Saving Big Bear! The Battle of Two Heroes! Impel Down!

In the church of the southern wilderness of the Sorbet Kingdom.

"What?"

Ivankov's shrill voice almost lifted the church steeple, "Ginny, you're saying that Bear Cub was kidnapped by Charlotte Linlin?"

"... Um."

Ginny sat blankly on the bench, her eyes red-rimmed, and nodded gently.

"Wait, the Charlotte Linlin you're talking about, is she one of the Seven Monarchs of the New World, the great pirate Big Mom Charlotte Linlin?"

Crocodile couldn't help but exclaim in surprise, "Hey, hey, hey, how could a monster like that be so bored as to kidnap a priest in such a remote and impoverished place?"

Even he was very familiar with those names!

He formed an alliance with Roya, Kaido, and Shiki, who appeared in Loguetown earlier, and became one of the monsters who seized control of the latter half of the Grand Line!

Having witnessed the power of Roa and others firsthand, Crocodile truly understood the extent of the power possessed by these monsters who stood at the pinnacle of the world.

Even if Charlotte Linlin isn't quite as good as Roa, who's a monster among monsters, she's probably not far off, right?

So why would such a monster be interested in a country priest? Why would it go to the trouble of crossing the Red Line and traveling all the way to the South Blue?

"If it's Charlotte Linlin,"

Ivankov gritted his teeth. "It's said that woman has been dedicated to collecting information on the different races of the sea."

"Different races?"

Crocodile was somewhat puzzled.

"Fish-Man Race, Merfolk, Longarm Tribes, Longleg Tribe, long-necked tribes, Mink Tribe, Tontatta..."

"That woman longed to establish a nation that included all races," Dragon explained.

"So, that guy named Xiong isn't an ordinary human?"

"Bears are descendants of the Bakaria Tribe!"

Ivankov's voice was no longer lighthearted; it was now filled with anger and pain. "That kid has already suffered unimaginable torment because of his bloodline. He finally had a few years of peace, and now his bloodline has brought him even more trouble?"

Bakaria Tribe?

Crocodile thought for a moment, then realized he had never heard of this race before.

"The good news is,"

Dragon said reassuringly, "Charlotte Linlin shouldn't hurt the bear."

Unless, of course, her and the bear's child has already been born safely.

Anyone with a bit of inside information knows how Charlotte Linlin managed to build a nation that included all races.

After children of different races are born, the husbands who were captured and brought in for breeding become useless.

Judging from the timing of the bear's capture, it's still uncertain whether Charlotte Linlin was pregnant with his child, let alone whether the child was born.

Therefore, the bear is absolutely safe now.

Of course, this conclusion must never be spoken aloud.

Dragon glanced at Ginny, whose eyes were red-rimmed and who seemed to have only breathed a slight sigh of relief after hearing his words.

Speaking out would only make things harder for this girl who is already in so much pain, wouldn't it?

Ginny grabbed Ivankov's sleeve. "Big brother! Let's go save the bear cub, okay? We have to save the bear cub..."

The beautiful woman's eyes welled with tears. "Bear Cub is kinder than anyone else. He's already suffered so much; the world shouldn't be so cruel to him!"

Ivankov suddenly felt a lump in his throat.

He, Xiong, and Ginny truly shared a life-or-death bond.

The three of them escaped from that hellish God Valley together back then, and their bond has long surpassed that of true siblings—it's like that of family!

He wholeheartedly agreed with Ginny's words.

That kid Xiong is so kind, like a saint who only exists in mythology. He shouldn't have to suffer anymore!

"Okay, Ginny, we..."

Ivankov nodded emphatically, ready to grant Ginny's request.

But.

The next moment, he suddenly froze, instinctively turning his head to look at Dragon.

He is no longer alone.

He was a member of the Self-Respect Army, a man who, along with Dragon and all his comrades, swore to change the world!

Charlotte Linlin is indeed no ordinary pirate.

Self-Respect Army might not be able to handle the Charlotte Family, let alone the pirate alliance behind her.

The mere mention of Dragon's name makes him turn pale, and Roa, who has infiltrated the entire Self-Protected Army like a sieve, is also Charlotte Linlin's ally!

If we actually go to rescue the bear, will it trigger a war between the pirate alliance and the Self-Respect Army?

Wouldn't all of everyone's efforts be in vain?

Ivankov suddenly found himself unable to speak.

"..."

Dragon naturally noticed Ivankov's gaze and understood what he meant.

The man who longed to let the winds of freedom blow across the world also fell silent.

The actions of the Self-Respect Army have only just begun.

"... Big brother?"

Having received no answer for a long time, Ginny stared blankly at Ivankov.

She didn't say anything more, but that surprised question alone made Ivankov feel utterly ashamed.

I actually hesitated about whether or not to rescue the bear—to save my own family!

Even now, I can't make up my mind!

"Hey, what are you guys hesitating about?"

Crocodile, looking at the silent Ivankov and Dragon, said with some impatience,

"Is this some kind of difficult decision? Of course, I should protect what I cherish myself! Humph, I said I would repay your kindness, so this time I'll go with you!"

"Little Crocodile?"

Ivankov stared at Crocodile in disbelief. "Are you serious? That's the Charlotte Family!"

Crocodile retorted irritably, "Weren't we just going to rescue someone? It's not like we're really going to start a war with them!"

Ivankov frowned instantly.

Yes, it was just a rescue mission.

With Xiong's abilities, as long as one can meet him and he can use his powers freely, everyone can escape in an instant!

Ultimately, Charlotte Linlin's threat to the bear is nothing more than the people she knows on this island!

Wouldn't it be better to just take them all with us?

Ivankov's eyes immediately lit up.

At the same moment, Dragon also slowly spoke, "Then let's go, let's go together."

"Dragon?"

Ivankov quickly intervened, "You shouldn't go! You're the commander-in-chief; if you put yourself in danger—"

"That's exactly what we want—to risk our lives."

Dragon replied, "Not only must we risk our lives, but we must openly and blatantly risk our lives."

"Whether or not we succeed in rescuing the bear, someone who has helped us a lot probably doesn't want to see us fall apart like this, right?"

Ivankov was genuinely shocked by his words and paused for a moment.

He was almost speechless. "Dragon, you're not thinking of using Roa to put pressure on Charlotte Linlin, are you?!"

Roa?

Crocodile blinked, somewhat bewildered.

How come Roa is involved in this?

"He's already helped us so much, he shouldn't mind doing us one more small favor."

Dragon said solemnly, "We don't even need to contact him personally; our people inside will relay the message to him immediately."

"This..."

Ivankov hesitated.

He wanted to remind Dragon of the retaliation he had suffered for trying to steal Roa's weapons for free.

Who on the high seas doesn't know that Roa is petty and narrow-minded?

But the words stuck in his throat.

Roa, who craved chaos, certainly placed high hopes on their Self-Respect Army.

Based on all of Dragon's words, he would never allow the Self-Respect Army to be so easily wiped out.

How about we take a gamble?

They were betting that Roa would actually take action, betting that Roa didn't know they were waiting for him to make a move.

"Good!"

Ivankov nodded emphatically.

"So, big brother,"

Ginny's eyes lit up instantly, "Are we finally going to rescue Bear Cub?!"

"Yes! Let's go rescue the bear!"

"Hahaha! This looks like it's going to be really fun!"

Crocodile's smile was meaningful.

It seems their Self-Respect Army has some connection with Roa.

Almost simultaneously, in the New World, somewhere in the Calamity City floating in the sky, at a training ground.

Two figures stood facing each other.

"It seems that knife really did give you a lot of courage."

Bullet's voice was cold, and his expression was even more indifferent, as if he were a robot in human skin, without any normal emotional fluctuations.

"It gave me more than just courage."

Abel held a knife in his left hand.

The First Generation Onitetsu has been re-equipped with a scabbard, meticulously crafted by Kozuki Sukiyaki, the chief swordsmith of the Calamity Company, which is simple yet elegant.

In short,

Abel slowly drew his sword, and a green aura suddenly began to spread. "This time, you shouldn't be disappointed."

That would be best!

Bullet clenched his fists.

He was wearing gloves that completely covered both hands.

At that moment, jet-black Inazuma suddenly leaped up from the gloves.

"So what are you waiting for?"

Roa, who was sitting on a soft sofa with his legs crossed, smiled and said, "Let's begin."

Standing beside and behind him were all the executives of the Calamity Company, their eyes filled with intense curiosity.

I'm curious to see who will win between Bullet and Abel next.

This is a test.

Abel said he had completely tamed the First Generation Onitetsu.

Of course, we should immediately test just how strong his newly acquired power really is.

When Roa says "begin," it means "begin immediately."

Without any questioning, the two simultaneously exerted force with their legs, shattering the solid training ground surface.

Immediately, the two Inazuma- fast black shadows collided heavily.

The jet-black iron fist clashed with the jet-black sword blade, and the result of the collision of these two powerful and Haki was a dense array of jet-black Inazuma spreading outwards.

Of course, it didn't have the overwhelming power of the Haki Inazuma that erupted from the clash of conflicting Conqueror's Haki.

However, both of them were experts who had reached the level of internal destruction with Armament Haki. Their collision still shattered the earth, and the violent shockwave turned into a raging wind that swept everything away.

"Wow, you guys are strong enough to easily destroy a city if you fight without restraint."

Roa smiled and shook his head. "Then, for today only, let's go all out."

A dark, Haki emanated from beneath his feet, instantly hardening the entire arena.

"Hahaha! That's really outrageous, Boss! Do you really have to go to this extent just to get those two fighting?!"

Teach couldn't help but burst into laughter.

They actually used their Haki to harden the entire battle arena!

Isn't that a bit too extravagant?

"Hahaha! This way, they can finally have a good fight!"

Loki sat cross-legged, his eyes filled with obvious anticipation.

And in the center of the field.

"In that case, there's no need for pointless probing!"

Abel took flight, and in that instant, he donned the Tengu mask, and his wings grew even wider.

A fierce wind surrounded him, and flames rose from the blade of his sword.

"Let's go then!"

Bullet showed no weakness, and in the next instant, his body expanded, transforming into Mercury Giant over a hundred meters tall, instantly standing tall on the battlefield!

The silver-white giant turned completely black in the next instant, especially his fists, where massive, Haki Inazuma leaped continuously.

"This guy's Armament Haki is ridiculously strong!"

Loki, watching this scene, couldn't help but mutter, "Even my giant Armament Haki can't match his!"

"Bullet is special."

Roa smiled and said, "He's just as gifted as you."

"But,"

Loki chuckled, "Bullet's already used a fragment of Enma, hasn't he? He's even used Conqueror's Haki on his fists. Can Abel really withstand it?"

"Why don't you just try it and see?"

Roa chuckled softly.

In the sky, Abel suddenly flapped his wings and swooped down. The fire on the blade of his sword surged even more fiercely with the help of the wind, and now it was spewing flames like a giant jet engine!

But it wasn't over yet; the blazing flames suddenly turned a deep, eerie green!

"Here comes Bullet!"

"Come on, Abel!"

The enormous Mercury Giant raised its right fist and blasted it out like a cannonball.

"Ultimate Cannon!"

Bullet did not manipulate his body in ordinary ways.

He had long since completed the relevant training in willpower, and his mastery of Life Return was already unparalleled.

Just like Loki, his massive size did not put him at a disadvantage in terms of agility and reflexes.

On the contrary, his enormous size and immense weight caused his punches to become wildly powerful, incredibly potent, and explosively strong!

Add to that his terrifying Armament Haki, and the half-baked Conqueror's Haki he achieved through the Enma shards, and the power of this punch is enough to destroy the heavens and the earth!

Faced with this attack, Abel simply gripped the knife tightly in his hands.

The green flames erupted wildly like a rocket launcher!

"Ghostly Aura - Fire Dragon Emperor!"

With a powerful downward flick of the blade, a massive Flame Dragon roared as it slammed down.

Its eerie green body was faster and more ferocious than ever before! It seemed to truly possess a life of its own!

Boom!!

The collision between the iron fist and the fire dragon was like a nuclear explosion.

A violent explosion erupted in the sky, creating a massive fireball that was half eerie green and half silvery white.

Standing behind Roa, Dylan raised his hands, unleashing a powerful Armament Haki that formed a barrier, blocking the oncoming shockwave.

"That's outrageous! These two guys!"

Doflamingo couldn't help but gasp in astonishment. If it weren't for Dylan, he would probably have been blown away by now!

They're going too far! If their attacks are allowed to land on the Calamity City, even this floating city will be utterly destroyed!

Roa raised the corners of his mouth.

Not bad, Abel has indeed completely tamed the First Generation Onitetsu.

Using the demonic energy released by Kitetsu, he had indeed caught up with Bullet completely.

Judging from their clash just now, their strength has already exceeded the level that a Disaster Sweet Commander should have.

Hmm, early stage of Quasi-Emperor.

He's roughly back to his level when he first left the Land of Endless War, not counting the endless recovery of the dark energy.

"Again!!"

One collision wasn't enough. Bullet's voice gradually rose, and huge arms extended from his massive body. His mountain-like fists transformed into a storm at that moment.

"Limit Cannon Frontline!"

"Good!"

Abel flicked his blade, and an eerie green flame instantly spread out.

Flames coalesced into a massive ring of fire in front of him, and the instant he swung his sword forward with all his might, an enormous fire dragon surged forth from within that ring.

"Ghostly Aura - Guardian Fire Dragon Emperor!"

The Flame Dragon split in the next instant, transforming into enormous creatures nearly as large as the previous fire dragon, which aimed with pinpoint accuracy at Bullet's massive fists that were hurtling towards him.

Boom boom boom boom boom!

And so, fireworks burst forth in the sky.

"Good."

Roa nodded in satisfaction.

But Abel, is that still swordsmanship?

Who taught you?

Not learning good things.

Almost at the same moment.

On the other side of the Red Line.

This is the Calm Belt.

On this calm, undisturbed sea, stands a colossal gate that soars into the clouds.

This is one of only three Gate of Justice in the entire world.

Oh, now there are only two left, because one of them was destroyed during the pirate alliance's attack on Marineford.

Not far behind this door, there is a small island in the sea.

Strictly speaking, this is not an island, but rather the top of a building that emerges from the water.

This building is generally known as Impel Down, or Impel Down.

"Hehehehe! Don't let me down!"

A burst of laughter descended from the sky.