Chapter 18: Back Up On The Way

"Magellan, they lost contact?!"

Everyone's faces changed. They knew how much trouble Magellan and Shiryu caused, and now not only were they missing, but other deputy directors as well.

That was bad enough.

"Apparently, the guards on the first floor reported something about a prisoner..."

Sengoku quickly shared the news he'd received, but after listening, everyone thought it sounded crazy.

"This doesn't make sense. Even an Admiral wouldn't break through Impel Down easily on their own. How could a prisoner like that end up on the first floor?"

To break through Impel Down, someone would need fighting power on par with an Admiral.

But there were only a handful of people with that kind of power in the whole sea, and they were all well-known. As for those who lived in seclusion, why would they attack Impel Down? It made no sense.

"This isn't the time for arguments. I've been given intel about the attacker at Impel Down, and I've already sent someone to investigate. Let's put everything else aside for now. Aokiji, you'll lead a team to provide backup!"

Sengoku opened his mouth and said. Although this matter is full of doubts, even without the constant reassurances from the Impel Down guards, he would have found the news hard to swallow. How could such an absurd thing be happening?

An individual as powerful as an Admiral had been captured and imprisoned on the first level of Impel Down. Now, they he's on the move, heading to the lower floor. It seemed there was no other reason for this besides freeing prisoners.

But the guards had sent another message. Aside from a few vicious creatures from Impel Down being killed, the guards were mostly injured, with none dead. This intruder even managed to control some of the criminals.

Sengoku couldn't help but suspect he was being fed a tall tale. Yet, he couldn't reach Magellan or the others. Whatever the case, Impel Down falling into the wrong hands wasn't an option. He had to go and provide support.

"Garp, Gion, come with me. With your help, we can stop any escapees from the sixth floor!"

In addition to Aokiji, Sengoku decided to send a large force, including Garp, two Admiral candidates, several vice admirals, and a substantial number of troops. This situation was far too serious to take lightly.

While the intruder didn't appear to be interested in freeing all the prisoners, who knew what might happen? The escape of the prisoners from the sixth floor had to be prevented at all costs.

"Understood, let's move out!"

Aokiji acknowledged the order with a nod. Garp, uncharacteristically quiet, remained stoic. Despite his usual goofiness, Garp always knew when things were serious.

The reinforcements from the Naval Headquarters were swiftly assembled. A dozen warships soon set sail towards the Gate of Justice.

This kind of line up is way stronger than a Buster Call, but unlike a Buster Call that just wipes out an area without a care, this group seems to have a specific goal.

"This guy is nuts!"

To save time, Aokiji and the others reviewed the intel on the ship. Luo Ning's identity remains unclear, but the information they have so far is bizarre.

"What's up with this? This guy knocks out Magellan and his team, then almost gets killed by basic defenses?"

Garp threw the papers down, convinced the information was garbage.

"Maybe it's a disguise to get to the first floor, which has the weakest guards," Gion suggested.

"Disguise is more likely. Any updates from Impel Down?" Aokiji asked. They'd been sailing for a while and needed to know the latest.

"Latest report: some jailers found unconscious and injured guards and Deputy Director Hannyabal on a lower floor. No deaths reported so far."

The soldier relayed the latest intel from Impel Down.

"Full speed ahead! We can't lose Impel Down!" Aokiji clenched his jaw. The thought of those sixth-floor monsters escaping had initially worried him, but now... even if they did escape, their weakened state wouldn't pose much threat.

However, if these criminals roamed free, it would become a major problem.

***

The warship surged forward. Meanwhile, Luo Ning, after another power-up, decided to head upwards. He knew Marine reinforcements were on their way, so he took the initiative to go up.

It didn't matter where the fight happened. After the power-up, he felt his strength skyrocket to even more terrifying levels.

Now, he just needed a few more test subjects.

As he walked, guards only spotted him once he reached the first floor. The Den Den Mushi on other floors remained unconscious.