Chapter 6: Turns Out I'm This Strong!
Holy Land, Mary Geoise, Pangaea Castle, Room of Authority.
Im leaned back on a comfortable sofa, intently watching the high-definition image projected by the Transponder Snail. It was the scene of Sengoku, Garp, and Shiki's fierce battle outside Marineford.
The battle was a spectacle of ubiquitous clashing waves of air, rising and falling water pillars and splashes, constantly exploding ice chunks and Warship wreckage. Coupled with the three's incredibly fast speed and movements, accompanied by bursts of dazzling golden light, it gave one the feeling of watching a top-tier blockbuster.
Before transmigrating, he wouldn't have been able to see the movements of these people at all. But now it was different. Having fully adapted to his own strength, his dynamic vision could easily capture the details of the battle.
Im picked up the red wine glass from the coffee table, swirling the bright red liquid inside, and chuckled softly.
"This way, Marineford can avoid being largely destroyed. It's just tough on that kid Kuzan."
Naturally, it was he who had revealed the matter of 'Golden Lion' Shiki attacking Marine Headquarters to the Five Elders in advance, who then relayed it to Fleet Admiral Kong. As for the idea of having Kuzan create a large ice field outside the harbor, it was said to have been thought up by Sengoku.
Although the current Kuzan was slightly stronger than an average Vice Admiral, he hadn't reached the Admiral level yet and couldn't freeze the entire sea with a single Ice Age.
So from noon to evening, he had been constantly busy, as the thickness and area of the ice had to be meticulously prepared for the battlefield of three great figures.
And for Im, watching the intense battle between three of the world's Top Tier Combatants helped him understand more deeply just how large the gap was between these people and himself.
Memories were just memories. After all, he was a Transmigrator, and some things were better seen with his own eyes.
It had to be said that the battle of these three made his sense of security rise every minute and every second. Coupled with the National Treasure he held in his hand, he had only one thought in his mind.
Turns out, I'm this strong!
"Looking at it this way, I have quite a few trump cards and resources on my side. The next step is to figure out how to operate." Im took a sip of red wine, savoring the sweet and smooth taste on his palate, his eyes thoughtful.
"There are still twenty-four years until the final battle of the original story, but now that I'm here, many things can't possibly remain unchanged. Since that's the case, after executing Roger, let's start next year."
It was now the end of December 1497. Next year, 1498, the new Reverie would be held!
Three days later, the World Economic Journal published an extra edition, the content of which once again caused a sensation throughout the world.
The headline on the front page was bolded and enlarged, reading: "Shocking! Golden Lion Shiki Arrested and Imprisoned!"
This time, the content detailed how Shiki, attempting to single-handedly attack Marine Headquarters because of Roger's capture, was defeated by the prepared Marine Admiral Sengoku and Marine Hero Garp working together. He himself had now been imprisoned in the world's largest prison, Impel Down.
In addition, there were extremely clear photos printed on it, showing Shiki lying covered in injuries in front of Sengoku and Garp, documenting a glorious moment for the Marines.
A few days ago, Pirate King Roger had just been captured and was about to be publicly executed. Now, even the captain of the Golden Lion Pirates, who had dominated the New World for over a decade, had been dealt with by the Marines.
Kingdoms and powers from all sides were heavily intimidated by the powerful strength displayed by the Marines. At the same time, the World Government's authority was further ingrained in people's hearts, and the pirates causing trouble in the Four Seas instinctively restrained themselves.
Impel Down, on the sixth floor, Infinite Hell. The nearly five-meter-tall Magellan stood in the dim corridor, observing the new inmate in the iron cell. Around him stood several Head Wardens who had specifically come, all for the person inside.
"So this is 'Golden Lion' Shiki? Aside from having more hair, he doesn't look like much. He even specifically requested us to put an extra pair of Handcuffs on him." Shiryu chuckled sinisterly, a cigar clenched between his teeth, thinking to himself that he should find an opportunity to stab him and see. The feel of these big figures would definitely be more interesting.
Magellan, the Vice Warden, looked at Shiki, whose hands and feet were cuffed, lying flat on the cold floor inside the cell, and spoke.
"The Warden said this was done by the people above to prevent him from cutting off his own legs and escaping using his Float-Float Fruit ability. From now on, all Ability User prisoners on this sixth floor must wear Handcuffs."
"What, cut off his own legs?!"
Shiryu and the other Head Wardens were all stunned for a moment, then immediately wondered if such a thing were to happen, could they stop the man inside?
According to the information, besides being an Awakened User of the Float-Float Fruit, Shiki himself was a Great Swordsman level Two-Sword Style swordsman, coupled with top-tier Haki. Thinking of this, several people felt a chill.
"Alright, you can leave after seeing him," Magellan ordered in a deep voice.
"Yes!"
"Okay."
The Head Wardens quickly responded and returned to their respective floors. Among them, Shiryu took a deep look at Magellan's back before leaving with him. Magellan himself remained standing there. After about twenty minutes, he saw the Warden personally leading several people over.
"Magellan, open the cell door. These people were sent by the World Government. They need to interact with Shiki."
Magellan glanced over. There were five people in total. Three of them wore standard black suits and leather boots, all exuding a capable aura. The other two carried small white boxes and didn't seem to be combat personnel.
"Alright."
The Warden had given the order, so of course he had to obey. The key to the cell in 'Infinite Hell' was on him.
Of course, the Warden also had one, but would the boss personally handle such a matter?
Soon, Magellan opened the cell door. The two people carrying boxes and one person in a black suit went inside. The remaining two people in black suits stood guard at the entrance, in a posture that didn't allow anyone to enter.
"This is?" Magellan looked at the Warden in confusion, but the latter shook his head.
"Don't ask too many questions, it has nothing to do with us. I heard they will be coming often from now on. You just need to be responsible for bringing them here, opening and locking the door."
Magellan nodded silently.
The people inside were very quick. They came out in less than five minutes, then followed the Warden and left quickly without saying a word.
Magellan looked at them, then walked closer to the cell door and looked inside, finding that the still unconscious Shiki inside showed no changes.
Room of Authority, Im received a Transponder Snail call from the Five Elders.
"Lord Imu, Shiki's blood has successfully arrived at Punk Hazard."
"Good. Have Dr. Vegapunk try to replicate the Float-Float Fruit. This ability is of great use to our World Government, and its priority is higher than the research on Kaido's Genes and abilities. Also, keep a close eye on Shiki. Don't let him die, and don't let him become disabled. He is still useful!"
"We shall obey your will!"
[Click]
Placing the receiver back on the Transponder Snail's head, Im gazed at the lunar surface environment and the scattered Milky Way outside the window.
He was thinking about this person, Vegapunk.
According to the original story, he clearly perfectly replicated Kaido's Azure Dragon Fruit, yet claimed to the World Government that it was a failed product. Was it that the latter truly believed it was a failure, or did they know it was successful but lied?
"It seems this doctor isn't entirely honest either..."
Also, 'Golden Lion' Shiki. He had originally thought about having Vice Admiral Tsuru go and cleanse his heart, and then have someone brainwash him to become a loyal hawk of the World Government. But then he thought of an even better idea and held back.
However, this idea of his would require waiting a few more years; a crucial item needed to be found first.
No rush, take it slow.
Im's gaze lingered on the bright moon in the sky.
(End of Chapter)