[90] : Preparations

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News Coos carried the latest headlines across the world.

The top story: the World Government's capture of Seabury D. Arthur, the Pirate who had dared to steal the Heavenly Tribute.

The battle on Sabaody Archipelago had been witnessed by too many to be suppressed.

The World Government—eager to make an example of him—had even fueled the publicity. Many Pirates, who had considered emulating Arthur's audacious feat, quickly abandoned the idea.

However, Whitebeard, Shiki—and other New World powerhouses merely scoffed at the news. They had expected this outcome. A Pirate without a New World territory or established crew, acting so recklessly in Paradise?

It was foolish.

———

Aboard the Oro Jackson:

"Shanks, that Arthur got captured. All that gold on Skypiea, that golden ship—it's all up for grabs! Aren't you even tempted?" Buggy asked, practically bouncing with excitement.

"Having fun is more important than gold. What good is treasure if you can't enjoy it?" Shanks adjusted his straw hat, a hint of exasperation in his voice.

Buggy grinned inwardly. "If this idiot Shanks doesn't want the treasure, that means it's all mine! Wahahaha!"

———

Sabaody Archipelago, Groves 30-39, Saboland:

"Jessica, Arthur has been captured. Come home with me, back to Marine Headquarters," a man in a chef's hat said, barely suppressing his anger. It was Jessica's father.

"No! I'm staying here. I'm going to open a restaurant…" Jessica bit her lip, tears welling up.

Arthur had promised to return for her, She believed him.

Her father raised his hand as if to strike her, but it trembled, then fell to his side. "Don't come crying to me when you regret this." He turned and stormed away.

———

Time passed slowly in the dim depths of Impel Down.

The routine in Eternal Hell was monotonous: petty squabbles, mocking laughter, fights over food. Days bled into weeks.

Bodies were carried out regularly, some starved, some murdered, their cellmates having stolen their meager rations. The warden and chief guard didn't care. They ignored the goings-on in Level 6, sending jailers only to collect the corpses.

Arthur and Moreno had clashed several times, but Moreno, chained to the wall, couldn't reach him, resorting to verbal abuse.

Arthur ignored him, focusing on overcoming the Seastone's effects, regaining his strength.

His Innate talent and Enhanced physique were finally paying off. After weeks of struggle, he could move more freely, no longer restricted to the agonizingly slow inching of his first days in Impel Down.

He was still no match for Moreno, but he couldn't wait any longer. The previous day, the jailers had thrown Arthur's food within Moreno's reach. Moreno, naturally, had devoured it, leaving Arthur to starve.

He wouldn't survive much longer without food. He couldn't use his powers, couldn't fight Moreno—but he still had his teeth.

"To kill him, I need to strike while he's asleep, unaware, before he can react. One chance—one strike. If I fail, I'm dead."

Arthur's eyes were cold, his mind calculating the best approach.

"Hey, kid! What's happening outside? Tell us!" A lean, middle-aged man in a neighboring cell called out.

"Yeah, kid! We're stuck in this hellhole. You can't just keep it all to yourself."

Others joined in, their voices echoing Arthur's own longing for news from the outside world.

After a moment of silence, Arthur asked, "What do you want to know?"

"About the big shots, of course! Whitebeard, Roger, Shiki… What else matters out there?"

"Yeah! Who's going to rule the seas? Is it Shiki?"

"Shiki's practically finished," Arthur said casually. "He and Roger had a huge clash in the Edd War. Most of his Grand Fleet was wiped out."

"What? Impossible!"

The prisoners stared, stunned into silence. Some had been in Impel Down for years, even decades. Arthur was a newcomer.

News of Shiki's defeat, a man who had once aspired to rule the seas, shocked them.

"Roger's probably going to claim the title, but he's sick. He won't last long. As for Whitebeard…he has the strength, but not the ambition. He's not interested in ruling the sea."

"Roger's dying?"

"Damn that Roger! I hope he rots in hell…"

"Hahaha! Looks like they all failed. Are the Marines going to take over the whole damn sea now?"

The prisoners, lost in thought, digesting the news, even Moreno, fell silent.

"So, how did a kid like you end up in here? You got a multi-million Belly bounty or something?" someone asked, curious.

Arthur looked young, despite his mature features. He radiated vitality, and he wasn't a giant…

"That's none of your business," Arthur snapped.

Being captured by the Marines' strongest forces wasn't something to brag about.

"Hahaha! Look at the kid, all pale and delicate! Probably got caught sleeping with a Marine officer's wife! Hahahaha!" Moreno roared with laughter.

Arthur glared at him, his expression filled with contempt, but he didn't bother responding.

Moreno, his attempt at mockery falling flat, sneered. "You think you're so tough, kid? Come over here, and I'll break you. Hahaha!"

———

Night fell, plunging Eternal Hell into deeper darkness.

Arthur glanced at the chains connecting him to the wall, then at Moreno, who lay sprawled on the floor, seemingly unconcerned, within easy reach.

"He's about ten feet away," Arthur estimated. "Not far, but I'm barely at one percent of my strength. Moving those chains will make noise."

Moreno, snoring loudly, was completely unguarded—but he'd still react to any sudden sound. Arthur needed to either move instantly—or mask the noise—and kill him in one strike.

Instant movement was impossible. He had a sliver of strength, but nothing explosive.

Snore! Snore! Snore!

Moreno—oblivious to the danger—continued snoring.

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