Due to the ironclad rule, Magellan had to take a break, and there had to be a top combat force to take over his duties.
Among the known candidates, Akainu was the first to be ruled out. His temperament was even more explosive than Shiryu's, and having him around would only lead to more deaths.
Aokiji, being lazy, preferred slacking off. In the original story, even Sengoku had to personally call him back from wandering the seas; he wouldn't accept this messy situation willingly.
Kizaru, not to mention, had a tendency to abandon tasks halfway through, and his carefree nature didn't align with the prison's rigorous code of conduct. Even if he were willing, Sengoku wouldn't approve of his assignment.
So, eliminating the three Admirals with the strongest combat power, the remaining candidates were the Admiral candidates Momousagi, Chaton, and Vice Admiral Soryu (Azure Dragon), along with an old veteran holding down the G-3 branch.
The old veteran had already slipped away to East Blue, checking on his grandson.
Luffy would turn seventeen next year, and someone needed to keep an eye on him. What if he decided to become a pirate when he set sail? The old veteran was particularly concerned about that!
After all, Luffy was much more foolish than Ace; if he fell into Rowen's hands again, the old veteran felt his dignity wouldn't survive, given Rowen's unique way of thinking— a true member of the Monkey Family.
Momousagi, known as the beloved elder sister of all female soldiers, was kind and amiable. She naturally didn't fit the eerie and bloody atmosphere of Impel Down. After she declined, Tsuru firmly sided with her, stating clearly that she wouldn't allow Momousagi to go.
So, the only options left were the two tough guys, Chaton and Admiral Soryu (Azure Dragon)...
And since Rowen was still under house arrest and had received no notifications, after Chaton politely declined, Rowen automatically stepped up! This situation was akin to an online joke...
"Anyone willing to take on this mission, step forward!"
Shuā!
Except for Rowen, everyone instantly took a step back, revealing him! Truly cause for celebration!
...
Calm Belt, Impel Down.
"Warden, you're resigning today, right? That's great... oh no, I accidentally spoke the truth!"
Hannyabal, the current Vice Warden of Impel Down, spoke as his belly fat shook, making him look as eccentric as ever.
Not far in front of him, Magellan looked even more unpleasant at the words and a dark expression appeared on his face. However, he didn't scold Hannyabal, as he usually would, but instead loosened his fists, remaining silent.
"Looks like the Warden is really sad..."
Seeing this, Hannyabal retreated and whispered to Vice Warden Domino. The latter had an expressionless face, but her lips pursed even tighter.
The people in Impel Down were not a bunch of wicked individuals. They were loyal and had camaraderie. Shiryu was Domino's senior official, just like Magellan and Hannyabal, they bickered on the surface but were actually close friends.
Now that Shiryu had been sentenced, and Magellan even contemplated resigning as Warden, the sudden collapse of the Twin Peaks was a heavy blow to everyone in Impel Down.
"Well, you talk too much, Hannyabal. Don't be so rude to the lady."
Sadi-chan, a sadistic woman clad in peach-red skintight clothes, approached while holding a whip, slinging her arm around Domino's shoulder. She smirked ambiguously at Hannyabal.
"Uh... hā hā hā, the weather is really nice today!"
Hannyabal shivered; he didn't want to get involved with this crazy woman. Even Level 4 prisoners were driven insane by her.
"By the way, Warden, who's going to temporarily take your position this time?"
Sadi-chan swayed her hips, approaching Magellan from a few meters away, curiously asking, "Is it an Admiral coming over?"
In her mind, only the three Monster Marine Admirals were fit to replace Magellan. Life in Impel Down was not boring; historically, Golden Lion was the only one who successfully escaped, but that didn't mean he was the only one who attempted it.
On the contrary, escape attempts were frequent in Impel Down, with new recruits being the main force.
In this inferno of torment, not attempting an escape was abnormal.
If one didn't possess the strength and means to make the prisoners fear them, who knew how much trouble that bunch of prisoners could cause?
The Logia abilities of the three Admirals were not bad.
Although their intimidation wasn't as terrifying as Venom-Venom Fruit, their destructive power was still formidable. Especially the magma of Akainu and the ice mass of Aokiji, they were more terrifying than Blazing Hell (Level 4) and Freezing Hell (Level 5).
"It would be best if it's Admiral Aokiji; he's the most amiable."
Before Magellan could respond, Hannyabal spoke up, "Admiral Akainu has a bad temper, and Admiral Kizaru is even more unreliable than the Warden... So, Warden, try resigning to the Gorōsei (Five Elder Stars) again."
Among the three Admirals, Aokiji was the most popular with the soldiers. He was responsible, friendly, and reliable. Even isolated in Impel Down, it was well known.
Magellan: "..."
Taking a deep breath, Magellan forced a wry smile and shook his head, "It's not him... I just received the notification. He... well, it looks like he's already here."
With that, Magellan, as if realizing something, looked up.
Others followed his gaze, and Hannyabal suddenly screamed, "Warden, are you planning a rebellion?!"
"The Headquarter's guest is about to arrive, and you haven't even opened the Gates of Justice!"
In the distant clouds over Impel Down, the towering Gates of Justice stood tall, suppressing the rapid sea currents like a celestial canopy. Without opening the Gates of Justice, the seawater of the Grand Line would cut off the Sea from the outside world, rendering it impassable.
Magellan took a deep breath...
And another one!
Kuang Dang!!
"Shut up, Hannyabal!"
Finally unable to resist, Magellan flashed beside Hannyabal and landed a punch on his head.
"Oh no, I'm poisoned! Someone help me!"
Watching Hannyabal collapse with purple skin and foaming at the mouth, the others felt no inner turmoil. Some even found it amusing.
Serves him right!
Boom!
At that moment, a thunderous sound echoed through the sky.
The dazzling lightning brought a glaring flash, dimming the bright day. With a bolt of lightning tearing through the sky, a figure appeared abruptly in the empty space in front of them.
Why not open the Gates of Justice?
The answer was simple— because there was no need!
Dressed in a gray-blue suit, standing tall and imposing, with a slightly loose Justice coat draped behind him, appearing somewhat petite. The coat's hem only reached his knees, and a pitch-black, sharp spear was slung across his back, emanating a fierce and cold aura.
Due to being a Poison Human, with even the air he breathed out being highly toxic, Magellan didn't approach. Instead, he stood in place with open arms, finally showing a hint of a smile on his face.
"Welcome to Impel Down, Vice Admiral Soryu (Azure Dragon)!"
Thunder, heavy spear, and the oppressive aura standing there like a terrifying mountain— everyone in Impel Down took a sharp breath, their expressions becoming indescribably serious.
Marine Vice Admiral Soryu (Azure Dragon)!
It was him!!
Six months of house arrest had not tarnished Rowen's reputation. On the contrary, as news leaked through various channels in the New World, people's fear of him intensified.
In the last Marine era, he crushed the Anger Legion, killing tens of thousands and forcing Big Mom to cancel the 1518 Tea Party. He inflicted severe damage on Whitebeard, driving Teach away and significantly lowering Whitebeard's pirate crew's reputation.
He formed an alliance with the Golden City, giving Tesoro the confidence to reshape the underworld alongside the Underground World's Four.
The youngest Admiral candidate in Marine history and the fastest-promoted Vice Admiral in Marine history, it was said even the Celestial Dragons feared him— he is a great character.
"Soryu (Azure Dragon)" Rowen!!
So, it was him, no wonder, indeed.
Hannyabal and the others looked serious, but for some reason, they sighed in relief.
A person's name is like the shade of a tree. Not to mention that even if Rowen were to replace Magellan as the new Warden of Impel Down, they wouldn't dare to voice any objections.
This was Rowen's authority, built up with each glorious victory and the accumulation of enemy lives.
Stretching his stiff limbs from the long flight, Rowen noticed Magellan keeping a distance and took the initiative to approach, facing him with a salute.
"Long time no see, Warden Magellan."
Hannyabal and the others looked as if they had seen a ghost. Only after confirming that the purple mist on Rowen's face couldn't spread did they speak in shock.
"Undying Vice Admiral!"
(End of this chapter)
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