How to Transfer Back from Impel Down?
Easier said than done. Impel Down is a crucial institution, and a powerful figure must be in charge of it. Naval Headquarters has limited manpower, and it's impossible to spare a strong Admiral on short notice. The only option is to send a formidable agent from the World Government to oversee Impel Down—but such arrangements can't be rushed.
"Another power of evolution. Who should benefit this time?"
After three months of practice, Ron had developed his Evolutionary Fruit ability to new depths. Yet, his options for improvement were too numerous: there were physical skills like the Six Forms, the unmastered "Return of Life," and even Kendo and Conqueror's Haki, which would be his primary techniques in the future. His own body had potential areas to evolve—heart, blood, organs, cells. Achieving perfection, where his body evolved to its ultimate, flawless state, would require at least ten evolutionary powers to reach true immortality.
After much consideration, Ron decided to grant his brain this precious power of evolution. He reasoned that with a stronger mind, whether it was swordsmanship or physical skills, all progress would become attainable. "It feels like nothing has changed," he mused, closing his eyes to feel any difference. There was no sudden clarity, no instant comprehension of all things; no complex problems were magically solved.
Ron wasn't too surprised. The effects of evolutionary power vary by individual, evolving differently depending on personal traits. He wasn't a scientist, so his brain's evolution wouldn't favor research or development. For someone with his fighting spirit and preferences, the evolution likely leaned towards combat.
"Shave!" His figure flashed, and he appeared tens of meters away. Instantly, his mind processed the principles of "Shave," assessing the frequency of muscle movement needed for instant bursts. "Reducing muscle movement by 10% can increase speed by 20%, while decreasing physical exertion." His mind instinctively analyzed improvements for the Six Forms. "Is this the effect of brain power evolution?" It was like a high-powered CPU, calculating solutions in milliseconds.
While his brain provided strategies and directions, true mastery of these refined physical techniques would still require rigorous practice. "With enhanced brainpower, comprehending 'Return of Life' shouldn't take long," he noted. "After all, Naval Headquarters has developed a complete training method for it."
Over the next half-month, Ron's physical skills advanced rapidly. The evolution of his mind allowed him to pinpoint the most effective training path, eliminating much of the guesswork. His skills had previously plateaued because he lacked clear direction—how to surpass Finger Pistol at its peak, improve Iron Body for better defense, or boost Shave's speed and power. These challenges couldn't be answered by others; he had to experiment and explore his own path.
The Six Forms, after reaching their highest level, become individualized; each user develops unique techniques suited to their abilities, making them difficult for others to replicate. For instance, a Zoan-type Devil Fruit user might create Beast Body Techniques, whereas Paramecia users would struggle to adapt similar techniques.
Before the brain's evolution, he'd been fumbling along, hitting dead ends. Now, with clear direction, he could refine his physical abilities with each practice session, saving 90% of his usual time and energy.
"At this rate, within two or three months, my physical skills could match a Vice Admiral's," he observed. Physical prowess ultimately depends on one's physique—without sufficient strength, no amount of technique can reach its full potential. Ron's physical body already placed him at the top of the pyramid. Only Admiral-level opponents specialized in physical skills and Haki could compete with him in strength.
After all, he had defeated five or six Admirals recently, and the power Crimson Cry returned to him hadn't gone to waste. His evolved skin offered significantly enhanced defense, inching him closer to an Admiral's level.
**Practice! Practice! Practice!**
Aside from training, his relationship with Tsuru had warmed considerably, perhaps reaching friendship but not romance. Impel Down, filled with guards and prisoners, was a closed environment where proximity naturally fostered familiarity.
Ron considered himself an ideal match. Among Marine Headquarters and World Government institutions, how many were stronger than him? As a young, near-Admiral powerhouse, he could rival most Admirals. Apart from Garp, he hardly cared about Sengoku. Though he might not win in direct combat, Sengoku would still suffer if he tried to defeat him. He was, by his own assessment, the best choice.
Given her intelligence, Tsuru surely understood this too. "Within a year, I hope to see Tsuru caring for our child at home," he thought, humorously.
After training, he would visit her office, hoping to strengthen their bond. The third floor of Impel Down was above Blazing Hell on the fourth, so the heat was intense. Though the office had cooling equipment, it was still warm. Tsuru, dressed in a light uniform, was busy at her desk, handling administrative work. Though her combat role was only supplementary, she managed most of the paperwork.
At Naval Headquarters, every document passed through her hands before reaching the Marshal's office, and she managed Impel Down's affairs with the same efficiency.
"Finished training?" she asked, not even glancing up as she recognized his footsteps. Ron, unperturbed, watched her as she worked. A serious woman had her own unique charm. With long black hair tied back, high cheekbones, a refined nose, and sharp eyes, she exuded an unapproachable air. In Ron's mind, not even the Empress could compare to Tsuru.
An hour later, Tsuru stretched after finishing her work, and Ron's gaze sharpened. Noticing his reaction, she glared at him, though without malice.
"This morning, a transfer order arrived from headquarters. The new director of Impel Down will be here in three days," she informed him, "and once we complete the handover, we can return to the headquarters. I haven't mentioned it to Sakazuki yet."
"Returning to headquarters?" Ron hadn't expected this; he's already given up and I think he'll be at least a year in Impel Down before he starts protesting.
"The World Government's efficiency is faster than I thought."
"Sakazuki will be fine," he replied, clearly eager to leave. "Impel Down feels like imprisonment; he'd much rather be out hunting pirates."
"I should rest," Tsuru declared, seeing Ron's lack of intention to leave. Exasperated, she added, "Go!"
Seeing her annoyance, he laughed and excused himself. "This guy," she muttered, shaking her head. Ron had many good qualities, but his immaturity at times was one flaw. Yet she didn't dislike his demeanor.
"At my age(34), I should consider settling down," she thought. Ron might not be perfect, but he was certainly her best option. "When he becomes an Admiral, maybe then I'll accept his pursuit."
I hope your like the chapter 😊.