Chapter 61: The Coolest Man in Impel Down
Skylark timidly approached, holding a small, neatly wrapped box. "If... if you really must go, Major General Ian, please take this lunchbox. I just made it for fun. I don't... have any other intentions."
Looking at his overly worried subordinates, Ian waved his hands nonchalantly. How the news was reported was the news' business. Even if he had been seriously injured, as a Zoan-type user, what was wrong with recovering quickly? These days, Sengoku didn't want him wandering around the Sabaody Archipelago, but surely it was okay for him to take a trip to Impel Down, right? Staying cooped up in the base would be suffocating!
Besides, Impel Down was very close to Sabaody. He could come back and try the cafeteria in Enies Lobby. Maybe he could even rough up a few prisoners for fun. No matter how you looked at it, it was better than staying obediently at the base.
"It seems no one can stop our little Major General Ian..." Peacock sighed dramatically. "But Major General Ian, you have to be mentally prepared. The Warden of Impel Down, Magellan, is a cold and arrogant man. Last time I escorted a prisoner there, I spent three whole hours and didn't even get to see him in person. Even if the base commander goes personally, the result might be the same."
Ian: "..."
Didn't see him in person? Was he probably stuck on the toilet?
Magellan, the Warden of Impel Down, was a user of the Paramecia-type Doku Doku no Mi, the Venom-Venom Fruit. His every gesture was filled with deadly poison. At the same time, this ability brought severe side effects to its user. Excluding eight hours of sleep, Magellan could only work for four hours a day, suffering from diarrhea for nearly ten! Although Peacock didn't know the truth, her words did remind Ian of something.
The Marine Headquarters and Impel Down both operated under the World Government. As the base commander, he naturally represented the Marines' image and couldn't afford to lose face in front of a "sister organization."
More than an hour later – The Calm Belt, in front of a majestic complex of buildings.
Ian led the Marine vessel and personally escorted the prisoners to the main gate of Impel Down. The tall surrounding walls were just the tip of the iceberg of this iron fortress. The main body of Impel Down, where prisoners were held, was a giant tower-like structure, with most of its floors sunken beneath the sea. Each level had its own unique methods of interrogation and torture. The further down the level, the more severe the torment the prisoners endured. Located in the Calm Belt, the entire prison was surrounded by monstrous Sea Kings, making escape from within absolutely difficult—or so claimed those who ran the place.
At this moment, the Gates of Justice were wide open. At the main entrance on the first floor, several uniformed officials of Impel Down, along with two teams of jailers, were waiting for Ian's arrival. The leader had a very strange appearance and dress. His upper body was bare, revealing a large, protruding belly that showed no sign of physical fitness. He looked like a mix between a pharaoh and a demon.
Hannyabal!
Deputy Warden of Impel Down!
"Everyone, be alert! Don't bring shame upon Impel Down!" Hannyabal commanded, holding a massive fork-like naginata, trying to stand as tall as possible. This was a weapon he only used in battle, rarely carrying it while on duty. He had brought it out today specifically for show.
"The Marine transporting the prisoners this time is a rising star who's been all over the news lately... 'Sea King' Jock Ian!"
"Yes, Deputy Warden!"
"Yes, Deputy Warden!"
The jailers answered in unison.
Hannyabal puffed out his chest. "While Warden Magellan is not here, you may call me Warden, hehehe."
Psst. "Deputy Warden Hannyabal is at it again. You don't usually see him this serious."
Whisper. "Well, the person we're receiving is known as the most handsome and talented young officer at Marine Headquarters. He always wants to compete a little."
Two female staff members whispered to each other, not at all surprised by Hannyabal's behavior.
The Marine warship slowly docked, and the connecting ramp was lowered.
Thud, thud, thud!
Thud, thud, thud!
Twenty of the accompanying Marines ran down first, lining up on both sides of the ramp.
Shh!
The moment they stood at attention, they saluted in unison, falling into perfect silence.
On the high deck, Ian held the reins and issued a final warning: "Listen up, little horse. Remember what I told you? I'll have the Seastone cuffs removed, and you will obey me. Be a good mount for the day, and I'll make sure you get a comfortable cell. Otherwise, I'll send you down to Level 6 and let those old monsters torment you every day!"
The "horse" Ian was riding was none other than the captured SMILE user, Speed!
Speed's throat trembled as she replied fearfully, "Understood... Lord Ian! I promise... I promise to complete the task you assigned me!"
With her life in his hands, how could she dare talk back?
Ian nodded in satisfaction and patted the horse's back. "Let's go... Giddy up!"
In full view of everyone, Ian rode the centaur down from the warship in a "majestic" manner.
Hannyabal's jaw dropped, his eye twitching.
A mount? Not a horse, not a human... a centaur!
Is that even allowed? How... how cool is that?!
"My dear colleagues of Impel Down, thank you for your hard work. Have you been waiting long?" Ian stroked Speed's head. She immediately bent her legs and knelt down obediently, allowing Ian to dismount.
"Major General Ian, you are the one who has worked hard!" Hannyabal's voice was naturally sharp, but he deliberately lowered it to sound more mature and imposing. "I have heard of the heroic deeds of you and your men in the Sabaody Archipelago. I am deeply impressed!"
"No, no, we are merely fulfilling our duties," Ian said modestly, shaking hands with Hannyabal. He then continued, "Excuse me, but who might you be?"
Hannyabal: "..."