Sengoku had just concluded a Marine higher-ups' round table meeting. He rubbed his temples with one hand, on the verge of a breakdown.
Kaido had escaped in just one week. What face would Impel Down, hailed as a fortress of "copper walls and iron gates," have in the future?
The truth was far more severe than what was reported.
The reports only mentioned the escape of Kaido, Byrnndi World, and Dragon. There was much more that was not reported.
First, Impel Down Warden Shimonka had been killed in action. He was due for retirement, but was killed at this critical juncture. The assailant was Kaido. Due to various considerations, this incident was concealed, and Vice Warden Magellan was appointed as the new Warden.
Second, the true story of the trio's escape.
Those unaware of the truth assumed Kaido was simply too formidable to be held for long, but that was not the case. The true protagonist of the prison break was actually Dragon. More critically, it was his subordinate, Ivankov.
In the beginning, due to insufficient and unclear intelligence, everyone assumed Ivankov was not a Devil Fruit user and thus did not restrain him with Seastone handcuffs. For two years, the Okama had been well-behaved, causing no trouble.
However, after Kaido's imprisonment, he used his ability and, along with his subordinate Inazuma, escaped the prison to free Dragon. But during the subsequent joint confrontation with Shimonka and Magellan, the ensuing battle accidentally affected the frozen detention area where Kaido and Byrnndi World were held, leading to the two monsters joining the fight.
The final results were: Dragon, Kaido, and Byrnndi World successfully escaped, Shimonka was killed in action, Magellan was severely wounded, and Ivankov and Inazuma's whereabouts were unknown, though they were not confirmed to have escaped.
After deliberation, it was ultimately decided to conceal Shimonka's death and only announce the escape of the three extremely dangerous criminals to the public.
"Damn it, damn it!"
Sengoku considered himself a patient man, yet he couldn't help but swear aloud.
"Getting angry won't help, Sengoku. We should focus on quickly recapturing them and making up for the loss," Tsuru remarked from the side.
"Hmph, I know."
Sengoku spoke sternly, "Among the three, Byrnndi World is the easier one to deal with. We'll start with this past headache, the World Destroyer."
"No single Admiral can guarantee a solo victory against him, which is why I've assigned G-1 and G-5 Marine Bases to assist Kizaru in the capture."
…
What a shame. If Shiki or Redfield had broken out, I could've swallowed them whole in one breath.
With this thought, Alucard commanded Wolf to return along the original route, heading toward the Gates of Justice's sea region.
As a Devil Fruit user who couldn't fly, Byrnndi World must have seized a Marine ship to make his escape. While it was possible he coated his ship at the Sabaody Archipelago and headed to the New World, the timing made it unlikely. Alucard had also stationed Boa Hancock at the entrance to the New World, ready to capture him at any moment.
"My luck is better than I imagined."
Even with only his back exposed, Wolf submerged in the sea had an exaggerated height of fifty meters. This provided an excellent vantage point, and combined with Alucard's perception, he sensed only a single vessel ahead.
The only ship fitting this description belonged to Byrnndi World.
It seemed he hadn't yet rendezvoused with the rest of the World Pirates. Their luck was good; they wouldn't have to die alongside their captain.
Boom!
Suddenly, a cannon blast rang out. Wolf looked up and saw a pitch-black cannonball hurtling towards him. However, its sheer size gave even him a start. A typical cannonball was only about the size of a bowling ball, but this one was the size of a basketball court.
"The power of the More-More Fruit... I wasn't mistaken."
Alucard's expression was composed, showing no surprise, only anticipation.
"Hmph!"
Wolf concentrated his power, his entire body instantly hardening with Armament Haki. He extended a hand larger than the cannonball in a defensive posture. The massive cannonball slammed into the back of his hand, triggering a violent explosion that forced Jackal back over a hundred meters, causing the entire sea region to churn wildly.
"..."
Wolf shook his hands twice, exclaiming, "That's the most painful cannonball I've ever taken." While he typically served as Alucard's battleship and a meat shield, enduring countless barrages, this was the first time a hit had hurt this much.
Alucard rose, chuckling lightly, "Fall back, Wolf. His ability is your kryptonite."
With that, Alucard dispersed into bats and flew toward the Marine ship, while Wolf quickly submerged into the depths, making it impossible for the cannonballs to immediately lock onto his position.
Running when you can't win is nothing to be ashamed of.
"... Byrnndi World, I apologize for saying this the moment you're out, but I'm going to have to make you sleep here forever." Alucard, in his Bat Transformation state, appeared over Byrnndi World. His left eye, not covered by his fringe, was unfocused, glowing a bloodthirsty crimson.
"Who is it? You punk."
Having fought in countless battles, Byrnndi World was completely unfazed by Alucard's appearance; he just looked extremely impatient. However, unlike Shiki, he hadn't kept up with the news of the current state of the sea via newspaper, having been frozen for over twenty years. He couldn't identify Alucard.
"My name isn't important. All that matters is one person will die in this fight." Alucard landed in front of Byrnndi World.
Byrnndi World's expression darkened. In a naval battle, allowing the enemy to board your ship meant being at a complete disadvantage, especially for a Devil Fruit user. However, judging by the strange ability this kid just displayed, he seemed to be a Devil Fruit user too, making the situation even.
"Fine then. Die!"
Byrnndi World swung a brutal punch.
"You're forcing me to use this so soon."
Alucard was ecstatic. He drew Jackal and fired a close-range shot at the incoming fist.
With less than half a meter between them, Byrnndi World suddenly flicked his wrist, dodging the bullet and letting it strike the main mast of the ship behind him.
CRACK-BOOM!
The massive mast, which several adults couldn't wrap their arms around, was blasted with a huge chunk missing from the hit.
Remembering the intensely repulsive aura from the bullet, Byrnndi World's voice was heavy, "That thing called Seastone? Has it been modified into a bullet now?"