If Marine Headquarters was the nightmare of every pirate on the seas,
then Impel Down was the place even their nightmares feared to mention.
More fearsome than demons, more dreadful than death itself—
that was the universal consensus of the Grand Line toward Impel Down.
Today, this hell of horrors welcomed a special visitor.
"Identity verified.
Visitor: Marine Headquarters Special Envoy, Major Longinus.
Verification confirmed—please enter."
Descending from the warship, Longinus wore his usual calm, gentle smile.
This place that haunted pirates' dreams inspired not the slightest fear in him.
In his mind replayed Sengoku's instructions before departure:
"Shiki's breakout not only shattered Impel Down's myth of invincibility
and shook the sea's stability—
it also gave hope to the criminals locked inside.
"Recently, escape attempts have skyrocketed—more than the last twenty years combined.
Although every escapee was eventually recaptured, the damage to Impel Down's image is irreversible.
"The prison is exhausted, overwhelmed, and had no choice but to request support from Headquarters."
"But high-level manpower is strained.
Even someone as free as Garp has been sent out by me.
Pulling people from branch bases is inefficient.
I can only choose promising candidates from recent Headquarters recruits."
"So, Admiral Sengoku, you want me to reinforce Impel Down?"
"Precisely.
Among our new generation, few have both power and judgment—
and you, Longinus, are the one I trust most.
"This mission is not merely a challenge—
it is an opportunity.
If the prison leaders recognize your ability, the benefits to your future advancement will be extraordinary."
Walking deeper into the massive gate, Longinus' thoughts churned:
"So even Admiral promotions involve political negotiation between departments?
Do other branches get a say because of the enormous authority involved?
Or… does Sengoku intend to let me enter the Five Elders' field of view?"
Whatever the reason, this assignment was valuable.
Escape attempts… riots…
Some things will require careful planning.
Inside the main gate, a reception party waited.
"Welcome to… my Impel Hell!"
A fat man wearing a pharaoh-style headdress declared solemnly—
then suddenly shrieked:
"Ah! Wrong line—saying 'my prison' exposes my ambition!"
The man beside him clutched his stomach, helplessly introducing:
"This is Chief Guard Hannibal.
I am Deputy Warden Magellan.
Welcome, Major."
"Longinus, Marine Major. I look forward to working with you."
Outwardly polite, inwardly Longinus was surprised—
Hannibal is already Chief Guard? That's… unexpected.
"Major Longinus, please follow me.
The Warden is waiting in the office on Level 4."
"Thank you."
As they walked, the surrounding cells erupted with screams of despair:
"Let me out! Let me out!"
"Help me! Somebody help me!"
"I have treasure—treasures beyond imagination!
Free me and they're yours!"
"Silence them."
Magellan frowned at the guards.
"These prisoners haven't been here long.
Once they understand what true despair is,
they won't have the energy to scream."
A voice came from the shadows—
belonging to a cold-faced man in a pilot's cap,
a cigar between his lips, lazily wiping blood from a blade.
"Shiliew… you executed prisoners again without authorization?"
Magellan's tone darkened.
"Don't make it sound so ugly.
I merely dealt with a few potential escape risks."
Shiliew replied casually.
"You—!"
Magellan started, then remembered Longinus' presence.
Suppressing his anger, he introduced:
"Major Longinus, this is Deputy Chief Guard Shiliew."
Then to Shiliew:
"Shiliew, this is the Marine Envoy—"
"I know."
Shiliew exhaled a ring of smoke.
"Marine HQ's monster, Longinus.
Your reputation precedes you."
His gaze sharpened.
"If you ever have time, Major—
allow me to experience your strength."
"Shiliew, you—"
"Kidding, Magellan.
Don't be so stiff."
Shiliew turned to leave, but Magellan quickly called out:
"Wait. The Warden is expecting us on Level 4.
Since Major Longinus just arrived, this is the perfect opportunity to coordinate our response plan."
"I'm not interested in boring meetings.
I'd rather spend the time killing—
ah, I mean, eliminating a few more potential escapees."
He started walking off.
Hannibal, ignored the entire time, finally snapped:
"Shiliew!
You're making me, the Chief Guard, lose face!"
"Hah?"
Shiliew turned his cold stare onto him—
and Hannibal nearly buckled on the spot.
"My useless superior.
How much longer do you think you'll keep that title?
You were the first to spot Shiki—
and to save your own hide, you revealed the location of Oto and Kogarashi.
Your incompetence has damaged Impel Down's image.
I heard from the Warden—
you won't be in that position much longer.
Enjoy your last moments of glory."
With that, he left.
"I—I was knocked unconscious by Shiki!
I couldn't possibly have—"
Hannibal's face froze as if struck by lightning.
Seconds later, he erupted:
"De-de-de-demoted?!
My Chief Guard position—
my future Warden seat—
my Impel Down—
ALL GONE!
All gone!"
"Hannibal! Calm down!"
"My warden… my Impel Down… my warden…"
He muttered like a soulless doll, ignoring Magellan entirely.
Magellan's face twitched violently.
These two idiots are destroying the prison's dignity…
Forcing a smile, he said:
"Major Longinus, please don't mind the mess.
Let's continue down to Level 4—Scorching Hell."
"The environment here is dark and oppressive—
inevitably some frustration builds up.
I completely understand.
But I believe that with your capability, Deputy Warden Magellan,
everything will be kept under control."
Magellan's face lit up.
"Haha—I'm not the Warden yet!"
He said that,
but even his footsteps became lighter.
"Though it may not be my place to say…
someone as responsible as you is the most suitable person to run this prison."
"Major Longinus—
you flatter me! Hahahahaha!"
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