The moment Katie's voice faded, a strange yet overwhelming force erupted.
The Minotaur's mocking grin froze mid-sneer—as if time itself had paused.
Then, in the next second, agony twisted its face, replacing the arrogance with sheer horror. Its massive body staggered backward as countless wounds split open across its right arm, then its entire frame. Blood sprayed in all directions—as though invisible blades had shredded it apart in an instant.
With eyes full of disbelief and confusion, the Minotaur collapsed once more, unconscious.
Katie gazed down at the fallen beast, satisfied. That final strike hadn't just carried her full strength—it had also been infused with the Rend ability, pushed to its absolute limit.
The clash of raw power had been a facade. Her true killing move had been the hidden Rend effect, and the result spoke for itself—she had instantly defeated an opponent with equal physical prowess.
Yet, as she stared at the unconscious Minotaur, Kitty's thoughts deepened.
If even a clown like Buggy possessed such terrifying strength… what kind of schemes were the true masterminds weaving behind the scenes?
The world of One Piece she knew might just be the surface—the real truth was shrouded in layers of fog, hidden from plain sight.
"Hah… No point worrying about that now. Getting stronger is what matters. Knowing the truth won't mean anything if I'm too weak to act on it."
Her gaze dropped to the ventilation shaft below. A foreboding aura seeped up from the depths.
Though she hadn't mastered Observation Haki, the timing suggested Luffy had already clashed with Magellan.
The fourth underground level was a death trap now—one misstep, and she'd be finished.
"But don't let me down, Luffy."
With a leap, Kitty plunged into the shaft, using Geppo to propel herself downward. The risk was immense—but so was the opportunity.
If she could infiltrate Level 6, the system's rewards would catapult her strength to Yonko Commander level. Then, she'd truly have the power to alter the war's outcome.
The final mission reward was still unknown, but Katie had no doubt it'd be worth it—just reaching Level 6 granted 7 skill points and 50,000 exchange points.
With that, she'd grow even stronger, securing her place in this world. There was no reason not to descend.
"If you want these hands… then take them!"
"JET PISTOL!"
Luffy's body blurred as his fist shot forward, too fast for the naked eye to track.
"Useless. Haven't you realized? No one can touch me—and that includes you!"
Yet, the next instant, Magellan's mind blanked from sheer shock.
He'd been hit.
The impossible had happened—this reckless rookie had actually struck him.
Then, Magellan's eyes locked onto the purple liquid coating Luffy's fist. A long-forgotten memory surfaced.
How many years had it been since someone dared to do this?
Behind Straw Hat's eyes, Magellan saw an unbreakable resolve—one that burned from the soul itself.
"I'll admit… your determination is beyond what I expected."
"But do you really think you can survive after touching my poison?"
"Everything you're doing is pointless. You won't save Ace—and you won't leave here alive!"
Even as Magellan spoke, the venom's effects ravaged Luffy's body. His hand felt like it had been skewered by a thousand needles—the pain so intense that he crumpled to his knees.
"D-Damn it… Give Ace… BACK!"
Luffy's mind refused to acknowledge Magellan's words. Only one thought remained: Ace.
"Then stay here—forever."
"Venom Demon!"
A viscous, purple dragon of poison surged toward Luffy.
Though impressed by Luffy's tenacity, Magellan's duty was absolute. He showed no mercy.
Luffy tried to dodge, but his body was already failing. The poison had spread too far—escape was impossible.
The next moment, the venom engulfed him completely.
"AAAAAGH—!"
The pain was beyond human endurance—like ten thousand ants gnawing through his veins, burrowing into his soul.
A single glance told Magellan everything.
Straw Hat was finished.
"Stay here… with your brother."
He turned to leave.
But then—
"Give… Ace… back…"
A trembling voice.
Magellan froze.
When he turned back, Luffy was standing—shaking, barely alive, but standing.
For the first time in years, Magellan felt something akin to disbelief.
How?
By now, Luffy had inhaled enough toxins to kill hundreds. Yet, he still refused to fall.
"You really do have a death wish."
"Venom Demon!"
This time, Magellan unleashed five venomous dragons at once.
"GEAR THIRD—GIANT JET PISTOL!"
Even on the brink of collapse, Luffy fought back. His fist ballooned to colossal size, smashing toward Magellan with all his remaining strength.
The two attacks collided—
And Luffy fell.
This time, he didn't move.
Magellan stared at the motionless body for a long moment.
"Take Straw Hat to Level 5. He'll await judgment there."
"Yes, Warden!"
With the main troublemaker captured, Magellan finally allowed himself to relax. The rest of the escapees were nothing to worry about.
But then—
"W-WARDEN! EMERGENCY!"
A frantic voice shattered the momentary peace.
"What now? Control yourself!"
"Sir—the prisoner Kitty has broken through Sadi and the Jailer Beasts' defenses! She's invaded Level 5!"
"WHAT? Impossible!"
Magellan's blood ran cold.
Kitty had been reported on Level 2 just moments ago. How had she advanced so fast—and breached Level 5?
Yet, his subordinate wouldn't lie about this.
The prison's greatest crisis had just escalated.