Chapter 169: Chapter 169: Three Prisoners, the Imminent Public Execution
Impel Down, Level 6: Eternal Hell!
At this moment, the once heavily guarded Eternal Hell, known for housing the most notorious criminals, now held only three occupied cells, the rest standing empty. The dreadful monsters that once roamed the seas were either set free during Blackbeard's chaotic invasion or fell at the swords of Shiro and Hawk Eyes. They had vanished without a trace.
Now, the only ones remaining in Eternal Hell were three prisoners.
"Zehahahaha..."
In the dark, eerie environment, a chilling laugh echoed, making the atmosphere of Eternal Hell even more terrifying.
"Shut up, damn Blackbeard! You're as disgusting as that brat, Shiro!" Magellan finally shouted in rage, unable to tolerate the creepy laughter any longer.
When Blackbeard was first thrown into the cell two days ago, he seemed like a mute, his mouth charred and twisted, evidence of the brutal injuries to his teeth and tongue. Yet somehow, over the last two days, he regained the ability to speak, albeit only to let out his unsettling laugh, each time releasing a strange black mist from his mouth.
To Magellan, the sight of Blackbeard brought nothing but disdain and contempt.
Even though both he and Blackbeard had been defeated by Shiro, Magellan felt no shame in his defeat.
After all, losing to Shiro wasn't unjustified—he was indeed terrifyingly powerful.
But Blackbeard was different. He had sneakily infiltrated Impel Down and caused unimaginable chaos within the prison.
Magellan's hatred for Blackbeard was far more intense than his grudge against Shiro.
"Zehahahaha..."
Blackbeard continued his creepy laughter, completely ignoring Magellan's outburst.
"Shut up, you damn scoundrel!"
Even the nearby cell's occupant, Catarina Devon, known as the Crescent Moon Hunter, couldn't hold back her anger.
The Blackbeard Pirates had been utterly annihilated, and Blackbeard himself was as good as crippled. Catarina had no reason to show him any respect anymore.
She even blamed Blackbeard for her recapture and return to Impel Down, cursing his incompetence.
"Yo, looks like you guys are having a lively chat. Blackbeard, who would've thought that without a tongue, you could still laugh in such a revolting way!"
A young, bold voice suddenly echoed through the dark hall.
The three prisoners in Eternal Hell stiffened at once, their expressions shifting.
Shiro's silhouette emerged from the shadows of Eternal Hell, his eyes gleaming with a playful light as he glanced at the three cells and their prisoners.
"Shiro, you're too arrogant! If I'm not mistaken, the World Government will soon take action to eliminate you and your so-called Central Authority!"
Magellan's voice was filled with bitterness as he glared at Shiro, speaking with utter conviction.
In his mind, the failures during the Summit War, the defeat at the hands of Shiro, and the collapse of Impel Down were all disasters that the World Government would not tolerate.
For a man of Shiro's power and potential, already standing among the world's top fighters, the World Government wouldn't just sit idly by—they'd surely act soon against him.
Since his imprisonment, Magellan hadn't had any news from the outside world, and he refused to talk to either Blackbeard or Catarina. He could only assume that the Blackbeard Pirates had suffered defeat at Shiro's hands.
He believed that if the World Government hadn't made a move yet, it was only a matter of time.
"Zehahaha, Magellan, you really like the World Government and the Celestial Dragons!"
Shiro laughed, amused by Magellan's indignant attitude.
Magellan, the so-called strongest warden of Impel Down, had been humiliated in public by Shiro himself, yet still acted so self-righteous.
"You guessed right, Magellan. The World Government has indeed made its move. They've already attempted an assault on our base at Amazon Lily, and even tried to capture the Pirate Empress to use her against me!"
"But they underestimated me. The Blackbeard Pirates were wiped out, and the World Government's forces didn't even make it past the port of my base."
"I'm not boasting, Magellan, but look at the actions of the World Government. Are they noble? The Celestial Dragons allied with Blackbeard to kidnap a woman rather than sending their power to reclaim you or the fallen territories of the Navy."
Shiro's words struck Magellan like a hammer, driving each point deep into his conscience.
"Think about it, Magellan. Even Hannyabal has recognized my vision and joined Central Authority, continuing his role as Chief Warden of Impel Down!"
"Impel Down is now officially the First Prison of the Central Authority, along with the former Marineford and Enies Lobby, which were once symbols of so-called justice. Now, they belong entirely to us."
"Oh, and let's not forget, the entire first half of the Grand Line and all naval bases in the East and South Blue are now under the control of the Central Authority!"
Shiro's revelations left Magellan in shock, sinking him into deep contemplation.
Even Blackbeard and Catarina Devon couldn't hide their stunned expressions.
Although Blackbeard had anticipated this, seeing the reality of Shiro's dominance was a hard pill to swallow.
"Blackbeard, I'm here to deliver a message."
"I've invited the Whitebeard Pirates to Marineford to witness your public execution!"
Shiro's sudden words made Blackbeard's face twist in shock and rage.
This was a fate worse than death for Blackbeard!
"Of course, out of the kindness of my heart, I'm willing to offer you a chance."
"Zehahaha... Wh-What is it?" Blackbeard asked with a trembling voice. Even the slimmest opportunity for survival was something he would grasp at with all his might.
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The fanfic is finished on p@treon/tambeerg