When Sengoku had his afro, he was over three meters tall, but now, wearing a hat, he's less than three meters tall if you don't count the seagull on it, even shorter than Shiryu.
At this moment, Sengoku Shiryu, arms outstretched, allowing Shiryu to search him thoroughly...
"Is that alright now...?"
Before Sengoku could finish asking his question, Shiryu took out the Seastone Handcuffs and rubbed them against Sengoku's face.
Sengoku's face twitched, but he held back from lashing out.
"Hmm, looks like it's not fake, and he's not carrying any contraband." Shiryu said, hanging the handcuffs back on his waist.
Sengoku knew that Shiryu weren't necessarily aimed at him, but they were definitely a show—because Sengoku could sense that Shiryu's Observation Haki had been locked onto him from the very beginning!
Even Sengoku felt a chill run down his spine... What was the point of searching him then?
However, Sengoku was unaware that the reason "Shiryu" dared to do this so freely was because he was constantly mindful of his emotions.
Sengoku was strong enough to sense Sig's Observation Haki, but he couldn't stop Sig from making no attempt to hide it. Moreover, Sengoku didn't expect that Shiryu's Observation Haki was the type that could sense emotions, which was completely inconsistent with the previous information!
Sig could sense that Sengoku's "dissatisfaction" was currently only at the level of "displeasure," and that after the "displeasure," there was always an "appreciation" that would rise up.
That's why Sig was so "arrogant," after all, Sig wasn't really trying to provoke Sengoku.
In the eyes of the Sengoku, Shiryu somewhat arrogant and looked down on others, but he was not only exceptionally strong, but also understood the meaning of "putting on a show".
Sengoku had guessed it too. Shiryu's immediate show of force, even insisting on searching him, wasn't really meant to provoke him or challenge the authority of the Fleet Admiral. Rather, it was to show the other prison guards in Impel Down the authority of the prison system, and... his own authority as the Chief Warden.
And this was indeed within the permitted scope, so Sengoku couldn't say anything, and even somewhat admired Shiryu's tactics.
I think he's a rare... prison officer who has both ability and brains!
In comparison, Sengoku felt that Magellan was somewhat simple-minded—he did not question Magellan's loyalty to his duty, but it was clear that Magellan was not as adept at this as Shiryu.
Just look at Vice Warden Hannibal Lecter...
Sengoku estimated that if Shiryu were the chief, Hannibal would not have dared to covet the chief's position.
Hannibal never imagined that his "outstanding performance" would have such an effect!
When Sengoku inspected the first to fifth levels, he increasingly felt this difference— Magellan and Shiryu's previous reports indicated that Shiryu's reforms were carried out on the fourth, fifth, and sixth levels, but not on the first three levels.
Therefore, Sengoku could clearly sense that the prisoners on the fourth and fifth floors had a higher level of obedience, especially since Shiryu had even "demonstrated" in person how to watch them run laps...
Sengoku could undoubtedly understand the purpose behind this action—or at least he thought he did!
Little did they know that although "Shiryu" was acting all high and mighty, "Sig" was actually more nervous than anyone else inside.
Fearing that Sengoku would discover that he was planting a time bomb for the World Government...
These Great Pirate are not so easily "tamed".
If he really wanted them to obey, Sig, as Dreamwalker, could do it, but it would be much more difficult than it is now, and it wouldn't be something that could be done in just a few months. The reason they seem "obedient" now is because the hatred has been directed at the World Government!
Sig wasn't worried that Sengoku would figure out his "playing" purpose, but he was worried that Sengoku would discover the problem. In order to avoid being seen through by Sengoku today, Sig had been conducting psychological counseling in his dreams for several days in a row.
Once Sengoku discovers the flaws in this approach, even if he doesn't immediately suspect Shiryu of doing it intentionally, he will certainly stop him from doing so in the future and will definitely suspect Shiryu.
For this reason, Sig has prepared for the worst...
If Sengoku shows any unusual behavior, Sig will immediately activate his pre-prepared backup plan—removing the prisoner's restraints and pulling off a major heist to kill Sengoku right here!
"Shiryu" had already tampered with the chains and Seastone Handcuffs of the prisoners on the fourth, fifth, and sixth floors.
Currently, he is maintaining a "secret technique" that combines the Devil Fruit ability, including the Gum-Gum Fruit, the Sticking-Sticking Fruit, and the Connect-Connect Fruit. Sig can control them to detach instantly.
However, this is only the worst-case scenario. After all, while killing the new Fleet Marshal is tempting, the subsequent fall of Impel Down would be a major headache for the World Government. But compared to that, Sig's own progress in his role is more important.
Upon discovering that the Sengoku period's emotional shifts showed an increasing inclination towards himself, Sig gradually abandoned his "all-in" idea.
As for the final sixth level, Sengoku did not go down there either— Impel Down was only under the jurisdiction of the Navy, not its subordinates, and the sixth level... without an order from the World Government, even Sengoku had no right to go down and inspect it.
"Hmm, Shiryu Chief Warden a good job, and Warden Magellan truly lives up to his reputation as the rock that Impel Down safe. With you two in Impel Down, the World Government can rest assured..." Sengoku began by praising Magellan and Shiryu without much substance.
Hannibal? What Hannibal? He licked his boots until he got nothing in the end...
In addition, Sig deliberately slowed his pace, which made Magellan's gastrointestinal problems obvious.
During the short time Magellan was on his inspection tour with Sengoku, he went to the toilet several times!
After returning to the ground, in Shiryu's office, Sengoku finally got down to business—the reason it was in Shiryu's office was because only his office was above ground.
Sengoku first spoke with Magellan alone, giving him much encouragement, but... he also mentioned that he shouldn't target Shiryu too much, clearly believing that Shiryu was just a capable person who was difficult to get along with and had eccentricities.
Magellan had no choice but to agree for the time being. Sengoku also told him that he might not need to worry about this problem later.
When Sengoku called Shiryu in alone, Sengoku said directly, "Chief Warden Shiryu, I think you're a bit wasted here in Impel Down. Would you be interested in coming to Marine Headquarters? Although Impel Down isn't entirely a subordinate organization of the Navy, I can still pull some strings with the Five Elders for personnel transfers like this!"
"Not interested," Shiryu said directly.
Nonsense!
At Marine Headquarters, not only would he be living in constant fear, but he might also find himself fighting Kizaru to the death. Moreover, the environment there was nothing like Impel Down. How could Sig possibly want to go to Marine Headquarters?
Are you after your high salaries or your good retirement benefits?
Even if he were to join the navy, Sig had other ideas...
Sengoku was taken aback; he hadn't expected to be rejected so thoroughly before he even stated his conditions.
"You should reconsider. It's more suitable for Prisoner Race to serve in Impel Down. Besides, if you come to Marine Headquarters now, I can directly appoint you to the rank of Vice Admiral..."
Seeing his enthusiasm, Sig asked another question, "Impel Down suits me better... but does your navy need any staff officers?"
Sieg wasn't Sig; the Big Mom Pirates and the Beasts Pirates, after he gave them their advice, have both flourished...
Sengoku:???