Thank goodness, while in Marine Headquarters, anyone Wood casually encountered on the street held a higher rank than him, a Marine Major. In that environment, there was no way for him to flaunt his rank.
However, things were different now that Wood had arrived at Impel Down. Being assigned to this post was, honestly, not much different from being exiled.
Seeing that Wood had only been away for a month and had risen from the rank of Third-Class Soldier, a mere high-level grunt, to that of a Marine Major, the few dozen lazy Marines stationed at Impel Down were more convinced than ever that Wood had connections in high places.
Is it really that easy to rise in rank in the Marines? Many have been in the service for over a decade and are still just regular grunts.
To rise so quickly, one must either possess outstanding strength or achieve an extraordinary feat. Otherwise, such a rapid promotion is impossible under normal circumstances.
Since Wood was previously just a Third-Class Soldier, his outstanding strength could be ruled out.
As for achieving extraordinary feats, Wood had only been away for a month. They couldn't imagine what kind of short-term mission could warrant such a leap in rank.
This left them with only one conclusion: Wood had someone backing him in Marine Headquarters, perhaps even the illegitimate child of some high-ranking officer.
Initially, being assigned to Impel Down was probably just to divert attention. Once he had earned some merit, he was called back to be polished up and then promoted smoothly.
"Commander Wood, please have some tea. This is a fine tea that I've been saving for a long time, reluctant to drink it until I could offer it to you."
"Commander Wood, how's my massage? Is the pressure alright?"
Ever since Wood returned to Impel Down, the small Marine unit stationed there had undergone a complete change in attitude. They went from indifferent to attentive, fawning over him like sycophants.
Wood could easily guess why they were being so obsequious. They thought he had powerful backers and were trying to latch onto his coattails, hoping he could elevate them as well.
"Things aren't what you think. My promotion from Third-Class Soldier to Marine Major was earned through blood, sweat, and tears. The mission was nearly a death sentence. If not for my luck, you wouldn't be seeing me now."
Seeing Wood's serious expression, the small group of lazy Marines fell silent. Eventually, the Captain of the unit, a Marine Captain, asked the question on everyone's mind.
"Could you share what mission it was, Commander Wood? We'd like to hear about your heroic deeds."
With the Captain's question, the others also looked at Wood with curiosity, genuinely wanting to know what kind of mission had led to such a rapid promotion.
"It wasn't that big of a deal, really... Ahem, actually, it was a top-secret mission, so I can't disclose the details. You understand."
Wood had always found his roommate, Smoker, too uptight to enjoy joking around with. Smoker never played along, making things dull for Wood.
But now, with a group of eager listeners, Wood was in high spirits, ready to boast. However, just as he was about to start, he remembered that his and Gion's mission involved a hidden identity. Revealing too much could lead to future slip-ups, so he quickly shut his mouth.
Seeing Wood stop mid-sentence, the others, including the Captain, exchanged knowing looks.
Inwardly, they thought, "Secret mission, my foot. Clearly, he was just grabbing some easy merit and has nothing to brag about."
Of course, these thoughts stayed in their heads. Being seasoned professionals, they maintained the proper expressions on their faces.
Even though they had no idea what Wood had really done, they didn't hold back on showering him with exaggerated praise, digging deep into their reserves of flattery.
"Commander Wood, you'll always be our leader. Just give the word—whether it's marching into hell or jumping into a fire, we'll follow you anywhere!"
The Captain and the others saw an opportunity to rise in rank and leave this backwater post. They figured becoming Wood's underlings wasn't a bad deal.
"Are you really willing to follow me, even if I make a mistake? Will you stand by me no matter what?"
Hearing Wood's words, the Captain and the others assumed he was testing their loyalty. They immediately thumped their chests, declaring they would share blessings and burdens alike.
Well, more accurately, they'd bear the burdens while leaving the blessings to their leader, as long as he didn't forget about them.
Wood was moved by their words. He couldn't help but think how unfortunate it was that Smoker wasn't here. Smoker could learn a thing or two about being a proper subordinate!
After returning to Impel Down for several days, Wood had yet to make a move. He was waiting for the right opportunity.
If he acted now, at most, he could only release the few prisoners Sengoku had arranged, far short of meeting the mission's requirement.
Wood didn't know if Sengoku had communicated with the Warden of Impel Down, but one thing was certain: if he released more than a hundred prisoners, he'd undoubtedly become a prime target.
Wood's strength had indeed improved significantly after the lucky break in Mariejois, where his "Observation Haki" evolved.
But even so, he wasn't confident enough to single-handedly take on all of Impel Down's forces and successfully free a hundred prisoners.
Sadi, Shiryu of the Rain, Magellan—these were not easy opponents, not to mention the large number of jailer beasts and other guards.
So Wood was waiting for an opportunity. Based on his experience from the previous life simulation, the time for Golden Lion Shiki's escape should be near.
When Shiki escapes, most of Impel Down's forces will be focused on him, making it much easier for Wood to complete his mission.
In the Level 6 "Eternal Hell" of Impel Down, within a dimly lit cell, a man with spiky golden hair, wearing prisoner garb, sat bound by sea stone chains, his eyes filled with a resolute determination as he stared at his legs.
Two years ago, Shiki could not believe that his rival, Gol D. Roger, had been captured, so he stormed Marine Headquarters, Marineford, alone to confirm it.
Learning from Garp that Roger would be executed in the "weakest sea," Shiki was consumed with rage, seeing it as an insult to the Pirate King Roger.
The Marines, fearing something might go wrong during Roger's execution, dispatched Garp and Sengoku to confront Shiki. The ensuing battle nearly destroyed half of Marineford before Shiki was finally defeated.