Impel Down.
The warship slowly docked at the harbor, and the black steel gates opened in the cold sea breeze like the fangs of a monstrous beast.
Gern stood at the bow, Black Blade: Eight Desolations hanging at an angle from his waist, his gray-white bandages fluttering faintly in the damp air.
Behind him, Bullet was bound in Seastone chains, yet he still held his head high, his expression as defiant as ever.
Then two figures slowly emerged from behind the gates.
On the left stood the current deputy warden, Magellan, a towering, Satan-like figure with a brooding gaze.
On the right stood Chief Warden Shiryu, a cigar between his lips, dressed in a white chief warden's uniform with the famous sword Raiu at his waist.
The two were also Impel Down's undisputed twin pillars!
Magellan stepped forward first, nodded slightly, and said in a low voice, "Vice Admiral Gern, thank you for your efforts.
The warden has gone to Mary Geoise, so I'm here to receive the prisoner on his behalf."
"I see..." Gern was about to nod when Shiryu's voice cut in.
"Well, well, if it isn't the 'legendary Marine,' Vice Admiral Gern!" Shiryu exhaled a mouthful of smoke and gave a wicked smile, his voice dripping with exaggerated admiration.
"What an honor to meet the great man who arrested the 'Pirate King'!
A shame I wasn't here the last time you escorted Roger over."
Shiryu spoke with the affected swagger of a street punk and even bent forward slightly.
He made a show of bowing, but did nothing to hide the mockery at the corners of his mouth.
Gern gave no reply. He merely looked at him calmly.
When Gern ignored him, Shiryu could only straighten up and blow a smoke ring. His gaze shifted to Bullet,