Chapter 525

Garp confides that he once dreamed of Ace and Luffy growing up to wear Marine uniforms as he did. Ace shoots the idea down, noting that both boys carry the blood of world-class criminals and could never serve the government. He explains that he chose his mother's name, Portgas, out of gratitude for the debt he owes her, while dismissing his father as worthless. That severed bond, he says, is why he threw in with Whitebeard, the only man he regards as a true father.

Out on the water, the Marines escorting Hancock spot Buggy the Clown's vessel but wave it off, unable even to recall its flag. Aboard that ship, Alvida tells the crew their long voyage and their Eternal Pose were wasted, since the Calm Belt blocks them and only Marines may pass the Gates of Justice. The crew resolves to abandon their captain. Glimpses of the prison's horrors follow, including a horned, club-wielding shadow that slaughters inmates and drags off their bodies.

Hancock's ship docks at Impel Down, and Luffy, peering out, realizes more warships are massed here than during the Buster Call at Enies Lobby. She orders him back under her robes just as guards announce she must accept Seastone handcuffs and undergo a full-body inspection, a demand that alarms her since the search threatens to expose her hidden passenger. Far away, the CP9 agents finish off Captain Very Good's pursuing Marines and vow to come after Spandam.

This chapter begins the Impel Down Arc. The cover carries CP9's Independent Report at volume 31, titled "Someday We Shall Return." Ace names Whitebeard as his real father and confirms his surname honors his mother. The strong current Nyon described earlier is identified as the Tarai Current. Buggy turns up imprisoned here and appears to have already escaped his cell.