The Impel Down Redemption

A young boy swept away by the currents of the blossoming Golden Age of Piracy seeks redemption after a life of misdeeds and crimes. From East Blue into the Depths of Hell...and back!

Prologue: 14 years after Gol D. Roger's execution, 8 years before a certain someone sets sail.

Beneath the relentless sun, I reveled in the pleasant sea breeze that tousled my hair. The day was a masterpiece of warmth and tranquility.

As I stood there, my gaze wandered, and I couldn't help but casually admire the World Government's engineering marvels that surrounded me. The monumental Gate of Justice, its sheer size and power, served as a constant reminder of their authority. The Bridge of Hesitation, beneath my feet, with its massive but cleverly concealed mechanisms, must have baffled countless convicts and government employees over hundreds of years.

And then there was my destination.

Impel Down, still far from sight, beyond the mighty Tarai current and another Gate, and yet I could feel its shadow even here on the smooth stone of the Bridge of Hesitation.

How it must feel for a criminal...

Knowing that their worst fears wouldn't come close to reality...

With a nonchalant sigh, I finally let myself relax into the scene, appreciating the simple pleasure of this spot where the boundaries of freedom and captivity intertwined. As minutes stretched and boredom grew, my sunglasses went folded into the breast pocket of my immaculate tan uniform, and my hat wandered under my arm as I decided, then and there, to make the most of the sheer pleasantness. Given my line of work, opportunities to savor the sun and the wind on my skin were rare.

Again my eyes wandered but now I couldn't help but purse my lips in disapproval as my gaze landed on my two companions. Exhaling through my nose the grip on my weapon tightened ever so slightly, and in two swift motions, I smacked one of them with the broad side of my pitchfork.

"Off!" I shouted, echoing countless dog owners all over the world.

While Minozebra continued to lie flat on his tummy, contentedly chewing on the grip of his steel maze, Minorhinoceros had seemingly been busy attempting to roll his buddy right off the bridge.

Goddamn teenagers...

Trying not to be embarrassed I resolutely pointed to the spot next to me.

"Heel!"

To my pleasant surprise, the two idiots rose to their feet and followed my command without complaint. With those two, it was still hit or miss most of the time.

"Do you two ever grow up?" I muttered under my breath, casting a side-eye at Minozebra and Minorhinoceros. They wore matching expressions of sheepishness mixed with a hint of defiance, as if they were secretly proud of their mischief.

A smirk played at the corner of my lips as I continued to observe their antics. I couldn't deny that these two were skilled and fearless in their own right, despite their adolescent tendencies. They had proven their worth on numerous occasions, and that's why I tolerated their antics, even if it meant the occasional need for discipline.

Then, a voice, equally derogatory and incredulous, came from my left. "Chief Guard?!"

I turned, and my gaze landed on Vice Admiral Doberman.

"No thanks to you," I responded succinctly. An "Old Man" remark remained on the tip of my tongue.

Immediately there was a tension in the air, that hinted at a history of animosity between me and the scarred bastard, something that was no doubt picked up by the small contingent of Marine soldiers standing at attention behind him. Their polished uniforms and unwavering discipline spoke of their loyalty to the World Government's cause. Beyond them, the mast of a massive Marine battleship loomed, its imposing presence peeking over the top of the stone stairs that led down to the quiet dock below.

As I glanced at Doberman, the weight of our unspoken history hung between us like a heavy fog. Doberman's gaze was piercing, and I could sense the unspoken challenge in his eyes. He was a man of unwavering principles, a staunch defender of the World Government's authority. I, on the other hand, had always harbored a more nuanced view of justice, one born out of my own checkered past.

The quiet remained, and I couldn't help but wonder if I could take on the Vice Admiral nowadays. The years had changed both of us and the last time we had crossed paths in a sparring match, it had almost been a close call. I still wasn't so sure now, but one thing was certain—I would absolutely make the old man work for it.

Doberman's gaze remained locked on mine, as if he could sense the thoughts that raced through my mind. He was a formidable opponent, and I had learned much from him during my years in the Marines. But I had also forged my own path, honing my skills and developing my unique approach to justice.

As the wind ruffled my uniform and the sun continued its relentless assault, I couldn't help but feel a surge of determination. Impel Down was a place of challenges and trials, not just for the prisoners but for those who guarded its walls as well. The line between right and wrong was often blurred in this world, and I was determined to uphold the principles I believed in, even if it meant facing off against a formidable adversary like Doberman.

One such point of diverging principles was the man I was taking into custody today. It wasn't a pirate, it wasn't even a criminal in my eyes. It was a shipwright and a damn good one at that. As I contemplated the impending encounter, a sense of unease washed over me. I had faced dangerous pirates and hardened criminals, but something about this assignment felt different. The line between right and wrong was often blurred in the world of piracy and government intrigue, and I couldn't help but question the motives behind this particular capture.

But orders were orders, and as Chief Guard of Impel Down, it was my duty to carry them out. With a sigh, I readjusted my hat and put my sunglasses back on, my mood now thoroughly soured again.

Behind the shades, my eyes were back on my two charges. I had read the convict's profile, something I had made a habit of, and despite his size and species I was sure he wouldn't have been a problem for my lonesome. I was no pushover and his whole demeanor suggested it anyway.

Still...

He was a high-profile government captive, the endless expanse of the ocean was less than a stone's throw away, and failure was simply not an option. Plus, it presented a rare opportunity to take a stroll with those two rascals.

Although Domino would have been preferable...