Magellan stared at the scene of "turbulent emotions" unfolding before him, his unease growing with every passing moment. His heart thudded wildly, and beads of cold sweat formed on his forehead. Something was definitely off.
Imprisoned in the sixth underground level of Impel Down, the "Eternal Hell," were pirates and criminals who struck terror into the hearts of countless people. Each of them possessed formidable strength, and their methods were ruthless and decisive. This group of rebellious scoundrels would never bow to anyone.
But if someone had to lead them, the only one truly qualified might be the world's most dangerous criminal! And the "World's Most Wanted Criminal," considered the most dangerous man by the World Government, was none other than Instructor Daren!
What was worse, given Daren-sensei's notorious "scummy" style, there was a real chance he could pull it off. They had just been eating hotpot and singing together not long ago!
"This is bad..." Magellan muttered, his face pale. "Could Instructor Daren really be planning to release them...?"
While he fidgeted anxiously, the prisoners were getting louder and more excited.
"Hey, Daren, what's the deal?"
"Let us out! We'll storm Mary Geoise with you!"
"Hahahaha! Sounds like a pretty reasonable deal, right?"
"After all, you're just as infamous as we are now."
Inside the cell, the criminals gripped the bars tightly, their eyes burning as they glared at Daren.
"Mm..." Daren gave a slight chuckle, pulled out a cigar, bit it between his teeth, lit it, took a long drag, and then spoke leisurely: "That does sound like an enticing offer."
Upon hearing this, the prisoners couldn't help but light up with excitement. Their smiles widened as hope flared in their eyes.
"But I refuse."
However, the next words Daren spoke immediately froze their grins in place. Magellan, who had been on the verge of despair, snapped back to attention, his eyes wide with surprise as he turned to Daren.
"Why!?"
"Isn't the World Government your enemy?"
"Let us out, and we'll help you shake the world to its core!"
The prisoners roared in frustration, angrily banging on the cell bars.
Daren exhaled a plume of smoke, swirling it like a dragon's breath, then shrugged casually.
"No reason. I just don't feel like letting you lot out."
"I'm a busy man. I can't waste my time watching over you scumbags, making sure you obey the law and don't go around killing people."
Obey... the law? Killing... people?
The criminals were stunned into silence at Daren's words, their faces blank with confusion. You, the "world's most dangerous criminal," telling us to obey the law!?
As for killing indiscriminately...
Are you serious? You practically wiped out the entire young elite of the Celestial Dragons on North Blue's Philseque Island!
They had never encountered someone so shameless.
"Of course, those were just excuses I made up on the spot. The real reason is simple."
Daren smiled, narrowing his eyes with a defiant grin.
"Sorry, but you're just too weak."
The moment his words fell, the entire Eternal Hell fell into a deathly silence.
A full three seconds passed, and then—
"Damn brat!"
"You're asking for death!"
"Bastard! Let me out! I'll fight you to the death!"
"How dare you look down on us!"
"..."
Furious roars and venomous curses surged like a tidal wave from all directions. Daren merely scratched his ear, his smile unchanged as he turned away. Amidst the prisoners' raging shouts and invectives, he bit down on his cigar, waved dismissively, and stepped out of this hidden, endless prison.
"Goodbye."
...
Red Line, Marines New World G1 Branch.
A massive warship slowly entered the military base's harbor, with imposing fortresses passing by on both sides.
"How's the security handover progressing?"
At the ship's bow, Sengoku asked after hearing his subordinate's report. As he spoke, he lifted his head to gaze at the blood-red harbor in the distance. His keen eyes could make out merchant ships laden with cargo and official vessels from Member Nations constantly entering and exiting the harbor. Countless flags representing different countries fluttered in the wind, the ships packed shoulder to shoulder.
"Red Port"—the World Government's sole import/export hub on the Red Line—served as an officially controlled political and economic trade port. This port handled the vast majority of the World Government's material supplies. After being transported by fleets and merchant ships, the supplies first underwent inspection by relevant government departments. Upon approval, they were arranged by designated personnel to be transported via Red Port's unique "cableway" system onto the Red Line, before being further shipped to the Holy Land, Mary Geoise.
"The cableway's transport frequency is significantly higher than usual..."
Squinting at the densely packed containers on Red Port's cableway, Sengoku couldn't help but remark.
The inauguration ceremony for the commander of the God's Knights was a monumental political event—not only for the government, but for nations worldwide. The government extended invitations to representatives of all Member Nations to attend the ceremony, which in itself served as a subtle warning. The consequences for any invited party daring to be absent were clear.
Beyond that, such ceremonies also provided a channel for the government's "additional revenue." Delegates from Member Nations attending the ceremony were expected, both by custom and reason, to present congratulatory gifts—a profitable venture for the Nobles. The cargo "returning fully loaded" on the Red Harbor cableway at this moment stood as the clearest proof.
"All handover procedures are complete. The government has assigned our Marines to guard Red Harbor. Maintain maximum vigilance. Should any unexpected situation arise, be ready for immediate deployment."
The subordinate reported in a solemn tone.
"I understand."
Sengoku sighed inwardly, though his expression remained unreadable. Though he'd long suspected the government's distrust of the Navy, the actual order still sent a chill through him.
I am a Navy Admiral! Yet the government won't even let me enter the sacred Mary Geoise to witness the ceremony! Instead, they station our elite forces at this damned port, guarding the Celestial Dragons' gifts!