บท 146: Freezing Hell: A Rescue Underway

Impel Down's Level 5, known as Freezing Hell, was a wasteland of ice and despair. Frost covered every surface, and the temperature was so low that even the breath of prisoners froze into brittle icicles. Prisoners, shackled and thin, huddled in dark corners, shivering uncontrollably as they struggled to stay alive amidst the punishing cold.

Into this frigid abyss, Luffy was carried, barely conscious, his body visibly weakened from the torturous poison inflicted by Magellan. His once vibrant skin looked sallow and sickly, yet beneath it lay a flickering will to survive, fueled by his determination to save his brother Ace. A nearby prisoner took a passing interest, murmuring, "What's a guy like him doing here, carrying the poison of the Chief Warden himself? He must've been through Magellan's poison baptism."

Unknown to the prisoners and guards alike, the magic runes woven into Luffy's clothes were slowly absorbing the poison, keeping it from fully taking over his body.

Meanwhile, back on Level 4, the carnage was undeniable. Bodies of guards lay scattered, most unconscious or nursing serious injuries. The usually pristine and guarded pathways were now littered with debris from the earlier scuffles. Magellan's gaze hardened as he assessed the damage, and with a single glance, he knew who was responsible.

"Bon Kurei," he growled, his voice resonating with anger. "Hannyabal, report!" Magellan barked as he woke Hannyabal, who had also been knocked out in the chaos.

"Hannyabal, what happened here?" demanded Magellan.

Rubbing his bruised head, Hannyabal explained, "Bon Kurei fought through and escaped back to Level 3. I don't know how, but he tricked us all."

Magellan's eyes narrowed. "Send out the Jailer Beasts. I want every trace of this rebellion erased."

With that, Magellan turned on his heel, stalking back to his private quarters, leaving Hannyabal in charge of detaining the rogue prisoners Buggy and Mr. 3, who were just recently captured.

In a twist, Hannyabal soon after transformed back into Bon Kurei, who had cleverly taken his place. He had fooled everyone, his disguise impeccable. With a look of determination in his eyes, Bon Kurei urgently whispered to Buggy and Mr. 3, "Hurry! Luffy needs us. We're not leaving him behind!"

At first, Buggy and Mr. 3 were skeptical, but Bon's unshakeable loyalty to Luffy convinced them. "He's my friend," Bon Kurei declared. "And that's all the reason I need."

In an attempt to find some kind of antidote, Bon Kurei, still disguised as Hannyabal, approached the prison's medical team. After a tense consultation, the medics confirmed their worst fears: no one had ever survived Magellan's poison in the quantity that Luffy had endured. They warned that any attempt at treatment could kill him outright.

Defeated but still determined, Bon rejoined Buggy and Mr. 3, who had long since given up hope. "He's done for, Bon," Mr. 3 muttered.

But Bon Kurei wasn't ready to give up. He remembered his long-standing wish to find Ivankov, who was somewhere on Level 5. With renewed purpose, he turned back toward the cold halls, Buggy and Mr. 3 reluctantly following him.

Dressed in Hannyabal's regular clothes, Bon Kurei wasn't prepared for the bone-chilling cold of Level 5. Without any winter gear, the freezing winds cut through him like knives. Yet his willpower kept him moving forward, the magical tattoo from Raja warming his body just enough to keep him alive. Suddenly, a low growl pierced the silence, followed by a chorus of howls.

Turning, Buggy's face turned pale. "Wolves! Not just any wolves—they're huge!" The creatures were ferocious and had been relocated from Level 2 due to their excessive aggression.

Before they could react, the wolves lunged. Buggy and Mr. 3 bolted, leaving Bon Kurei alone to face the pack. Despite the odds, Bon stood his ground, focusing on the tattoo's power to adapt to his surroundings. He engaged the wolves, landing calculated blows, but his strength was waning.

Inside his cell, Luffy's mind remained sharp despite his weakened state. His body continued to absorb the remnants of Magellan's poison, thanks to Raja's enchanted runes, though he was still greatly debilitated. His only thought, his only driving force, was reaching Ace.

Suddenly, Bon Kurei appeared at his cell door, bruised and bloodied from his encounters with the wolves. "Luffy!" he cried, fumbling with the keys. "I'm here, and I'm getting you out of here. No friend of mine is going to die in this hellhole."

Despite his condition, Luffy managed a weak grin. Bon unlocked his cell, and as he did, he left the keys within reach of the other prisoners. Freed, Luffy rose unsteadily, supported by Bon Kurei.

"Save your strength, Luffy," Bon replied with a determined smile. "We've got to find someone—someone who can help."

Guided by fragmented rumors, Bon led Luffy toward the direction of Ivankov, a figure revered among prisoners. They pressed on, trudging deeper into the level. A prisoner shouted a warning as they passed, "If you're heading toward Magellan's office, you'll face the wolves!"

But Bon Kurei wasn't deterred, even as wolves began to appear from the dense forest. Snarling, the beasts surrounded them. Bon fought with all he had, using every ounce of strength he could muster. The wolves closed in, snapping and clawing at him.

Just then, as Bon's strength began to falter, a strange power surged from Luffy. Unconsciously, he emitted a wave of Haoshoku Haki. The wolves whimpered and fled, their ferocity subdued by Luffy's raw, overwhelming aura.

As the last of the wolves scattered, Bon collapsed, exhaustion taking over him. Luffy's eyelids fluttered, the toll of his injuries pulling him back into darkness. Out of the shadows, a figure in an orange and white suit approached the two fallen men, a gentle smile on his face.

Bon Kurei wakes up in a strange, party-like environment and is told he is still inside Impel Down.

A mysterious figure, Inazuma, introduces herself as the one who saved both Luffy and Bon in the forest.

The room darkens, and Emporio Ivankov (Iva), former "Queen" of the Kamabakka Kingdom, steps onto the stage, revealing that they are in a hidden area of Impel Down known as Newkama Land, a "Prisoner's Paradise."

Ivankov explains that prisoners who have been "demoned away" (disappeared) actually escaped to Newkama Land, which is hidden in the sewers of Impel Down, accessible through a "road that cannot exist."

A man in the crowd threatens Ivankov with a bazooka but is quickly neutralized when Ivankov uses his power to change the man into a woman with a Death Wink.

Bon Kurei begs Ivankov to help Luffy, who is suffering from Magellan's poison. Ivankov explains that Luffy has been undergoing intense medical treatment By the Magical Runes, He Fast tracked the process by injecting hormones to stimulate his immune system. However, Luffy's survival depends on his willpower.Ivankov reveals Luffy's willpower is being tested to its limit.

Flashbacks show Luffy strapped to a table, injected with hormones by Ivankov, who is in Stasis treatment could shorten the recovery time but may be his only chance of survival. Ten hours pass with no change, and Bon Kurei is deeply worried. Ivankov explains that the combination of hormones and willpower creates a vital force that boosts the immune system, but it causes pain as cells are destroyed and regenerated.

Ivankov lets Bon watch Luffy through a peephole, but Bon becomes panicked and pleads with Ivankov to help Luffy. Ivankov slaps him to calm him down, reminding Bon that they are saving Luffy.

Ivankov asks Bon about the Magic Tattoo Owner and Shows his Magic Tattoo which was created by Raja. Bon explains everything about Luffy, Raja and their Pirate crew, Ivankov was happy that Raja Finally got to live his Dream.

Ivankov explains that miracles are not about relying on others but about one's own will to survive. This shocks Bon, as he had hoped for a quick fix.Ivankov reveals that his Horu Horu no Mi (Horm-Horm Fruit) allows him to shape people's bodies and minds, explaining the transformation of prisoners into Okamas.

Bon still refuses to believe in the existence of Newkama Land, but Ivankov demonstrates its reality by using his Death Wink.

Ivankov explains that Newkama Land was created by a prisoner with a Tunneling Devil Fruit power, located between Levels 5 and 6 of Impel Down.He reveals that Level 6 is a secret prison where the World Government hides its most dangerous prisoners, including those they want to erase from history.

Ivankov mentions Shiryu of the Rain, a former Head Jailer who was more dangerous than Magellan, and was locked away on Level 6 after killing prisoners for pleasure.

Ivankov shares that Crocodile, Jinbe, and Ace are also imprisoned, but with Ace's execution imminent, time is running out for Luffy to recover.Ivankov is initially disheartened, as Luffy's treatment won't be finished in time to save Ace.

But upon hearing Luffy's screams, Bon Kurei shouts words of encouragement, and the others join in. Luffy's willpower inspires Ivankov to push harder, and Ivankov begins to feel a personal responsibility toward Luffy because he is being the Raja's Captain.

Ivankov injects Luffy with Tension Hormones to boost his adrenaline, allowing him to overcome his fatigue and fight through the pain. Luffy is able to recover much faster than expected, and the residents of Newkama Land celebrate. However, Bon collapses from exhaustion due to the emotional strain of cheering for Luffy.

Luffy, now able to walk and more energetic, thanks Bon for his support but collapses again from fatigue.

Ivankov asks Luffy were is Raja now this casued him Panic and calls Raja using his Bracelet. Raja " Luffy you Bastard why didn't you call do you know how worried I am, where are you now I will come and get you out of the Prison".

Ivankov first to respond " Raja it's me Ivan-chan how have you been, where are you right now".

Raja Listening Ivankov voice " Ivan-chan thank god you found Luffy I was worried he can't find you, Ivan-chan take care of Luffy he is Dragon's Son", Luffy who is beside Ivankov also acknowledge it.

Ivankov is initially shocked but later recalls that Dragon, the leader of the Revolutionary Army, was always mysterious about his past.

Ivankov begins to believe Luffy'" claim, especially after seeing Luffy's incredible willpower, and realizes Luffy is Dragon's son.

Ivankov is motivated to act, knowing that Luffy and Ace are both Dragon's sons, and decides to help them escape. He orders preparations to rescue Ace.

Ivankov is pleased with Luffy's recovery but warns him that he still needs to rest. However, Luffy insists on leaving immediately, knowing Ace's execution is approaching. Inazuma returns Luffy's clothes and straw hat but advises Luffy to rest, which he refuses.

Luffy checks his Vivre Card, noting it is pointing downward, signaling that Ace hasn't been moved yet. Ivankov is initially reluctant to act, but after learning that Luffy is Dragon's son, he becomes determined to help Luffy and Ace, feeling a sense of responsibility for them.

Ivankov remembers working with Dragon in the Revolutionary Army, where he noticed Dragon's deep, unresolved emotions about his homeland and family. Ivankov realizes that Luffy, being Dragon's son, is not just a coincidence but a key figure in the upcoming battle against the World Government.

Ivankov rallies the residents of Newkama Land to prepare a plan to rescue Ace. Luffy, now reinvigorated, is ready to take action, but he collapses again due to the strain on his body

Sadi, Magellan, and the Impel Down staff have been unable to find Bon Kurei, and Hannyabal's location is finally discovered. Magellan prepares to transport Ace to his execution, and Domino scolds him for the delay.

Luffy, Ivankov, and Inazuma charge through Level 5, evading the wolves and making their way toward Level 6. Prisoners are surprised to see Ivankov alive, as they thought he was dead. The trio reaches the entrance to Level 6 and prepares to unlock the door.

Magellan and Domino are heading toward Level 6, unaware that Luffy and the others are about to make their move.

Hannyabal orders traps to be activated as he and the guards prepare for battle, hoping to stall Luffy and his group until the Jailer Beasts can arrive. Luffy, Ivankov, and Inazuma charge forward into Level 6, just as Magellan arrives at Ace's cell, ready to take him to execution