Lab Underground – Toxic Pursuit
Smoke and screams echoed behind them as the Smile gas surged through the vents. The narrow corridors twisted like veins, filled with panicked footfalls.
"Franky! We need a path out, fast!" Nami shouted, her eyes darting to the trembling walls.
Franky growled. "These schematics ain't perfect, but I'll blast us a way if I have to!"
Robin summoned arms along the tunnel walls, guiding the group through the maze. "There's a safer route to the eastern wing. Follow me!"
Kael's boots skidded against the frost. The deeper they ran, the louder the hum in his skull became. The core's whispers curled like smoke in his mind. They don't trust you. They never will. You are made for more.
"Kael!" Luffy called. "Come on!"
Kael nodded with effort, eyes shadowed.
Beppo panted beside Law. "Captain, what's the plan if we get cut off?"
Law shook his head. "Then we break through. No options left."
Baby 5 hovered at the rear, half her form already transformed into a giant rotary cannon. "If I'd known the island was gonna melt, I wouldn't have brought my best boots!"
A sudden rumble caused the ceiling to collapse behind them. Zoro spun, slicing falling rubble effortlessly.
"Keep moving!" he shouted.
---
Collapsed Chamber – Voices of the Past
Kael stumbled as a side corridor opened into a vast chamber buried in ice. The humming grew louder. In the walls—faint flickers of blue veins. The core.
"Kael?" Usopp said cautiously. "Are you okay?"
"I'm…" Kael pressed a palm to his temple. "I'm hearing things again."
The walls around them trembled. Luffy stepped forward.
"You're acting weird again. You gonna fight us or help us?"
Kael's fists clenched. "I don't know."
From deep within the chamber, Noel's voice echoed—faint, imagined. "You're not a monster, Kael."
Kael winced, falling to one knee.
Sanji took up the front. "Luffy, let's go. If he turns, I'll drop him."
Luffy stared at Kael a moment longer… then nodded. "Don't make me punch you again."
Kael chuckled weakly. "I'll… try."
---
Outside – The Message
They burst from the lab's side into the freezing air. The harbor lay ahead—ice-coated ships, half-frozen waters, and a path to safety. But before they could move further, a Den Den Mushi in Law's coat buzzed.
Law answered. Doflamingo's voice crackled through. "Well well, Law… still alive?"
Everyone froze.
"Your little alliance is charming, but don't get cozy. Dressrosa will be your grave."
Baby 5 flinched. "Boss…"
Robin's voice cut through. "He's trying to destabilize us. Classic control."
Law snapped the Mushi shut. "We're finishing this first. Then Dressrosa."
---
Support Tunnel – One Last Stand
The last escape tunnel began to collapse behind them. A pillar snapped.
"Everyone out!" Zoro ordered.
But Beppo slipped on the ice, nearly crushed. Kael turned back, grabbing his arm and hauling him out.
Beppo blinked. "You… saved me?"
Kael said nothing, just kept walking.
Usopp looked between them. "Maybe he's not all bad…"
Chopper smiled faintly. "He's fighting it."
---
Near the Harbor – Closing Moments
The group reached the last safe zone. Ships waited, coated in frost. G-5 marines gathered children on board. Tashigi waved from a distance.
"We did it!" Nami said, out of breath.
Franky collapsed to one knee. "That was too close…"
Kael stared back at the mountain, now glowing with unnatural purple mist.
"The core's still active," he murmured.
Robin approached him. "Then we better get to Dressrosa before someone finishes what Caesar started."
Luffy put a hand on Kael's shoulder. "You with us?"
Kael nodded… barely.
---
Harbor Exit – Final Obstacle
Just as they began boarding the ships, a series of spotlights cut through the mist. Marine battleships encircled the harbor entrance, and a commanding voice boomed from a loudspeaker.
Dozens of Marines stood on deck with cannons aimed at the shore.
Zoro stepped forward, swords drawn. "Looks like the party isn't over yet."
Luffy, still catching his breath, grinned faintly. "Man… can't we ever get a break?"
Law narrowed his eyes. "We'll have to punch our way through. Again."
The crew stood together, wind biting at their faces.
Suddenly, a whistle cut through the tension. Tashigi and Smoker arrived at the front lines of the G-5 marines, walking calmly toward the Straw Hats.
Smoker lit a cigar, eyes fixed on Law and Luffy. "I should arrest all of you."
Luffy raised a fist, panting. "Go ahead… I dare you."
Smoker exhaled smoke slowly. "But I owe you. And right now, saving those kids matters more."
Tashigi stepped forward. "You kept your word. So we'll keep ours."
Law and Luffy exchanged looks.
"Thanks, Smoker," Luffy said simply.
Smoker grunted. "Don't thank me. Just don't make me regret it."
The G-5 marines slowly lowered their weapons. The Straw Hats began boarding.
As the ships pulled away from the icy dock, the chaos of Punk Hazard slowly faded behind them.