Impel Down Arc

Impel Down arc is the 21st story arc in the One Piece series, continuing from the Amazon Lily arc. Luffy puts off finding his crew in favor of rescuing his brother Ace from the underwater prison Impel Down. With some assistance from Boa Hancock, he manages to sneak in. But fulfilling his objective and escaping the hellish prison might be easier said then done.

War With Whitebeard Approaches: The Marines Bolster Their Forces
Following Luffy's and Hancock's entrance on the ship, Hancock lets the marines know of her demand for more food, obviously for Luffy. They bring it to her, and she even uses her Mero Mero no Mi to freeze any of the marines that peeked into her room, as demonstrated by a pair of unfortunate marines, so they would not see Luffy as a stowaway (though she probably would have turned the peeping marines to stone anyway). Luffy eats his meals, and remarks how they are delicious. The marines outside hear, and think someone else is in there and betting that if Hancock said that they would shave their hair into mohawks, but Hancock emerges with a few huge plates on a cart, remarking that she was stuffed as the marines stare in awe (and they all get mohawks).

Meanwhile, many powerful Marines, (including Smoker, Tashigi, Hina, Jango, Fullbody, Komir, T-Bone, John Giant, Kizaru, and Aokiji) are gathering at Marineford to prepare to combat Whitebeard following the destruction of their observation ships.

At Mariejoa, five of seven Shichibukai are gathered, Donquixote Doflamingo, Blackbeard, Gecko Moria, Bartholomew Kuma, and Juracule Mihawk, who are eating with a few marines. Off to the side, Garp is talking to Ace, saying that even if Ace was killed right there, it wouldn't do any good because they would not be able to stop Whitebeard, saying that they have already angered the "Ruler of the Seas."

Garp continues on, expressing his disappointment that both Luffy and Ace turned to piracy when he wished for them to be marines. Ace counters it wouldn't have mattered anyway since they have the blood of a world class criminal in them. He goes on further explaining that he took his mother's name "Portgas" out of love for her and doesn't care in the slightest of his father, Dragon, claiming Whitebeard to be his only true father.

The Break-In!: Entering Hell
Meanwhile Momonga's ship reaches one of the gates, spotting a pirate ship as they near it. Though Momonga leaves it be due to keeping to his schedule of reaching Impel Down on time. The pirate ship turns out to be Buggy the Clown's as his crew try to reach Impel Down as well to save their captain whose been captured. But are stopped as their dangerously close to reaching the Calm Belt. The crew argue with Alvida on continuing their mission though she reminds them of the impossible nature of it all and seems more interested in taking Buggy's ship for herself. Upon realizing she is right, the crew wish Buggy luck and sail on.

We then go to the underwater prison and are given a glimpse inside it's horrific structure. Prisoners are being tortured viciously. One new prisoner gets into a fight with another after other prisoners try to tell him how things work there. While the newbie manages to win, a minotaur-like figure beats them both with his club then throws them into a cell where a monstrous being attacks them. Also shown are various devices used for torturing further implying the nature of the prison.

Meanwhile, four days have passed since Luffy and Hancock left Amazon Lily and Momonga's ship has finally reached the prison. As they go past the gate, Luffy notices the strict security around the place. Hancock and Luffy (hiding in her robe again) leave the ship to the main entrance. Momonga informs her that precautions will be made since she a former pirate to prevent chaos from happening within the prison. Among such being seastone handcuffs to nullify her power and a body search. The latter of which worries Hancock though Luffy tells her he'll deal with it. With that Hancock and Luffy enter Impel Down while a official receives news that Buggy escaped from his cell. Thirty-three hours remain before Ace's execution.

The group reaches the front gate where they're greeted by the vice chief of Impel Down, Hannyabal, who introduces himself and the jail head, Domino. Hancock is taken to be searched, along the way being told of the prisoner entrance process into the prison as well as who they're currently holding. Eventually Hancock is taken to a room to be searched by Domino. Before Domino can do so, Hancock freezes her as well as the surveilance Den Den Mushi to stone allowing Luffy to come out of her robe undiscovered. She then tells him that this is as far as she can go and apologizes for not being able to help further. But Luffy disagrees, thanking her for getting him that far (even calling her by her name which causes her to swoon). Before he leaves, Hancock makes him promise not to cause a ruckus as she doesn't wish to see him get caught, which he agrees too. Hancock then leaves the room, restoring Domino in the process who has no memories of her being turned to stone. The group then proceeds downward to Ace's cell, before they go Hancock sees Luffy ahead of them hiding in the ceiling mouthing "thank you" to her, though she misinterprets this as "I love you" and faints, much to the prison's staff surprise.

Meanwhile out in the sea, a few rather deformed beings called Bluegori slice up some sea kings, the pieces which are then sucked into a compartment in the building. They then reenter the prison from an underwater opening as an officer praises them for refilling the prison's food supply.

Crimson Hell: An Old Enemy Turned Comrade
In level 1, Luffy begins his search for Ace, noting the vastness of the prison and the screaming being heard nearby constantly. He passes a few cells where the prisoners inside question on why he's out of a cell then being astonished to learn he snuck in. Before they can go on further, something heads Luffy's way. It is a prison escapee with a few Bluegori close on his tail. They manage to catch up and slice the man in half. But the prisoner turns out to be Buggy who reconnects himself. He then recognizes Luffy, forced to run from the creatures as well, beside him. After a bit of unusual chatting among one another on what to do next, they decide if they've already been spotted, they might as well call a truce, team up, and raise a ruckus. With that the two attack the Bluegori together.

Buggy manages to escape from the axe of a Bluegori with his Bara-Bara Emergency Escape and tries to defeat it with Midair Spinning Super Circus, but failed to even harm him. Yet, Luffy defeats him in a single attack and saves Buggy, who's extremely shocked he took the guard down so quickly, remarking Luffy's ability compared to the last time he met him. Buggy then remembers the other four Bluegori, only to realize Luffy had already defeated them. Buggy initially decides to escape, but after hearing Luffy mention the battleships waiting outside the prison, he decides to stay. Buggy suddenly spots the arm band that Luffy is wearing and immediately identifies it as the map to Captain John's treasure. He makes a deal with Luffy; he will escort him to Level 4 of Impel Down, but in return Luffy has to give him the arm band. Without hesitation, Luffy agrees. Buggy then tells Luffy to pick his feet up, explaining that so long as his feet are on solid ground, or touching something on the ground, such as Luffy, he could fly within a set range. After Buggy mistakenly reveals the truth behind the armband, Luffy decides to give him the arm band in advance for helping him. Buggy feels guilty for lying to Luffy, nonetheless he decides to escape from Luffy. Before Buggy can make good on his escape, he flies into a wall backwards. Luffy mistakes this as a shortcut through the wall and crashes into the Gaoler's room and towards Crimson Hell, the first level of Impel Down, which is a forest that has blade like leaves and grass. Prisoners are made to run through such a place while being chased by poisonous spiders, dyeing the forest red with blood due to cuts, hence the title of the level. Luffy grabs hold of Buggy as they fall, while he throws Buggy's feet onto the ground as told, and they fly towards the entrance of Level 2, with Buggy's feet splitting apart to avoid the blade grass. Eventually the two reach a hole in the middle of the forest which Buggy explains leads to Level 2. Luffy immediately jumps down and heads towards Level 2 despite Buggy's warnings. Buggy shrugs this off and prepares to find another way to escape, but an attack by a pursuing Bluegori knocks him into Level 2 as well.

Beast Hell: The Wax Man Offers His Aid
In Level 2, we can see residing in a cell, none other than Mr. 3, appearing more ragged and with more facial hair than he had prior to his sentencing. He is surprised by the sudden rage of the beasts of Hell on the level, but he doesn't care since he doesn't have the energy to be afraid anymore since all prisoners in Level 2, Beast Hell, are their food anyway.

When Luffy and Buggy arrive on the floor, they meet a Gaoler Basilisk, a snake born of a chicken, and make run for it. Meanwhile, Boa Hancock is introduced to the warden in charge of Impel Down: Magellan, a gigantic person with wide black wings, two horns with two parallel lines circling them, and a large coat. After a bit of discussion with Hannyabal, he accepts her proposal of seeing Fire Fist Ace, to Hannyabal's shock. Back in Level 2, Luffy knocks out the basilisk and unknowingly destroys the monitor room in the process with Gear Third, to Buggy's amazement.

Buggy hears the requests of the prisoners to free them and does so, including Mr. 3, with the keys on the floor of the former monitor room with the thought of making a riot to make it easier to escape. His thoughts are interrupted by Luffy, who pulls him by the neckband and says to him to hurry up and show the way to Level 3. Buggy retorts saying he actually doesn't remember how to go there nor to Level 4. He lied only for him to get Captain John's treasure map. Suddenly, he notices that the inmates have returned to their cells and closed them because, as one of them mentions, is useless to escape when there are still the Gaoler Beasts around. Seeing his riot plan ruined, he promptly says to Luffy that he decided to lie to him again, telling him the way to Level 3. Luffy doesn't buy it and retorts saying that he thought that he said he doesn't know the way, and calls him Big-nose, much to Buggy's anger. Mr. 3 appears (although having to jog Luffy's memory a bit for him to remember the former Baroque Works officer), and says that he will help them to get to the next floor, as part of his plan to escape from the Great Gaol.

Meanwhile, at the Level where Ace is being held, we finally see Jimbei talking with Ace about how his real pain is laying inside his heart, which is bursting to deal out justice to prevent the upcoming war between the World Government and Whitebeard, and he says that he would willingly give up his Shichibukai title and even his own life to stop this fighting. It seems that Ace and Jimbei have known each other for a long time due to his conversation about Whitebeard. Meanwhile Luffy, Buggy, and Mr. 3 are running away from, and sometimes attacking at a distance, horrible and mythological monsters. Finally they meet the boss of the floor, the Sphinx, a feathered lion which says a bunch of ramen types like a parrot. While Luffy is fighting against the Sphinx, Mr. 3, who made a lot of Doru clones to trick the Floor Boss, and Buggy team up to get out of the Great Gaol using Luffy as bait. Unfortunately for them, as they're making their escape, the Sphinx smashes the floor to pieces while trying to find the real Mr. 3 (with Luffy egging him on no less), leading everyone down to Level 3.

The guards reach the area soon after the trio have fallen through, wondering what Luffy could be after. Before they can ponder any further, the escaped prisoners soon gang up on them, and with the Sphinx now gone, start to run wild, thanking Buggy for their freedom. As the guards go to deal with them, security soon gets news that they know that Luffy's after Ace, realizing that the two of them are related and that the purpose of Luffy's invasion was to rescue Ace. Quickly, the guards go to inform Magellan just as this news quickly reaches the ears of Sengoku, frustrating him further while Garp however is more amused by the whole situation. Sengoku goes on to explain that only one pirate named Kinjishi (dubbed the flying pirate) was successful in escaping Impel Down, but twenty years since then no one has managed this feat again. He soon goes on to scold Garp about it being his grandson who may tarnish the record, as well Kuma's failure to kill the Straw Hats (though Garp realized that was a lie right off the bat) and expressing his temptation to let Garp take all the responsibility for his family's actions but can't due to his reputation. Garp, through all the ranting, simply laughs it off.

Starvation Hell: An Old Friend and A New Enemy
Meanwhile, Luffy, Buggy, and Mr. 3 have landed in Level 3, which Luffy realizes is much hotter than the previous floors. Mr. 3 however points out the nature of the level, the prisoners in the cells who look starved and emancipated were once people who held a bounty of 50,000,000 Beli and over. However in this level, there's very little food or water given to them, and they're made to suffer the heat from the bottom floor till they're near death, thus earning the level the title of Starvation Hell. As the three try to figure a way out of the level and squabble with Luffy on helping him, the security on the level spring a net made of Kairoseki from under them, hoisting the trio into the air. The guards quickly gather under the bunch, headed by the chief guard and commander of the Blugori, Saldeath, who prepares to secure them while mentioning the four Demon Guards below should they have continued. Before the guards can do so however, the Sphinx, which was also caught in the net, suddenly wakes up, swinging around in the net and eventually breaking it, freeing Luffy, Buggy, and Mr. 3 in the process.

Luffy quickly takes advantage of the situation and runs for it, though the Blugori set after him, only to be felled by Luffy's Gomu Gomu no Gatling. He then notices Buggy and Mr. 3 climbing the net onto a rafter of the level. The two mock Luffy but he just shouts his thanks for their help much to their bewilderment. Saldeath rallies his security force to go after Luffy forcing him to fight a few until the Sphinx recovers and comes after him as well. Seeing this Luffy hops across the guard's heads and runs down the hall with security forces in pursuit. Buggy and Mr. 3 take their time to rest for the moment as they try to figure out a way back to level 2. The two suddenly hear singing coming from a cell whose voice Mr. 3 recognizes. The two follow it leading to a cell containing none other then Bon Kurei who is doing ballet with the prisoners in his cell (though they collapse shortly after). As he spins, he does a double take once he sees Mr. 3 who asks Buggy if they could not let him out, while Buggy himself is shocked at Bon Kurei's appearance asking "What manner of creature is this?"

Back up topside of the prison, the marines have mobilized and prepare to enter Impel Down to capture Luffy. Before they can enter, they're stopped by the chief guard Sadi-chan who implores them to stay outside to fortify the entrance since they don't have any knowledge of the structure of the prison. Plus she reminds them that the pride of Impel Down is at stake so she and the staff inside will handle it. Sadi proceeds to raise the drawbridges of the prison keeping anyone from getting in or out. All the while, a giant koala peeping out from the prison's entrance gets the attention of the marines.

Back inside, Hancock's group have finally reached Ace's cell, allowing the Shichibukai to meet Luffy's brother face to face. As the two talk, the prisoners of the floor begins to leer and make cat calls toward her. This drives on the nerves of Magellan until he suddenly unveils the full extent of his devil fruit, literally dripping himself with poison and forming a hydra from the globs. One of the prisoners tries to calm him down, to which Magellan responds by covering the prisoner with poison. Magellan then reminds the prisoners that he can and will kill them anytime if they get out of line. Hancock then concludes her business of delivering the news to Ace that Luffy has come to rescue him (apparently having used Magellan as a distraction) much to Ace's surprise.

Meanwhile, Luffy is trying to find his way to level four on his own. He soon runs into guards that fire seastone nets his way. He manages to dodge them but is suddenly pinned down by the Sphinx. Before the beast can bite into him a voice catches its attention. The person apparently being Zoro, who proceeds to beat up the Sphinx with his kicks. Luffy however realizes that's not Zoro's fighting style before the person changes in Bon Kurei, much to Luffy's joy (after some initial disappointment it wasn't his first mate). The two then team up to beat the guards and take down the Sphinx before tearfully weeping and hugging at being reunited. As Saldeath prepares to send his remaining Blugori after them, Bon Kurei happily agrees to help Luffy reach level five since he wishes to meet someone on that level as well.

The marines soon identify Buggy, Mr. 3 (whose real name is Galdino) and Bon Kurei (Real name Bentham) as the ones aiding Luffy, also noticing that Luffy and Bon Kurei are heading for Level 4 after defeating the Blugori. A few inmates, who managed to get their hands on a black Den Den Mushi, comment on their progress though agree in the end they'll be captured. Meanwhile in the Warden's office, Magellan has just recently received this news along with Sadi-chan and three of the Demon Guards. The fourth one, Minotaurus, who looks like his namesake but not as intimidating, just happens to confront Luffy and Bon Kurei on Level 3. It smacks Bon Kurei into a wall in an instant before the two can react and does the same to Luffy, despite the latter managing to dodge its first blow. Bon recovers and saves Luffy before Minotaurus can strike again, but is quickly pinned down. Luffy enters Gear 2nd and hits it with a Jet Bazooka, knocking it back up the level. After which, Luffy and Bon locate the entrance to Level 4, which they notice has hot air and smoke billowing out of it.

Bon Kurei explains that the heat is from a boiling kettle filled with blood and flames. He also mentions to watch where they jump otherwise the two will "be getting more then a couple of burns" if they're not careful. Luffy then inquires about the person who Bon is trying to meet which Bon answers is the queen of Kamabakka Kingdom and idol of Okama, Emporio Ivankov, who was supposedly captured and sent to Impel Down. Bon states if that's the case, he will try to rescue him. Their talk is suddenly interrupted by something coming they're way, which happens to be Buggy and Mr. 3 being chased by the recovered Minotaurus, who landed near their hiding place after Luffy sent it flying. Luffy and Bon rejoin them, causing all four to be pursued. Buggy then mentions to Luffy the Buggy Balls he used back in Orange Town (which Luffy doesn't remember to Buggy's chagrin) only he's now condensed it small enough to hide on his person, renaming it the "Muggy Ball". He throws it at the Minotaurus where it explodes on contact in it's face, greatly wounding it though not knocking it out. Luffy quickly asks Mr. 3 to fit his arm with wax like he did on Little Garden, despite, given the setting, that it'll quickly melt in three seconds. Bon buys them time by hitting the Demon Guard with a spinning kick knocking it down. Mr. 3 quickly fits Luffy with a Candle Lock on his arm and Luffy finishes Minotaurus with Gomu Gomu no Rifle. The four celebrate their victory at downing a Demon Guard before pressing onward. Meanwhile, Ace begs to Luffy not to come, while the rest of Impel Down's forces assemble on Level 4.

Outside, Boa Hancock and Momonga have left the prison and are heading back to their Marine ship via a ferry. 29 hours remain before Ace's execution. As she looks on at the prison, Hancock prays for Luffy's safety. The two eventually reach the ship where Momonga receives urgent news, Kaidou, one of the Yonkou, took off to try and stop Whitebeard, but Shanks intercepted him and the two are currently in a dispute. This news unnerves Momonga as he knows what could happen if two Yonkou fight not to mention the coming threat of Whitebeard on top of everything. He quickly has his ship shove off for Marineford.

Back inside the prison, Buggy and Mr. 3 get into a arguement with Luffy and Bon over escaping rather than heading further into Impel Down. Before they can continue however, part of the floor they're on breaks off (due to the strength of their attacks which the four get into a argument over whose was more powerful) and sends them plummeting to Level 4.

Blazing Hell: Defeat At The Hands Of Desperation
On level 4 in an area known as the "Pool of Blood", inmates are forced into the cauldron Bon previously described while a few are made to bring firewood to keep it heated. One prisoner makes to escape but runs right into Daz Bones a.k.a Mr. 1 who headbutts him into the cauldron. Meanwhile in a passageway that connects Levels 3 and 4, Magellan has gathered the guards and Impel Down staff to intercept Luffy's group. It's here we're introduced to the rest of the Demon Guards: Minorhinoceros, Minokoala, and Minozebra (all of whom, like Minotarus, don't look as threatening as their name suggests) who Sadi-chan is in charge of commenting their growing restless and thirsting for blood.

One of the guards reports Luffy having reached Level 4 and avoided the pool by the debris he and his group fell on. He also reports Minotaurus's defeat which shocks Sadi. Upon hearing this Magellan stations Hannyabal at the Level 3 stairs and Sadi at the Level 5 entrance to keep the group from proceeding or heading back, while Magellan sends the rest of his guards to pursue the group, giving them permission to kill them (though Sadi wants them kept alive for torture purposes). Meanwhile Luffy's group are on a bridge near the Pool of Blood. Luffy suddenly heads in another direction from the group which Bon realizes is where the kitchen is, undoubtedly the smell of which has attracted Luffy. Guards spot him and rush his way, but Luffy easily takes care of them. In a side, Mr. 3 talks to Buggy noticing the guard's formation and fearing that they'll be locked on the Level with Impel Down's "All Stars".

Sure enough, just as Luffy and Bon Kurei near the kitchen. Magellan suddenly drops from out of nowhere in front of them, powers already activated and ready to fight. Seeing this the guards quickly try to get out of the way begging Magellan to wait before he fights as not to get swept up in his poison. Luffy notices this but moans at not being able to get any food as he faces down the warden. Bon yells at Luffy not to fight him, telling him of his poison powers and that they should forget the food and escape. But Magellan counters telling them that he has the guards and staff blocking the exits, effectively trapping the the group on the level, just as Mr. 3 predicted. He also reveals he intends to make Luffy tell him how he got in Impel Down. Luffy, knowing Hancock will be in trouble if that happens, yells he won't tell even if he dies. Thus the fighting begins, with Magellan using his poison hydra and sends it after the two, forcing Luffy and Bon to run away while a few lingering guards are caught in the wave. Seeing this, Bon tells Luffy that the poison attacks the nervous system and induces pain till it eventually kills the unfortunate victim, as the guards clearly show and beg for antidotes. Magellan scolds the guards not to get into his combat range, while Luffy jumps off the bridge and grabs onto a hanging spike platform, swinging himself onto it, and burning himself in the process since he swung over flames. However he does manage to destroy one of the Hydras who plunges into the Pool of Blood, while the rest are out of range to attack Luffy.

Magellan counters this however by blowing a poison bubble toward Luffy called Chloro Ball that explodes once it reaches the platform. Luffy manages to jump to another one to avoid the explosion, but gas suddenly produces from it. The guards quickly put on masks, commenting that it's the sneezing tear gas, causing Luffy's (and the unfortunate inmates on the level) eyes to water and sneeze uncontrollably. Magellan then has the Hydra stretch to Luffy's location to which he "swims" to the Straw Hat through it, dubbing the move Venom Road. The warden then takes off his horns, fits them over his hands and tries to stab at Luffy with them. The horns are also coated with poison, evident when Luffy dodges a strike and sees the rocks it hits instantly melt (similar to Crocodile's poison hook). Magellan strikes again but Luffy redirects the attack with his foot onto the platform causing it to break and sending in falling toward the flames. Though Luffy saves himself by using his Gomu Gomu no Stamp to knock himself back onto the main bridge.

Throughout this, Bon has hidden himself, convinced that Luffy can't win, as Magellan is known to silence even the most ultimate of prisoners. With a heavy heart, he forces himself to run away, asking Luffy to forgive him. While with Buggy and Mr. 3, the two argue over trying to escape due to the number of guards below and Magellan distracted. Mr. 3 however manages to convince Buggy that they don't know anything about Hannyabal and might be able to take him on. With that they make their way for the Level 3 entrance. Back with Luffy who finds himself fatigued as Magellan stands over him, asking him if he still wants to continue to fight. Luffy however states his determination on saving his brother and that if he can't win by not hitting Magellan, then its a sacrifice he'll have to make in order to do so. Luffy instantly activates Gear Second and proceeds to hit Magellan head on with a Jet Bazooka, hurting the warden but at the same time getting poison on his hands as well.

Over at the Level 3 tunnel, Hannyabal is expressing his annoyance at Mr. 3 and Buggy who lay on the floor with bumps and bruises all over them. Apparently beaten quickly when trying to fight against the vice-chief warden. Hannyabal however is more annoyed with the fact that he was willing to let them pass but they instead chose to fight against him (though a few of the guards were injured in the process). The guards report their capture to the control room. Meanwhile, with Bon Kurei he continues to run, sobbing to himself as he knocks out any guards in his way. Back with Luffy and the warden, Magellan's surprised he actually took a hit from Luffy but Luffy is worse off as the poison corrodes his hands. Regardless, he strikes at the warden with a Jet Gun, just as the warden puffs up and shoots out multiple Chloro Balls. Luffy dodges and goes for a Jet Pistol, however Magellan counters with his hydra. Nullifying the attack and dripping Luffy with more poison.

Luffy tries to get some distance but the explosions from the Chloro Balls have formed a mist in the air which the warden calls Poison Cloud, making Luffy's vision hazy and makes him lose his hearing. Magellan states that not even Luffy's hands will respond to him as the cloud will eventually rob him of everything, to which Luffy starts to double over. On Level 6 Ace demands to know what's happening upstairs but the guards state it's nothing. Luffy tries to attack Magellan again but the attack doesn't even come close to hitting the warden as the poison continues to affect him. Still, Magellan's astonished by his mental strength. Luffy tries again, but kicks into the flames of the bridge burning himself once more. Magellan finally decides to end it and completely covers Luffy with his Hydra. The end result is Luffy defeated, covered from head to toe in poison as it melts away at him. Magellan cites it as a punishment for invading Impel Down explaining that in 24 hours Luffy will go to the real hell (i.e the poison will kill him in that time). Magellan orders the guards to throw Luffy into Level 5 despite the fact that he'll die anyway, while Luffy weakly calls out Ace's name. Magellan however suddenly receives news that something has happened at the Level 3 entrance.

Freezing Hell: A Friend's True Loyalty Shines
On Level 5, a floor which is covered completely in ice so much so that prisoners freeze to death and the food so frozen it's inedible, Luffy is carried in by the guards. One of the prisoners calls out to Luffy to try and find out his bounty, but notices he took the "poison baptism" already. Back on Level 4, Magellan finds all the guards knocked out and the Level 3 door open. After waking up Hannyabal, he explains Bon Kurei plowed through and headed back up to Level 3. Magellan orders the guards to capture him and has the Demon Guards disperse, ordering the others to clean everything up as he goes to his sealed place (the bathroom). When asked what to do with the captured Buggy and Mr. 3, he leaves Hannyabal to do as he wishes to them. Hannyabal tells the guards to go help capture Bon Kurei which they comply. However once they leave, Hannyabal suddenly changes into Bon Kurei himself, having somehow taken his place. He tells Buggy and Mr. 3 they have to hurry to save Luffy. The two of course are wary on the idea and ask why Bon would go back after all the trouble of escaping, Bon answers that Luffy is a friend, that's all the reason he needs.

He is later seen consulting a medical team (as Hannyabal) somewhere within Impel Down, urging them to whip up an antidote that will cure Luffy of Magellan's poison. Unfortunately, they informed him that no one before Luffy has endured Magellan's Doku Doku No Mi powers to the extent that Luffy had, and with more than one type of poison now surging through his veins at the moment, attempting to treat him may only result in an even earlier demise. With his hope to find an antidote crushed, Bon retreats to Buggy and Mr. 3, who tells him that Luffy really has no hope for survival and that it would take something miraculous if he were to survive the sentence Magellan gave him. This, however, made Bon remember about Iva, the person that he also wishes to meet (and save) down in Level 5. He then proceeds to head down to said level with his two cohorts and, as he was still assuming Hannyabal's form, was able to gain access to the keys meant for the cells in Level 5. Though from the list of prisoners he he finds that Iva's name has been scratched off. When asked why to the guards, they state that he disappeared presumably snatched away by some unknown figure that has been doing so to other prisoners on the level which they dub as "demoning away" (interestingly said prisoners were on the verge of freezing to death when they disappeared). Together, the trio entered the level unfortunately without their winter gear as Hannyabal has a reputation of walking around the level in his regular clothes without freezing and prisoners are forced to wear their regular prison garments as well. They are shortly confronted by wolves, which were originally stationed in Level 2 but had be to placed on this level for their voracious appetites. Mr. 3 and Buggy quickly run off no sooner than they see them, leaving Bon to fend for himself.

Meanwhile in one of the prison cells, prisoners watch as Luffy slowly suffers from the poison. Surprisingly, Luffy is still able to move determined to save Ace, but is still very weakened. One of the prisoners tries to get him to give in citing that in Impel Down it's every man for himself and that friendship has no meaning when it comes to survival. No sooner then he sprouts this, Bon suddenly appears, wounded from his encounter with the wolves but still standing. He apologizes to Luffy for running off during his bout with Magellan and proceeds to get him out of the cell leaving the keys behind for the other prisoners.

Bon then goes around the level asking about Iva, after a few dead ends one prisoner tells him that he saw Iva head into the woods where Magellan's old office is. Bon heads that way dragging Luffy along, but once he's out of earshot another prisoner in the same cell mentions wolves roaming the forest, which gets a chuckle from the one who gave Bon the information, obviously having withheld this fact from the okama. In the forest, Bon soldiers on, despite his body taking a beating from the cold, but determined not to let Luffy die. Wolves soon find and surround the two prompting Bon to fight them off the best he can, but there are too many and a few manage to bite into him. Luffy however wakes up, bites into one, then yells for them to get off. The wolves are instantly struck by his Haki and run away while Luffy faints. Bon is amazed at the the feat Luffy just performed, but soon succumbs to his wounds and faints as well. However, no sooner do both men lose consciousness, a figure in a black and white suit and hairstyle find them while a caption comes up informing that 26 hours remain till Ace's execution.

New Kama Land: New Allies In Unlikely Places
It is then revealed that Hannyabal is tied up and locked in the weapon storage room having been seduced and tricked by Bon Kurei posing as Nami. Meanwhile Saldeath and Sadi-chan are clearing up everything on the 3rd floor and also looking for Bon Kurei whom they believe is still on the 3rd floor. Later, Bon Kurei is seen waking up in a strange place where everyone is partying and drinking. There, everyone welcomes him and tells him he's still inside Impel Down despite the paradise-like atmosphere. Then the stranger who saved both Luffy and Bon Kurei in the forest appears, introducing herself as Inazuma, and also remarks that he has slept for over ten hours. The room then darkens as the stage in the front of the room slowly reveals none other than the former "Queen" of the Kamabakka Kingdom, Emporio Ivankov. He then reveals that Bon Kurei is in the prisoners paradise which is accessed through the sewers of Impel Down, 'through the road that cannot exist' and also reveals that the prisoners in the past who have supposedly been 'demoned away' actually escaped into this prisoners paradise which he calls 'New Kama Land'. Then a man steps up from the crowd and threatens Ivankov with a bazooka claiming that his father who was a king who traveled to the Kamabakka kingdom and came back as an okama which tore the kingdom apart. He then proceeds to fire the bazooka in which Ivankov deflects the missile by winking striking the man instead. He then proceeds to demonstrate his power by changing the man into a woman in which he/she runs out of the room in embarassment. After seeing his powers, Bon Kurei then proceeds to beg Iva in saving Luffy, Ivankov then reveals that he healed him simply because Luffy begged them to help him despite dying from Magellan's poison. He then tells Bon Kurei that Luffy has been undergoing medical treatment for hours which happened to be pretty rough and has been screaming nonstop in a locked cave. He also remarks that he still has 2 days left of treatment with 16 hours before Ace's execution.

The story then shifts back a bit to the start of Luffy's treatment which has the Straw Hat chained to a table and his shirt removed. Emporio tells Luffy that he'll take ten years from Luffy's life in the effort to save him, though warns the possibility of Luffy surviving are still very slim and that it all rests entirely on his willpower. He then injects Luffy with hormones causing him to yell out in agony. Ten hours have passed since then with no change so far, and Bon is extremely worried about Luffy's condition. Ivankov explains that the combination of willpower and hormones create a vital force, basically using his power to boost the immune system so it can fight against the poison. Though doing so destroys and regenerates cells which is the cause of Luffy's pain, hence the willpower part. If Luffy can hold out till then, his life will be saved. Iva allows Bon to see how Luffy's doing through a peephole into the locked room. It only takes a glance however to get Bon into a panic and beg Iva to help him. Ivankov slaps Bon to calm him down and explains that he IS saving Luffy.

Iva explains that despite the title of being a "miracle worker", he doesn't see himself as such even when helping nations and that he never saved the life of anyone that purely relies on the help of others. To him, miracles are given to those that are willing to carry on and are not something to be taken lightly, a statement which shocks Bon. Iva then goes on to explain that he has the power of the Horu Horu no Mi granting him the ability to shape anyone from within as he sees fit, citing that the people on the level were either men or women once due to him. Bon still in denial if the place really exists which Iva convinces him it is after hitting him with an Death Wink. It turns out there are many entrances to New Kama Land on all levels of Impel Down which a few prisoners just happen to stumble into. What's more, they also have monitoring equipment to see any level of the prison and keep up with news on the outside via discarded newspapers. It was through the former that they found out about Luffy breaking into the prison which they thoroughly enjoyed from the monitors. Bon then questions how they can have so much space, which is answered that the original founder, who had a "tunneling" devil fruit, created it in between levels five and six. This news shocks Bon since he didn't know Level Six existed, but Iva explains that it's due to sealing away prisoners that have either done something severe that the World Government had to cover up or simply inconvenienced them.

Ivankov then mentions that there was once another jail head know as "Shiryuu of the Rain" who was even more dangerous then Magellan himself. Together the two made Impel Down near impenetrable, however Shiryuu killed prisoners just for no reason other then his own pleasure. Thus he, was labeled a menace and was locked away on Level Six. Iva then lists off a few other names of prisoners who the World Government have covered up, not even allowed to be mentioned in newspapers. He also mentions Crocodile, Jimbei, and of course Ace and his relation to Luffy. However Iva notes it's now midnight meaning the date of Ace's execution is at hand and since Luffy's treatment will take another two days it'll be too late by then to save him. This news disheartens Bon who decides to stay with Luffy for the rest of the treatment. Upon hearing Luffy's continued screaming, Bon starts to shout out encouragements to him. This touches the others on the level and they join him in doing so as well.

Meanwhile on the top levels Sadi, her Demon Guards, and the rest of the staff have no luck in finding Bon. Eventually they report to Magellan that he has completely vanished while a few guards find the tied up Hannayabal. On Level Six Jimbei doubts the information that Hancock had relayed to Ace, but Ace knows it's real since he knows Luffy better then anyone. Eight hours pass through all of this and morning eventually arrives which Domino comes to remind Magellan that its time to transport Ace. Back in New Kama Land, Luffy abruptly stops screaming which worries Iva. Blood suddenly seeps from his room, prompting Bon and the others to take it as a sign he didn't make it. Just as they start to mourn, the door to the room is suddenly pounded against, which is followed by Luffy yelling out for food, much to the joy of Bon and the others on the level as well as the astonishment of Iva who exclaims it hasn't even been a day since the procedure began.

Eternal Hell: Recovery and a Last Ditch Rescue
The residents of New Kama Land then proceed to grant Luffy's wish of food, bringing out anything to feed his appetite, so much so that it nearly depletes their provisions. After about a half hour, Luffy is eventually full enough that he comes out of the room, transferring the food to his muscles and now fully healed. The "Candies" (what Iva calls the people of New Kama Land) hoist him into the air in celebration and awe over his recovery in only twenty hours, though Iva thinks to himself that the feat was "far beyond a miracle". Luffy notices Bon is okay as well, however Bon suddenly collapses in the midst of his joy, which Iva explains is due to exhaustion from cheering on Luffy during his suffering. Upon hearing this, Luffy bows to Bon thanking him and calming him in his debt. Inazuma returns Luffy's clothes and straw hat but mentions that he hasn't fully recovered yet and should take a day to rest. But Luffy refuses knowing he doesn't have much time before Ace is shipped off. Just as he asks the others to watch Bon he suddenly collapses, a sign of his fatigue. Regardless Luffy checks the Biblicard and sees it pointing downward. Luffy then asks Iva if he plans to escape, revealing it's the reason Bon was looking for him in the first place. Iva is flattered by this, but mentions the time isn't right, only planning to leave once the revolutionary Dragon acts, as doing so any sooner will just get him recaptured. Upon mention of Dragon, Luffy points him out to be his father. Iva, at first, calmly takes the news without much notice, but reacts in shock once it sinks in.

The okama queen is in disbelief at first, but upon asking where Luffy hails from and finding out he's from East Blue, Iva realizes Luffy is telling the truth, especially after displaying his incredible willpower. A flashback shows us that Iva was actually part of Dragon's revolutionary group. One day, he notices that no matter where Dragon was he would face and stare off in the same direction, which Iva assumes is an animal instinct of missing his homeland. However, Dragon refuses to answer on if this was true or if he had any family left behind and the matter was quickly dropped. After this startling realization, Iva has Inazuma find out Ace's departure time, since if the Biblicard is still pointing downward it means Ace hasn't been moved yet. The reason for the sudden change in attitude being that Iva suddenly feels he has a responsibility to Luffy as well as Ace since they're Dragon's sons, something he tells Luffy, revealing his relationship with his father. Iva then rallies the others to prepare to bust out Ace. Luffy is even more pumped up to get going, but suddenly falls over. Iva checks him and finds he nearly has no pulse. After determining Luffy does, Iva injects him with Vigor Hormones that boost his adrenaline. Telling Luffy for the rest of the day he'll be able to ignore his fatigue, but the full brunt of the effects will kick in afterward.

Back in Level 5, Hannyabal is informed of Bon's entry into the level with Buggy and Mr. 3. However they only find Hannyabal's bloodied headdress and assume the trio was eaten by the wolves. In a lift leading to Level Six, Domino scolds Magellan for his delay and informs him that they will hand Ace over to the transport at 9 AM sharp, failure for an important assignment will mean having a huge stain on their record. At the entrance topside, Onigumo and his marine squad wait outside for the transfer. He reminds the marines of their mission, revealing that five marine ships are on hand along with five other vice-admirals, and for everyone not to let their guard down for a second. Back on Level Five; Luffy, Iva and Inazuma charge out of New Kama Land opting to not worry about being seen and rush through anything that comes their way. The wolves soon set upon them, but the trio easily takes them out, while the prisoners on the level are surprised to see Iva as they believed he was dead. They soon reach the entrance to Level Six and unlock the door to press on. In the monitor room, the guards soon spot them heading for Level Six, shocked that the intruders are people whom they thought were dead, even pointing out that Inazuma is also a revolutionary. One of the guards mention that the trio will run straight into Magellan and Domino as they're headed to Level Six as well. Hannyabal, suddenly getting very serious, orders the traps to be activated and the guards on the level to prepare for combat in the hope of stalling them till Sadi-chan and the Demon Guards reach the level. As Luffy charges down the steps to Eternal Hell, Magellan is already at Ace's cell preparing to take Ace to his execution.

Luffy's group plows through anyone and anything in their path till eventually they reach Level Six. Luffy instantly screams out for Ace, but once they reach the cell they find him gone with only Jimbei remaining. The fishman realizes who Luffy is and warns him that Ace has already been taken though Luffy can still catch him. Luffy, Iva and Inazuma make for the lift out of the level but when Iva tries the controls to bring the lift down he finds it locked. Luffy opts to just climb out of the level, but notices a spike trap at the top of the lift which comes crashing down and nearly hits him if he hadn't jumped back. Iva quickly realizes their actions are being monitored from the den den mushis, so of course security would have barred their way. The group quickly heads back to the level five entrance, but a gate crashes down, stopping them and trapping them on the level. What's more, sleeping gas is flooded into the level which Iva realizes is a means to hold them till the Impel Down security arrive on the level. Indeed in the monitor room, this is reported to Hannyabal who reports this to Magellan on Level One as he holds down Ace, having put up a struggle once he heard what has happened. Still the warden is surprised that Luffy survived his poisoning. Back on Level Six, the inmates begin to complain about the incoming gas, demanding the trio do something about it. Inazuma complies, turning his hands into scissors then cuts up the floor and wraps it around the vents to keep the gas from getting through.

Iva reveals to the astonished group that Inazuma ate the Choki Choki no Mi and thus can cut anything as if it was paper. Luffy complains that they can't get through if the stairways are blocked, but Inazuma counters that despite the simplicity of Impel Down staff's plan it was enough to capture them and there is now no escape. Iva manages to disable the monitor den den mushis, but notes it's too late to save Ace, as he is already topside being transferred to the marines. Luffy's biblicard moving away from the prison also proves Iva's words. Despite this, Luffy states if Ace is heading to Marine Headquarters then so will he. Iva tries to talk him out of it, but Luffy counters saying that if he didn't he'd regret it for the rest of his life. Upon seeing Luffy's face, Iva compares it to facing Dragon. Suddenly a voice calls out to Luffy, offering to create a hole to get the group out of the level. However, Luffy knows the voice all too well, as it belongs to none other than Crocodile!

Crocodile had at first lost interest in the outside world, but hearing that Whitebeard is going to war with the marines has caused him to reconsider as it is a perfect chance to take down the legendary pirate. Luffy however wants nothing to do with him, the Arabasta incident still fresh in his mind. Iva however suggests freeing him, much to Luffy's shock, though reveals that he has long since known the former Shichibukai as far back as when he was a rookie, and should Crocodile get out of line he'll take care of him himself since he knows of Crocodile's weakness. Iva then states he is only willing to free him if Crocodile helps out (much to Crocodile's chagrin). Jimbei suddenly speaks out, begging to help, as he wants to save Ace as badly as Luffy, even willing to die "a glorious death" to do so. Noting this, Luffy agrees to his wishes. The other prisoners on the level ask to be let out too, but Iva silences them with a Death Wink. That done, Inazuma frees Crocodile and Jimbei of their chains, and the five prepare to break out of Impel Down.

The Break-out!: To The Marine Headquarters!
The security force soon reaches Level 6 with gas masks on, prepared to fight against the Devil Fruit users. However, once they get past the gate, they find a spiral shaped stairway leading to a hole in the ceiling. Shiryuu calls out to the guards informing them (between mocking) that the trio has released Crocodile and Jimbei, and with their help have escaped the level. Shiryuu then tells the guards to go tell Magellan that he'd be willing to help him. In the monitor room, news of this new development has reached Hannyabal, who decides to deal with things himself and have all the Impel Down forces meet on Level Four. Back on Level Five, Iva and Inazuma have gathered the residents of New Kama Land. They tell them to cause a riot throughout all of Impel Down, grabbing keys and unlocking cages as they go to keep the security forces occupied. Iva calls out for Luffy to proceed only to be informed by Inazuma that he, along with Crocodile and Jimbei, have already pressed on. Iva shrugs this off and tells the others to follow after him. Bon Kurei is also among the group, having been injected with Vigour Hormones (though they work a little too well since he can't stop spinning).

In a stairway leading to Level 4 from Level 5, Luffy, Crocodile and Jimbei rush on. The latter mentions that the execution is set for 3 o'clock and that Whitebeard could make his move at any point while Ace is on the ocean. Luffy is content on the premise that Ace won't be executed before he is scheduled to. Crocodile gets ahead of the two and dries up the entrance to Level 4, turning it to sand, only to find the security on that level are waiting for them. This doesn't stop the trio though and they attack at full force. Crocodile uses his Barchan ability, Luffy uses his Gomu Gomu no Ame and Jimbei uses his Fishman Karate (which is so powerful he doesn't even need to touch the guards to knock them back). It soon becomes evident to the guards that they can't beat the trio.

On Level 2, Buggy and Mr. 3, running for twenty hours since the wolf incident, are hiding themselves in a camouflaged wax cell. Mr. 3 notices some commotion going on, which the duo realize is their best chance to escape. Buggy meets with a few inmates, asking if they're all set. It's soon revealed that the prisoners have keys made of wax to unlock the cells.

The monitor room contacts Hannyabal informing him of strange people creeping around on Level 2. The security on that level is headed for Level 4 when the monitor room tries to warn them of what's going on. But it's too late; the prisoners have used the wax keys to unlock all the cell doors freeing the inmates. Buggy and Mr. 3 reveal their plan to start another riot in hopes of using it as an escape, thinking Luffy and Bon are long since dead (oddly Buggy apologizes to them for this). With that, they initiate their plan and a riot on Level 2 commences. On Level 4, Crocodile throws some keys into a cell asking a certain inmate if he would like to escape with him. This person is none other than Mr. 1, who agrees commenting he was tiring of Impel Down himself.

Hannyabal continues to receive distressing news, this time of Iva's army rampaging through the prison and taking out anyone in their way. Luffy soon meets up with Bon as well as Mr. 1, whom Bon tells of Zoro's victory against him. Luffy just shrugs it off since he never met him till now. Hannyabal is soon in a panic as the monitor room keeps getting requests for backup for Level 4 and 2, as the group charge on with no indication of stopping. As they do Luffy yells to everyone that it's time to head for Marine Headquarters!

An Unexpected Visitor
Ace, meanwhile, is now on the sea aboard Onigumo's ship, chained to a chair. The Vice-Admiral tells him to get a view of the sky while he can before calling Marineford to start preparations to the open the gate. At Marine HQ, a marine frantically reports to Sengoku that Blackbeard has suddenly gone missing, which is bad as it's only five hours away from Ace's execution. What's more is that a marine ship with no authorization has suddenly entered Impel Down! Indeed, at the Impel Down entrance, Blackbeard and his crew have arrived. When the guards try to stop them, Blackbeard sucks them up into his darkness then spits them out at the marines who try to come at the crew from behind.

This new development is quickly broadcasted to the monitor room, which causes Hannynabal to freak out more then he already was. With Luffy's group on the fourth floor, a riot led by Buggy and Mr. 3 on the second and Blackbeard at the entrance, his panic indeed seems justified especially since he is in charge of the prison at the moment. Suddenly, Magellan calls over the Den Den Mushi, having come back inside Impel Down and poisoned most of the prisoners on Level 2, as well as sealing all the exits, much to Buggy and Mr. 3's dismay. Magellan however decides to send all his forces to Level four as a last ditch effort since he can't call reinforcements, and hopes the staff will hold out until he gets there. This greatly improves Hannyabal's morale, who cheers for the warden much to the confusion of his troops.

On Level 6 Shiryuu has been released from his cell, as per Magellan's orders, though the warden reminds his former co-worker over the Den Den Mushi that he is on a postponed sentence and that he will get no more chances. Magellan then closes the call stating that he'll leave Blackbeard to Shiryuu. The gaolers on the level give him his sword which Shiryuu promptly uses to slice through them as his first course of action, apologizing afterwards. On Level 4, Luffy's group continues to rampage defeating the guards, gaining keys, and freeing more prisoners to help them in their breakout. Saldeath and his Blugori soon appear on the scene, but Iva, using his face growth hormones and Hell Wink for a wider attack range, quickly takes them out. The Okama Queen tells Luffy to leave the guards to them and keep going, which Luffy obliges. However, Sadi-chan and her Demon Guards arrive and quickly begin taking out most of the group with nothing seemingly able to affect them. Just as all seems lost, Luffy, Jimbei and Crocodile rush forward and hit them with strong attacks (Gigant Pistol, Gosenmai Gawara Senkai (TL: Five Thousand Tile Punch) and Sables respectively), knocking out the demon guards in one hit much to the horror of Sadi-chan and the shock of the guards.

On level one, the guards raise the drawbridge in hope of stopping Blackbeard's Crew though said pirates seem to be easily pressing onward despite the attacks. Shiryuu appears on the scene and confronts Blackbeard. Before anything happens though, we suddenly shift back to Level 4 where Luffy's group continue to battle the goalers as they try to press on. Sadi however confronts the group herself and shows that she indeed has strength of her own by taking out a few of the prisoners with her whip, breaking off a piece of the bridge over the Pool of Blood in the process. Luffy starts to attack her himself but Iwa grabs and throws him over Sadi, reminding Luffy that he need to continue on. Iwa, now suddenly transformed into a female, proceeded to do battle with the jail head (much to Luffy's confusion since he doesn't know the woman is Iwa). Inazuma goes to lead Luffy to the exit of the level but is stopped by Hannyabal, now wielding a naginata (a double bladed staff) and taking out a few of the prisoners. What more he brought thousands of gaoler with him all wielding bazookas and blocking the entrance to level 3. Hannyabal declares a death sentence on Luffy as the guards cheer and make music for him to prepare an attack of his called Hannya Carnival: Shounetsu Jigoku Guruma where he spins the nagitnata till it catches on fire then goes to attack Luffy with it.

Luffy eventually has enough of his foolishness, going into Gear 2nd and hits him with Jet Gatling. Surprisingly Hannyabal, though heavily wounded, gets back up and continues the fight. Its at this point that Magellan arrives on Level 4 though at the far end from where the riot is and will still take awhile before he arrives at the fight. Meanwhile Luffy keeps hitting Hannyabal with a variety of Jet attacks and tries to move on, but the vice-warden refuses to stay down. His troops begin to worry about him begging him not to push himself so hard. Hannyabal soon goes into a tirade about how evil pirates are and how they cause fear to the citizens above. He proclaims tha Impel Down is a prison to keep evil pirates away from said people and that if it falls it'll plunge the world into darkness. Luffy however counters that Ace is precious to him and for Hannyabal to move out of his way, prompting the vice-warden to state that "some fools just refuse to listen" (despite the fact Luffy just trying to get out of the Impel Down and save Ace, not caring a lick about the prison). Suddenly Hannyabal's men are sucked into some darkness, a figure telling him that despite all the talk of justice and evil, there really no answer to be found. Said figure turns out to be Blackbeard who stomp Hannyabal into the ground, finally knocking him out. This pauses the fighting as he and his crew appear among the group with Luffy instantly remembering BB from Jaya.

Jimbei quickly shows his disdain of the new Warlord which Blackbeard state he doesn't have to blame him for being a friend of Ace. His name suddenly strike a cord with Luffy who remember Ace told him he was looking for someone named Blackbeard and Nyon mention someone with the same name capturing Ace, as well as Teach's speech back on Jaya. With this revelation, Luffy angrily asks he if was indeed Blackbeard which the captain realizes he never told Luffy his name before. Blackbeard then mention he himself was surprised to find out Luffy was the brother of Ace before asking the Straw Hat Captain if he should be hanging around the prison as Ace's execution draws near.

vel