Chapter 62: The Coolest Man in Impel Down
Skylark timidly held out a lunchbox. "If you really must go, Major General Ian, please take this. I just made it for fun. I don't... have any other intentions."
Looking at his overly concerned subordinates, Ian waved a dismissive hand. What the newspapers reported was their business. Even if he had been seriously injured, as a Zoan-type user, what was so strange about a quick recovery?
Sengoku had ordered him to lay low on Sabaody, but taking a trip to Impel Down should be fine, right? Staying cooped up in the base would bore him to death! Besides, Impel Down was relatively close. 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 obediently staying at the base.
"It seems no one can stop our little Major General Ian..." Peacock sighed. "But you should 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, 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 Paramecia-type user of the Doku Doku no Mi, the Venom-Venom Fruit. His every movement was filled with deadly poison, a power that came with a severe side effect: excluding eight hours of sleep, Magellan could only work for four hours a day, spending nearly ten hours suffering from diarrhea. Although Peacock didn't know the truth, her words reminded Ian of something. The Marine Headquarters and Impel Down were both under the World Government. As the base commander, he represented the Marines' image and couldn't afford to lose face in front of this "sister facility."
More than an hour later. The Calm Belt, in front of a majestic complex of buildings.
Ian led the rear admiral's ship, personally escorting the prisoners to the main gate. The tall surrounding walls were just the tip of the iceberg of this iron fortress. The main body of Impel Down 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, with the severity increasing the deeper one went. Located in the Calm Belt, the entire prison was surrounded by Sea Kings, making escape absolutely difficult—or so the authorities claimed.
At this moment, the Gate of Justice was wide open. At the main entrance on the first floor, several uniformed officials of Impel Down, along with two teams of jailers, awaited Ian's arrival.
The leader had a very strange appearance and dress. His upper body was naked, revealing a large belly that showed no sign of physique. He looked like a mix between a pharaoh and an evil spirit.
Hannyabal, the Deputy Warden of Impel Down!
"Everyone, be alert! Don't bring shame to Impel Down!" Hannyabal commanded, trying to stand taller. He held a massive fork-like naginata, a weapon he usually only used in battle but had brought out today specifically for show. "The Marine transporting the prisoners this time is a rising star who's been all over the news lately. The 'Marineking'... Jock Ian!"
The jailers answered in unison. "Yes, Deputy Warden!"
Hannyabal preened. "While Warden Magellan is away, you may call me Warden, hehehe."
"Deputy Warden Hannyabal is at it again," whispered one of the two female wardens standing among the jailers. "I don't usually see him this serious."
"Well, the person he's receiving is known as the most handsome and talented young officer at Marine Headquarters. He probably wants to compete a little."
The warship slowly docked, and the connecting plank was lowered.
Tap, tap, tap!
Twenty accompanying Marines ran down first, lining up on both sides of the plank. The moment they stood straight, they saluted in unison and fell silent.
On the high deck, Ian held the reins and issued a final warning. "Xiao Ma, 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 to Level 6 and let those old monsters torture you every day!"
The "horse" Ian was riding was none other than the captured SMILE user, Speed! Her 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 to disobey?
Ian nodded in satisfaction and patted the horse's back. "Let's go... Giddy up!"
In full view of the crowd, Ian rode the centaur down from the warship in a truly "majestic" manner.
Hannyabal's jaw dropped, his eye twitching.
Riding a mount?
Not a horse, not a human.
A centaur!
Is that even allowed? How... cool is that?!
"My dear colleagues of Impel Down," Ian began, his voice smooth and confident. "Thank you for your hard work. Have you been waiting long?" He stroked Speed's head. She immediately bent her legs and knelt down obediently, allowing Ian to dismount gracefully.
"Major General Ian, you are the one who has worked hard," Hannyabal said, his voice unnaturally deepened in an attempt 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 replied modestly, shaking Hannyabal's offered hand. He then continued, his tone polite yet carrying a subtle edge. "And excuse me, you are...?"
Hannyabal: "..."
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