One Piece: The Multiverse Simulator

"I can answer your question about why the prisoners on the fifth and sixth levels are treated so harshly," Magellan began, his tone calm as he led Hancock deeper into Impel Down.

"The prisoners in the fifth level are already among the most dangerous individuals, while those on the sixth level are the kind who can bring disaster to the entire sea. The cost of using Sea Prism Stone is high, but with the number of prisoners in these levels being relatively small, such expenses are necessary."

"Throughout Impel Down's centuries-long history, only two people have ever escaped. Strictly speaking, one of them wasn't even a prisoner—he was someone on our side. In fact, the policy of binding prisoners' hands and feet with Sea Prism Stone was originally his suggestion."

For Magellan, the thought of prisoners escaping was a sore spot. Even though he hadn't been the warden at the time, serving only as vice warden, the escape led to his eventual promotion. Regardless, it was a stain on Impel Down's reputation, one that he preferred not to discuss.

But Hancock's curiosity was unrelenting. As the most beautiful woman in the world, her coquettish insistence was irresistible.

"The two escapees are both significant figures on the seas," Magellan finally conceded. "One of them only became so in the last ten years.

"The first escapee was the legendary pirate Golden Lion Shiki. To escape the effects of the Sea Prism shackles, he severed his own legs and fled the prison. Because of him, we implemented the rule that all prisoners below the fifth level, regardless of their abilities, must wear Sea Prism Stone restraints."

He paused before continuing. "The other was a Navy traitor—now known as the 'Ancient Weapon' Wood.

"Back then, he was just a low-ranking Navy soldier stationed at Impel Down. But he had remarkable talent, an unyielding temperament, and exceptional patience.

"It's because of him that Impel Down has become so fortified and exclusive. Even Navy personnel aren't permitted entry without cause."

As he spoke, Magellan's tone remained measured, but there was an undercurrent of bitterness as he led Hancock further down. After all, Hancock's stated purpose for being here was to meet Fire Fist Ace, a dangerous prisoner held in the deepest level of the prison.

Originally, Hancock had requested to see Ace as part of a ruse to smuggle Luffy into Impel Down. But the prison's strict regulations quickly thwarted her plan. Even Hancock's cloak was subject to inspection, leaving her unable to conceal Luffy.

With no way to accompany Luffy to Ace's cell, Hancock had used her petrification ability to help him infiltrate on his own. At this point, her interest in meeting Ace had waned—her curiosity about Magellan's story, specifically its connection to Wood, now far outweighed her interest in Ace.

As they reached the sixth level, Hancock felt a wave of weakness. The sheer concentration of Sea Prism Stone was overwhelming, even for her. Magellan, a Devil Fruit user himself, was also visibly uncomfortable, though his strength allowed him to endure the effects.

The prisoners here were infamous for their brutality, their names synonymous with fear across the seas. For those without Devil Fruit abilities, survival was hard enough. For those with powers, even moving a few steps was an ordeal.

Despite the oppressive atmosphere, both Hancock and Magellan could still function—they were among the sea's strongest, their abilities affording them some resilience against the debilitating effects of the Sea Prism Stone.

"Jinbe! Even you're locked up here?" Hancock exclaimed as her eyes fell on a large, round, blue-skinned figure in a neighboring cell.

While Fire Fist Ace didn't leave much of an impression on her, the sight of Jinbe caught Hancock's attention. As a fellow Shichibukai, Jinbe was someone Hancock knew well—and he was also considered a benefactor to her and her sisters.

Though Fisher Tiger had survived in this timeline, Jinbe had still ascended to the status of a Shichibukai. This was thanks to the close relationship between Wood's arms company and the Fishmen. Even knowing that Fisher Tiger was implicated in the Mary Geoise incident, the World Government had no choice but to tolerate the situation.

The reason was simple: many Celestial Dragons now depended on Wood for their survival, and the Fishmen served as invaluable allies and enforcers for his enterprise. No one, not even the World Government, would jeopardize their financial interests, not even for the sake of vengeance.

Moreover, no force could hope to challenge the Fishmen in their deep-sea stronghold, Fishman Island, 10,000 meters beneath the surface. In the ocean, Fishmen reigned supreme.

Faced with these realities, the World Government chose to co-opt rather than confront the Fishmen. While the Shichibukai position had originally been offered to Fisher Tiger himself, the proud and principled Fishman had refused.

Tiger detested the idea of working for the World Government, viewing the Shichibukai as nothing more than government lapdogs—pirates who served the very system he despised.

But not everyone shared Tiger's rigid ideology. Many Fishmen, including the royal family and Queen Otohime, saw the opportunity differently. From their perspective, Tiger becoming a Shichibukai could benefit Fishman Island as a whole.

The Shichibukai were granted significant privileges and protection under the World Government. If Tiger had accepted, Fishman Island would have gained unparalleled security, deterring both Marines and pirates alike from making trouble.

Instead, Jinbe had stepped forward to take the position, ensuring the Fishmen had a seat at the table while also keeping the island's interests safeguarded.

Queen Otohime had always wished for peaceful coexistence between the Fishmen and humans. Yet, whenever Fishmen stepped onto land, they were met with rejection or hostility.

If Tiger became one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, he could establish a foothold on land openly, protected by the World Government. With an alternative place to go, the Fishmen and Merfolk of Fishman Island wouldn't have to fight tooth and nail for a chance to relocate to Wood's Dark Abyss Island.

Overall, having a Fishman as a Warlord was beneficial. However, Fisher Tiger, bound by his pride, refused the offer outright.

In the end, the Fishmen had no choice but to accept Wood's suggestion. After much deliberation, they put forward Jinbe, the second-in-command of the Sun Pirates, to take the position.

The Seven Warlords needed to be pirates with both strength and reputation, capable of countering the Four Emperors and Admirals. Naturally, not just anyone could fill the role.

Fortunately, Jinbe was one of the strongest among the Fishmen, his power ranking among the upper echelons of the sea. His qualifications made him more than fit for the role.

As for the World Government, they didn't care whether the Warlord position was held by Fisher Tiger or Jinbe. Their decision to recruit the Fishmen was merely a gesture of goodwill toward Wood.

As long as the candidate didn't tarnish the prestige of the Seven Warlords, the World Government had no reason to refuse. This led to Jinbe bearing the brunt of criticism from his fellow Fishmen for becoming one of the Warlords.

"Jinbe was imprisoned here because he came to Marineford to plead for Fire Fist Ace's release," Magellan explained. "He argued that executing Ace would provoke the Whitebeard Pirates into retaliating, plunging the seas into chaos once more."

Hearing this, Hancock glanced at the blue-skinned Fishman in the cell with an expression of disdain.

Did this fool really think the Marines would release Fire Fist Ace just because he, a mere Fishman, asked them to? After all, they had gone to great lengths to capture Ace, turning the entire event into a spectacle.

"And yet, you plan to execute Jinbe as well?" Hancock inquired. "Aren't you worried about the man backing him?"

The title of Seven Warlords was significant in the eyes of the world. Yet, for the handful of true powerhouses at the top, it wasn't a title to be overly concerned about.

The World Government could easily dispose of a Warlord if they wanted to. However, Jinbe's situation was unique. While they could dismiss the Fishmen's feelings, they couldn't ignore the stance of the influential man supporting them.

"Jinbe's imprisonment is only temporary," Magellan reassured her. "His status as a Warlord hasn't even been revoked. As you said, his connections make him special. Until the World Government issues a directive, the Marines won't act against him."

As Hancock completed her visit to the cells, Luffy was making his way deeper into Impel Down. Meanwhile, Wood's crew, departing from Dark Abyss Island, had already passed through the Gates of Justice and quietly arrived at Marineford.

When Wood first announced their plan to take this route, both Ruth and Perona vehemently objected. To them, it seemed like a suicide mission.

Sure, over the past decade, they had become prominent figures in the Grand Line. Even the Marines, under orders from the World Government, had ceased their pursuit.

But using the Gates of Justice—a passage reserved exclusively for the Navy and World Government—was a blatant provocation. It wasn't just reckless; it was downright insane.

This was no ordinary day at Marineford. The navy's full might was gathered here: the three Admirals, numerous Vice Admirals, elite Marines, and even the Seven Warlords. All were convened for the impending war against Whitebeard.

If Wood made too bold a move, the Navy might deal with them before even facing Whitebeard. It wasn't just audacious; it was suicidal.

"If things go south, you're all to jump into the sea and escape," Ruth instructed the Fishman sailors aboard. "Perona's coming with me. As for the captain, well, there's no need to worry about him."

As their ship approached the massive Gates of Justice, Ruth was already planning their potential escape. Wood's reckless choice of route left little room for error. If they managed to infiltrate quietly, all would be well. But if a fight broke out, their small crew wouldn't stand a chance.

Fortunately, their Fishman sailors, as well as Ruth—who had consumed the Ancient Zoan Devil Fruit Model: Ichthyosaurus—wouldn't drown in seawater. At the very least, escape remained a viable option.

However, as the ship neared the towering gates, a thunderous sound echoed. The Gates of Justice, traditionally reserved for Navy ships, began to creak open before them.

"The Gates of Justice... are opening for a pirate ship?" Ruth, once a Navy lieutenant, was utterly dumbfounded as he watched the colossal gates part.

"What's so surprising?" Wood said with a smirk. "I've told you before—we have people in the Navy. These gates? They're like my backyard. Opening them is no big deal."

Ruth and Perona had always dismissed Wood's boasts as exaggeration. But now, as they watched the gates open and saw Wood's calm demeanor, they couldn't help but feel a newfound curiosity.

Did Wood's weapons company truly have a mole within the Navy? And if so, who could it be? To command the opening of the Gates of Justice, this individual had to hold considerable authority.

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