"Is this Impel Down?" Luffy squinted at the massive wooden gate looming ahead, confusion in his voice.
Rolan tilted his head, observing the prison's colossal structure. "This is the world's most infamous prison, Impel Down."
They had traveled three days aboard Going Merry No.1, and now, as the dark fortress rose before them, Rolan activated his System Space, concealing the ship. Within the Electromagnetic Barrier, the two of them appeared naked and undetected right at the main gate.
"Rolan, your ability is really convenient. Let's just fight our way in," Luffy said eagerly.
Rolan smacked the back of Luffy's head lightly. "Use your brain, will you? Don't cause unnecessary commotion. This is the world's largest prison. If the World Government finds out about us, it'll be a huge problem."
Luffy rubbed his head, tears threatening to spill from the pain. "Got it…"
---
Moments later, taking advantage of a Marine escort opening the gate for incoming prisoners, they slipped inside Impel Down undetected.
"Is this… inside Impel Down?" Luffy whispered, eyes wide as dark corridors stretched before him. Occasional screams echoed from the cells, sending a shiver down his spine.
"What are these? Are these prisoners being punished? It's terrifying!"
Even in his naivety, Luffy could tell these sounds came from the jailers' whippings.
"Rolan, let's hurry and find Ace!"
Rolan raised an eyebrow. "Do you know exactly where he is?"
Luffy frowned. "Aren't we inside Impel Down? Ace has to be here somewhere!"
Rolan explained calmly, "Impel Down has six levels. The first level holds the weakest criminals. Each subsequent level houses increasingly dangerous and famous criminals. Ace is in Level Six."
"Level Six?" Luffy's eyes widened. "No wonder everyone here seems so weak. Let's go save Ace immediately!"
---
Using his Electromagnetic Sense to track the guards' movements, Rolan led Luffy swiftly toward the sixth level. The environment grew darker and quieter, every presence radiating raw power. Guards were fewer, but the criminals here were immensely strong.
Impel Down itself was a fortress, built deep underwater, with walls virtually impenetrable and every inmate a potential Devil Fruit user. Escape was nearly impossible.
"Ace! Ace! Where are you?" Luffy shouted, his voice echoing through the cavernous sixth level.
A deep, gruff voice answered, "Who's making all that noise?"
Luffy ran to a large cell door. "Hey! Uncle, do you know where Ace is?"
Inside, a pair of cold, sharp eyes opened slowly. "Don't bother me. If you let me out, I might tell you where Ace is."
Ignoring the hostility, Luffy grabbed the bars. "Fine, just tell me where Ace—"
A sharp pain hit him; Sea-Prism Stone! He collapsed to the floor, weakened.
The man in the cell laughed mockingly. "Hahaha, with you like this, I wouldn't expect you to save anyone."
Luffy got up again, determined. "I'll get the key myself."
The prisoner eyed him suspiciously. "Who are you? A Marine? A fellow prisoner? Or just some brat who wandered in?"
"Straw Hat," he muttered, smirking. "You're not in uniform, so this must be an invasion. Help me out and I'll split the treasure with you."
Other prisoners began chiming in, mocking or joking about rewards if freed:
"Hahaha, free us and you'll gain untold treasures!"
"I'm a king in my country. Free me, and my concubines are yours!"
"Just let me out and I'll agree to any request."
Some stayed silent, weary from years of confinement. They had long ago accepted their fate in the inescapable Level Six, the most heavily guarded prison in the world.
Luffy, still innocent in thought, replied earnestly, "I don't want treasures or concubines. I only want to know where Ace is!"
Another voice piped up mockingly: "Call me Grandpa and I'll tell you where Ace went."
Soon, more joined in, teasing him relentlessly.
Luffy clenched his fists. "I don't have time for this!"
Rolan finally intervened. These inmates were dangerous, wicked, and utterly corrupt. No mercy would help him locate Ace.
Snap!
He snapped his fingers, deactivating the Electromagnetic Barrier, and reached into the air. A glowing Electromagnetic Blade surged into his hand, crackling with blue-purple lightning. With a slight infusion of power, he thrust it toward the first prisoner in front of Luffy.
The blade pierced the man's chest effortlessly. His eyes widened in shock and disbelief.
"Who… who are you? How did you—appear? Are you a Devil Fruit user?"
The remaining prisoners froze, stunned by Rolan's sudden lethal precision.
Rolan scanned the room, his eyes cold and calculating. "Pathetic scum. You deserve death for your arrogance."
Screams echoed across the sixth level as he swung his blade at the other arrogant prisoners, asser
ting his dominance.
"Hehe, interesting," Rolan murmured, a faint smirk on his face.
____
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