"Those keys, could they be...?"
The prisoners in Level 1 asked with suspicion, but Wood did not answer. Instead, he walked over to a nearby cell, carefully selected the corresponding key from the keyring, and inserted it into the lock.
At that moment, all the prisoners in Level 1 fell into a hushed silence, their eyes fixed intently on Wood's actions.
With a creak, the iron cell door slowly opened. As soon as it did, the prisoners in Level 1 erupted into wild, frenzied excitement.
"Kid... no, Boss, as long as you get me out of here, you'll be my leader from now on!"
"Boss, look over here! I was a notorious pirate in the East Blue. If you help me escape, I'll be your loyal dog!"
"Pfft, the so-called 'most notorious pirate' in the weakest sea? I'm from the West Blue! If it wasn't for bad luck, I would have made a name for myself on the Grand Line by now. If you get me out, I'll serve you faithfully, and I've got a stash of treasure hidden away. Once we're out, it's all yours!"
"You liar! You're just a rookie pirate, what treasure could you possibly have? And weren't you just calling this gentleman a brat earlier?"
Seeing that Wood's keys could indeed open the cell doors, the prisoners in Level 1 now looked at him with eyes blazing like molten lava.
They didn't understand why a Marine would help them escape, but who cared about that right now?
With the Golden Lion Shiki drawing most of Impel Down's forces to Level 6, the prisoners in Level 1 were closest to the exit. As long as they could get out of their cells, freedom was within their grasp.
Now that Wood held the keys, he became the most sought-after person among the prisoners, with everyone trying to outbid each other in promises.
"I think you all can see that once I let you out, I can't be a Marine anymore. And if I'm going to risk my life doing dangerous work, why not be a free pirate instead of settling for the Navy's meager salary? After we escape, I plan to form a pirate crew, and as for its members... well, I think you all know what I mean. Of course, if you want to be officers in my crew, it will depend on how sincere you are."
As soon as Wood finished speaking, the prisoners in Level 1 were like a bunch of roosters on steroids, eagerly pledging their loyalty. Some even revealed the locations of their hidden treasures to win his favor.
If Wood had released them with no demands, the prisoners might have suspected a trap. But seeing Wood's greedy demeanor, they actually felt more at ease.
The prisoners who were freed breathed in the sweet air of freedom and couldn't hide their excitement.
However, their joy quickly turned to sinister thoughts as they eyed Wood's back. While they had been trapped in their cells, they had no choice but to grovel to him. But now that they were free, who would actually keep their promises?
Wood, barely twenty years old by the looks of him, was just a young brat. They, on the other hand, had all been pirates with bounties on their heads. Who would be willing to take orders from a wet-behind-the-ears kid?
Moreover, they had just revealed the true locations of their hidden treasures to gain his trust. If Wood were to escape, wouldn't all their wealth be lost?
Wood hadn't even turned around, but his "Observation Haki" had already detected the movements of the prisoners behind him.
So, before they could make a move, Wood spoke again without turning his head. "Although you've escaped your cells, your ankle chains are still on. And remember, Impel Down is surrounded by the Calm Belt, home to countless Sea Kings. Without a Marine warship, it would be nearly impossible to escape. But don't worry, I've already prepared for this. As a Marine Major, I have the authority to requisition a warship. If you stick with me, I guarantee we'll get out of here."
From the start, Wood never believed a word the prisoners said.
He wasn't some miracle-worker like Buggy, who could inspire loyalty just by being around. These were rebellious pirates, so why would they sincerely follow him just because he set them free?
If he had been an overwhelmingly strong fighter, that might have been different. But right now, in their eyes, Wood was just a greedy, opportunistic Marine turncoat.
But Wood didn't try to change their opinion of him. After all, they were using each other.
The prisoners in Level 1 intended to use Wood to escape Impel Down and then kill him. And Wood? He planned to use them to complete his mission, and then take out this group of scum from the seas.
Hearing Wood's words, the prisoners who had been about to strike quickly suppressed their murderous intentions. Their once vicious expressions turned to fawning smiles.
"You're amazing, Captain! You really thought this through. But if you could get the cell keys, why not get the keys for these ankle chains too? Moving around with these on is tough, and it might affect our combat abilities."
The prisoners, having temporarily put aside their plans to kill Wood, now saw the necessity of his rank if they wanted to secure a warship. They also noticed that the chains on their ankles were still a problem and asked if Wood had the keys or knew where they were kept.
"The keys to the ankle chains are carried by Saldeath, the warden. Don't even think about it. It took a lot of effort just to get the cell keys."
Was this the truth? Of course not. The keys to the ankle chains were actually kept right next to the cell keys.
But Wood had no intention of unlocking their chains. Why? Because as long as they were restrained, they'd be easier to handle later.
The prisoners knew better than anyone what Impel Down was like, so they had no reason to doubt Wood's words.
A Marine managing to obtain the cell keys was already impressive in their eyes.
There were many prisoners in Level 1, but Wood ended up releasing only about 150, mostly those who had shown "sincerity."