One Piece: Impel Down's Guard - Chapter 32

A few days later, a large ship from the World Government docked at the Level 0 platform of Impel Down.

The new Deputy Director of Impel Down, Rupp Ladue, and 20 new guards who had previously served with the Red Line garrison disembarked from the ship.

While Impel Down’s strength was boosted, the welcoming guards weren’t particularly happy. Previously, they had all been Navy men with a Navy spirit, and the addition of people from the World Government sparked concerns about whether they would get along or cause trouble.

Among them, Kimchi, whose status had dropped yet another notch, was the most affected. Since Ladue stepped off the ship, Kimchi had been observing him sideways.

With his skinny frame, pale skin, and frail appearance, accompanied by that fake smile, he seemed like a hypocrite.

“This must be Chief Warden Kimchi, right? Hello, I’m Rupp Ladue. I’ll be in your care from now on, haha,” Ladue extended his hand to Kimchi after greeting Figo.

Kimchi was taken aback, “…Sir?”

Ladue smiled, “According to the orders of the Five Elders, my position as Deputy Director is merely a formality. From now on, Director Figo will still be in charge, and you, Chief Warden Kimchi, will be second in command. I will follow your commands.”

Kimchi was stunned, then his expression suddenly turned enthusiastic as he shook Ladue’s hand, “Is that so? You’re too kind. I’ll take good care of you!”

This new Deputy Director seemed pretty decent, with a sincere and kind smile.

Figo, observing Kimchi’s transformation, could only chuckle inwardly.

So, the World Government is taking this route.

It makes sense. Sending a Deputy Director to directly compete with him was unlikely. In this world where strength ruled, the World Government certainly had stronger individuals who could defeat Figo, but such people were highly valued and wouldn’t be casually assigned to Impel Down. Moreover, given Figo’s growth, you wouldn’t send someone less than Admiral-level strength to restrain him.

If the Deputy Director couldn’t suppress Figo, he couldn’t simply bully Kimchi. Figo would certainly back Kimchi, turning Impel Down into a chaotic mess.

Hence, they sent a social butterfly.

As expected, Ladue’s orders were to get along with everyone in Impel Down. He didn’t need to seize power or compete, just ensure that no one disliked him.

He carried two Den Den Mushi capable of directly contacting the Five Elder Mendesbin Saint, one of which he would hand over to Figo, the other belonging to himself.

The 20 guards also had their orders.

They were responsible for “reporting” everything.

They had to relay all noteworthy information from Impel Down to Mendesbin Saint.

Greeting everyone with a smile, Ladue indeed left a positive impression on everyone at Impel Down, smoothly integrating into its system as the new Deputy Director.

After settling into his quarters and changing into his uniform, he began making rounds, introducing himself everywhere.

Training area, cafeteria, monitoring room…

“No need to stand up. Just here to introduce myself. I’m Deputy Director Ladue. Are you… playing cards?” Ladue asked the four guards, who exchanged glances before affirming.

“Carry on, carry on. I’m just looking around,” Ladue smiled, though inwardly noting it down—Gaston Figo’s monitoring room management is inadequate.

But these were minor issues, not worth reporting to the Five Elders. Unless a significant event like a jailbreak occurred… occurred… occurred…

Glancing at the surveillance screen, Ladue nearly jumped, “What is happening?!”

The experienced guard looked over to see prisoners on Level 5 unlocking their cells and stepping out.

“Deputy Director, they’re escaping.”

Oh, so they are escaping.

I thought they were escaping.

The experienced guard’s calm words left Ladue stunned for a moment before he jumped up, “Escaping?!”

The experienced guard said, “Deputy Director, no need to make a fuss. You’ll understand soon.”

Make a fuss?

You all sit here watching an escape without reporting it and accuse me of making a fuss?!

Ladue anxiously watched the surveillance feed, seeing the number of escaping prisoners increase to eight, who then gathered and seemingly discussed something before running toward the staircase.

Other prisoners’ reactions were oddly indifferent, almost too detached.

Ladue had no time to ponder that, focusing intently on the eight prisoners, switching to another surveillance Den Den Mushi, then witnessing a one-sided beatdown at the stairwell. The fight lasted less than three minutes.

All eight escapees were downed.

Dumbfounded, Ladue watched Figo drag the eight back to their cells. He began to understand why the guards were so calm. It seemed to be a special form of punishment… but how dangerous!

If Figo were defeated… in this deep-sea prison, everyone would die!

No, I must report this to the Five Elders!

He rushed back to his quarters, using the special Den Den Mushi to contact Mendesbin Saint on his first day at Impel Down.

Moments later.

“What is it, Ladue? Have you arrived at Impel Down?” Mendesbin Saint asked.

“Yes, Elder. I must report an issue. Director Gaston Figo uses the deliberate release of Level 5 prisoners for punishment and amusement, even releasing eight billion-berried pirates at once!”

Mendesbin Saint paused for two seconds, “He planned to use pirate prisoners to kill you?”

“…Uh, no, not exactly.” Ladue hesitated, realizing his own vulnerability. He coughed and said, “It seems not, Elder, but before my arrival, there have been many such incidents. But Elder…”

“Then don’t make a fuss!” Mendesbin Saint said impatiently. “This is Figo’s method of managing Impel Down, a way to intimidate the pirates. You don’t need to interfere. Just eight Level 5 prisoners who must be very weakened after long confinement. If Figo dares release them, there won’t be an accident!”

The Den Den Mushi clicked off.

Ladue’s face alternated between green and white.

Was I really making a fuss?

…

A month later.

“Elder! Figo has increased the number of released Level 5 prisoners by four today, making it twelve! He was almost injured!”

“Ladue!” Mendesbin Saint’s voice came from the Den Den Mushi again. “Stop making a fuss! I didn’t send you to Impel Down to monitor Figo’s punishment methods. He’s an expert in that; no one does it better! I want you to find those who can’t endure Impel Down’s hardship and can be used as slaves. His methods don’t need interference!”

Ladue was scolded until his face turned pale again.

…

Three months later.

“Elder! Figo released a Level 6 prisoner today. He’s getting more extreme. This is too dangerous. If something goes wrong, Impel Down will be finished!”

The Den Den Mushi clicked off.

Ladue stared at it, his face expressionless.

…

A year later.

Buru Buru Buru.

Ladue’s Den Den Mushi rang. Surprised and nervous, he answered it, hearing Mendesbin Saint’s questioning voice.

“Ladue! Half a month ago, Gaston Figo simultaneously released three Level 6 pirates with bounties over three billion. The battle caused wall damage, and he had to rest for two days. Why didn’t you report this?!”

“Uh… I…”

“I don’t want to hear of such negligence again!”

The Den Den Mushi clicked off. Feeling the anger of the Five Elders, Ladue’s face turned pale once more, and he felt like crying.

This is too difficult. It’s too hard!

It’s just three Level 6 pirates. Why is the Elder making such a fuss?!

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