Chapter 294: Restlessness in Impel Down!

Beneath the deep sea, Prometheus rode the ocean currents, heading toward Fish-Man Island.

At the railing, Nia and Robin leaned forward, admiring the deep-sea scenery together. While Nia was simply enjoying the view, Robin was carefully observing the bizarre deep-sea fish.

From time to time, she would exclaim in surprise, then sigh and murmur things like "Kawaii~", leaving Nia occasionally glancing at her with a puzzled expression.

Not far from them, Claudius lounged in a sun chair, a newspaper in hand, scanning its contents with interest.

> "The second division captain of the Whitebeard Pirates, a position that has remained vacant for many years, has now been assumed by the previously unknown Marshall D. Teach."

> "According to the World Economy News Paper, Teach has been a veteran member of the Whitebeard Pirates, having joined Edward Newgate over twenty, nearly thirty years ago, earning the trust of the legendary pirate himself."

> "Teach, also known as 'Blackbeard,' previously had no bounty. However, as soon as he assumed the role of second division captain, Marine Headquarters promptly issued a bounty of 200 million berries on him."

> "In terms of bounty growth rate, Teach has skyrocketed from zero to 200 million in an instant. Yet, considering his years at sea, it has taken him nearly three decades to reach this point."

> "Currently, the extent of Marshall D. Teach's true strength remains unknown. However, based on our investigations, this once low-profile man possesses formidable power. The scar over the left eye of Red-Haired Shanks was left by Teach himself."

> "Not long ago, Teach clashed with Shanks once again on the island of Versailles. The battle also saw the involvement of Thunder God Enel, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea."

> "The final outcome of the battle remains unclear. However, given that Teach has successfully claimed the position of the Whitebeard Pirates' second division captain, one conclusion can be drawn, he is a man who can retreat safely even after facing both Red-Haired Shanks and Thunder God Enel."

> "It is rumored that Marshall D. Teach possesses a Logia-type Devil Fruit—the Dark-Dark Fruit. While its full capabilities remain a mystery, Logia-type fruits are known for their immense power. Perhaps we can look forward to Teach's potential in this regard?"

> "With Teach filling the long-vacant role of division captain, Whitebeard's forces are now more unified and stronger than ever, reinforcing the belief that 'This is the Era of Whitebeard.'"

> "We eagerly anticipate Teach's future exploits, perhaps he will one day become a legend in his own right?"

The rest of the article contained follow-up speculations, various deductions, and even some trivial gossip about Teach such as rumors of him paying for information.

It was clear that the World Economy News Paper held Teach in very high regard.

"That damn bird-man Morgans... he always loves to stir up chaos." Claudius smirked.

That guy had a habit of hyping up people without hesitation.

First, he hyped Teach.

Then, in the future, he'd hype up another so-called "Fifth Emperor"—Luffy.

That nonsense made Kaido bash Luffy's head in.

"So, Teach became the second division captain, huh?" Claudius muttered to himself, feeling a bit emotional. He hadn't expected this turn of events. The position had remained empty for so many years, and in the original timeline, it was supposed to be filled by Ace.

However, in this timeline, Claudius had taken Ace in as his own younger brother. Naturally, that meant Ace wouldn't become Whitebeard's "son," nor would he seek out the Whitebeard Pirates upon entering the New World.

Now, Ace had grown into a powerful pirate in his own right. The Spade Pirates were well-known throughout the New World, and with his Logia-type Flame-Flame Fruit, Ace was young, strong, and full of potential.

Many people believed that given a few more years, he could rise to become one of the great pirates of this era.

Despite his initial surprise at Teach assuming the role, Claudius wasn't particularly concerned. After all, he knew exactly what kind of person Teach was an ambitious wolf, always waiting for the right moment to strike.

There was no doubt in Claudius's mind, Teach would betray the Whitebeard Pirates.

Not because of any external influence, but purely because of his own ambitions.

Teach would be the blade that ultimately stabbed Whitebeard in the back.

"Your Highness, we're almost at Coral Hill." Nia called out from the railing.

Hearing this, Claudius folded the newspaper, having lost interest in the rest of its contents.

He turned to Nia with a smile.

Sure enough, just ahead, he could already see figures of fish-men and merfolk swimming through the deep sea. In the distance, the vibrant Coral Hill waved them a silent welcome.

Claudius took a sip of tea, then stood up and walked over to Nia.

Meanwhile, in the Great Prison of Impel Down, one of the three great strongholds of justice.

Inside the chief warden's office, Shiryu of the Rain sat back in his chair, looking as fierce as ever. A cigar dangled from his lips as he leaned back, legs propped up on the desk.

At his waist hung a sword, a blade exuding an ominous aura, its scabbard resting against the chair while the hilt swayed slightly with his movements.

This was Thunderstorm (Raiu), one of the most infamous demon swords in the world.

Rumors said that once drawn, Thunderstorm absorbed moisture from the air, causing water droplets to form along its blade.

After drawing blood, the water would wash away the stains on its own.

Every swordsman who had wielded Thunderstorm in the past had, without exception, succumbed to its influence, gradually becoming more bloodthirsty, eventually descending into madness and slaughter.

This was why the blade was feared as a cursed sword.

Impel Down followed a dual-leadership system, governed by both the Chief Warden and the Vice Warden.

The Chief Warden, of course, was Magellan.

The Vice Warden? Shiryu.

Together, they formed the infamous Twin Walls of Impel Down, ensuring the prison's absolute security.

However, while they worked together, their relationship was far from good.

Magellan was a strict, upright man, while Shiryu was cruel and merciless.

The two despised each other.

Magellan believed Shiryu's methods were too excessive.

Shiryu believed prisoners had no rights, killing a few now and then would simply reduce the prison's food costs.

Though technically second in command, Shiryu still ranked below Magellan. Only if something happened to Magellan would Shiryu gain full control over Impel Down. Otherwise, he was merely an assistant.

And in terms of strength, Magellan was undeniably stronger. Shiryu's swordsmanship was powerful, but Magellan's Venom-Venom Fruit abilities were overwhelming. The few times they had clashed, Shiryu had always been the one to lose.

Lately, Shiryu could feel Magellan's patience wearing thin.

If things continued like this, sooner or later, Magellan would lock him up as a prisoner.

Shiryu tried to suppress his bloodthirsty urges, but for how long?

Gazing at the oppressive darkness of Impel Down, Shiryu felt a growing restlessness.

Even though he held a high position, wasn't this prison just another kind of cage?

"My sword is already hungry and thirsty." Shiryu exhaled a plume of smoke, whispering to himself.

His eyes then drifted toward a fresh newspaper on the desk.

With little entertainment in Impel Down, reading the news was one of his few pastimes.

Casually flipping it open, his gaze sharpened.

"Blackbeard… Marshall D. Teach?"