Of course, even knowing Jhin's future trajectory, Longinus would never be stupid enough to tell Warden Elvis, "Your subordinate will defect in the future—better kill him now!"
If he really said that, the first one to die might very well be him.
But that didn't mean the information was useless.
At the very least, Longinus could already see it—
Jhin was deeply dissatisfied with the current structure,
and the person he seemed most displeased with…
was Magellan's position as Deputy Warden.
"If the future Jhin really defects because Magellan becomes Warden,
then that simmering resentment might be… steerable."
"By the way, Deputy Warden… are the five of you the entire upper management of this prison?"
Longinus asked casually.
"Yes," Magellan nodded.
"There should have been a Chief Guard Captain as well, but he encountered Golden Lion Shiki during the escape…
After a desperate struggle, he died in the line of duty."
Longinus nodded.
No wonder Hannibal is being stripped of authority—
compared to a man who fought Shiki to the death, his failure was too obvious.
"But something puzzles me," Longinus continued.
"Even with Shiki's escape inspiring others, Impel Down is heavily guarded, and even the cells are made of Seastone.
Shouldn't escaping be extremely difficult?"
"Most of the escape attempts come from small fry," Magellan sighed.
"Because they're not worth watching closely, they're the easiest to hide their abilities."
His expression darkened sharply.
(PS: Like how Buggy escaped—by hiding his Devil Fruit ability. It implies Impel Down isn't always careful with lower-tier prisoners.)
"What truly worries us," Magellan continued,
"isn't the ones on Level 1 or 2.
It's the possibility that Level 4 or Level 5 also has prisoners who hid their abilities."
"If a riot starts on either of those levels…
it becomes a problem."
"And worse—Level 4 and 5 are far from the exit.
If they flee downward instead…
and release the prisoners on Level 6…"
Magellan clenched his fists.
"…then it will be utterly uncontrollable."
"So our job," Longinus mused,
"is to identify those who hid their abilities?"
"Identification is for the guards," Magellan shook his head.
"Our task is prevention—
to ensure that if a concealed monster chooses to go berserk,
we are there to suppress it immediately."
Longinus nodded in understanding.
No wonder Impel Down was understaffed.
To check abilities, guards had to open cell doors.
Without high-level combat power standing by,
that would be practically inviting prisoners to revolt.
As they talked, they arrived at their destination.
Magellan pushed open a door—
a spacious, bright two-story suite, completely out of place among Impel Down's oppressive atmosphere.
"This was the previous Chief Guard Captain's quarters," Magellan introduced.
"It can't compare to Marine Headquarters, but it is one of our best rooms."
"You're too polite, Deputy Warden. I'm very satisfied."
"Good. Then I won't disturb your rest. See you tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow."
After closing the door, Longinus sat on the sofa and sorted through the information gathered that day.
Longinus' Internal Analysis
"The strongest in the prison is Warden Elvis—supposedly Admiral level."
"Next come Magellan, Shiliew, and Jhin.
All three joined three years ago."
"Given that…
they're probably stronger than Gion and Kake,
but overall should only be slightly above my current level—
likely close to me, not beyond."
"If one year ago I was Vice-Admiral level…
then now I'm roughly a standard Admiral candidate.
Of course, everyone knows Vice-Admirals vary wildly in strength."
"As for Hannibal… he might be weaker than the Jail Beasts.
I really don't understand how he became Chief Guard."
He exhaled, then continued:
"With their power levels sorted, it's time to consider what I want from this mission."
"First: kill as many prisoners as possible—let the Seven-Star Sword devour their souls.
Life energy is easy to obtain from Sea King flesh.
But sinful souls… this may be the best hunting ground in the world."
"Second: build a real connection with Magellan,
and earn Warden Elvis' recognition.
This benefits both my present and my future."
"Both objectives can be achieved through one thing—
a riot."
"But given Impel Down's strength,
causing a riot that is both within my control
and chaotic enough to distract them from watching me…
is not easy."
"Recklessness will only expose my ambitions.
That is unacceptable."
"So I'll probe carefully.
If conditions aren't right,
I'll withdraw immediately.
No goal is worth dying for."
Having made up his mind, Longinus relaxed.
He desired this opportunity—
but he would never force it.
If the risk outweighed the reward, he would abandon the plan without hesitation.
Morning arrived quickly.
BWOOO— BWOOO— BWOOO—
"That's… an alarm?"
Longinus frowned slightly.
Another escape attempt?
『Attention, attention—
Level Three's Prisoner #5 "Giant Baru," missing from a mixed cell,
has been sighted in Corridor 23 outside a single cell.
All nearby guards and chiefs proceed to arrest immediately.』
"So it's reached Level Three.
Is it fear from the guards' inspections…
or something else entirely?"
Longinus stepped out calmly.
He did not rush to chase the fugitive.
After all, this was Impel Down.
A Level Three prisoner trying to escape?
What does he think he is, Buggy?
Also—
he still didn't know the layout of the place.
(Most importantly, he didn't know the way ╮(▔﹏▔)╭)
Soon the den-den mushi broadcast resumed:
『Prisoner "Giant Baru,"
encountered Deputy Chief Warder Shiliew during escape.
Subject confirmed dead.
Alarm lifted.』
"Encountered Shiliew?
Unlucky man."
Longinus chuckled.
Yesterday Magellan explained:
Warden Elvis oversees Level 6 – Eternal Hell
Magellan oversees Level 5 – Freezing Hell
Jhin oversees Level 4 – Scorching Hell
Shiliew covers Levels 1, 2, and 3 (after expanding his "hunting grounds")
So this Baru simply ran into the wrong monster.
"Major Longinus—Warden asks that you attend a meeting in his office at 0900," a guard reported.
"Thanks. I understand."
He had barely walked a few steps when the elevator doors opened.
Shiliew stepped out, wiping fresh blood from his blade.
"Major Longinus—
did you sleep well?
I do hope the prisoners' screams didn't keep you awake."
Longinus smiled faintly.
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