Chapter 168: Welcoming the Supreme Commander to Impel Down

The recent commotion caused by Perona's cosplay had left Shiro feeling a mix of amusement and slight exasperation.

His head was spinning.

He had only given Perona a little guidance, yet who could have predicted that this dark and cute girl would be so perceptive, far exceeding even Shiro's expectations!

Who knew that someone so dark could also be so charming?

But that wasn't what left Shiro the most flustered.

The real surprise came when even Hancock, Robin, and the others, including Momousagi, expressed their desire to join in on the cosplay fun. They claimed they were stunned by Perona's costume!

Just imagining these top beauties from the pirate world in their cosplay outfits was enough to make Shiro's pulse race!

How could he not be excited!?

Perona's outfit, of course, came from a daily task reward granted by the system, and such attire was rare even in the world of pirates.

The banquet that followed was filled with joy and merriment. But there was also a hint of danger in the air, like a powder keg ready to ignite.

As the night wore on, the grand banquet of the Central Authority ended. Apart from those on duty, everyone departed in high spirits, chanting praises for the leadership of Shiro, their commander.

As for Shiro, he naturally wanted to continue giving Perona some pointers... but instead, he decided to head back to Amazon Lily to spend a sleepless night with his beloved Hancock!

Of course, being an adult means not having to choose just one path.

However, the timing wasn't quite right yet.

Ultimately, the Empress, with her haughty demeanor, waved goodbye to Robin and the others with a victorious smile.

It's worth mentioning that the Empress even asked Perona for a pair of black stockings.

That night, the Amazon Lily palace was ablaze with fireworks.

...

Impel Down, the Greatest Prison in the World!

Currently, what was once the world's greatest prison under the control of the World Government has changed its banner.

The flag of the Central Authority now flies high above Impel Down!

And it's not just Impel Down.

Enies Lobby and the former Marine Headquarters, Marineford, along with the Gates of Justice that connect these three great locations, have all fallen under the jurisdiction of the Central Authority!

After a period of intense conflict, all Marine branch bases in the first half of the Grand Line have been thoroughly cleared.

Among Marineford, Enies Lobby, and Impel Down, it is Impel Down that has taken on the most strategic importance to the Central Authority, and as such, the largest garrison of troops has been stationed there.

Marineford and Enies Lobby had both suffered massive damage in previous battles, and rebuilding them into large-scale military bases will take some time.

Moreover, Marineford's proximity to the Red Line puts it in direct opposition to the World Government.

In the initial planning of the Central Authority, Marineford serves as a buffer zone.

But Impel Down is different.

Located not far from the new Central Authority base and Amazon Lily, the Central Authority's forces can easily project their power over the Impel Down region.

In addition, Impel Down's transformation into the new Central Authority prison holds significant meaning.

Currently, the prison holds some of the most notorious criminals, including the former Warden Magellan, Blackbeard Marshall D. Teach, and the Crescent Moon Hunter Catarina Devon.

But soon, the number of prisoners will only grow.

Because Shiro is preparing to head to Fishman Island, intending to use it as a launching point into the New World!

At this moment, at the gates of Impel Down, Chief Warden Hannyabal stood ready, accompanied by the prison's primary staff, awaiting the arrival of important guests.

Yes, after regaining consciousness and learning of Shiro's achievements, Hannyabal chose not to blindly serve the World Government like Magellan. Instead, he readily joined the Central Authority.

The reason was simple, Hannyabal's sense of justice aligned more closely with the new order that the Central Authority represented.

Moreover, there were some truly heinous criminals inside Impel Down that Hannyabal had long wanted to execute, but the World Government did not allow it.

Soon, six top-tier warships docked at the port.

Shiro, along with Fujitora and the elite troops of the Central Authority, disembarked in force.

"Welcome, Supreme Commander Shiro and Admiral Fujitora, to Impel Down! Your presence graces this place with such honor! How about a little promotion for your most loyal admirer, eh, Commander Shiro? Oops, did I just reveal my ambitions!" Hannyabal said, rubbing his hands together with a sycophantic smile as he approached Shiro, unable to hide his eagerness.

However, Shiro didn't seem to mind, which greatly relieved Hannyabal, making him feel that he'd made the right choice.

In truth, meeting Shiro now was a far greater event for Hannyabal than any encounter with the Five Elders.

After all, Shiro was the supreme commander of the Central Authority, the highest power.

Although the Five Elders wielded the executive power of the World Government, the true leader of the World Government was someone else entirely—a mysterious figure, known only to a select few.

It would seem that only a formidable young force like Shiro could truly command the attention of this shadowy ruler who held the world in his grasp!

"Chief Warden Hannyabal, no need for such formalities, we're all allies here," Shiro said calmly as he glanced at Hannyabal, showing no signs of displeasure.

While Hannyabal might lack in strength, he still had his uses.

Currently, both Domino and Sadi lacked the power to manage Impel Down on their own, so Shiro was searching for suitable Devil Fruits to enhance their abilities. For now, they were assisting Momousagi at the base.

Although Hannyabal's strength was also not impressive, his influence within the prison and his control over its operations were not to be underestimated.

Shiro's visit this time aimed to consolidate control over this critical area and begin the construction of a defensive perimeter system provided by the system's rewards.

During this period, Admiral Fujitora would oversee Marineford, Enies Lobby, and Impel Down, ensuring the stability of these core regions.

Moreover, with the elite forces of the Central Authority, their battle capabilities far exceeded those of the former Marines.

Unlike the World Government, which had been wary of the Marines growing too powerful, the Central Authority, under the guidance of Zephyr, had all its soldiers train in Rokushiki techniques, significantly boosting their overall strength!

With Fujitora and the elite troops stationed at these key locations, all Hannyabal had to do was maintain control over the prison's operations.

"Chief Warden Hannyabal, lead the way. I want to see my prisoners!" Shiro said with a determined look.

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The fanfic is finished on p@treon/tambeerg