Fateful Encounter, the Light of Friendship!

"Is this the third level?"

Xi Yan looked around, stroking his chin, and said, "I didn't expect it to be such a vast desert."

What kind of hell is this?

"It's so hot on this floor!"

Looking out at the vast desert, Mr. 3 stuck out his tongue and said, "For someone with the Candle Ability like me, this place is just too unbearable."

Even before entering the vast desert, Mr. 3 already felt he couldn't take it anymore.

"Where's the way to the next level?" Luffy asked.

How would we know such a thing!

"Let's go check things out ahead," Xi Yan said. "It's better than staying here."

As he spoke, Xi Yan glanced back at the Great Gate behind him, thinking to himself, "I don't know how this Great Gate was designed. They didn't even put anything on it to shield the sunlight; it just lets the sun in directly."

Hiss... No, that's not right!

Why is there sunshine here?

Looking up at the high place, a question arose in Xi Yan's mind.

Where did this light come from?

Thinking of this, Xi Yan said, "Do you two know how the sunlight gets in here?"

"How would we know such a thing?" Mr. 3 said helplessly. "Maybe the Navy used some special method."

"Perhaps it's a plant similar to the Sun Tree Eve," Buggy guessed.

"Sun Tree Eve?"

"Hmm." Buggy nodded and said, "We went to Fish-Man Island back then and saw a similar scene there."

"It was because of Sun Tree Eve, that they gained light there."

After saying that, Buggy paused for a moment, then continued:

"This plant absorbs sunlight from the sea surface and then releases it through its Root."

"This is also why Fish-Man Island has sunshine."

After he finished speaking, a look of emotion appeared on Buggy's face.

Fish-Man Island was decades ago, hasn't it? So much time has passed without us realizing it.

"So that's how it is." Xi Yan stroked his chin and said, "This world really does have all sorts of amazing plants."

First there were Sword Tree and needles on one layer, and now something resembling a sun tree has appeared on this layer. I wonder if there will be anything more interesting next.

"You actually went to Fish-Man Island?"

Mr. 3 looked at Buggy in shock. This guy didn't seem like the kind of fighter with a bounty of over 100 million, yet he'd been to Fish-Man Island?

"Ah, but that was all when I was a kid," Buggy waved his hand.

After saying that, Buggy walked away without looking back, clearly having no intention of giving Mr. 3 a detailed explanation.

Ultimately, he couldn't reveal that he was a member of the Pirate King's crew, otherwise he would definitely attract the Navy's encirclement and suppression!

'When I was a child?'

Mr. 3 stared at Buggy's retreating figure, lost in thought.

His intuition told him that this man might be unusual, but now was not the time to think about such things. Even if he wanted to find out about the other man, he would have to leave this place first.

With that thought in mind, Mr. 3 stopped thinking and quickly ran forward to catch up with the others.

"Hey, Luffy, slow down!" Xi Yan shouted.

"Hurry up, I see prison cells ahead!"

Luffy, who had charged ahead, gazed at the distant prison cells and said, "Perhaps someone there knows the way down."

"Cell?"

Mr. 3 and Buggy exchanged a glance, then Luffy together.

If they had some shade, they wouldn't be so hot.

"A prison cell?"

Xi Yan stroked his chin and said, "Then let's go take a look."

If we could get the way down from these people, we wouldn't need to search for the Great Gate in this vast desert.

With that thought in mind, Xi Yan quickly rushed forward.

Soon, the group arrived at the prison cell that Luffy had seen.

"Why do these people look so wrinkled?" Luffy said, looking around the cell. "They look Grandma Za."

Xi Yan:...

"Show some respect to your Grandma Za, you rascal!"

"Sorry..."

Seeing Xi Yan raise his fist, Luffy promptly apologized.

Buggy was stunned by the speed at which the apology was delivered.

'Is this how a captain should act?'

Xi Yan shook his head and ignored the guy.

Seeing that Xi Yan hadn't beaten him up, Luffy immediately regained his energy, then turned to the cell and said, "Hey, do you guys even know the way to the Fourth Floor?"

Unfortunately, after hearing Luffy's words, these guys merely glanced at him before closing their eyes again, without even bothering to speak.

Luffy:???

What's the meaning?

"It seems they've been here for quite some time," Mr. 3 said. "They probably don't even have the strength to speak anymore."

"What's the meaning?"

"This is the third level of the Starvation Hell," Mr. 3 explained. "Here, not only is there no food or water, but you also have to endure the extreme heat."

"Given enough time, even if these people are all powerful pirates with bounties of 50 million or more, they will end up in this miserable state."

After saying that, Mr. 3 turned around, pointed to the skeleton nailed to the wood in front of him, and said, "That's their final fate."

After saying that, Mr. 3 sighed.

He just hoped they wouldn't end up like these guys, dying a horrible death here.

"How do you know all this so clearly?" Xi Yan glanced at Mr. 3 and said, "Do you perhaps know how to get to the Fourth Floor?"

As he spoke, Xi Yan's eyes turned hostile.

If this kid knows something but doesn't report it, he wouldn't mind teaching him a lesson.

"Unfortunately, I didn't know that," Mr. 3 said helplessly. "I only heard this information from others."

Those of them who have been imprisoned for long periods of time occasionally receive some information about the place, which is one of the ways they pass the time.

Xi Yan nodded upon hearing this and said nothing more.

Just then, Luffy's stomach rumbled, immediately attracting the attention of the three.

"Haha, I'm hungry," Luffy said, scratching his head.

Before I knew it, all the food I had eaten had been completely digested.

"Let's eat first then."

"Huh?!!"

Mr. 3 and Buggy looked at Xi Yan in shock and said, "At a time like this, you're still thinking about eating?"

No, they're inside the Underwater Great Prison!

Also, where do we get food in a place like this?

Did you grill these guys in front of you?

Damn it, they don't eat people!

"Nonsense, how can you have the strength to fight if you're not well-fed?"

"That's still not possible..."

Before Buggy could finish speaking, a strange sound was heard.

"The Okama Way!"

"The Okama Way!"

"This humble servant's Okama Way!"

"No way, how can someone have so much energy in this kind of environment?" Buggy said in shock, "Who is this person?"

According to Mr. 3, the people here have no way to get food and water!

Under these conditions, how can this guy still have so much energy?

This is definitely no ordinary person!

"Why does that voice sound so familiar?" Mr. 3 frowned.

"What, you know him?"

"I feel like that voice is from one of my colleagues," Mr. 3 said. "Straw Hat, remember that transvestite you met in Alabasta?"

"A transvestite?"

Luffy tilted his head and looked at Mr. 3, not understanding the meaning of the words "ladyboy".

"It's Mr. 2 who can transform into other people!"

"Is that Bon Clay?"

Luffy's eyes lit up immediately when he remembered who the other person was.

Then, Luffy excitedly looked at Xi Yan and said, "Hey, Xi Yan, quick, let's go rescue Bon Clay too!"

He thought the other person had been killed by the navy, but... the other person was still alive!

How could this not excite him?

"Oh, let's go then," Xi Yan said with a smile.

I never expected to run into that guy here. Maybe... it's fate.

Well, they might also find out the route to the lower levels from each other, who knows?

With that in mind, the group quickly ran forward and soon arrived at their target area.

"Is this the guy?" Buggy said.

Buggy's lips twitched as he watched Bon Clay excitedly pacing around in his cell, unsure of what to say.

"What does this heat matter? My Okama Way a transvestite will not be defeated by this environment!"

"Hahaha!"

"Bon Clay, it really is you!" Luffy to the cell door and excitedly looked at Bon Clay, saying, "I'm so glad you're still alive!"

"Straw Hat?"

Seeing Luffy lying in front of the cell, Bon Clay paused for a moment, then burst into laughter, saying, "Hahaha, I never thought we'd meet here, Straw Hat!"

"Hahaha..."

"Huh?!"

Suddenly realizing what was happening, Bon Clay looked at Luffy in shock and asked, "Why are you here?"

"Ah, and Mr. 3 too!"

"Was I just a side trip?" Mr. 3 quipped.

Ignoring Mr. 3's words, Bon Clay exclaimed excitedly, "You guys were arrested too?"

"Ah, no, I'm here to save Ace."

"Save Ace?"

"Yes!"

Watching the two chatting happily, Buggy glanced at Mr. 3 and asked, "What's the deal with this rare beast?"

"That's just how he is, you'll get used to it," Mr. 3 said, shaking his head helplessly.

For some reason, Mr. 3 suddenly regretted telling Xi Yan what had happened.

But now that we're here, we can't just leave them alone.

"I never imagined you came here to save your brother. I'm truly astonished," Bon Clay said, wiping away his tears. "In that case, let me lend you a hand!"

"Really? Bon Clay, you're willing to help me save Ace?"

"That's right!"

Bon Clay said firmly, "When a friend needs help, I will naturally lend a hand!"

As a principled transvestite, he was determined to help Straw Hat rescue Fire Fist Ace!

"Thank you so much, Bon Clay!"

"There's no need for thanks between the Straw Hat and me!"

"Hahaha!"

After laughing, Bon Clay looked at Mr. 3 and said, "Mr. 3, please unlock these handcuffs for me."

"Knew."

Seeing the expectant look in the other person's eyes, Mr. 3 sighed deeply.

I don't know if meeting this guy is a blessing or a curse.

"Let's go, let's find a place to eat first," Xi Yan said.

"Where's the food?" Buggy complained.

"Don't worry, I brought it."

Looking at Xi Yan's confident face, Buggy's eyes were full of doubt.

Where exactly did they put the food?

"Is there anything to eat?" Bon Clay asked, his eyes shining.

Yes, there are.

"That's wonderful!" Bon Clay exclaimed excitedly, spinning around in circles. "I haven't eaten anything in so long!"

If he could eat his fill, he would be able to unleash even greater power!

This would greatly increase the chances of rescuing Fire Fist Ace!

"By the way, Bon Clay, do you know how to get to the Fourth Floor?" Luffy asked.

"I know," Bon Clay grinned. "I'll take you there in a bit!"

"Profound!"

"Is this the Sixth Floor of the Infinite Hell?!"

"Yes," Hannibal nodded. "Those who can be imprisoned here are basically all well-known figures on the high seas."

"I see."

Hancock nodded, but her brows furrowed unconsciously.

' The Sixth Floor... According to Magellan, this Sixth Floor is the top secret of the Underwater Great Prison, and only a small number of people know about it.'

So, will Xi Yan and the others still be able to find this place?

Damn it, if only she could pass on information to Xi Yan.

"Alright, we're here."

Hannibal pointed to the cell in front and said, "This is the cell where Fire Fist Ace is being held."

Then, the man walked to the front of the cell, looked at the two people inside, and said, "Hey, Fire Fist Ace, wake up, someone's here to see you."

"Um?"

Ace opened his eyes upon hearing this, glanced at Hannibal, and said, "Someone came to see me?"

Could it be Grandpa again?

After considering it for a moment, Ace dismissed the idea, after all, the other party had just come by not long ago!

Thinking of this, Ace asked, "Who is it?"

"Let me introduce you properly~" Hannibal coughed lightly, then looked at Hancock excitedly and said, "It's her, the legendary Shichibukai, the Empress of Amazon Lily, the world's most beautiful woman, the Pirate Empress —Boa Hancock!!"

"Haha, once I become the warden, please, Lady Hancock, you absolutely must marry me!"

"Hancock..."

"Bump!"

Before Hannibal could finish speaking, Magellan slapped him to the ground.

"What are you saying, you bastard?!"

What if saying such strange things to a guest angers the woman?

"I'm sorry... but I still really want to be the warden."

Magellan's lips twitched. "What an idiot."

"The Pirate Empress?"

Ace frowned as he looked at Hancock, wondering why this woman had come to see him.

They didn't seem to have any connection whatsoever; he didn't even know the other person!

"Haha, it's actually the legendary Pirate Empress?!" The surrounding pirates exclaimed excitedly, "No wonder she's so beautiful!"

"Quick, give her to me!"

"Pirate Empress, come play in our cell, I'll treat you well!"

"Haha, you're absolutely right!"

"Woman, come here quickly!"

Unfortunately, these voices had no effect on Hancock; she simply ignored them.

"Damn it, shut up, all of you!!" Magellan roared. "Can't you see they have something to say?!"

"Stop your nonsense, you bastard who only knows how to have diarrhea all day long!"

"That's right, hahaha!"

"You bastard who only knows how to have diarrhea, get that woman to me right now!"

"Hahaha!"

"Click!"

Magellan's face contorted with bulging veins, and a terrifying killing intent immediately emanated from him.

"Who do you think you're talking to?!" Magellan coldly stared at the pirates and said, "I'm the warden of this Underwater Great Prison!"

"Boom!!"

As soon as he finished speaking, terrifying venom appeared on Magellan's body, turning him into a Poison Man!

Then, without hesitation, the man attacked the pirates on both sides, turning the pirates inside the cell purple!

"Damn it, they actually did it..."

"Damn it, give me the antidote! Give me the antidote now!"

"Magellan, you bastard!"

"It hurts! It hurts so much!"

"You scum of the sea, don't forget I'm the warden of this Underwater Great Prison, with the power and authority to execute you all on the spot!" Magellan said coldly. "So when you see me, you'd better tuck your tails between your legs!"

Seeing Magellan covered in venom, the pirates were as if they had been choked, and dared not utter a single word.

Seeing this, Magellan snorted coldly and withdrew all the venom from his body.

If these guys knew what was good for them, he wouldn't bother with these dregs of the sea.

Magellan then turned to Hancock, smiled, and said, "Alright, Boa Hancock, please continue."

"No, it's all over."

"Huh?!"

Magellan looked at Hancock in shock and said, "It's over so quickly?"

He'd barely finished showing off his power, and the deal was already done?

"Hannibal, what did they just say?"

"How would I know?" Hannibal said to Magellan speechlessly, "You were spraying Poisonous Gas everywhere just now, I didn't dare stay here."

He certainly didn't want to be poisoned by this bastard before he even became warden.

Magellan frowned and glanced at Hancock upon hearing this, but he didn't say anything. He simply nodded and left with his men.

I don't know exactly what they said, but as long as they weren't causing trouble, it's fine.

"Alright, you've seen it all. Now it's time for me to come to Navy Headquarters," Vice Admiral Momonga said. "Is everything alright, Boa Hancock?"

"Rest assured, I will keep my promise."

Hancock glanced one last time at the cell behind her, thinking, ' Xi Yan, I hope you get here safely.'

She has done everything she could; now it's just a matter of whether Xi Yan and the others can get here and rescue the person.

With these feelings in mind, Hancock and the others left.

After everyone left, the Sixth Floor returned to its usual bustling state.

"That damn diarrhea bastard, he really went all out."

"Damn it, why our cell of all times?"

"Hahaha, serves you right for being so close to that guy!"

"Damn Magellan, don't let me out, or I'll kill him!"

Hearing the various sounds outside, Jinbe shook his head, then looked at Ace and asked, "Mr. Ace, what did that woman say to you?"

She said my brother came here with his friends to rescue me.

"Wh... what?!"

Seeing the expression on Ace's face, Jinbe's face was filled with disbelief.

He never imagined that anyone in this world would dare to venture into the Underwater Great Prison to rescue someone.

This is insane!

At that moment, Jinbe felt a strong curiosity about these two people who dared to break in.

He desperately wanted to know what kind of person would dare to commit such a feat!