Holy Land, Mary Geoise, Pangea Castle, Chamber of the Moon.
Imu leaned back on a comfortable sofa, attentively watching the high-definition images projected by the Den Den Mushi. The scene showed Sengoku, Garp, and Shiki engaged in a fierce battle outside Marineford.
The omnipresent shockwaves colliding, the rising and falling columns of water, the continuously exploding ice and wreckage of warships, combined with the three men's unbelievably fast speed and movements, accompanied by dazzling golden light, gave the impression of watching a top-tier blockbuster.
If it were before his transmigration, he wouldn't have been able to see their movements at all. But now, having fully adapted to his own strength, his dynamic vision could easily capture the details of the battle.
Imu picked up the glass of red wine on the coffee table, swirled the crimson liquid inside, and chuckled softly.
"This way, Marineford can avoid being half-destroyed, though it's been hard on Kuzan."
The fact that the 'Golden Lion' Shiki would attack Marine Headquarters was naturally something he had leaked to the Five Elders in advance, who then relayed it to Fleet Admiral Kong. As for the idea of having Kuzan create a vast ice field outside the harbor, it was reportedly Sengoku's idea.
Currently, Kuzan, though stronger than the average Vice Admiral, hadn't yet reached the level of an Admiral and couldn't freeze the sea with a single Ice Age.
So, from noon to evening, he had been busy, as preparing a battlefield for three top-tier figures required significant effort in terms of ice thickness and area.
For Imu, watching the intense battle of three of the world's top fighters helped him understand more deeply just how much of a gap there was between them and himself. Memories were just memories; after all, as a transmigrator, some things were better seen with his own eyes.
It had to be said, the battle between these three made his sense of security rise every second. Coupled with the fact that he had that national treasure in his possession, he couldn't help but think:
So, I'm this strong!
"It seems I have quite a few cards and resources on my side. Now, it's just a matter of how to play them," Imu murmured, taking a sip of the red wine, savoring its sweet and smooth flavor on his palate, his eyes thoughtful.
"There are still twenty-four years until the final battle in the original story. But now that I'm here, many things can't remain the same. In that case, after Roger's execution, let's start next year."
It was now the end of December 1497. Next year, 1498, a new Levely would be held!
Three days later, an extra edition of the World Economic Times was published, once again shaking the entire world.
The bold, black headline on the front page read: Shocking! Golden Lion Shiki Arrested and Imprisoned!
This time, the content detailed how Shiki, after Roger's capture, had attempted to single-handedly attack Marine Headquarters, only to be defeated by the prepared Marine Admiral Sengoku and Marine Hero Garp. He was now imprisoned in the world's largest prison, Impel Down.
In addition, there were extremely clear photos printed on the page, showing Shiki, battered and bruised, lying defeated before Sengoku and Garp, capturing a highlight moment for the Marines.
Just a few days ago, the Pirate King Roger had been captured and was soon to be publicly executed. Now, even the Golden Lion, who had dominated the New World for over a decade, had been taken down by the Marines.
The various kingdoms and factions were deeply shaken by the overwhelming power displayed by the Navy. At the same time, the authority of the World Government was further solidified, and pirates causing chaos across the seas instinctively began to restrain themselves.
In the Infinite Hell of Impel Down's sixth underground level, Magellan, standing nearly five meters tall, stood in the dimly lit corridor, observing the new inmate within the iron cell. Surrounding him were several wardens who had specially come to see the person inside.
"So this is 'Golden Lion' Shiki? Aside from his thick mane of hair, he doesn't seem all that impressive. They even specifically requested we add an extra pair of handcuffs for him," Shiliew remarked with a wicked grin, a cigar dangling from his mouth. In his heart, he was already plotting to stab the man at the first opportunity, thinking it would be interesting to feel the resistance of such a legendary figure.
As the Deputy Warden, Magellan looked at Shiki, who was lying on the cold floor with his hands and feet shackled, and spoke.
"The Warden said this was ordered by higher-ups to prevent him from cutting off his own feet and using the power of the Float-Float Fruit to escape. From now on, all Devil Fruit users in the sixth level will have to wear handcuffs."
"What? Cutting off his own feet?!"
Shiliew and the other wardens were momentarily stunned, immediately imagining whether they could stop this man if such a thing were to happen. According to the records, Shiki was not only an awakened user of the Float-Float Fruit but also a master swordsman of the dual-blade style, coupled with top-tier Haki. The thought sent a chill down their spines.
"Alright, that's enough. Disperse after you've seen him," Magellan commanded in a deep voice.
"Yes!"
"Understood."
The wardens quickly responded and returned to their respective levels. Shiliew, however, gave Magellan's back a deep glance before leaving. Magellan himself remained in place. About twenty minutes later, the Warden personally led a group of people over.
"Magellan, open the cell. These are personnel sent by the World Government. They need to interact with Shiki."
Magellan glanced at the newcomers. There were five of them in total. Three wore standard black suits and leather boots, exuding an air of competence, while the other two carried small white cases, seemingly non-combatants.
"Understood."
The Warden had given the order, so of course, he would comply. The keys to the cells of the Infinite Hell were on his person.
Naturally, the Warden also had a set, but was it appropriate to have the boss do such menial tasks?
Soon, Magellan opened the cell door. The two carrying cases and one of the black-suited men entered, while the remaining two black-suited individuals stood guard at the entrance, clearly signaling that no one else was allowed inside.
"What's this about?" Magellan asked the Warden, who simply shook his head.
"Don't ask too many questions. It's none of our concern. I hear they'll be coming frequently from now on. Your job is to bring them here, open the door, and lock it afterward."
Magellan nodded silently.
The people inside worked quickly, emerging in less than five minutes, then wordlessly followed the Warden as he swiftly departed.
Magellan glanced at them, then approached the cell door to look inside. He noticed that Shiki, still unconscious, showed no signs of change.
In the Chamber of the Moon, Imu received a call from the Five Elders via Den Den Mushi.
"Lord Imu, Shiki's blood has successfully arrived at Punk Hazard."
"Indeed, have Dr. Vegapunk attempt to replicate the Float-Float Fruit. This ability is of great use to the World Government and takes precedence over the research on Kaido's genes and abilities. Also, keep a close eye on Shiki. Ensure he doesn't die or become disabled; he still has his uses."
"Your will shall be obeyed!"
Click
Placing the receiver back on top of the Den Den Mushi, Imu gazed out at the lunar landscape and the scattered stars of the Milky Way.
He was pondering about Dr. Vegapunk.
According to the original content, he had perfectly replicated Kaido's Azure Dragon Fruit but claimed it was a failure to the World Government. Was it truly considered a failure by the latter, or was it a deliberate lie despite knowing it was a success? "It seems this doctor isn't exactly an honest man," he thought.
Then there was 'Golden Lion' Shiki. He had initially considered sending Vice Admiral Tsuru to cleanse his heart, followed by brainwashing him to become a loyal hound of the World Government. However, he had come up with an even better idea and decided to hold off.
But this idea of his would require waiting a few more years, as a crucial item needed to be found first.
No rush, take it slow.
Imu's gaze lingered on the bright moon hanging in the vast sky above.