Chapter 5: The Lion Falls, the World Trembles

Holy Land, Mary Geoise — Pangaea Castle.

Imu reclined comfortably on a plush sofa, attentively watching the high-definition footage projected by a Den-Den Mushi. It was a recording of the fierce battle taking place just outside Marineford—Sengoku, Garp, and Shiki locked in an intense clash.

Waves of shockwaves collided in every direction, towering columns of water erupted one after another, and fragments of shattered ice and battleship wreckage flew through the air. The trio's movements were blindingly fast, their combat skills exceptional. Dazzling bursts of golden light illuminated the scene, making it feel like watching a top-tier action blockbuster.

Before transmigrating, he wouldn't have been able to see a single move those men made. But now things were different. Having fully adapted to his new strength, his dynamic vision could easily track every detail of the battle.

Imu picked up a glass of red wine from the coffee table, swirling the crimson liquid gently. A faint smile tugged at his lips.

"This way, Marineford won't end up half-destroyed. Though it's a bit rough on that kid Kuzan."

The fact that the Golden Lion Shiki was going to attack Marine Headquarters, of course, was something he had deliberately leaked to the Five Elders. They, in turn, passed the intel to Fleet Admiral Kong. As for the idea of freezing the waters outside the harbor, rumor had it Sengoku was the one who suggested it.

At present, Kuzan was slightly stronger than the average vice admiral but not yet at admiral level. He couldn't freeze the entire sea with a single Ice Age attack.

So from noon until dusk, he'd been working non-stop. After all, the battlefield was being prepared for three top-tier powerhouses. The thickness and scale of the ice had to be just right.

As for Imu, watching these top-level fighters go all out helped him understand just how vast the gap was between them and himself.

Memories were just memories—he was a transmigrator, after all. Some things were better witnessed firsthand.

He had to admit, watching the battle unfold filled him with an ever-growing sense of security. And with that national treasure still in his hands, there was only one thought on his mind—

So I'm this strong?

"Looks like I've got plenty of trump cards and resources at my disposal. The rest is just a matter of execution." Imu took a sip of wine, savoring its silky sweetness, his eyes turning contemplative.

"There are still twenty-four years until the final battle of the original timeline. But now that I'm here, things won't go the same way. Since that's the case… once Roger is executed, we'll begin next year."

...

It was currently the end of the year 1497. In 1498, the next World Summit would be held!

Three days later, the World Economic News released a special edition that once again shook the entire globe.

The front-page headline, bold and in large black type, read:

[Shocking! Golden Lion Shiki Captured and Imprisoned!]

The article went into detail: After learning of Roger's capture, Shiki had attempted a solo assault on Marine Headquarters. But the navy had been fully prepared. Admirals Sengoku and Garp, the 'Hero of the Marines', joined forces and defeated him. Shiki was now imprisoned in the world's most secure facility: Impel Down.

The report was accompanied by a remarkably clear photo showing a bloodied and battered Shiki collapsed at the feet of Sengoku and Garp—an image that immortalized one of the navy's most glorious moments.

Just days ago, the Pirate King, Roger, had been captured and was scheduled for public execution. And now, even the mighty admiral of the Golden Lion Pirates—a man who had ruled the New World for over a decade—had fallen.

Across kingdoms and powers, all were awed by the sheer might of the navy. The authority of the World Government became even more deeply ingrained in the public psyche. As for the pirates stirring up chaos across the four seas—they began to rein themselves in, instinctively wary.

...

In Impel Down, on the sixth underground floor known as Eternal Hell, Magellan stood in a shadowy corridor, silently sizing up the newest prisoner in the iron cell before him.

Around him stood several wardens who had come specifically to catch a glimpse of the man inside.

"So this is the 'Golden Lion' Shiki, huh? Aside from the wild hair, he doesn't look like much. Can't believe he actually asked us to put extra cuffs on him," Shiryu said, a wicked grin on his face as he puffed on a cigar.

But in his mind, he was already thinking—

Maybe I'll stab him one of these days, just to see what one of these big shots feels like.

As Vice Warden of Impel Down, Magellan stood before the cell, staring at the man lying flat on the cold floor—arms and legs shackled.

"The Chief said this was an order from higher up," Magellan began, his voice steady. "To prevent him from cutting off his own legs and escaping with the power of the Float-Float Fruit, all Devil Fruit users on Level 6 are now required to be restrained like this."

"What? He'd cut off his own legs?!"

The other wardens, including Shiryu, froze for a second—then instinctively imagined the scenario.

If Shiki really did that... could they stop him?

According to the files, not only was Shiki an awakened Float-Float Fruit user, he was also a dual-sword master of the highest order. Combine that with his top-tier Haki, and—just thinking about it sent a chill down their spines.

"Alright. You've seen enough. Dismissed," Magellan ordered grimly.

"Yes, sir!"

"Understood."

The wardens saluted and quickly returned to their assigned levels. Shiryu paused for a moment, casting a lingering glance at Magellan's back before following the others.

Magellan remained where he was.

Roughly twenty minutes later, the Chief arrived, leading a group of five men.

"Magellan, open the cell. These men are from the World Government. They need access to Shiki."

Magellan glanced over the visitors.

Three wore standard-issue black suits and leather boots, exuding a cold, efficient air. The other two carried small white cases and clearly weren't fighters.

"Understood," Magellan replied.

Magellan stepped forward and unlocked the cell. The two men with the cases, along with one suited agent, entered. The other two agents stood at the door, posture rigid, making it clear that no one else was permitted to pass.

Magellan looked to the Chief, puzzled. "What's this about?"

The Chief shook his head. "Don't ask questions. It doesn't concern us. I've heard they'll be coming often. Your job is just to escort them and unlock the cell."

Magellan nodded silently.

Inside, the trio moved quickly. Barely five minutes passed before they exited the cell without a word, falling in behind the Chief as they strode off at a brisk pace.

Magellan gave them one last glance, then approached the cell and looked inside.

Shiki was still unconscious, completely unchanged.

...

At Pangaea Castle, Imu received a call from the Five Elders via Den-Den Mushi.

"Lord Imu, Shiki's blood sample has safely arrived at Punk Hazard."

"Good. Have Dr. Vegapunk begin attempts to replicate the Float-Float Fruit. That ability would be a major asset to the World Government—make it top priority. Higher even than research into Kaido's genes and powers."

He paused, voice turning colder.

"And make sure Shiki stays alive. No crippling. No killing. He's still useful to us."

"Your will shall be done!"

[Click.]

Imu set the receiver back atop the Den-Den Mushi's shell and turned to gaze out the window at the moonlit landscape of Mary Geoise, its lights flickering beneath the vast, star-scattered sky.

His thoughts drifted to Dr. Vegapunk.

According to the original timeline, the man had successfully replicated Kaido's Azure Dragon Fruit—but claimed to the Government that it was a failure.

Had the Government truly believed that lie?

Or had they known it was a success and simply played along?

"Looks like the good doctor isn't so honest after all."

Then there was the 'Golden Lion' Shiki.

Imu had originally planned to send Vice Admiral Tsuru to reform him, then follow up with a bit of brainwashing—turn him into a loyal hound of the World Government.

But a better idea had come to him, and he shelved the plan.

The only issue was… it would take a few more years. There was a key component still missing.

No rush.

Plenty of time.

Imu's gaze drifted upward, cool and thoughtful, as the moon hung bright and full in the sky.