Impel Down

Biodata

Location and Security

• Impel Down is built on the seabed in the Calm Belt, where large numbers of giant Sea Kings surround it 159 184.
• It stands alongside Enies Lobby and Marine Headquarters, Marineford, as one of the World Government’s three direct institutions 159.
• Its reputation rests on strict security and accounts of prisoners enduring severe, lifelong torment. It is said that no prisoner has ever left alive 159.
• Beyond the prison lies the Grand Whirlpool Triangle. Ships without powerful propulsion—or passage through the Gates of Justice—can be trapped in its currents 223.

Prison Levels

Impel Down has seven levels: an above-ground reception level and six basement levels. The first five basement levels are its apparent “hells,” with more important prisoners held farther down 184.

Staff and Defenses

• Magellan — Warden. He pursues the Supernova Alliance through the prison and fights with poison abilities and Haki 185 187 188.
• Hannyabal — Vice-Warden. He coordinates with Magellan and calls Marineford for reinforcements after the invaders reach the sixth level 185 192.
• Domino — Vice Chief stationed in the fourth-basement-level monitoring room 185.
• Sadi-chan — Chief Jailer who leads four Jailer Beasts against the alliance in Beast Hell 186.
• Saldeath and the Blue Gorillas — Prison forces mobilized against the invasion 184 185.
• Surveillance and central control — Monitoring relies on screens and surveillance Transponder Snails; Perona’s attack on the control room destroys its equipment and cuts off monitoring 185.

Major Incidents

• Ace rescue attempt: The Straw Hats and an alliance of Supernovas approach underwater in coated ships, then use the Heart Pirates’ submarine as a distraction for their assault 179 184. They break through the upper levels, defeat several prison beasts, and reach Ace in Infinite Hell 185 186 191.
• Battle in the lower levels: Reiner defeats Magellan, but Garp and Marine reinforcements delay the rescuers on the sixth level 188 191 192. Franky later blasts an opening through the prison wall for Brook’s shark submarine. Reiner stays behind to cover the withdrawal; Kizaru’s arrival thwarts Ace and Jinbe’s attempt to escape 194 195.
• Blackbeard’s breakout: During the Marineford War, Blackbeard attacks Impel Down and releases Level 6 prisoners, including San Juan Wolf, Avalo Pizarro, Vasco Shot, and Catarina Devon. Shiliew, identified as Impel Down’s Chief Warden, also appears with his group 209 222.