The Calm Belt offers no wind for sailing, but Chiba had a solution. After capturing a group of Sea Kings, he had them pull the merchant ship straight toward Impel Down.
As soon as the guards of Impel Down spotted the approaching vessel, they rushed out, wary of intruders. But when Chiba announced his name, it didn't take long for the warden himself to appear.
A massive figure nearly five meters tall, Magellan emerged from the prison gates. Dressed in a dark cloak resembling bat wings and wearing a gas mask, he exuded a deadly aura. His mask, however, wasn't for his own protection; it was to shield others from the toxic air he constantly exhaled due to his Devil Fruit powers.
Magellan strode up to Chiba, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "Lord Chiba, you're finally here. Allow me to introduce myself—Magellan, director of Impel Down."
He extended his hand as if to shake, but quickly pulled it back, remembering his poisonous touch. Chiba only smiled. Before Magellan could react, Chiba reached out and clasped his hand with a firm grip.
"My lord, wait! I'm covered in poison!" Magellan warned, alarmed. But Chiba held on, completely unaffected.
"It's fine," Chiba replied calmly. "But from your reaction, it sounds like you were expecting me."
Relief flooded Magellan's face when he saw that Chiba showed no symptoms of poisoning. He thought to himself, As expected of Lord Chiba… truly a Marine of legend. Watching Chiba's swift, confident movements, Magellan marveled, His strength must be remarkable if he can shake hands with me without a hint of fear.
Clearing his throat, Magellan looked at Chiba with deep respect. "Lord Chiba, about half a year ago, I submitted a request to Admiral Akainu, hoping that you might come to Impel Down and assist me with a… personal issue."
Before he could explain further, Magellan's face twisted in discomfort. Without another word, he turned and dashed back toward the prison, calling over his shoulder, "Lord Chiba, my apologies! Please wait for me—I'll be back in two hours!"
Peacock raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "What's with him? That was rude."
Chiba chuckled. "Can't blame him. He ate the Venom-Venom Fruit. It seems he struggles with controlling its effects, and his body absorbs his own poison. The side effect? Constant stomach problems."
Deputy Warden Hannyabal nodded in amazement. "Lord Chiba, you're incredible! You understood the director's condition just by observing him. With your help, he might finally be cured."
He gestured towards the prison. "While the director… attends to his matters, please, let me escort you all inside to rest."
Chiba nodded and followed Hannyabal into the depths of Impel Down.
---
Two hours later, Magellan returned, looking considerably relieved. Hannyabal had informed him of Chiba's insights, and Magellan's respect for the Marine deepened. "Lord Chiba, you truly are remarkable. Do you think… you could help me manage this poison problem?"
Chiba's gaze sharpened. "If I help you, Magellan, what will I get in return?"
Magellan hesitated, then nodded, understanding the implication. "I'll do whatever you ask. I'll make sure Admiral Akainu and the Marine HQ know of your help."
"Akainu?" Chiba's tone was casual. "He didn't tell me anything about your condition, nor did he send me here on your behalf."
Magellan's face twisted in frustration. "That ungrateful bastard… I've done him countless favors, yet he couldn't even pass along a simple message." He muttered angrily, then turned to Chiba with a serious expression. "So, if Akainu didn't send you… then you're here for Ace, aren't you?"
Chiba didn't deny it. "You're well-informed. Yes, I came for Ace."
A steely glint appeared in Magellan's eyes as he straightened, exuding authority. "Lord Chiba, as long as I am warden here, no one will take a prisoner from Impel Down."
Chiba raised a hand, smiling calmly. "Who said anything about taking him away? Ace may be a fool, but he's still my little brother. He's facing execution, so I came to see him one last time. As an older brother, don't I have that right?"
Magellan's expression softened, but he looked hesitant. Chiba continued, "To show my sincerity, I'll help you with your Venom-Venom Fruit side effects. Deal?"
Realizing the opportunity in front of him, Magellan broke into a relieved smile. "I was too hasty. Forgive me, Lord Chiba. Yes, I'll personally escort you to Ace once you've helped me."
"Good," Chiba replied, "but let's handle your issue first. I'll need access to your lab."
---
Three days later…
[You have conducted a thorough study of Magellan's body and performed an in-depth analysis of the Venom-Venom Fruit's abilities. By combining this knowledge with poison techniques from your previous life, you have created the Wandubaodan Cultivation Technique.]
[Wandubaodan Cultivation Technique: This method allows the user to absorb and purify toxins, transforming them into a concentrated elixir within the body. At mastery, the user can carry vast amounts of poison without harm, turning themselves into a walking reservoir of lethal toxins. When fully cultivated, even a drop can kill thousands, corrode steel, and melt rock.]
A flood of knowledge surged into Chiba's mind, outlining a path for channeling and refining toxins. By circulating energy in a specific pattern, ambient toxins could be absorbed into the abdomen, where they would gradually form a potent "Poison Elixir."
Upon realizing the full potential of this technique, even Chiba was impressed. If Magellan mastered the complete Wandubaodan Technique, his poison could blanket the sky and earth. His mere presence could make entire regions toxic.
However, Chiba had no intention of giving him the full technique. Instead, he modified it into a simplified version he called the Poison Sea Technique. This technique allowed Magellan to store toxins in his abdomen, creating a "sea of poison" that would prevent his venom from leaking uncontrollably. It would free him from his side effects without drastically increasing his power.
Chiba handed the revised technique to Magellan. "This will help you control the poison within you. Try following the method I've outlined."
Eager to begin, Magellan followed the instructions. As he circulated his energy, he felt the toxins in his body concentrate and flow toward his abdomen, forming a controlled pool of poison. For the first time in years, he felt a profound sense of relief—his abdominal pain subsided, and the constant urge for bathroom breaks vanished.
He looked at Chiba, eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you… thank you, Lord Chiba! I can't express how much this means to me."
Chiba nodded, accepting the gratitude. "Well, now that you're feeling better, let's go see Ace."
Magellan straightened, ready to fulfill his promise. "Of course. I'll take you to him personally."
Though he respected Chiba, Magellan's duty remained his priority. He would accompany Chiba to ensure that Ace remained within Impel Down. With his newly controlled powers, Magellan was confident that he could prevent any escape attempt.
---
Under Magellan's guidance, Chiba, Hina, and Peacock descended through the prison levels. As they passed by the cells, prisoners jeered and shouted obscenities at the women.
"Hey, over here! Haven't seen a woman in years—come make my day!"
"Magellan! Let me have a little fun, just once!"
"I could show you a real good time, girl!"
Unfazed, Magellan signaled to Hannyabal, who led the guards in disciplining the rowdy inmates. The sounds of painful punishment echoed through the corridors, but only served to rile up some of the more deranged criminals, who banged against the bars and continued hurling vulgarities.
Finally, the group reached Level Six—the lowest and most secure level of Impel Down. It was cold, dark, and silent, reserved for the most dangerous of criminals.
Inside one of the dim cells, two figures were bound. On the right, a merman with a distant look in his eyes sat chained. On the left hung a man, his hands and feet shackled with seastone, which neutralized his Devil Fruit powers. Around his neck, a red-beaded necklace hung, and on his left arm, the tattoo "ASCE" stood out, with the "S" crossed out.
"Ace," Magellan announced, his voice echoing in the quiet. "Someone is here to see you."
Ace remained motionless, his head bowed, his spirit drained after days of confinement.
Chiba stepped forward, his voice cutting through the stillness. "Ace… you idiot. I'm here, your big brother. You're not even going to look at me?"
At the sound of his voice, Ace's head jerked up, his weary eyes widening in surprise as he recognized Chiba standing outside his cell.
[•———•———•———•]
𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙢𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙢𝙮 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙪𝙙𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙨𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙟𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙮. 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙗𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙖 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡 𝙙𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚!
𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀 𝘁𝗼:
• 𝙅𝙘𝟭𝟮𝟬𝟮
• 𝘼𝙝𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙟𝙖𝙝
• 𝗝𝗮𝗰𝗼𝗯 𝗠𝗼𝗲𝗲
𝗔𝘀 𝗮 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻, 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘂𝗻𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸:
• 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝙂𝙚𝙩 𝟭𝟴𝟱+ 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚.
• 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘁-𝗢𝘂𝘁: 𝙍𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙖 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩!
𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝘂𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗺𝘆 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽𝘀 𝗺𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆. 𝗜𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂'𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻 𝘆𝗲𝘁, 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗷𝗼𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘂𝘀!
👉 𝙅𝙤𝙞𝙣 𝙣𝙤𝙬: 𝙥𝙖𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙤𝙣.𝙘𝙤𝙢/𝙂𝙤𝙙𝙊𝙛𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧
💬 𝘼𝙡𝙨𝙤 𝘼𝙫𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚: 𝙈𝙮 𝘼𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙩! 𝙐𝙣𝙡𝙤𝙘𝙠 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙤𝙡 𝙛𝙤𝙧 $30—𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙖 10% 𝙙𝙞𝙨𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩! 𝙅𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙙𝙚: 𝗚𝗢𝗗𝗢𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗥.
𝙒𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙛 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙂𝙋𝙏 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙗𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙮 𝘼𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙩, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙚𝙛𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙡𝙮 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝘾𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡𝙨 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙀𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙝 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙝𝙪𝙢𝙖𝙣-𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙖𝙘𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙮, 𝙘𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙣𝙪𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙙𝙚𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙡. 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙦𝙪𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙤𝙡 𝙙𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙪𝙡𝙩𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙖𝙡 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙛𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙝𝙪𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙨, 𝙗𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙘𝙘𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙣𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚!
👉𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽: 𝙋𝙖𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙤𝙣.𝙘𝙤𝙢/𝙂𝙤𝙙𝙊𝙛𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧/𝙎𝙝𝙤𝙥