"Ah!"
A searing pain suddenly shot through Renji Kai's head, causing him to clutch it tightly and collapse to the floor.
Sitting across from him, Douglas Barrett was instantly stunned.
Just a moment ago, Renji had been in a terrifying battle-ready state—how could he suddenly be so weak?
"Renji, are you okay?"
"Hmph, I'm fine," Renji gritted his teeth. "Just some aftereffects from the high-intensity battle. I just need to rest."
As he spoke, he fought through the pain and tossed a keyring over to Douglas Barrett.
In truth, Renji was incredibly vulnerable at that moment. Even an ordinary pirate could have ended his life.
But he still chose to trust Douglas Barrett at such a critical juncture. After all, Barrett had once sailed under the Pirate King, Roger. Men like him had a deep code of honor. If they gave their word, they wouldn't break it.
Sure enough, Barrett caught the keys, immediately unlocked his shackles, and let out a thunderous roar of pent-up rage.
Then, without hesitation, he walked over, grabbed Renji, and hoisted him onto his back.
"Alright, from here on out, don't worry about a thing. Just rest. I'll get you out of Impel Down."
Barrett's voice was calm, but resolute.
Perhaps it was that sense of security Barrett offered, or maybe Renji was simply too exhausted, but he passed out before he could even respond.
It was unclear how much time passed before Renji slowly opened his eyes.
He found himself lying on a soft bed in a small, enclosed cabin. Jolting upright, a wave of fatigue crashed over him, forcing a deep, pained breath.
"Damn... the aftereffects of the Eight Gates Technique are brutal."
Despite its incredible power—he'd only opened the seventh gate and had already overwhelmed two of Impel Down's strongest—the toll it took had nearly killed him.
Had he not managed to win over Douglas Barrett at the last moment, someone could've easily taken his unconscious body and killed him.
With that thought, Renji forced himself up and opened the cabin door.
A burst of brilliant sunlight struck his face.
Outside, an endless stretch of ocean shimmered beneath the sky.
"Am I... on a ship?" Renji muttered.
"You're awake, Captain Renji!"
Standing at the railing near the bow was Douglas Barrett himself.
True to his word, Barrett had not only broken them out but was now calling Renji "Captain"—a title that meant something in pirate circles. It signified respect, recognition of strength, and leadership.
"Where are we?" Renji asked, dragging his fatigued body beside him.
"Somewhere in the East Blue," Barrett replied. "Not sure exactly where. I'm not familiar with these weak regions. I'd have taken you straight to the New World if we hadn't run into the Navy's backup forces."
"Backup? Who showed up?"
Renji's curiosity spiked. He wanted to know how the Navy had reacted to the chaos he'd caused.
"Vice Admiral Garp and Admiral Aokiji."
Renji's eyes widened in disbelief.
Garp, the Navy's living legend—the "Hero of the Marines"—had been active since Roger's era, and even though he was only a Vice Admiral in rank, his influence and strength were unmatched, even above the Fleet Admiral Sengoku.
Aokiji, real name Kuzan, was one of the Navy's top three powerhouses and a user of the Ice-Ice Fruit. He had once been the student of the fearsome Admiral Zephyr, also known as "Black Arm."
The fact that both had been dispatched spoke volumes about how seriously the Navy was taking Renji's actions.
It was no wonder Barrett had chosen to flee. Having just escaped from Impel Down and not fully recovered, he knew he couldn't take on two Navy titans.
To avoid catastrophe, he'd steered their course straight to the East Blue.
Luckily, Garp and Aokiji prioritized regaining control of Impel Down rather than pursuing them. Garp, understanding the situation's gravity, had ordered all Navy forces to regroup at the prison instead of giving chase.
Meanwhile, deep within Impel Down's fourth level, in the prison warden's office...
Garp sat solemnly in Magellan's chair, his expression unreadable. Aokiji stood quietly to one side.
All the senior staff of Impel Down stood lined up in front of them, bodies wrapped in bandages, covered in bruises and cuts—utterly battered.
Magellan, despite being the highest authority in the prison and on equal standing with Vice Admirals and Admirals due to Impel Down's importance, was clearly humbled.
Impel Down, Enies Lobby, and Marine Headquarters formed the World Government's three ultimate pillars. As its warden, Magellan's position was not insignificant.
But after the disaster that had unfolded under his watch, he knew better than to protest.
Garp's name held weight throughout the world—even within the World Government. Out of respect, Magellan stood quietly, awaiting judgment.
"Have all Level Six prisoners been secured?" Garp asked in a low, commanding tone.
"Yes, all accounted for," Magellan replied. "Casualty reports are still being compiled. Aside from a few small-time inmates, Bask Joe has been confirmed dead. The other top pirates from Level Six have suffered severe injuries. In addition..."