One piece: I,Akaino will not die easily

Kuzan and Sakazuki were aboard the same warship, focusing intently as they patrolled around Impel Down. Even the usually lazy Kuzan had abandoned his habit of setting up a deck chair on the ship, showing a rare level of seriousness.

A person's name is their reputation, and a tree casts its shadow. The legendary Golden Lion Shiki was a force to be reckoned with, standing toe-to-toe with the likes of Roger and Whitebeard, Edward Newgate. He had carved out a formidable name in this vast sea with his pirate fleet.

Moreover, two years ago, they had witnessed firsthand as this "Lion Ghost" stormed Marineford, taking on the combined might of two of the Navy's peak combat powers—Sengoku and Garp. Their battle nearly destroyed half of the Marine Headquarters' fortress. Though the Golden Lion was ultimately defeated, he fell with honor.

Even if the Golden Lion, who had been detained in Impel Down for two years, had lost some of his strength, this lion king remained an opponent that neither Kuzan nor Sakazuki could handle alone. Yet, despite the thorough patrols, they hadn't spotted even a ghostly shadow. Refusing to give up, the two vice admirals circled the waters around Impel Down for more than an hour. Further out, Borsalino, patrolling the outer perimeter, also found nothing. After exchanging details of their findings via Den Den Mushi, the three unanimously decided to report back to headquarters and await the Fleet Admiral's next orders.

"As expected… Has the Golden Lion escaped?" Kong's tone carried a hint of regret. Capturing this legendary pirate again would now be a near-impossible task, sure to cost the Navy tremendous effort, resources, and manpower.

"Immediately form an investigation team and head to the scene—the deep-sea prison Impel Down. Investigate how he managed to escape!"

"Yes, sir!"

"Ah la la, understood."

"Mm~ Aye aye~"

The world's greatest prison, Impel Down. This deep-sea prison—also known as the Underwater Jail—is located in the Calm Belt of the first half of the Grand Line. Together with Marineford and Enies Lobby, it forms a triangular stronghold.

The three sites are connected by vast whirlpool currents, controlled by the opening and closing of massive gates called the Gates of Justice, which allow safe passage through the dangerous waters. As the place where criminals posing the greatest threat to society are detained, Impel Down is fortified with extraordinarily tight security.

More than ten warships are permanently stationed outside the prison's walls, guarding this fortress. Inside, the central prison is connected to the outer walls by a single large drawbridge. Once the drawbridge is raised, the deep-sea prison becomes a literal dead zone. Beneath the prison, large Sea Kings prowl the surrounding waters.

The interior of the prison is divided into levels, with inmates classified based on the severity of their crimes and their strength. Each level has corresponding guards, guard beasts, and even ferocious creatures unknown to the average person.

In addition to the guards, Den Den Mushi cameras provide multi-angle surveillance across all levels. Every warden and deputy warden of the prison possesses combat strength close to that of a Navy admiral.

In the eyes of the world, this massive prison resembles a hell straight out of a ukiyo-e painting, striking fear into anyone who hears its name. At this moment, a fleet composed of a top-tier warship and several smaller patrol and reconnaissance vessels had arrived at this hell on earth.

Having received advance notice of the fleet's arrival, the personnel responsible for the prison's operations stood silently at the outer wall's main gate, awaiting their guests.

As the gangplank was set, three vice admirals, each of similar stature and expressionless demeanor, strode down quickly.

Having waited for some time, Deputy Warden Magellan stepped forward to meet the investigation team dispatched by headquarters: "We deeply regret this incident. The blame for Impel Down's failure is ours to bear, and we will fully cooperate with your investigation."

Magellan, the diligent deputy warden, took on a humble demeanor. The Golden Lion's escape weighed heavily on him, filling him with guilt.

The lead vice admiral from headquarters wore a Marine cap, the brim casting a shadow over most of his face. Sakazuki spoke coldly, "The cause and accountability for this incident will be addressed later, Deputy Warden Magellan. For now, answer this: Where is your warden? In such a critical situation, does he plan to avoid meeting the investigation team sent by headquarters? He doesn't even intend to show his face?"

According to protocol, in the event of a major incident or the transfer of a high-profile criminal, the prison's warden must appear in person.

But now, following the escape of the Flying Pirate Golden Lion Shiki, the highest-ranking officer of Impel Down had merely sent a deputy to deal with the investigation. Such a dismissive attitude naturally provoked Sakazuki's ire. Even Kuzan and Borsalino, standing by his side, seemed displeased. Impel Down had caused this debacle, forcing the Navy to work tirelessly to capture a criminal, only for the perpetrator to escape. And now, the prison's top officer was too proud to meet them? Did he think the Navy headquarters wouldn't take offense?

"You misunderstand. The warden is currently speaking with the Gorosei," Magellan replied without flinching. "That is why I was sent to assist you."

"The Gorosei?" Borsalino repeated softly. As the highest authorities of the World Government, the Gorosei naturally took precedence over even admirals.

This also indicated that the matter had drawn the attention of the highest echelons. A direct call from the Gorosei would hardly bode well for the warden.

Sakazuki stepped forward. "If that's the case, then please take us directly to the Golden Lion's cell, Deputy Warden Magellan."

Dispensing with the bureaucratic formalities of the World Government, Sakazuki's tone reflected his preference for direct and efficient action. Magellan wasn't offended; he, too, preferred those who got straight to the point rather than relying on smooth talk.

"Understood. Please follow me."

Level 6, the Eternal Hell, housed criminals too monstrous for the history books to remember—beings of nightmarish power. The prisoners here were exceptionally strong, facing either execution or life imprisonment. Due to their heinous deeds and the extraordinary cruelty of their actions, the existence of Level 6 was scarcely known to the public.

Passing through corridors teeming with surveillance Den Den Mushi, and with guards standing vigilant at every turn, the group arrived at the lift leading to the lower levels.

As the elevator descended, Kuzan began questioning Magellan for more details. "So, how exactly did the Golden Lion Shiki escape? Given the patrol and surveillance density I've seen, it's hard to believe that his escape could go unnoticed."

"So, was there an inside accomplice? How terrifying," Borsalino added in his usual peculiar tone, though his speculation was sharp and pointed.