After eating and drinking his fill in the prison cage, Shiki even let out a satisfied burp.
His eyes were calm—unnervingly so for someone known as Golden Lion.
There was no trace of the ruthless man who had once launched a suicidal assault on Marineford.
Nor did he look like someone who had just been defeated and imprisoned.
"Hey, kid."
"Tell me, you're not really some clone modified by that mad scientist Vegapunk, are you?"
"You've got wings and some weird flame ability."
Michael continued tearing into the mantis shrimp in his hands—sweet, juicy, and delicious.
"Have you ever seen a clone with intelligence as high as mine? Or looks as good as mine?"
"As for abilities… let's just say the world is full of wonders." With that, Michael curled his lips.
It was blatant nonsense.
"...Huh?" Shiki was dumbfounded.
This guy had some nerve, But then he relaxed, silently impressed.
This level of intelligence, ability, and temperament… Clearly the makings of a genius who could safely reach the pinnacle.
But even so… Humans were utterly untrustworthy.
Who knew what this man might do to the Marines—or even the World Government—in the future?
Right now, deep in Shiki heart, he had completely lost faith in humanity.
Because he saw Roger captured as the greatest betrayal by mankind.
In his mind, if even the one man worthy of standing beside him couldn't be trusted…
Then there was no one left in this entire sea worth believing in.
"Hey, kid, what's your name?"
"Why do you care? I'm just some no-name Marine lieutenant commander." Michael gave Shiki a strange look, his gaze burning.
"Fine… My name is Michael."
"If one day, by some miracle, you manage to escape Impel Down… I'll personally send you off."
"So, remember my name well. Remember who ruined your assault on Marineford, and then…"
"Rot in the depths of Impel Down."
"Michael…" Shiki nodded, not saying another word.
Just then, a Marine lieutenant rushed out from the engine room.
"Reporting to Vice Admiral Garp!"
"We're approaching Impel Down!"
"Well then, it seems this short journey is coming to an end, Shiki." Garp lifted his head, standing before the cage and looking down at the pirate.
"Take one last look. One last look at the blue sky that once belonged to the Float-Float Fruit… at the sky-sea that once belonged to Golden Lion."
"And then, as Michael said… rot in the depths."
Shiki, surprisingly, actually strained to lift his head gazing deeply at the domain that had once been his alone.
The blue sky that gave the sea its color.
"Garp… Roger should be in Level 6: Eternal Hell by now, right?"
"I want to see him."
Garp, who usually acted like a reckless, unyielding brute, was unexpectedly accommodating this time.
"Fine."
Michael curled his lips again.
From his perspective, it was clear.
In Garp eyes… there was a hint of sorrow.
The sorrow of how all things remain the same except those who are gone.
***
"Hey! Everyone, move faster!"
"This time, it's Vice Admiral Garp, the 'Hero of the Marine' personally escorting Shiki The Golden Lion here!"
"No slacking off allowed!"
The staff of Impel Down were now in full mobilization.
Anyone who looked remotely presentable had gathered at the prison entrance to welcome Garp arrival.
The title "Hero of the Marine" was no empty honor.
It was earned by Defeating the captain of the Rocks Pirates crew.
Though, to be fair, half the credit for that military achievement belonged to the Roger Pirates.
But that didn't mean Garp was a fraud—far from it. His accomplishments were unprecedented in the Marine history.
On the flip side, how many fighters had Roger ever acknowledged? How many had he cooperated with?
Only Whitebeard and Garp, really.
Even Shiki was merely categorized as a "worthy opponent."
As for the kind of monsters that made up the Rocks Pirates—need we even elaborate?
Beyond Rocks himself, the strongest of the old era, the crew was packed with legends.
Figures like Captain John, Wang Zhi, and Silver Axe—names that existed only in background lore, never appearing on-screen—were all part of it.
And even they couldn't rank high within the Rocks Pirates.
Then there was Gloriosa, the former Snake Empress of Amazon Lily, who had also been a member.
But the most dazzling names were Whitebeard, Big Mom, Kaido, and Shiki.
Three of the future Four Emperors, and Shiki at his peak was undeniably on that level too.
Talk about an impressive alumni success rate!
Absolutely ridiculous!
And what else could you say about Garp and Roger teaming up to defeat these guys except "damn impressive"?
Though Garp consistently refused promotion to admiral, preferring to roam the seas with his vice admiral rank, rarely stationed at his assigned G-3 base…
But which organization with even the slightest dealings with the Marine would dare treat Garp as just another vice admiral?
The words "Hero of the Marine" weren't just an honor—they represented immense authority!
Garp was directly involved in the Marine highest decision-making.
As seen in the original story, his influence clearly surpassed that of the three admirals, on par with Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Tsuru.
It's just that this old rogue had no interest in power, fully trusting and supporting Sengoku instead.
That's why, during times of internal strife and external threats, he helped Sengoku who was just an admiral, consolidate control over the Marine without opposition.
A true case of "shared glory, shared downfall."
Soon, Garp ship with its dog-head prow arrived at Impel Down entrance.
Garp led the way, personally escorting Shiki, who wore seastone handcuffs, without the slightest negligence.
Michael followed slightly behind Garp, observing the scene…
Damn, this is wild.
The déjà vu is real.
Isn't this just the One Piece world version of 'Welcome, distinguished leaders, for your inspection and guidance'?
"Vice Admiral Garp! Your efforts are appreciated!"
After Warden Hannyabal shrill exclamation, all the Impel Down guards echoed in unison.
"Your efforts are appreciated!"
"Hahaha, no trouble at all. You're the ones working hard here." Garp grinned. He might dislike leadership, but that didn't mean he was bad at it.
"No need for inspections—just lead the way. We're heading straight to Level 6: Eternal Hell!"
"Yes! Follow me!" Hannibal eagerly scurried ahead to lead the way. "Quick! Prepare the elevator straight to the sixth floor!"
Upon hearing Garp orders, the jailers didn't dare slack off in the slightest, immediately throwing themselves back into their work.
Are you kidding?!
How could they not take this seriously? The prisoner they were about to incarcerate was none other than Shiki the Golden Lion!
The Golden Lion who ruled the skies!