61. Undersea Prison(Impel down)

"By the way, Sakazuki, when you return to headquarters for a break this time, let me recommend a recruit to you." Sengoku suddenly recalled that Atlas was nearing the completion of his graduation trial and coincidentally assigned to Akainu's ship.

"Canos Atlas?"

"Do you know him?" Sengoku couldn't help but inquire. Logically, Akainu had just returned to headquarters, and there hadn't been much time for him to be briefed on new recruits. 'Was the kid's reputation already so high?'

"Well, Jonathan mentioned him to me," Akainu replied succinctly. He had also instructed Jonathan to inquire about Atlas's preferred base upon graduation, and during the conversation, he learned more about Atlas from Jonathan. It must be noted that Atlas's approach to tasks seemed to align well with Akainu's preferences.

When dealing with pirates, there must be no hesitation!!!

"That's good. I also want him to stay on your ship for a while after graduation."

"No problem!"

"It just so happens that you are at headquarters during this period. When the time comes, take him directly to the New World."

...

The setting sun bathed the sea in a blood-red hue, casting a Marine-style warship sailing on the expansive ocean. The slanting rays of the sunset gradually elongated the warship's shadow, which sprawled over the blue water like a colossal silhouette.

"Ah ~choo~!"

Atlas, deep in conversation with Rear Admiral Tokikake, suddenly sneezed, prompting him to wonder if someone was plotting against him. Tokikake was indeed skilled in conversation; with just a few words, the two individuals, who hadn't known each other for long, had already formed a close bond, vowing allegiance by swearing their blood to forge an alliance.

"Hey, hey, hey! Brother Atlas, it seems your health isn't quite up to par. I was planning to take you shopping on the flower boat."(T/N: You know what it is don't you😏) Tokikake teased Atlas from the side, wearing an unpleasant expression on his face. Combined with that wretched look, it was truly unappealing.

"Aren't you pursuing Rear Admiral Gion? Why do you frequent the flower boats so much? You probably won't catch up to her even in a hundred years," Atlas remarked with a hint of speechlessness. 'You talk about looking uglu, but your behavior is just downright obscene.'

"Hey, does this in any way hinder my deep love for Gion?" Tokikake stated as a matter-of-fact.

"Um... never mind, just take care of yourself, Brother Tokikake," Atlas replied with a shrug.

"By the way, Brother Tokikake, should we head back to Marineford directly?" Atlas inquired.

"Huh? No, let's go to Impel Down first and drop off Crocodile before heading back to headquarters," Tokikake suggested.

...

Impel Down is an immense tower-like structure submerged in the sea, with its base reaching into the deep sea. Additionally, Impel Down is constructed atop the Calm Belt, surrounded by colossal Sea Kings. The walls are infused with a significant amount of seastone powder, not only to deter Sea Kings' attacks but also to mildly impede the abilities of Devil Fruit users.

The highest-ranking official at Impel Down is the Chief Warden, theoretically on par with the rank of a Marine Fleet Admiral. After all, Impel Down and Marine are two of the three major organizations under the World Government. If Navy Headquarters is a place feared by countless pirates, then Impel Down is a place that even those daring pirates dare not mention.

For pirates who espouse the pursuit of so-called "freedom," being confined to Impel Down until death is a more dreadful fate than death itself.

It's worth noting that the current Chief Warden of Impel Down is not Magellan, the user of the Poison Fruit ability who almost thwarted Blackbeard's ambitions in the future. Magellan still holds the position of Vice Warden.

Tokikake and Atlas disembarked from the warship with Crocodile in tow, and their first sight was the heavily fortified gates of Impel Down.

"Don't underestimate Impel Down. Hardly any pirates who enter here manage to escape," Tokikake explained to Atlas with a hint of pride. Although Marine and Impel Down are distinct organizations, their relationship remains quite cooperative.

"Hehehe, why have I heard that a major pirate escaped from here a few years ago? The legend of Impel Down has long been shattered!" 

Crocodile on the side started to search for a renewed sense of presence.

"Do you fancy yourself as the Golden Lion? Even the renowned pirate who once rivaled Roger had to break his legs to escape," Tokikake responded directly this time, not intending to overlook Crocodile.

"Welcome! Step into my Impel Prison!" Just as the conversation unfolded, they found themselves at the entrance of Impel Down without realizing it. A portly man, adorned with an Egyptian pharaoh-style headdress and wielding a standard trident, boomed in a loud voice to the trio, then let out a strange, high-pitched scream.

"Ah! I accidentally let it slip and nearly revealed my ambitions!"

The man standing beside him, bearing a somewhat devilish appearance, clutched his stomach with an amused expression. He introduced himself helplessly, "I am the Vice Warden of Impel Down, Magellan, and this is Head Jailer Hannyabal. Welcome, everyone!"

"Hello! I'm Tokikake, and the person beside me is our new Marine Supernova, Kanos Atlas." Tokikake took charge of the conversation on the side, providing a introduction of Atlas.

"Please follow me, both of you! Let's first confine Crocodile to Eternal Hell. The Chief Warden is presently occupied with official matters, so we'll attend to you for the time being," Magellan stated, guiding them toward the inner sections of Impel Down.

"Eternal Hell?" Atlas pondered. 'What level was Eternal Hell situated on within Impel Down?'

"Eternal Hell is Level 6 of Impel Prison. Only the most heinous pirates are confined at this level. Mr. Crocodile should consider it an honor."

Observing Atlas's slight confusion, the attentive Tokikake on the side generously provided the answer.

Upon entering Impel Down, Atlas continuously observed the surrounding environment. The entire prison exuded a somewhat somber ambiance. Almost every corner was surveilled by Den Den Mushi, ensuring constant monitoring of all activities. As they ventured deeper, agonized cries echoed from almost every floor, signifying the presence of individuals in distress.

"Is there anyone? Can you let me out!" cried a voice from one of the cells.

"I'll tell you where I hide the treasure! Whoever rescues me will get half of it, no! I'll give it all to you!" pleaded another voice from a different cell.

"Let me out! I've been wronged!" exclaimed yet another voice, expressing a plea for freedom.

"Don't be deceived by their grievances here; when they are outside, they're all truly vicious pirates," Magellan frowned as he explained to Atlas on the side. He seemed wary, perhaps concerned that the young and passionate Atlas might harbor intentions of bringing justice to these inmates.

"Don't worry, I'm not the soft-hearted type," Atlas explained with a smile, jesting. Given the limited number of pirates who could survive encounters with him, did he appear to be someone with a soft heart?

"Aah~!"

Suddenly, a scream emanated from the shadows not far from Atlas, and then a tall man with a broad chin and a cigar in his mouth emerged from the darkness.

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