When Qin Chuan called his name, Douglas Barrett was visibly stunned.
He had been gone from the world for too long—so long that even the top brass of the Navy had nearly forgotten the terror that still breathed within Impel Down. But now, a young man, one clearly not of this era, had recognized him instantly. That alone demanded his attention.
"You actually know me... it seems you're not just some brat playing hero," Douglas Barrett growled as he slowly rose to his feet.
Qin Chuan wasn't surprised at Barrett's confirmation—he had suspected it the moment he saw the man's build and presence. After all, Douglas Barrett wasn't just anyone. He had once stood shoulder to shoulder with the Pirate King himself as a monster among monsters in the Roger Pirates. His strength was so overwhelming that even his own crewmates had feared him. They had called him the Ghost Grinding Descendant, a man with such terrifying might that only Silvers Rayleigh, the Dark King, could match him in battle. In fact, many believed Barrett surpassed even that.
Still, now, like the rest, his power was sealed by Impel Down's seastone shackles. He couldn't use his abilities, and more importantly, he had just been defeated by Qin Chuan, who had opened the Seventh Gate of the Eight Inner Gates, dealing devastating physical power that overwhelmed everyone in his path.
"Douglas Barrett," Qin Chuan said calmly. "I know exactly who you are. I admire you, and that's why I'm giving you a choice. Option one: follow me, and I'll pull you out of this hellhole. Option two: stay here and rot in this prison for eternity. Choose wisely."
He extended the invitation like a king speaking to a fallen general.
Qin Chuan wasn't naive. He knew full well the value of someone like Barrett. The man's strength eclipsed most top-tier pirates and even rivaled the likes of the Yonko. With someone like Barrett under his command, Qin Chuan would gain the edge he needed for what was coming—his inevitable clash with the World Government and the strongest of the sea.
Douglas Barrett, however, scoffed.
"You expect me to follow a kid like you? You must be out of your damn mind."
The sneer in Barrett's voice was razor-sharp. He wasn't a man who bowed to anyone—especially not someone younger and seemingly weaker. He came from an age where might was the only language worth speaking. His pride, forged in battles alongside Roger, was unshakable.
But Qin Chuan wasn't finished.
"I know you only believe in strength. You've always wanted to become the Pirate King, not for the treasure, but to prove you're the strongest. You never cared for the One Piece itself. Even if I handed you the Eternal Pose to Raftel, you'd throw it away. You want to carve your name into history by defeating everyone—Yonko, Admirals, all of them—and prove that you're stronger than Roger ever was."
Barrett's eyes twitched. He said nothing, but his silence was louder than any denial.
Qin Chuan had struck a nerve. These weren't guesses. This was the truth buried deep inside Barrett's soul. It was as if Qin Chuan had read his mind.
"If you really want to reach that peak, you should follow me. We both want to defeat the strongest and stand at the top. When that day comes, when we've crushed everyone else, we'll fight—just the two of us—and the world will finally know who truly deserves to stand alone."
Qin Chuan leaned in, eyes blazing. Barrett was silent, but inside, he understood. He had no way to escape on his own. Unlike Golden Lion Shiki, he had no means to fly or break through the seastone. If he missed this chance, the World Government would reinforce Impel Down, sealing it beyond reach. Even resurrection wouldn't help next time.
Barrett weighed it. Then he asked coldly, "What's your name?"
"Qin Chuan."
"You get me out, and I'll follow you—for now. I'll guard your life. But the moment we stand at the summit of this world, I'll be your final opponent. Count on it."
Qin Chuan nodded.
"Deal."
He extended his hand. Slowly, Barrett reached out and clasped it.
A monstrous alliance was forged in the depths of Impel Down.
At that moment, a voice rang out in Qin Chuan's mind.
Ding. The time limit for using the 'Might Guy' character card has expired. The host will now return to their original state. Please be advised.
The announcement hit like a punch. Qin Chuan's power, enhanced by the Eight Inner Gates, dissipated instantly. Though the transformation ended, the backlash from using the Seventh Gate surged through his body. Unlike Might Guy, his physique wasn't tempered for that level of punishment.
His body collapsed in a spasm of searing pain. Every nerve screamed, his bones felt like they were splintering.
Qin Chuan gasped, crumpling to the cold floor.
Though Might Guy's strength had faded, the price for that power had just begun.