Episode 443

"The Strongest Team is Formed! Shake Impel Down to its Core!" is the 443rd episode of the One Piece anime.

Short Summary
Luffy is reluctant to free Crocodile, but Ivankov offers to keep him in line by blackmailing him with a weakness he knows about. Jinbe joins in order to stop the war between Whitebeard and the Marines, and the group of five leaves through the ceiling. They meet with Bon Clay and the NewKamas, and fight the guards on Level 4, where Crocodile frees and recruits Mr. 1. As the guards are defeated, Hannyabal, not wanting to be disgraced, goes down to fight the prisoners. Elsewhere, Ace is being transported by ship to the Gate of Justice, and Buggy and Mr. 3 have reached Level 2.

Long Summary
Luffy, Ivankov and Inazuma encounter an old enemy of Luffy -- Crocodile. Crocodile wants to join them, saying he can create an escape passage in the ceiling with his devil fruit powers. Luffy immediately declines when he remembers who Crocodile is and what he did to Vivi. Crocodile says he has no more interest in the country of Alabasta. Ivankov accepts his offer, telling all of them that he knows a weakness of Crocodile. Then, from behind, Jinbe asks Luffy if he could join too, willing to sacrifice himself to rescue Ace. Inazuma opens up their handcuffs with his powers, and the two are out.

The five prisoners get up to level 5, using Crocodile's ability. They gather the New Kama army (including Bentham). Crocodile, Jinbe, and Luffy, who headed up earlier, are already at level four. The three of them attack the Impel Down guards. As the guards are down, Crocodile heads up in the direction of one particular cell, the one holding his former subordinate, Daz Bones. Meanwhile, Ace is already on the Marine warship, being transferred to his execution ground. Also, Buggy and Galdino are hiding at level 2.

Anime Notes

 * Bon Kurei kicked two wolves on accident while being drugged by Emporio Tension Hormone.
 * It is partially seen how Crocodile changes outfits, as his shoes are laced by the Emporio Ivankov's Dancers.