The Tower Is About to Fall (3)

Grand Line, Impel Down.

Tap, tap... Dense, unusual footsteps echoed through the prison corridors of Crimson Hell. Fully armed guards radiating killing intent marched past the prisoners in formation, one squad after another, scaring them pale and leaving them drenched in cold sweat, afraid to make a sound.

They were in the first level of the prison. Normally, aside from a handful of animal handlers, the only jailers they saw were those simple-minded, brawny Blugori... Yet now, troops normally stationed below the third level had appeared on the first floor, and it looked as though they had mobilized in full force. How could they not be terrified?

"Clatter, bang—!"

"Attention, everyone! Salute!"

"Warden Magellan, Deputy Warden Hannyabal, Head Jailer Shiryu..."

The moment the massive elevator stopped, the soldiers gathered in the forest clearing outside the cells raised their right hands in unison... The officials of Impel Down appeared before the prisoners, dressed in black buttoned military uniforms and wearing gas masks.

Ever since Golden Lion had brazenly abducted Korbi two years ago, the previous warden had resigned to take responsibility... Magellan, who possessed both strength and loyalty, had naturally assumed the post of Warden. In recent years, he had made Impel Down as impregnable as a fortress, earning such immense prestige that even the prison's most vicious criminals submitted to him.

As the user of the Venom-Venom Fruit, Magellan was the only one who did not need a gas mask. He solemnly raised a hand in response to the crowd. "Everyone, you've worked hard! From this point on, Deputy Warden Hannyabal will be fully responsible for the prison. If a riot or accident occurs, you are authorized to activate the emergency—"

Pururururuu!!

Before Magellan could finish, the Transponder Snail in his breast pocket began ringing urgently. His brow tightened as