Akainu Arrives Late

After defeating Magellan, no one in Impel Down could stop Kaze and his group.

After returning to Level Four, Kaze released Mr. 1 from his cell as well.

This was both to fulfill the condition he had promised Crocodile.

And because Kaze had a fairly favorable impression of Mr. 1's character.

Though he was quiet and reserved, he was exceptionally loyal.

However, when they returned to Level Four, they encountered Deputy Warden Hannibal again.

The outcome was obvious...

Though Hannibal held a high position in Impel Down, he was not even as strong as Shiryu of the Rain.

Even Luffy from two years ago could have pinned him to the ground and pummeled him in a one-on-one fight.

Against Kaze's group...

Aside from Buggy, every one of them could have easily crushed Hannibal.

In no time at all, Hannibal was defeated by Barrett.

The road ahead was completely clear after that.

Within just a few minutes, the group arrived at the surface of Impel Down.

Of course...

Though they could be said to have escaped Impel Down smoothly, the prison was known as an impregnable fortress not merely because of Magellan's tremendous strength.

Part of the reason...

Was its location.

The Calm Belt of the Grand Line.

Other than Marine warships, pirate ships simply could not reach this place.

Beneath the deep sea lurked enormous Sea Kings.

Even the shallower waters were filled with all kinds of ferocious marine creatures.

Especially for Devil Fruit users.

There was no way up and no way down.

"Where's the ship?"

The moment Crocodile arrived, he looked around.

He was curious what kind of ship a powerful man like Kaze would use.

But who would have thought...

As far as the eye could see, the sea was utterly calm.

He could not spot a