One Piece Chapter 544: Even Hell's Gates Open

00AI-written

Chapter title page: Chapter 544, "Even Hell's Gates Open." The cover illustration continues Sanji's short focused serial, "Keep Your Cool in Hell, Sanji!" volume 2, "Totally a Maiden." Sanji is dressed like a maiden and runs with a horrified expression while smiling okama pursuers crowd around him, laughing "Daho! Ahahaha!!" The page is a side-story title card rather than part of the Impel Down riot, but it introduces the chapter before the action returns to Level 4.

Sanjiokama pursuers

Blackbeard tells Luffy that he only heard later that the person who defeated the former Shichibukai Crocodile was Strawhat Luffy. Teach explains that at the time he was aiming for a spot in the Shichibukai, and the easiest way was to take Luffy's head and prove his strength to the government. He recalls saying, "I'll kill Strawhat Luffy up ahead in Water 7 and give him to the government as a souvenir." The memory cuts to Ace answering, "There's no way I'll let you do that... That's my little brother!!!" Luffy, Crocodile and the others realize Teach's pursuit of Luffy is tied directly to Ace's capture.

Marshall D. TeachLuffyCrocodilePortgas D. AceBlackbeard Pirates

Teach says fate was kind to Luffy: Ace had already been chasing him for what he did on Whitebeard's ship, and Ace was Luffy's brother. Once Ace learned Teach meant to kill Luffy, he could not retreat. Teach explains that if Ace let them go, Whitebeard's name would be sullied and Ace's little brother would be killed too. Burgess laughs that Luffy's brother put up a hell of a fight. Laffitte says that now the captain has officially become a Shichibukai, they no longer need Luffy alive. Doc Q coughs that Luffy has amazing luck, while Van Augur says there are no coincidences, only fate.

Marshall D. TeachLuffyPortgas D. AceEdward NewgateJesus BurgessLaffitteDoc QVan Augur

Blackbeard taunts Luffy, saying he should go visit Ace's grave and say thanks, because if Ace had not shown up, Luffy would be the dead one. Luffy snaps back, "Then why don't you... try me now!!!" and drives a furious punch into Teach's face. The impact throws Teach back while his crew shouts in alarm. Luffy's rage turns the explanation of Ace's capture into an immediate attack, even though the escape still has no time to spare.

LuffyMarshall D. TeachBlackbeard PiratesPortgas D. Ace

The Blackbeard Pirates cry, "Captain!!!" as Teach reels from the blow. Luffy declares, "I won't let Ace die!!!" Blackbeard rises laughing and draws Luffy in with darkness. Luffy begins "Gomu Gomu..." and starts to call out "Jet," but Teach counters with "Kuro-uzu!!!" The black vortex pulls Luffy toward him before the attack can land, showing the dangerous pull of the Yami Yami power.

LuffyMarshall D. TeachBlackbeard PiratesPortgas D. Ace

Teach catches Luffy and smashes him down hard into the floor. Bon Clay shouts, "Straw-chan!?" and Crocodile notices the blood, asking how Luffy can be bleeding when he is made of rubber. The attack proves that Blackbeard's darkness can nullify Luffy's Devil Fruit defense on contact. The escape group is shocked because Luffy, who normally shrugs off blunt force, is suddenly hurt like an ordinary person.

LuffyMarshall D. TeachBon ClayCrocodileJimbeiBlackbeard Pirates

Luffy tries to continue with "Gomu Gomu," but Jimbei and Crocodile stop him. They shout, "Wait, Luffy!!! Stop!!!" and "You can't right now!! Endure it!!!" Crocodile asks what comes first and tells Luffy to think. Jimbei warns that he does not know exactly what Teach is doing, but right now Teach is strong enough to have beaten Ace. He adds that Blackbeard has been mysterious ever since he was on old man Whitebeard's ship. Their message is blunt: Luffy's anger is justified, but fighting Teach here would waste the chance to reach Ace.

LuffyMarshall D. TeachJimbeiCrocodilePortgas D. AceEdward Newgate

Jimbei and Crocodile keep Luffy moving, telling him not to waste time and energy here and that letting his emotions control him will not help Ace escape. Teach admits Luffy is stronger than he expected, saying, "Your haki is stronger than before, too." Crocodile asks Teach why a no-name pirate from Whitebeard's crew who took Crocodile's Shichibukai seat is here instead of answering the summons to Marine Headquarters. Teach says it is all part of his plan, though he has run into some snags, but he sees no need to explain it to Mr. Crocodile.

LuffyMarshall D. TeachJimbeiCrocodilePortgas D. AceEdward NewgateBlackbeard Pirates

Crocodile says he is not interested in Teach's plan and adds that Teach has no manners. The exchange is cut off when guards scream that Magellan is here and order everyone to run to Level 3. The Chief Warden's poison surges through the area, forcing both the escapees and Blackbeard's group to react. Ivankov cries out as the page turns the confrontation into another crisis: Magellan has reached the stairs and the boss of hell is now in front of them.

CrocodileMarshall D. TeachMagellanLuffyJimbeiEmporio IvankovImpel Down guardsImpel Down prisoners

The guards rejoice that Chief Warden Magellan has arrived, but Ivankov warns Luffy that this is bad. Iva says, "Strawhat boy!! Get going already!! If you get hit with Magellan's poison again, you won't be coming back alive!!!" Prisoners shout to get upstairs to Level 3, noting that the Bazooka Squad is gone and the path is open because they broke through the defenses at the stairs. Blackbeard laughs, "Zehahaha...!! Same here! This panic is perfect for us...!!" Even Magellan's arrival creates the chaos Teach wants.

MagellanEmporio IvankovLuffyMarshall D. TeachImpel Down guardsImpel Down prisoners

Another Demon Beast Guard appears, and the prisoners shout that it is Minotaurus. They are shocked because they already defeated him. Crocodile explains that he was revived because he is an awakened Zoan-type ability user, and that abnormal resilience is their strong point. He warns that this is not the time to be afraid of them because the boss of hell is coming quickly; if they waste more time, the other three Demon Beast Guards they defeated before will also be back up. The page raises the pressure by showing that even beaten prison forces can return.

MinotaurusCrocodileLuffyJimbeiImpel Down prisonersImpel Down guardsDemon Beast GuardsMagellan

Guards report to Magellan that they have received information Blackbeard appeared at the stairs to Level 3 on this floor. Magellan says Teach should have run into Shiryu and wonders if Shiryu was defeated. In the monitor room, guards panic that the giant video Den Den Mushi has been taken out and the entire prison monitor system is down. They add that all communication lines to Marine Headquarters and the government have been cut and that Impel Down is completely cut off. Shiryu, holding his sword after cutting the lines, warns, "Don't tattle, or Magellan will come here..."

MagellanShiryu of the RainMarshall D. TeachImpel Down guardsDen Den Mushi

Hannyabal and the guards receive no response and order someone to confirm the situation. They realize that if Blackbeard has reached this floor, he broke through the gates to Level 2, meaning they are not catching any breaks. One guard says a single rat has turned into a gigantic mess. The scene cuts to Level 2, where prisoners cheer, "Totally totally lucky men!!!" and hail Buggy as their blessed savior, shouting that they are heading out into the sun. The prison's collapse is spreading upward at the same time Luffy is trying to escape from below.

HannyabalImpel Down guardsMarshall D. TeachBuggyMr. 3Level 2 prisoners

Luffy turns away from Teach and declares, "I'll definitely save Ace!!!" Teach laughs and says he will not tell Luffy that it is impossible, because nothing is impossible in this world. Luffy asks, "The sky island was real, right?" Teach answers that One Piece is the same and that it definitely exists. He also echoes the phrase "The age of pirate dreams is over...!?" and laughs at anyone who would believe that. In the middle of the prison riot, Teach again speaks like the man from Jaya: cruel, dangerous, and still completely certain that dreams and treasure are real.

LuffyMarshall D. TeachPortgas D. AceBlackbeard PiratesJimbeiCrocodileEmporio Ivankov

The escapees keep moving toward Level 3 while Jimbei tells Luffy to forget Teach. Blackbeard calls after everyone, "Look forward to it, you guys!!!" and announces, "In just a few short hours, we'll put on a show that'll shake the entire world!!!" Luffy's group shouts "Onward!!!" and continues up the stairs. Teach's warning hangs behind them: he has not come to Impel Down simply to cause random chaos, and his real plan is about to affect the world outside the prison.

Marshall D. TeachLuffyJimbeiCrocodileEmporio IvankovInazumaBlackbeard PiratesImpel Down prisoners

Sadi-chan is tied up and hanging helplessly after Ivankov's attack. She cries, "Nnnn~ Help me!! Chief Warden!!!" and complains that "that okamakov" got her. She says it is humiliating and that there is no point in living if she is not dominating. Guards hurry to get her down. At the same time, Blackbeard's group faces Magellan. Teach laughs, "Zehaha... Are you Magellan...?" The page shifts from the defeated jailer Sadi to the coming clash between the prison's true warden and the intruding pirate crew.

Sadi-chanMagellanMarshall D. TeachBlackbeard PiratesEmporio IvankovImpel Down guards

Magellan identifies the intruder as Blackbeard, and Teach answers, "Indeed!!!" Magellan does not negotiate. He unleashes "Hydra!!!" and a huge mass of poison shaped like dragon heads floods over Blackbeard and the Blackbeard Pirates. The attack catches the entire crew in one sweeping strike, showing why Magellan is the prison's chief warden and why even Teach's confidence cannot make Impel Down harmless.

MagellanMarshall D. TeachJesus BurgessLaffitteVan AugurDoc QStrongerBlackbeard Pirates

Blackbeard and his crew collapse under the poison. Teach groans, "Oh..." and someone screams, "Gyaaaa, it hurts~ I'm suffering!!!" Magellan says he has no time to hear why Teach came here. He then turns to the battered vice warden and says, "Hannyabal... You stood your ground well...!!" Hannyabal, still conscious on the floor, asks in shock whether this is poison and curses. Magellan's praise confirms that Hannyabal's desperate stand mattered, even though the prison is still falling apart.

MagellanMarshall D. TeachBlackbeard PiratesHannyabal

Hannyabal, badly wounded, tells Magellan, "Vice Warden!! I'll take care of the rest. Don't die on me." Magellan answers him with stern praise: "You are the only successor I have!!!" From the crowd above, Luffy suddenly hears a loud voice calling "Strawhat!!!" Prisoners panic, asking who that is and whether it is Magellan's voice. Luffy recognizes it as "the poison guy...!!" Magellan glares upward and declares, "I will never let you out of here!!!" The chapter's title comes true in one final confrontation: even the gates of hell are opening, but Magellan refuses to let Luffy leave.

MagellanHannyabalLuffyImpel Down prisonersDemon Beast Guards

SBS question corner page. A reader asks whether Elder Nyon has a butt chin, and Oda says she does, just like Franky, joking that maybe she can do the Coup D'Vent too. Another reader asks how close Dr. Kureha is to the natural 140-year life span mentioned on volume 54's cover. Oda says she is around 139, but because she is superhuman she will be fine, though someone with only a year left might not be baring their midriff in a snowy country. A third reader suggests submitted Devil Fruit ideas such as the Geri Geri Fruit or Buri Buri Fruit. Oda rejects them as just a normal healthy person and explains that he does not use other people's story or character ideas because the characters and story are his; if he starts relying on someone else's ideas, he loses confidence and success or failure stops being his own. He says he does accept simple drawing requests unrelated to the main story, such as animals and Strawhat background ideas.

Eiichiro OdaElder NyonFrankyDr. KurehaStrawhat Pirates

No description for this page.

End of chapter21 pages

Discussion

One Piece chapter 544: Even Hell's Gates Open — what is in it

Impel Down arc · 21 pages · 34 characters

Key facts in this chapter

p0Chapter 544 titled EVEN HELL'S GATES OPEN opens with Emporio Ivankov splash page.
p1Blackbeard states he aimed for Shichibukai position by defeating Luffy.
p1Blackbeard refers to Ace as his little brother in conversation with Luffy.
p2Ace learned Blackbeard planned to kill Luffy and could not retreat.
p2Blackbeard's crew confirms their captain has become a Shichibukai.
p3Luffy attacks Blackbeard with a powerful kick after hearing about Ace.
p4Luffy performs Gomu Gomu Kuro Uzu Jet attack.
p4Battlefield contains multiple explosions and debris.
p5Crocodile receives heavy blow and bleeds from impact.
p5Luffy attack sends opponent crashing into rubble.
p6Luffy ignores warnings and continues attacking.
p6Onlookers recognize opponent from Whitebeard ship.
p7Crocodile advises Luffy to focus on Ace escape instead.
p7Crocodile identifies Luffy opponent as Blackbeard.
p8Magellan appears at the stairs to level 3.
p8An explosion occurs on the staircase during the prisoner escape.
p8Purple poison liquid floods the lower area.
p8Crocodile is present among the escaping prisoners.
p9Prisoners are rushing toward level 3.
p9Crocodile comments on the broken defenses at the stairs.
p9Gunfire is occurring during the escape attempt.
p10Jailer beasts including Minotauros are attacking prisoners.
p10The beasts are identified as awakened Zoan Devil Fruit users.
p10Magellan remains calm while observing the chaos.
p11The prison monitor system has been disabled.
p11All external communication lines have been severed.
p11Shiryu is present in the monitor room area after defeating guards.
p11Blackbeard has been sighted on the stairs to level 3.
p12Scene takes place in Impel Down Level 2.
p12Blackbeard has arrived on Level 2.
p12Buggy is being celebrated by prisoners as their leader.
p13Luffy is bloodied from prior events.
p13Blackbeard is present with Luffy in Level 2 area.
p13Luffy reaffirms belief in sky island and intent to save Ace.
p14Blackbeard leads the group toward Level 3.
p14Crocodile, Jinbe, Mr. 3, and Buggy are present with the group.
p14Prisoners follow Blackbeard in large numbers.
p15Sadi-chan is captured and suspended upside down.
p15Magellan reacts with visible fury to the situation.
p15Small group stands on ledge above a spiked pit and gate.
p16Blackbeard faces Magellan's Hydra poison attack directly.
p17Magellan uses poison powers to overwhelm Blackbeard.
p18Luffy confronts Magellan inside Impel Down.

What is said, page by page

p0Emporio Ivankov delivers wild triumphant laugh 'DAHAHAHAHAHA!!' filling the sky with exuberant intent.
p1Blackbeard accuses Luffy of taking down Crocodile while grinning and pointing with aggressive intent.
p1Blackbeard reveals he once planned to take Luffy's head to become a Shichibukai.
p1Blackbeard declares he will not let Luffy kill his little brother with fierce glare.
p1Luffy reacts in silent shock with sweat and wide eyes.
p2Blackbeard explains Ace chased him because of Whitebeard's ship incident and could not retreat.
p2Blackbeard's crew laughs that Ace put up a hell of a fight.
p2Crew states captain is now officially a Shichibukai so Luffy is no longer needed alive.
p2Crew notes there are no coincidences only fate.
p3Blackbeard taunts Luffy that he would be dead without Ace's intervention and suggests visiting Ace's grave.
p3Blackbeard challenges Luffy to try him now with aggressive posture.
p3Luffy launches furious spinning kick at Blackbeard in direct attack.
p4Ally shouts captain name in alarm from battlefield edge.
p4Luffy declares he will not let Ace die with fierce resolve.
p4Opponent screams loudly from direct strike impact.
p4Luffy calls out Gomu Gomu followed by Kuro Uzu Jet technique name.
p5Voice gasps EH in surprise at sudden flight.
p5Ally cries Straw-chan in shock.
p5Opponent yells GYAA-AAHH during crash.
p5Crocodile notes blood despite rubber body in disbelief.
p6Onlookers urge Luffy to stop and think about priorities.
p6Luffy initiates another Gomu Gomu strike.
p6Onlookers note Luffy current strength to beat Ace.
p6Onlookers recall opponent mysterious history with Whitebeard.
p6Opponent pants heavily after successive blows.
p7Crocodile warns Luffy against wasting energy on emotional fight.
p7Crocodile questions Blackbeard identity and strength increase.
p7Crocodile notes stronger Haki than before.
p7Crocodile states no need to explain plan to Luffy.
p7Luffy responds with heavy breathing only.
p8Prisoners shout in panic that Magellan has arrived, conveying fear and urgency.
p8Crocodile replies coolly that the speaker has no manners and he is uninterested, showing detachment.
p8Cloaked figure mutters that Magellan is finally showing up, indicating anticipation.
p8Prisoners scream to run to level 3 because the situation is bad with Magellan present.
p9Guard expresses relief that the warden has arrived.
p9Prisoner warns that another hit from Magellan's poison will be fatal.
p9Large curly-haired figure orders Strawhat boy to get going immediately.
p9Crocodile states they are lucky the stairs defenses were broken.
p9Prisoners shout that the bazooka squad is gone and the path to level 3 is open.
p10Prisoners identify the new threat as the Minotauros demon beast guard.
p10Prisoner realizes the beasts are awakened Zoan ability users with abnormal resilience.
p10Prisoners react with shock that the previously defeated guard has revived.
p10Magellan states it is not the time to fear the beasts because the boss of hell is coming.
p11Monitor staff report that the intruder should have encountered Shiryu and question if he was defeated.
p11Staff announce Blackbeard has appeared at the stairs to level 3.
p11Officer states the entire prison monitor system is down and the giant Den Den Mushi was destroyed.
p11Staff report all communication lines to Marine Headquarters and the government have been cut.
p11Shiryu warns not to tattle or Magellan will come while standing over guards.
p12Guard reports Blackbeard broke through gates to Level 2 with urgent tone.
p12Subordinate warns of trouble if Blackbeard is on the floor and orders confirmation.
p12Reply states no response from scouts with alarmed mood.
p12Leader snarls that one rat caused a gigantic mess and they are not catching breaks.
p12Prisoners cheer heading out to the sun and Level 1 with excited intent.
p12Prisoners praise Buggy as blessed savior with celebratory mood.
p13Small voice repeats 'Suta... Suta...' with uncertain tone.
p13Blackbeard laughs that nothing is impossible in this world.
p13Luffy declares he will definitely save Ace with fierce resolve.
p13Prisoner questions if the sky island was real.
p13Luffy affirms sky island definitely exists with conviction.
p13Blackbeard states One Piece is the same with bold claim.
p13Distant caption declares age of pirate dreams is over.
p14Blackbeard declares they will put on a show that shakes the entire world.
p14Text notes the show will happen in just a few short hours.
p14Blackbeard laughs loudly with 'ZEHAHAHAHAHA!!!'.
p14Jinbe responds with 'HMPH...'.
p14Buggy tells Luffy to forget Blackbeard with nervous tone.
p14Blackbeard commands to head to Level 3.
p14Prisoners shout 'ONWARD!!!' with enthusiastic mood.
p15Sadi-chan cries for help from Chief Warden with humiliated tone.
p15Sadi-chan protests the humiliation and lack of dominance.
p15Sadi-chan blames 'okamakov' for her situation.
p15Guard responds to get her down immediately.
p15Distant voice calls out to Magellan with taunting laugh.
p16Blackbeard affirms with 'INDEED!!!' in fierce triumphant mood.
p16Off-panel voice questions 'BLACK-BEARD?' with surprise.
p16Magellan names the attack 'HYDRA!!!' as the poison surge begins.
p17Magellan declares he has no time to listen with angry roar.
p17Blackbeard screams in pain and suffering from the poison.
p17Magellan acknowledges Blackbeard's resistance while attacking.
p17Blackbeard calls out 'HANNYABAL' while poisoned.
p17Magellan reacts with shock at the poison effect on himself.
p18Magellan tells Hannyabal he is the only successor with serious tone.
p18Magellan orders Hannyabal to stay alive while he handles the rest.
p18Magellan shouts 'STRAWHAT!!!' upon spotting Luffy.
p18Prisoners panic at Magellan's voice and the unfolding chaos.
p18Monstrous figure threatens not to let anyone out.
p18Luffy declares he will never back down against the poison user.