Chapter 11: Sacrifice

At this moment, everyone present was shaken by Hannibal's presence; even some pirates who had been itching to act involuntarily halted their steps before Niba's aura.

The scene fell utterly silent, leaving only the crackling of burning torches.

"A truly terrifying man." Orochimaru spoke slowly, breaking the silence. His tone was flat, yet a flicker of admiration flashed in his eyes.

The next second, Orochimaru suddenly opened his mouth wide, and a long sword shot out from within at blinding speed, thrusting straight at Hannibal's chest. The blade cleaved the air with a sharp whistle, its speed nearly imperceptible.

Faced with this sudden lethal strike, Hannibal stood unmoving. He remained in place, gaze fixed firmly on the incoming sword, showing not the slightest intention to dodge.

Just as the blade was about to pierce Hannibal's chest, a black shadow suddenly flashed into view.

*Clang! *

A hand wreathed in black flames clamped onto the blade; black fire danced along the steel with a sizzling hiss.

Following that hand upward, all saw that Ace had appeared before Hannibal at some unknown time, one hand gripping the long sword, flames leaping between his fingers.

"Oh?" Orochimaru raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. He had not expected Ace to intervene at this moment.

Ace released his grip, letting the sword clatter to the ground. He turned to face Hannibal, his expression complex.

"No need," Ace said in a low voice, "he's already dead."

The instant Ace's words fell, the prison fell into a dead silence, as if time had frozen at this moment. Guards and prisoners alike snapped their gazes toward Hannibal, eyes full of disbelief.

Hannibal still stood upright in the same spot, posture unchanged, spine straight, head held high, eyes fixed forward — but his pupils had lost their focus.

The next second, the previously silent guards erupted into an uproar.

"Vice Warden!!!"

"Bastards! I'll kill you all!"

"Avenge the Vice Warden!!"

With roar after roar, the guards charged forward, eyes bloodshot, weapons in hand, instantly clashing with the prisoners ahead.

"This is troublesome..."

Orochimaru nimbly sidestepped a guard's bayonet, brow furrowing slightly.

He hadn't expected Hannibal's death to instantly ignite the guards' battle intent. The previously routed wardens now lunged at them like mad dogs. "You brats who don't know the heights of heaven or depths of earth, do you really think you can stop us like this?" Crocodile snorted coldly.

The next second, with a flick of Crocodile's wrist, a whirling sandstorm howled toward the guards, sweeping over them. Where it passed, moisture was sucked from the air, sand grains grinding in the wind with a teeth-grating hiss.

The front-rank guards were turned into desiccated corpses the moment the sandstorm washed over them.

Yet the next second, even more guards surged up from behind, swiftly filling the gaps in the battle line.

"We are the guards of Impel Down!"

"No one passes us!"

Watching these guards who faced death unflinchingly, even Ace could not help but be moved.

"My apologies," Ace slowly raised his right hand, a blazing flame dancing in his palm. "Your resolve, I have witnessed it."

The words barely left his mouth before he spread his fingers and shouted low: "Flame Pillar!" In an instant, a broad pillar of fire roared forth; the air twisted in its wake with a sizzling hiss. Fire tongues danced wildly through the narrow passage like an enraged fire dragon, spewing scorching breath at the guards.

"Aaagh!!!" Screams rose and fell; many guards were blown back by the fierce flames, crashing heavily to the ground, shrieking and writhing in agony.

Against Seven Warlords-level powerhouses, no matter how stubborn the conviction, it cannot bridge the gap in strength.

Before long, the four stood amid the wreckage; though none were seriously injured, their expressions showed weariness. Just as they prepared to leave, a weak voice suddenly came from behind.

Orochimaru looked back to see a guard struggling to support his battered body, rising unsteadily. Blood spilled from the corner of his mouth, dripping down his chin to pool crimson on the ground.

"Pirates, listen well!" he shouted with tearing throat, blood seeping from his lips yet heedless. "Don't think you've won just like that — soon you'll have to face this Sea, face the countless Marines who uphold Justice!"

"Remember!" the guard continued, each word seeming to drain his last strength. "As long as Justice stands, you will never gain true Freedom! Because we will forever stand in your way!"

Before his voice fell, the guard's body slumped, crashing heavily to the earth, utterly silent.

Ace gazed at him deeply, a complex glint in his eyes. "Justice? Do you really understand the meaning of those words?"

Crocodile snorted coldly: "Sounds nice, but he's just a lowly guard."

At this moment, an unfathomable emotion flickered in Orochimaru's eyes.

In his world, ninja fought for power, resources, and land; fought for their Village's interests; fought for personal desire. But here, these guards willingly gave their lives for a belief that seemed illusory and intangible.

Such pure, unwavering conviction was something Orochimaru had never seen in the Ninja World. Ninja battles are invariably mixed with too much pragmatic interest and desire; few would throw themselves forward heedlessly for the justice in their hearts like this guard.

Orochimaru shook his head slightly, hoping the justice they spoke of was not a hypocritical mask crafted to conceal the ugliness of power.

The group passed through the great gate into an open clearing. Ace suddenly halted, turned to face the pirates behind him, and called out loudly: "Hey, has anyone seen a boy wearing a straw hat?"

No sooner had he spoken than the crowd erupted in murmurs, many exchanging blank looks as if straining to recall. Confused voices rose and fell, mixed with vague, unclear information.

"Straw-hat boy? Rings a bell."

"I think I saw a guy with a straw hat, but not sure if it's who you're looking for."

"Wait, I remember that boy seemed injured, right? Looked pretty bad."

At this, a pirate stepped forward: "I saw someone dragging him toward the forest on the west side of Level 4, and he seemed badly hurt..."

Hearing this, Ace's face changed sharply, eyes full of anxiety and worry. He clenched his fists, as if forcibly suppressing his inner unease. "That guy Luffy..."

Crocodile noticed Ace's change; he raised an eyebrow, golden hook draped casually over his shoulder, tone tinged with dismissiveness. "Hey, Ace, you're not thinking of splitting our fighting strength at a critical moment like this, are you?"

Ace lifted his head, meeting Crocodile's gaze with firm resolve: "Sorry, Crocodile, but I have to find Luffy. He's my little brother; I can't abandon him when he needs me most."

Crocodile narrowed his eyes, silent for a moment. Finally, he snorted disdainfully and waved a hand.

"Suit yourself, Fire Fist." He said coldly, a trace of impatience in his tone. "But don't expect me to wait at the Exit. Once business is done, I won't stay here a second longer."

At this, Jinbe looked at Ace: "I'm going with you. I promised I'd see you out; otherwise I wouldn't leave."

Ace's eyes flashed with a touch of emotion; he nodded solemnly: "Thank you."

(Chapter End)