one piece (Arc Impel Down)

Tell the story of Luffy’s effort to rescue his brother, Portgas D. Ace, before Ace was handed over for execution. Below is an overview of the plot developments by stage: 1. Infiltrating Impel Down Prison Objective: Luffy learns that Ace is being held on the deepest level of Impel Down – the world’s most secure and dangerous underwater prison. Method: Luffy asks Boa Hancock, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, to hide him under her cloak so he can slip past the Marine checkpoints and enter the prison. 2. The Journey Through the Layers of Hell To find Ace, Luffy must continuously fight and descend through the various levels of Impel Down. Along the way, he inadvertently frees and forms an unlikely alliance with several former foes: • Levels 1 & 2: A reunion with Buggy the Clown and Mr. 3 (Galdino). • Level 3: Meeting Mr. 2 (Bon Kurei), a loyal friend ready to join him. • Level 4 (Hell’s Fire Kitchen): Luffy clashes with the warden, Magellan. He is struck with severe poison from Magellan’s Devil Fruit ability and is sent down to Level 5. 3. Defeat and a Miraculous Revival • Level 5 (Icy Hell): The devoted Bon Kurei risks his life by dragging Luffy through a fierce blizzard in search of rescue. • Level 5.5 (Newkama Kingdom): Both are rescued by Emporio Ivankov (a member of the Revolutionary Army). Ivankov uses his hormonal powers to purge the poison from Luffy at the cost of his lifespan and vitality. 4. It’s Too Late at Level 6 and the Uprising • Level 6 (Infinite Hell): Upon arrival, Luffy discovers that Ace has just been transported to the surface towards the Marineford headquarters. • Forming a New Alliance: Undeterred, Luffy frees Jinbe (a former Seven Warlord) and Sir Crocodile (the ex-main antagonist from the Alabasta arc). • The Grand Prison Break: Luffy, along with Ivankov, Crocodile, Jinbe, Buggy, Mr. 2, and Mr. 3, leads a massive riot, sweeping up the prison levels toward the surface. They even encounter Blackbeard during his own breach attempt. 5. The Thrilling Escape • The Battle at the Main Gate: Thanks to Mr. 3’s ability to create keys and the strength of Jinbe and Crocodile, the group manages to seize a Marine battleship. • Bon Kurei’s Sacrifice: To open the Gate of Justice for his comrades’ escape, Bon Kurei disguises himself as Magellan and remains in the control room of the prison. He willingly sacrifices his own freedom to ensure Luffy’s safe passage by sea. In the end, Luffy and over 200 prisoners successfully escape, marking a historic break-out at Impel Down and setting a direct course toward the epic battle at Marineford to save Ace.

Updated September 23, 2026