One Piece: Impel Down's Guard - Chapter 39

In the evening, Marine Admiral Ohka arrived at Impel Down on a navy ship for the first time.

Figo was there to welcome him, and it was the second time he had seen this short old man, standing only 1.6 meters tall, who did not possess the imposing presence of a grand admiral.

Like Doug, the seven years had left significant marks on Ohka, with deep wrinkles on his old face that could easily trap mosquitoes.

“So, are you waiting here to throw me into prison too?” Ohka asked, still wearing a stern face.

“I wouldn’t dare,” Figo replied. “I’m sorry for the trouble, Admiral.”

Ohka looked up at Figo, his stern face suddenly softening into a smile. “It’s no trouble at all. You’ve done very well, Figo! Raul did not grow in the direction I expected, which was quite disappointing, but you showed up! The navy cannot be filled entirely with people like you, but it absolutely cannot lack people like you! Someone needs to uphold the baseline of justice!”

“You’re too kind,” Figo replied, understanding that the outcome of this incident would likely not be unfavorable.

Accompanying Ohka into Impel Down, Ohka emphasized, “The revolutionary army must be dismantled.”

“I understand,” Figo replied.

Ohka nodded. “According to my information, the revolutionary army’s Saintess, Sapphire, probably just wants to rescue those who might suffer fates similar to hers. But among those she rescued, many had previously been pirates and would not be content merely being selfless rescuers. The revolutionary army’s formation was sudden, and I suspect Sapphire might have been somewhat passively pushed into the leader’s position. So, no matter what, we can’t let the revolutionary army continue to develop like this!”

“I know,” Figo acknowledged. “I had anticipated this possibility, and I proposed to the Five Elders that I take over from Admiral Doug in leading the suppression of the revolutionary army rather than leaving it unchecked.”

“That won’t work,” Ohka shook his head. “The Five Elders’ final bottom line is that you cannot go.”

Figo was taken aback.

“This is the Five Elders’ last stand. You’ve shown too strong a stance on the matters involving Gerald and Sapphire. The Five Elders worry that if you lead the suppression, it could lead to even more uncontrollable problems. In simple terms, they fear you might not only fail to suppress the revolutionary army but also join them.”

Facing Figo, Ohka spoke plainly. “I believe you wouldn’t do that, but the Five Elders are unwilling to trust that. Not fully addressing your demands in resolving this incident is also the Five Elders’ way of saving face.”

“So now…”

“Cancel the public execution of Gerald and continue his imprisonment in Impel Down.

“Remove Doug from leading the revolutionary army’s suppression and transfer it to the World Government’s CP0.

“And you, until your term as warden ends in three years, are not allowed to leave Impel Down freely!”

Figo furrowed his brow. He had wanted to take over the task of suppressing the revolutionary army because he could use Gerald’s character event 2 to locate Sapphire. Regardless of where Sapphire was in the world, Figo could find her.

At that point, he would have ample time to discern the specifics of the revolutionary army and ensure that all parties received a reasonable and favorable outcome.

But now…

“What, are you really thinking of leaving the navy?” Ohka asked. “I’ve been the Marine Admiral for nearly 30 years, often forced by the Five Elders to make concessions. Sometimes I even thought about resigning and walking away, but in the end, I persisted day by day because as long as I’m in office, even if I achieve something in just one incident or help one or a few people, it’s all worth it. That’s my justice. What about yours, Figo?”

Figo shook his head without answering.

A native of the pirate world like Ohka wouldn’t understand Figo’s mindset. The World Government’s supreme authority and the Five Elders’ highest position were ingrained, so Ohka dared only to resist, not defy. But as a transmigrator, Figo lacked this reverence. Seeing mistakes, why not resist them?

Seeing Figo’s thoughts, Ohka was somewhat worried and sighed. “No wonder you can do things I’ve never done. You have more persistence and courage than I imagined. I just hope you hold onto your sense of justice and at least won’t use your power for evil, Figo!”

“Don’t worry, I won’t.”

“But it’s not so severe.” Ohka paused, “CP0 is only good at behind-enemy-lines work and intelligence gathering. They have no means against a fully grown Sapphire. Even if they finally locate the revolutionary army, they still need the navy for the operation. When the time comes, I will inform you of the situation. How to decide and act will be up to you!

“Whether to leave Impel Down to fulfill your justice or not will be your choice!

“This might be my last rebellion against the Five Elders and the Celestial Dragons during my tenure as Admiral. It will rely on you to complete it.

“You won’t disappoint me. You will handle everything well, won’t you, Figo?”

“Rest assured, I will,” Figo hesitated momentarily before smiling. “Alright, I’ll wait here for your news then.”

Ohka’s old face creased into a smile. “And don’t worry, I won’t disappoint you either!”

…

Ohka took Doug and Raul away.

Feeling perplexed about why he didn’t get the warden position again, Kimchii announced the end of the incident in the control room.

The wardens cheered and celebrated the great Figo Warden. Impel Down gradually returned to its calm, as if nothing had happened. But Figo knew this was just an intermission!

After a hearty meal in the cafeteria, he descended to the sixth level of Impel Down through the warden’s passage.

Due to Raul’s earlier impact on the sixth level’s outer wall, the disturbance was greatest here, and the villains were unaware of what had happened, even suspecting a jailbreak.

Seeing Figo appear, they were very disappointed. Someone shouted, “Who attacked Impel Down? Why hasn’t Gerald returned? Don’t tell me you let someone rescue him!”

“No, there was a little conflict with the World Government, fought a navy admiral, and now everything’s fine,” Figo laughed. “Thanks for your concern.”

Huh? The sixth-level pirates were stunned, then quickly burst into laughter.

“Warden Figo, I always knew you weren’t a rule-following guy! Want to defect? I can follow you!”

The other villains were tempted.

“Yeah, if you defect, I’ll follow you too…”

“And me! And me!”

“Hahaha, if you become the captain of a pirate crew, we’ll immediately become the strongest pirate crew in history! Gaston Figo!”

“Hahaha, that would be awesome!”

“Come on, Warden Figo!”

Figo raised a finger.

“I need ten people.”

The villains were momentarily stunned, then erupted in excitement. “Me! Me!”

“I was a navigator!”

“I used to be a shipwright!”

“I’m a sniper! Hahaha, this is getting exciting, Captain Figo!”

“What captain?” Figo chuckled. “I mean, my fight with the admiral wasn’t satisfying. This time I want to fight ten people.”

It was as if a mute button was pressed. The noisy room fell silent, and the villains exchanged glances.

“You go?”

“You go.”

“I’m still injured. You go.”

Figo laughed softly.

Some still had some ferocity. Hearing this laugh, a few got angry and shouted, “Don’t be arrogant! I’ll go!”

Figo scanned the room. “Five more.”

No one responded. After seven years, they didn’t even want to escape when given the chance. In the end, Figo had to throw the keys in front of the five responding cells.

“Alright, it’s you five this time.”

The five were dumbfounded. “You… you cowards… damn it!”

“Hurry up.”

Figo’s voice was like a death sentence.

Fear and anger twisted their faces.

No, don’t come over here!

I really don’t want to escape!

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