Chapter Five: Observation

Impel Down, also known as the Great Prison, was the world's largest penitentiary, located in the Calm Belt of the first half of the Grand Line. Its foundation was built beneath the sea, with a total of six levels. Each level was guarded by monstrous jailers, and the cells were constructed from Seastone, suppressing Devil Fruit powers and greatly enhancing security. Except for the frigid fifth floor, all other levels were equipped with visual Den Den Mushi, functioning like surveillance cameras, while countless massive Sea Kings patrolled outside the prison. Thus, Impel Down was a near inescapable hell.

"The atmosphere here is truly suffocating," Seiji remarked as he stood at the bow of the ship, gazing at the looming iron fortress in the distance. Upon entering Impel Down's domain, the weather instantly turned gloomy, and thick fog enveloped the surroundings, weighing heavily on the spirit.

Seiji thought he would go mad if he had to stay in such an environment for a year.

Izuna Mizuno stared at the enormous iron gates of Impel Down, her eyes sparkling. "This is so cool!"

The warship docked, and Seiji disembarked with four pirates. The four of them looked around, unable to conceal the fear in their eyes.

Before long, a figure less than a meter tall emerged. He wore a white suit with a yellow shirt underneath, a hat adorned with horns and a black skull, and in his hand he held a black trident reminiscent of a little demon's weapon. His eyelids drooped as if he hadn't slept, and he looked perpetually drowsy.

Behind him followed seven or eight jailers.

He regarded Seiji and said, "You must be Lieutenant Seiji from G-6, correct? Quite remarkable—four pirates with bounties over one hundred million. Come with me."

"You lot, take them in for the baptism," he ordered with a wave of his hand, and the jailers behind him took hold of the pirates' chains.

"I'm the Chief Warden, Saludes. Due to special circumstances these days, Lieutenant Seiji, please remain in Impel Down for a while. Wait for another ship, and then you can all pass through the Gate of Justice together."

Seiji replied, "No problem. In fact, I've always wanted to tour Impel Down, if that's permitted?"

Saludes nodded. "Of course."

The first floor of Impel Down had no cells, only offices, the 'baptism' chamber, and an elevator-like lift.

Saludes said, "Entering Impel Down requires a search of all personal belongings. Please cooperate. Ladies to the room on the left, gentlemen to the right."

After the inspection, Seiji and Izuna emerged from their respective rooms. By then, Peppo and the other three had already been brought in. Their limbs were now shackled with even thicker chains, their clothing stripped away until only a single rag remained for modesty. Izuna turned her head away.

Saludes asked, "They are about to undergo the baptism. Lieutenant Seiji, would you like to observe?"

"Baptism? What does that entail? Some kind of prison induction?" Seiji truly had no idea what this 'baptism' involved, but it was common for prisons to check inmates' bodies and perform disinfection before admittance. Presumably, the baptism was something similar.

A strange smile appeared at the corner of Saludes' lips as he spoke languidly, "You'll see soon enough. Watch, and you'll understand."

They saw the scrawnier of the pirates, Sano the Club-Hand, his limbs wrapped in chains that converged at a single point, then hoisted onto a massive iron hook. With a pull from the jailers, Sano was lifted into the air.

A metal plate on the ground was slid aside, revealing a cauldron of steaming, boiling water.

Sano was slowly lowered toward it.

He thrashed violently, terror and despair etched on his face, cursing the marines with foul language at the top of his lungs.

The jailers frowned, and in response, lowered him even faster. With a splash, Sano was plunged into the boiling water.

"Bastards!"

"Damn marines! May you all rot in hell! Aaah—"

He struggled and writhed in the scalding water, like a fish dropped into boiling oil. The hot liquid rushed down his throat, and after a fit of violent coughing, his voice faded.

At last, he fell silent.

After a while, the jailers slowly hauled him up again.

His entire body was swollen and red, covered in blistered skin; his fingernails had fallen off, and his head was patchy with hair loss, what remained plastered tightly to his scalp. The stench of scorched flesh filled the air, making everyone nauseous. Izuna Mizuno and the others retched, clinging to wooden barrels at the side.

Seiji, at first untroubled, turned slightly pale as soon as he heard Izuna retch, a wave of nausea rising within him.

Saludes smiled at the scene, utterly accustomed to such sights. He glanced at Seiji and remarked, "Lieutenant Seiji, you have impressive composure. Even seasoned Vice Admirals retch at the sight of this, yet you barely react."

Seiji forced a wry smile. "This isn't even the worst stage, is it? Soon, their bodies will turn pale and bloated. That’s when the true agony begins—every nerve ablaze, the pain distorting even their features, making them wish for death."

"Indeed. They’re lucky not to have faced the scalding steam," Saludes replied. "Come, let's go register."

Seiji patted Izuna Mizuno on the back, handing her a packet of tissues and speaking gently, "Are you alright? Do you need a moment to rest?"

Izuna shook her head, took the tissues, and wiped her mouth, still pale. "I'm fine. Just a bit nauseous."

"Good. If you need anything, just let me know. I’m here," Seiji said softly, then took her hand and led her forward.

Izuna was startled but did not resist, following him in small, quick steps.

After registering, Saludes departed to take care of his own affairs. He reminded Seiji that all levels except the bottommost could be freely toured, provided he wore his marine uniform—otherwise, the jailers might attack him.

Seiji requested some hot water.

After drinking it, Izuna felt much better. She had never experienced much actual combat, and the gruesome scene, coupled with the stench of raw flesh, was almost unbearable.

"Thank you, Lieutenant Seiji," Izuna said.

"Don’t mention it. You’re my subordinate—it's my duty to look after you."

Tano, looking miserable, called out from behind, "Lieutenant Seiji, can we have some hot water too, to calm our nerves…"

Seiji shot him a look. "If you want some, get it yourself."

Tano pursed his lips and fell silent. Izuna smiled faintly, secretly delighted.

"By the way, Lieutenant Seiji, what was that interesting thing you mentioned about Impel Down yesterday?" Izuna asked, cradling her cup in both hands, curiosity lighting up her face.

"Oh? There’s something interesting about Impel Down? Why haven’t I heard of it? Do tell," came a sharp voice from outside.

A man, dressed like an Egyptian mummy, appeared in the doorway.