The Man on the Dragon!

"I'm going to kill you!"

"You're welcome anytime, the world's second greatest swordsman."

"... second?"

"What? I defeated you with my sword, so I'm now the World's Greatest Swordsman!"

"You bastard... you call that 'using a sword'? You're a 'martial arts enthusiast'!"

"You're too attached to material possessions, Hawk Eyes. Are swords and blades such inconvenient things?"

"Hmph! You're just a guy who fights with his fists, what right do you have to say such things?"

"So what if I have fists? I once encountered a newbie who fought using a pipe!"

Storm didn't seem to mind Hawk Eyes Mihawk's dismissive attitude; he just said it casually.

"As long as your [Armament Haki] is strong enough, even the most ordinary water pipe can be transformed into an 'unparalleled giant water pipe'!"

Storm's words were reasonable, well-founded, and convincing.

Even the (former) World's Greatest Swordsman, Hawk Eyes Mihawk, didn't know how to respond to that statement.

When a bare-handed guy defeats the world's greatest Supreme Grade Sword World's Greatest Swordsman.

Whatever the other party says, they have their reasons.

Although Hawk Eyes Mihawk was very unhappy, he couldn't find any reason to refute it.

"Hmph! Only meat, no wine?"

"Where do you think this is? We only have fresh water that we just found on a nearby island—"

"Gulp--Pfft! It's hot?"

"Look at you, always in such a hurry."

Storm dodged Hawk Eyes Mihawk's "water spray" attack and frowned as he looked at his opponent.

"The water in the wild isn't that clean. You have to wait for it to cool down a bit after boiling it before drinking it."

"You bastard..."

Hawk Eyes Mihawk crushed the ceramic pot that Storm had just handed him, his whole body trembling.

"One day, I will definitely kill you!"

"Great! Very energetic!"

After eating and drinking to their hearts' content.

Hawk Eyes Mihawk, who had just seemed somewhat listless, recovered considerably.

"I've been absent from work for five days, and now I'm heading back to Impel Down."

Storm waved to Hawk Eyes Mihawk, and a Blue-Eyes White Dragon emerged from the ground and carried him on its back.

"Are you going to stay here alone, or come back with me first?"

"My ship is still in Impel Down."

Hawk Eyes Mihawk responded indifferently, then jumped onto the Blue-Eyes White Dragon's back on his own.

"You really don't hold back at all..."

Storm made a comment but didn't seem to mind, and directly rode the Blue-Eyes White Dragon back to Impel Down.

Five days have passed.

Impel Down has changed considerably compared to before.

What is particularly noticeable is that several more massive naval warships have appeared at the port of Impel Down.

This was specially dispatched to Impel Down by the World Government.

The Golden Lion II and Whitebeard the Second were late in arriving.

The defenses of Impel Down must be maintained to prevent any unnecessary accidents.

When Storm rode the Blue-Eyes White Dragon back to Impel Down with Hawk Eyes Mihawk.

A flash of yellow light appeared on the First Sea Level.

"Hey, isn't that the White Dragon?"

Kizaru raised his right hand and greeted him with a smile.

"And Hawk Eyes."

Hawk Eyes Mihawk nodded to Kizaru before leaving on his own.

He retrieved the small sampan he had accidentally left behind from the jailers of Impel Down, and then, leaning on the Supreme Grade Sword [Night], he flew away from the sea area where Impel Down was located, as if he were leaning on an oar.

"Hawk Eyes! Keep in touch when you have time!"

Storm shouted at Hawk Eyes Mihawk's retreating figure.

But whether it was his imagination or not, Hawk Eyes Mihawk's rowing speed seemed to have increased slightly.

"Storm, what did you do to this 'World's Greatest Swordsman'?"

Kizaru stroked the stubble on his chin and looked at Storm with slight surprise.

He seems to be in a hurry to leave.

"Not the 'World's Greatest Swordsman,' but the 'world's second greatest swordsman.'"

Storm drew his [Alcohol Iron Ore Katana] from his waist, twirled it with a flourish, and then slung it over his shoulder.

"The current 'World's Greatest Swordsman' is none other than myself."

"Um?"

Kizaru's gaze toward Storm became even more peculiar.

"Although I'd heard from Fleet Admiral Sengoku Guo that you have a bit of a bragging habit, I never imagined it would get this bad!"

"Should I contact a doctor for you? I'm quite familiar with Vegapunk."

"Admiral Kizaru, what do you mean by this?"

Storm raised the [Alcohol Iron Ore Katana] in his hand, its gleaming tip pointing directly at Kizaru.

"How about we have a little sparring match?"

"Swords and blades are very dangerous weapons!"

Kizaru extended two fingers and brushed the blade of the [Alcohol Iron Ore Katana] away from in front of him.

"If there's nothing else, I'll go back to rest—I mean, go back to recover from my injury."

"There is something I need to take care of."

With a clang, Storm sheathed the [Alcohol Iron Ore Katana].

"Admiral Kizaru, I've been in the Calm Belt for the past five days, and I'm not far from Impel Down. Does that count as me 'protecting' Impel Down?"

"... ah?"

Kizaru tilted his head, completely unable to understand what Storm was trying to say.

What are you trying to say?

"I mean, five days have passed, and I haven't returned to my loyal, Infinite Hell."

Storm said earnestly.

"I miss those prisoners in the Infinite Hell so much right now!"

Want to die?

You want them to die, right?

Kizaru smirked.

As Admiral, and specifically the Admiral guarded Impel Down.

Kizaru, of course, knew the contents of the "deal" between Storm and Sengoku.

White Dragon is willing to come to Impel Down to fight against Whitebeard the Second., but he needs to periodically execute the prisoners in Infinite Hell.

After learning about this "insider deal," Kizaru felt that his junior Storm, was...

Her personality is a bit awkward.

Obey the Fleet Admiral's orders, defend Impel Down, fight against pirates, and at the same time actively clear out prisoners to reduce the burden on Impel Down...

Kizaru hasn't encountered such a motivated and hardworking rookie marine in many years.

What a blessing for the Navy...

Who exactly is spreading the rumor that Vongola Storm is "the biggest stain on the Navy"?

Kizaru stroked his chin, looked at Storm, and asked softly.

"It seems Magellan was always with you when you were executing prisoners, wasn't he?"

Storm nodded. "Yes."

"In that case, let this old man accompany you to the Infinite Hell today."

Kizaru waved to Storm and walked alongside him toward the entrance to Impel Down.

"I've been in Impel Down for so long, and I still haven't been to Infinite Hell!"

"I heard that it holds lots and lots of incredibly strong prisoners~"

Storm glanced at Kizaru sideways, but said nothing.

He didn't know why the usually lazy Kizaru would actually accompany him to the Infinite Hell today...

But I'll go if I want to.

Anyway, Storm is now doing things for money, and all his actions are in accordance with the rules.

On the way to Infinite Hell.

Storm and Kizaru chatted casually.

"Admiral Kizaru, has anything interesting happened on the high seas these past few days?"

"Interesting news? Let me think... I don't think so~"

"Has anything interesting happened in Impel Down?"

"Hmm, the Deputy Warden has been imprisoned in the Infinite Hell again. Isn't that an interesting thing?"

"That Shiryu of the Rain killed someone again? This time it was the jailer again?"

"That's right~ Impel Down is really dangerous~ Magellan is like a monster."

"Magellan was just 'like' a monster, but you, Admiral Kizaru, you 'are' a monster."

"Ah?"

Infinite Hell lies ahead.

Storm turned to look at Kizaru and asked seriously.

"Admiral Kizaru, Shiryu of the Rain currently imprisoned in Infinite Hell. He is also a prisoner of Infinite Hell. Can he be included in the execution list?"

"Of course... that's not allowed~"

Kizaru smirked and said with a faint smile.

"Storm, before the government's verdict was issued, Shiryu of the Rain still the Deputy Warden of Impel Down ~"

"Don't do anything risky!"

Storm shook his head regretfully, then stepped into the Infinite Hell.

After his repeated torment, fewer than ten prisoners remained in the Infinite Hell.

The vast, Infinite Hell was as quiet as a real hell.

Storm and Kizaru walked through the Infinite Hell, their footsteps echoing around them.

Not long after.

The two arrived together in front of a prison, where a prisoner was being held.

"White Dragon..."

Before the prisoner could beg for mercy...

The vast expanse of clay completely engulfed his body.

In no time at all.

A blood-stained Diamond Trophy leaped out of the void.

Storm put away the trophy and glanced at Kizaru.

The other party's expression remained unchanged, unlike Magellan before, who was eager to urge Storm to leave Infinite Hell.

"Admiral Kizaru?"

"Um?"

Kizaru seemed to have taken a nap; he turned his head and looked at Storm, appearing genuinely puzzled.

"What's wrong?"

"... nothing."

Storm smirked and continued walking toward the next cell.

Kizaru, like a quiet ghost, silently followed Storm without offering any opinion.

A few minutes later.

The second [Blood Diamond Trophy] is in hand.

Then came the third, the fourth...

Storm has won six Blood Diamond Trophy in a row.

Only three "residents" remain in the Infinite Hell.

Just as Storm was about to head to the next prison cell.

Kizaru, who had been playing the role of a puppet, finally spoke.

"Storm, have you finished your business?"

"... There are two left."

"That's enough. The government isn't keeping these prisoners around for you to kill for your own amusement."

Kizaru said with a serious expression.

If the other party hadn't just turned a blind eye to his actions, Storm would have believed that Kizaru was a good marine who resolutely supported all orders and will of the World Government.

Listen to advice, and you'll have a full meal.

Considering how accommodating Kizaru had been earlier, Storm decided not to persist.

"... Let's leave it at that!"

Storm carries six Blood Diamond Trophy.

Kizaru was in a completely relaxed mood.

The two walked back together to the vicinity of the entrance to the Infinite Hell.

A panting figure came running towards them; it was Magellan, the warden of Impel Down.

"Admiral Kizaru! Vongola Storm! What were you two just doing!?"

Kizaru smirked and suddenly looked up at the ceiling of the Infinite Hell.

This ceiling, it really is a ceiling!

When Storm saw that the Admiral had backed down at this moment, he couldn't help but curl his lip.

"Magellan, I'm here to collect my payment!"

"Payment my ass!"

Magellan glared at him and swore.

"You slaughtered all but three prisoners in the Infinite Hell! I saw it all!"

Yes! That's right! So what?

Storm nodded and said matter-of-factly.

"The dead can't be brought back to life, so try to accept it, Magellan."

"You--Me--"

Upon hearing this, Magellan's expression rapidly shifted between purple and red.

"Vongola Storm! Get out of here!! Impel Down doesn't welcome you!!!"

"Let's go!"

Storm looked at Kizaru and raised his right hand, waving it.

"Admiral Kizaru, you'll be left here to guard this place by yourself."

"People like us who work so diligently are always misunderstood by others. This world is truly..."

Kizaru twitched the corner of his mouth, glanced at Magellan who was almost completely red beside him, and urged him on.

"We're different... You can go now, leave this to me."

Whitebeard the Second. never came.

It's not a good idea to keep Storm in Impel Down any longer.

After all.

Kizaru can simply stay in Impel Down, recuperate, and slack off.

But Blade Unit Member like Storm have many more things to consider.

"Then I'll take my leave."

Storm nodded to Kizaru.

Only three people remain in the Infinite Hell, one of whom Shiryu of the Rain only recently moved in.

It would be impolite for Storm to continue killing.

Since there is no "reward" to be received.

Storm lost all motivation to stay in Impel Down.

"Magellan, see you next time!"

There will absolutely be no next time!

Magellan said in a deep voice.

"I will definitely protect Impel Down!"

"What if Whitebeard the Second. comes?"

"I asked with great interest, "Storm asked.

"Or perhaps it's the Golden Lion II?"

Each name was called out.

Magellan's complexion turned slightly redder.

Kizaru couldn't stand it any longer and nudged Storm's shoulder.

Before Magellan turned completely red-hot and transformed into a "Poison Giant Soldier".

Storm dusted himself off and left.

This departure wasn't as rushed as the last one.

After bidding farewell to Hannyabal, Domino, Sadie-chan, Storm rode the Blue-Eyes White Dragon out of Impel Down.

It had only been flying for a short while.

Storm spotted Hawk Eyes Mihawk rowing diligently in the open sea below.

He maneuvered the Blue-Eyes White Dragon to descend.

The shadow fell directly over Hawk Eyes Mihawk's small boat.

Then Storm's voice reached his ears.

"Hawk Eyes, why are you so slow?"

Hawk Eyes Mihawk looked up at the sky and saw the enormous White Dragon above.

His eye twitched, and he sheathed his Supreme Grade Sword [Black Blade Night], leaping directly onto the back of the Blue-Eyes White Dragon.

This time, Hawk Eyes Mihawk didn't forget to give a reminder.

"Bring my ship with you!"

Storm looked at the overly familiar Hawk Eyes Mihawk and couldn't help but curl his lip.

"Hey! Are you sure we're going the same way?"

Hawk Eyes Mihawk, "Where are you going?"

Storm thought for a moment and gave his answer, "East Blue, I heard the other day that Crocodile abandoned his base and ran off to the East Blue. I wonder what he's up to. I want to go and see."

"Then I'm going that way!"

Hawk Eyes Mihawk's decisiveness surprised Storm.

He paused for a moment, then asked.

"... What if I go to the New World?"

What are you going to the New World for?

"Of course it's for the Yonko! Want to come along, Hawk Eyes?"

"I have no interest in the Pirate Emperor! Except... Shanks!"

"I knew it! You're still hung up on that man, Number Two."

Storm clapped his hands and laughed loudly.

"Then we have the same goal! The Red-Haired Pirates are also within my target range."

The two simple words are "Number Two".

Hawk Eyes Mihawk fell silent once again.

However, at this moment, Storm continued to speak.

"Hey, Hawk Eyes, wanna join my pirate crew?"

I don't trust you!

"But we're already part of the same group!"

This is the third update, 14,000 words. Please subscribe! Please vote with monthly tickets!

There will be more tonight, around 11 pm.