#118 - Chapter 118: Advancing City
The sea breeze gently caressed the surface of the sea, creating ripple-like waves.
The warship moved steadily forward on the calm sea.
The sunlight shone on the warship's steel armor, reflecting a dazzling light.
After several days of sailing, the Gates of Justice finally came into view.
It was like a gateway to another world, glorious and sacred.
Two gates reaching into the clouds stood on this vast ocean.
The seawater between the gates was eerily still, as if paying tribute to the warship about to pass through.
The soldiers on the deck were silent, their gazes passing through the open Gates of Justice.
They stared at the behemoth floating on the sea's horizon – Impel Down.
Impel Down's fortress-like silhouette became increasingly distinct against the slightly blurred skyline at sea.
The walls were towering, standing in the middle of the sea, like an indestructible symbol of protection, bearing the iron fist and authority of the World Government.
As the warship slowly approached, the outline of Impel Down gradually became clear.
Impel Down was not only a place to imprison criminals, its very existence was a maintenance of order and a guardian of justice.
When the warship passed through the Gates of Justice and sailed towards this fortress, every Marine stood up straight.
Subsequently, the heavy anchor chains were dropped as the ship slowly docked, and the sound of the chains intertwined with the seawater gently broke the silence, accompanied by a soft splash, marking the warship's official arrival at Impel Down.
In the dim light, the silhouette of Impel Down loomed, like a giant looming in the mist.
On the dock, a team of uniformed guards stood, their faces showing seriousness and determination.
In the guard team, the captain wore the most striking uniform, and the golden epaulettes shimmered in the dim light, appearing particularly conspicuous.
His hands were behind his back, standing as straight as a pine tree, his eyes sharply fixed on the slowly approaching warship.
On the warship, Jin's group began to become the focus of attention.
On the dock, the guards' gazes swept over the warship like searchlights, finally settling on Jin.
The leader's brow raised slightly, his body leaning forward slightly, very friendly to Jin and his group of new faces.
"Vice Admiral Jin!"
"I am Magellan, the Deputy Warden of Impel Down, I received orders to receive the prisoners here."
"You've all worked hard on the way."
Magellan took a step forward, his expression changing from serious to solemn, and saluted Jin and the Marines who were escorting the prisoners.
Jin raised his head, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, he didn't expect Magellan to be so calm at this time.
"I, I'm the Deputy... Head Warden, Hannyabal, welcome everyone."
The Head Warden, who was holding a huge naginata, almost blurted out his ambition, looking annoyed as he stood behind Magellan.
Why did he say his ambition? He didn't know if Magellan noticed.
Jin stood in front of the door, his figure elongated in the dim light, and Barrett, who was tightly bound, stood beside him.
The other party's eyes were full of calmness, even though he was about to enter Impel Down, he didn't react at all.
"I am Jin."
"Thank you for waiting here."
"The person behind me is the escort target this time – Douglas Barrett."
Jin also returned a salute to the people opposite him.
When introducing Douglas Barrett, Magellan's eyes showed shock.
Although they were in this isolated Impel Down, they had heard of Barrett's name.
The Navy directly said that they would send a very dangerous criminal to Impel Down, but they didn't expect it to be such a heavyweight ruthless character.
"Marshal Sengoku has already told us about it."
"These things are what we should do, nothing is too much trouble."
As soon as the words fell.
Magellan nodded, this action was very simple, but it contained recognition of Jin's completion of the task.
"Yes, it's Douglas Barrett."
"Imprison him on the sixth level."
Magellan glanced indifferently at the person who was restrained by the seastone handcuffs, confirming the identity of the prisoner.
Then, he turned his body, took a step forward, his posture as straight as a pine tree, and began to lead Jin and his group deep into the interior of Impel Down.
As they approached, the gate of Impel Down slowly opened, making a heavy and deep sound, like a monster devouring everything opening its bloody mouth.
Jin and his group followed closely behind Magellan, and the huge circular closed door in the center of the hall slowly opened.
After they entered the door, the door creaked shut behind them.
Behind the door was a long corridor, the light was dim and heavy, the walls on both sides were towering, and there was a faint sound of dripping water from time to time, which made this cold passage even more gloomy and depressing.
Passing through the corridor, they came to a spacious hall, which was the central area inside Impel Down.
Huge chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, and the faint light illuminated the stone floor below.
In the center of the hall, several guards were talking, they noticed Magellan's arrival, immediately stopped talking and walked towards this side.
Magellan briefly explained the situation to them.
Then a guard stepped forward, checked the things Barrett was carrying, and nodded to Magellan.
Entering Impel Down requires verifying identity and checking the dangerous items the other party is carrying.
Before officially entering the area where prisoners are held, a series of tasks need to be completed.
"Next is the heavily guarded area for imprisoning prisoners."
"Vice Admiral Jin, only three of you can enter that area at most."
"This has always been the rule of Impel Down..."
"I wonder how you will arrange it?"
Magellan registered Barrett's prison information and looked at the group of Marines in front of him.
"Just let me and Toki go in."
Since there are such rules here, Jin will naturally abide by them.
There are many secrets inside Impel Down, and it is indeed not suitable for too many people to enter the interior.
If something happens, Magellan and the others will have to bear the corresponding responsibility.
"Okay."
"Then you two come with me, I will lead the way for you."
Magellan had no objection and directly led the group forward.
Not long after walking.
They came to a huge iron gate.
"This is the first level of Impel Down, the Sea of Crimson Hell."
Magellan walked in front and introduced Jin and Toki.
"This level does not hold prisoners. After entering the gate, there is an iron railing, and behind it is the place for 'baptism' and torture before criminals are imprisoned."
The so-called baptism is to throw the prisoner into 100-degree water for sterilization and disinfection.
At Magellan's signal, the jailers escorted Barrett and took him to complete the remaining steps of imprisonment.
Magellan then took Jin and the others into a special area.
"There are also offices here, rooms where officials or special people check their belongings before entering the prison."
Jin and the others also need to be checked.
Only after the inspection can they continue to pass.
...
