was the Marines' stronghold, where the Three Admirals and countless elites were stationed.
Paula's grip on her glass tightened, her brows knitting.
The Marine HQ was swarming with the Three Admirals and top-tier fighters. Going there now was practically suicide. Their boss never acted recklessly—why the sudden impulsiveness?
"Stupid boss! That place is super dangerous!" Perona hugged her ghost plush and hid behind the railing, her face pale, voice trembling. "We'll get turned into Swiss cheese!"
Only Enel's eyes lit up, lightning crackling around him as if he'd found new entertainment. "The Marine HQ? Interesting. This god will see just how capable those so-called 'justice' enforcers are—whether they can handle divine lightning."
"I'm going to wash up first. This blood stench is annoying," Bahr said, ignoring everyone's reactions. He stretched, his joints popping.
He glanced at Enel. "You take the helm. Set course for Marine HQ."
"Hmph. Mortals are so troublesome," Enel grumbled, but he was already striding toward the control room, spinning his golden rod eagerly.
A chance to wreak havoc suited him just fine.
Robin directed the crew to haul Sadi to the prison and arranged for Bon Clay to be taken to the infirmary. As she turned, she noticed Miss Valentine still muttering on deck and said calmly, "If it's the Boss's decision, worrying won't help. He has his reasons."
Miss Valentine puffed her cheeks and straightened her lemon umbrella. "But... fine! Wherever the boss goes, I'll follow! Even if we all get turned into Swiss cheese!"
The murmurs on deck gradually quieted. Under Enel's control, the Ark Maxim turned, its massive hull cutting through the sea, leaving two white wakes as it sailed toward Marine HQ—a silent blade slicing through the blue expanse.
Inside the ship, steam still lingered in the bathroom, fogging up the glass door.
Bahr pushed the door open, towel-drying his damp black hair. Water droplets trailed down his toned muscles, pooling on the floor like scattered diamonds under the ceiling light.
"Boss, your clothes..."
Pascia, waiting outside, hurried forward with neatly folded clothes. Her words cut off as her gaze landed on Bahr's torso, freezing her in place.
The man's skin was crisscrossed with whip marks—old and new scars spanning his neck, chest, and abdomen. The deepest ones were dark red, as if lashed repeatedly with salt-soaked whips. Even scabbed over, their edges remained inflamed, a grotesque sight.
These were the marks left by Sadi's whip in Impel Down's Level 4.
"Ah!" Pascia's clothes slipped from her hands. She clapped a hand over her mouth, shock and then unmistakable fear flashing in her eyes. "Boss, you... this is..."
She wasn't wearing her usual dancer's revealing outfit today, opting instead for a light apricot cotton blouse and khaki pants. The simple style couldn't hide her delicate curves—the slightly open collar revealed elegant collarbones, while the pants hugged her slender legs, outlining soft contours. The look was less provocative, more refined.
Bahr glanced down at his wounds and chuckled dismissively, ruffling Pascia's hair, his fingers threading through the soft strands. "It's nothing. Just superficial."
The injuries looked worse than they were. With the superhuman resilience of this world, they'd heal in days.
Pascia snapped out of her daze, hastily bending to pick up the clothes, her fingers trembling as they brushed the fabric.
She bowed deeply, her bangs hiding her face, voice choked. "Boss, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to—"
"I said it's fine," Bahr interrupted, pulling on the clothes. "I promised I wouldn't hurt you, and I keep my word. These wounds have nothing to do with you."
Warmth bloomed in Pascia's chest.
These past days on the ship, she'd truly felt a long-lost sense of safety. The crew might look rough, but none bullied her—a far cry from the constant fear in the traffickers' den.
Though Bahr seemed cold, he'd never laid a hand on her. Sometimes, he even offered comforting words.
Seeing him buttoning his shirt, she hurried to help. Her fingers accidentally brushed his warm back, and when they touched the uneven whip marks, she recoiled as if burned, her cheeks flushing.
Suddenly, she recalled Bahr's imposing figure stepping out of the shower—water droplets rolling down his defined muscles—and her face burned even hotter, a flutter of panic rising.
Eventually, she'd have to... serve the boss. But with his build, would it... hurt?
Bahr saw right through her thoughts and chuckled lowly, leaning in deliberately. His warm breath, fresh from the shower, brushed her ear. "What's on your mind? Your face is so red."
Pascia jumped back like a startled deer, stammering incoherently, her face crimson.
Bahr didn't tease her further, smoothly fastening the last button. The black shirt was crisply pressed, sleeves rolled to his forearms, revealing sturdy wrists and faint scars. Paired with dark pants, it accentuated his tall frame with a casual handsomeness.
The earlier ferocity seemed washed away by the steam, leaving only a steady aura.
"Let's go," he said, patting Pascia's shoulder and striding ahead.
Pascia hurried after him, watching his broad back. The fear in her heart gradually gave way to something else—maybe following this man wasn't so terrifying after all.
Gripping her clothes tighter, her steps steadied.