Chapter 536

Still wearing Hannyabal's face, Bentham questions the prison doctor, who confirms there is no cure for the cocktail of toxins Magellan unleashed. A stray remark from Galdino about miracles sparks an idea: only Iva, the so-called miracle worker, could possibly help. Passing the guards as a transfer of prisoners, Bentham descends toward Level 5 with Buggy and Galdino. Scanning the inmate roster, he spots Emporio Ivankov's name struck through and learns that crossed-out prisoners were victims of the unexplained "demoning away." At the frozen threshold, a guard confiscates their belongings, explaining the vice-warden's habit of braving the cold half-clothed to prove his toughness, and notes the Den Den Mushi fail in the extreme chill.

The trio is set upon by four members of the Wolf Unit, and Buggy and Galdino bolt so hard their shackles snap. Inside a tower cell, prisoners surround the writhing Luffy, who slams his head against the bars, refusing to abandon his goal of saving Ace despite his hopeless state. A bloodied Bentham reaches him, hauls him onto a sled, and asks the inmates about Ivankov; one points toward a distant forest and an abandoned jailer's office, neglecting to mention the woods are the wolves' territory. The pack ambushes Bentham, but Luffy rouses himself, sinks his teeth into one wolf, and bellows, causing the whole pack to collapse just as happened on Amazon Lily. A figure in black and white, marked with a lightning-bolt scar and holding wine, stands over their unconscious bodies as the chapter closes.

The miracle worker Iva is identified as Emporio Ivankov. Luffy unleashes Haki for the second time, knocking out the wolves attacking Bentham. Inazuma, the scarred stranger, discovers the pair frozen in the snow. A countdown places Ace's execution twenty-six hours away.

The cover, part of Straw Hats and Animals, depicts Franky fitting an alpaca with tank-like armor; an animated version later appeared in Opening 12. A minor continuity slip shows Buggy and Galdino's shackles vanishing and reappearing. The chapter spans Episodes 437 and 438 and sits within the Impel Down arc.