The Great Prison Beneath the Sea
Impel Down
The most heavily guarded prison in the world.
The World Government's hell for the worst criminals of the past several centuries.
Pirates with bounties exceeding 10,000,000 Berries were commonplace here. As for the infamous Level 6—
Every inmate there carried a bounty of over 100,000,000 Berries.
And now—
The Pirate King, Gol D. Roger, had arrived.
A man who once stood at the very summit of the seas.
A rival to Vice Admiral Garp and Fleet Admiral Sengoku.
When such a man stepped off a ship in shackles and appeared at the gates of Impel Down—
Even the guards, though forewarned, couldn't suppress their shock.
His hair was unkempt, his beard rough. A trace of weariness clung to his face.
But the corners of his mouth remained lifted.
Seastone cuffs bound his wrists.
Marine elites escorted him.
Vice Admiral Garp followed close behind.
It was an unforgettable sight.
"Impel Down, huh?"
Roger chuckled in his low voice.
"Didn't expect I'd get to explore a place I've never set foot in before dying. That's pretty exciting!"
There was no regret in his tone.
No fear.
Only calm acceptance.
Behind him, Garp remained silent.
This fit Roger's personality.
Normally, Garp would have laughed and barked back.
But today—
He couldn't.
He knew about the agreement Roger had reached with the World Government.
He knew the truth behind everything.
How could he laugh?
He watched his old rival walk into the dark, devouring maw of the prison.
At last, Garp sighed—
And followed.
Even the Pirate King was no exception inside Impel Down.
Roger underwent the mandatory high-temperature sterilization procedure before entry.
The guards stared in awe.
As expected of the Pirate King.
He didn't even flinch.
He even chatted casually with Garp as if he were enjoying a hot bath.
They attempted to issue him prison clothes.
Garp refused.
Roger would keep his original attire.
The guards weren't foolish enough to argue with a Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral over such a trivial matter.
When the process was complete—
Roger was escorted to Level 6.
As expected.
Garp personally chose a cell.
Remote.
Clean.
Quiet.
The last dignity he could offer his old enemy.
It was Roger's first time in prison.
He seemed almost amused.
"What? I thought it'd be worse. This isn't bad at all."
"Honestly, it's way better than Rayleigh's busted ship at the start of our voyage!"
He crouched and peered at the floor.
"Oh? What's this? A cockroach? Looks like I've got a cellmate! Hahhahaha!"
"Hey, Garp! Don't look so gloomy. Go get some sake. Let's drink!"
"Oh—and bring Sea King meat! Nine-tenths cooked. With ketchup!"
Veins bulged on Garp's forehead.
Finally, he grabbed the bars and roared:
"You bastard! Understand your situation!"
"You're a prisoner! A man about to be executed!"
"And I'm your enemy—not your drinking buddy!"
His voice echoed across Level 6.
The guards he had dismissed glanced back in surprise, but said nothing.
Debating Roger's legend was more interesting than questioning Garp's temper.
"Hey now, that's harsh," Roger said, rising and approaching the bars.
"We've fought so many times. Known each other this long."
"I figured you'd consider me a friend by now."
Garp's heart skipped.
A strange premonition crept in.
He wanted to turn away.
But he didn't move.
"What are you trying to say?"
Sweat had begun forming on his brow.
Roger stepped closer.
Close enough for Garp to see the lines of age on his rival's face.
The man who once shook the seas…
Looked old.
"I… have a child."
Roger's voice softened.
For the first time, true warmth surfaced in his eyes.
Garp froze.
"What did you just say?!"
His voice warped.
Fortunately, he had cleared the guards earlier—
Why had he done that?
"You know as well as I do," Garp said grimly, "the World Government will never allow your bloodline to survive."
"Your child—and that woman—will be hunted down."
Roger laughed softly.
"Exactly."
"That's why I'm leaving them to you."
"My child… I entrust to you."
Garp's face contorted.
"Are you insane?!"
But Roger's gaze remained steady.
"Listen, Garp."
"We've clashed for years."
"You're as trustworthy to me as Rayleigh."
"No matter what kind of life he lives… let him grow up."
"I'm asking you."
"I refuse!" Garp barked.
"This is absurd!"
"No," Roger replied calmly. "You'll do it."
"You're that kind of man."
"So… thanks."
He forced the responsibility upon his lifelong rival.
Garp grit his teeth.
"Bullshit! That brat Roldy fought you plenty of times too! Why not entrust your kid to him?"
"You're just picking on me because I'm too damn soft!"
At the mention of Roldy—
Roger's expression stiffened briefly.
He said nothing more.
This was a final request.
Garp knew—
He couldn't refuse.
And then—
As if summoned by name—
The highest-level alarm of Impel Down blared.
A shrill, piercing wail tore through the prison.
Garp's head snapped up.
A voice boomed across the sea like thunder:
"MARINES! HAND OVER ROGER, YOU BASTARDS!!!"
Roldy.
Roger's calm expression finally broke.
That insane brat—
He actually came here.'
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