253. Pure Gold? What Pure Gold?

"What are you saying, Your Excellency?"

Issho was surprised. He hadn't intended to join the Marines at this time. He had just been about to politely decline Atlas, but Shanks and Teach had interrupted him.

He couldn't believe that they didn't grasp his meaning.

The high-ranking roles in the Marines were already occupied, and even the young Candidate Admiral in front of him might not achieve his goal of becoming the Marine Admiral.

Not to mention someone like him who took up the path of a lone ranger halfway.

As for other positions within the Marines, they hold no significance for him. They simply won't allow him to pursue his ideals, such as upholding justice. Besides strength, he also requires a certain status.

"This guy..."

Atlas grinned, gestured towards the unconscious Teach on the ground, and slowly shared his thoughts:

"He's an old crew member who's been with Whitebeard for decades. Once we apprehend him at Naval Headquarters, regardless of the purpose, Whitebeard is sure to attempt an assault on Naval Headquarters to rescue his comrade."

"Whitebeard is currently at the peak of his strength, full of confidence in himself. Moreover, he declares his love and commitment to protecting his family. He won't simply stand by while his family faces execution at the hands of the Marines."

Unlike the Whitebeard we see nine years later, even though he's starting to experience a decline in health with recurring hidden diseases, he's still in his prime, brimming with energy.

He believes Whitebeard won't hesitate to confront anyone daring to harm his family, not even the Marines.

"Your Excellency, are you suggesting..."

Issho frowned slightly, feeling a bit unsure.

"Yes, a war. If we capture this guy, the clash between Whitebeard and the Marines will surely escalate, leading to an unavoidable war."

"Unless..."

"We release this guy, but that's clearly not an option!"

Teach's sole purpose is to bait the Whitebeard Pirates, ensuring a large-scale war will undoubtedly unfold.

And war...

It signifies an opportunity, provided one performs exceptionally well.

With Atlas ascending to the position of Admiral, Issho's promotion to Candidate Admiral is nearly guaranteed. Even the Marines are reluctant to lose such a high-caliber combat force as Issho.

As for Shanks, that's just a byproduct. After all, having witnessed everything, the logical course is to apprehend them all.

But...

'Why did I come to Pleasure District? Forget it, I am too lazy to think about it.'

On the other side, Beckman helplessly observed as his captain vanished before him, gradually fading into the glow of numerous houses. Naturally, Beckman and the others followed suit, rushing to Pleasure District in search of Shanks.

Even though the skirmish on Atlas appeared intense, with careful manipulation, the disturbance wasn't too significant.

However, the entire Pleasure District is only so large.

Ultimately, Beckman and the others located the site of the confrontation.

However... Atlas and Issho had vanished long ago.

The surrounding ground displayed numerous pits and cracks, with two prominent human-shaped craters on the ground.

"This is... the boss?!"

Beckman's demeanor settled, and his face gradually turned serious.

The distinct physical traits are easily recognized by those who spend their days and nights with Shanks.

One of the massive humanoid craters evidently belongs to Shanks himself.

Surveying the aftermath of the entire battlefield, it's evident that Shanks' power caused more than just a minor disturbance, unless faced with an opponent significantly overpowering him, catching him in just a few moves.

Beckman scrutinized the traces around him, swiftly deducing the circumstances of Shanks' battle.

As for who the enemy might be, Beckman already has a suspicion in his mind.

It appears... they are in significant trouble!!

...

In front of the Impel Down.

The colossal island ship gradually unveiled the harsh reality. Teach and Shanks, both restrained with shackles, walked out slowly. Following them were Atlas, taking a leisurely stroll in the garden, and Issho, gripping a staff knife.

After Atlas' persistent comments, Issho ultimately agreed to his invitation.

Maybe the segment of the blueprint he unveiled to Issho was too alluring, or perhaps the pledged Candidate Admiral position sparked some excitement.

Issho finally stepped onto Atlas's 'thief ship'!!

"Is this... the fabled Impel Down?"

Issho sensed the information lingering in the air, and emotions slowly unfurled. The malevolence emanating from the surroundings almost engulfed him.

He couldn't help but sigh,

"What an indescribable atrocity!"

"Usually, a facility like a prison is inherently a hub of squalor and criminality."

Atlas heard this and nonchalantly waved his hand.

While he may not perceive emotions like Issho, being the largest prison in the pirate world leaves no room for speculation about who is incarcerated in it.

He leisurely disembarked from the boat, as if emerging from a dreamlike void, causing the guarding soldiers to cast sideways glances at him.

Teach and Shanks were ushered to the entrance of Impel Down.

The Impel Down personnel, having received prior notice, naturally had been awaiting their arrival.

"Vice Admiral, welcome to my Impel Down!"

"Ah, I let it slip again."

As soon as he finished speaking, Hannyabal swiftly discarded the weapon in his hand and covered his mouth with both hands.

"Is that you, Hannyabal?"

"Where is Magellan?"

Atlas and Hannyabal are not strangers either. Despite the pirates falling into his grasp ending up either deceased or injured, a substantial amount of Devil Fruit users was personally brought here by him.

Among all of Naval Headquarters, he made the most frequent trips to Impel Down.

"That guy is still in the toilet now. He initially mentioned he'd come out to greet you in person."

Hannyabal explained to Atlas while bending down to retrieve the weapon from the ground.

"Alright, I heard he was on the verge of being promoted to the director's position. I originally planned to personally congratulate him."

The current director of Impel Down is quite advanced in age, hailing from the same era as Kong. With Magellan having matured significantly, the plan is for him to take over Impel Down, allowing the current director to retire with honor.

"Nonsense! That directorship is clearly mine!"

The moment he heard the term "director," Hannyabal resembled a cat whose tail had been stepped on, darting around, his voice unintentionally becoming sharper.

"...Okay, let's bring these two individuals in first. You still have a lot of work, right?"

Even though he had interacted with Hannyabal on more than one occasion, his peculiar personality was evidently challenging to get used to.

The criminals confined in Impel Down are far from ordinary, particularly pirates possessing the strength of individuals like Teach and Shanks.

There's no room for carelessness. The initial protocol involves disrobing and immersing the body in boiling water for scalding. This not only serves as a disinfection measure but also allows for a check to ensure there are no escape tools concealed on the person.

After all, if these individuals manage to escape, the casualties inflicted on the underwater prison would be immeasurable!!

Shiki serves as a stark lesson from history.

"Yeah, I'll get to work right away. These two individuals are to be confined on the sixth floor, correct?"

When it comes to work, Hannyabal swiftly transitions into a different demeanor, wearing a serious expression. Despite various minor quirks, he still upholds the sense of justice he insists upon!!

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Powerstones please🥺🥺

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