Impel Down

Rock did not leave immediately.

He returned to his office first, picked up the Den Den Mushi on his desk, and dialed a special line.

"Brrring... brrring..."

The call connected quickly.

A guard from Sky Island answered.

Rock asked calmly, "Has she arrived?"

There was a brief silence on the other end, followed by confirmation.

"Reporting to you, Lord Rock."

"Ms. Rouge has arrived safely on Sky Island."

Only then did Rock's expression ease a little.

"Good..."

Sky Island lay beyond the World Government's jurisdiction, and its unusual environment offered further protection.

As long as word did not get out, Rouge and her child could at least make it through the most dangerous period safely.

The next second, blue-white lightning burst through the room.

Boom!

A blinding bolt shot out the window.

Rock became lightning and soared straight into the sky.

He tore through the air, racing above the sea.

A dazzling blue-white light leaped between the clouds.

Moments later, he had crossed a vast stretch of ocean and passed straight through the Gates of Justice.

Finally, he stopped in the sky above the waters off Impel Down.

The lightning slowly faded, and Rock reappeared.

A sea breeze blew from the direction of Impel Down.

His gaze went straight to the harbor, where an all-too-familiar warship was docked.

A huge dog's head adorned its bow.

But the warship was clearly in poor shape.

Its stern was badly damaged, as though some terrifying force had struck it from within.

A massive rupture spread outward. Planks were twisted, and even the metal fittings showed scorch marks.

Marine shipwrights were scrambling to repair it.

Rock looked at the wrecked stern, and the corner of his mouth twitched.

"Honestly, Garp..."

"No wonder I didn't see him on the way here."

The damage clearly had