Chapter 146

**Chapter 146**

The world was in **an uproar**.

News of **former Rear Admiral Dragon's defection** spread like wildfire, shaking the very foundation of the Navy's reputation.

A Rear Admiral turning traitor was already **shocking**, but this wasn't just any officer.

This was **Monkey D. Dragon.**

**The son of the legendary Navy hero—Garp.**

And worse—

He had tried to **steal the Heavenly Tribute.**

The very act sent a **wave of panic** through the kingdoms that had recently paid their tribute.

If Dragon had **succeeded**, they would be forced to pay **again**—and the World Government **would not care** about their financial struggles.

For many weaker nations, failure to pay would mean **losing their World Government status**.

And without that protection—

**They were nothing.**

Easy prey for **pirate crews.**

The mere thought of it had **kings trembling** in fear.

To them, Carl was **their savior**.

**The one who ensured their tribute remained untouched.**

And with the news came the inevitable—

**Dragon's bounty.**

**350 million Belly.**

**Surpassing even Gecko Moria.**

A price fitting for a man who **betrayed the Navy.**

As for Garp—

His fate was **sealed.**

Stripped of all positions at Navy Headquarters.

Banished to **Impel Down**.

**But—**

Not as a prisoner.

As **Chief Jailer.**

It was said that Fleet Admiral Kong and others had **begged** for this outcome, barely managing to spare Garp from a **harsher punishment.**

Even so—

Falling from **Vice Admiral** to **Chief Jailer** was **a disgrace.**

While Impel Down's officers held authority **within the prison**, their influence **meant nothing** outside.

The demotion was clear.

Garp was **no longer a true part of the Navy.**

---

**The day of departure.**

At the port, a **warship** waited to take Garp away.

He stood before it, his gaze lingering on Marine Headquarters one last time.

Sengoku.

Tsuru.

Bogart and his men.

They were all there **to see him off.**

And then—

Carl.

His men stood ready by the ship as well.

Not just for **escort duty**.

But as a **reminder**.

A **silent warning** from the World Government.

**Even now, they didn't trust Garp.**

They feared he might **defect.**

And only **one person** was trusted to ensure he wouldn't.

**Carl.**

Even **Warcury** had no complaints.

Garp, now standing before his old comrades, looked—

**Better.**

Fleet Admiral Kong had personally intervened, restoring **ten years** of his life.

A rare **favor** from Carl's abilities.

It was politically beneficial to allow it.

**But—**

Even with that, Garp had still lost **fifteen years** at Carl's hands.

If they fought again…

**Garp wouldn't stand a chance.**

The warship's crew prepared to board.

Garp exhaled and turned to Sengoku and Tsuru.

His lips curled into a **small, forced smile.**

**"I'm leaving now. I hope we meet again."**

No one spoke.

Their throats were **tight.**

No **farewells.**

Just silent, heavy nods.

Garp turned.

And **boarded the ship.**

---

**Impel Down.**

The moment Carl's warship arrived, the massive **iron gates** loomed before them.

Standing at the entrance—

**Vice Warden Magellan.**

The man hurried forward, his expression **respectful**.

**"Welcome, Admiral Black Dragon,"** Magellan greeted with a slight bow. **"I am Vice Warden Magellan."**

Carl gave him a **brief nod**.

His gaze swept over the officers standing behind him.

**Familiar faces.**

**Shiryu.**

**Hannyabal.**

Carl's eyes narrowed slightly.

**"Where is your Chief Warden?"**

Magellan hesitated.

Then, with a **sheepish smile**—

**"Ah… terribly sorry, Admiral. He drank too much and… hasn't woken up yet."**

Carl raised an eyebrow.

**"Hmph."**

**No wonder Golden Lion escaped so easily in the future.**

A prison with a **drunkard** as its head?

**Pathetic.**

Without another word, Carl stepped forward, entering the prison.

Magellan hurried to follow.

Meanwhile—

Shiryu took a **drag from his cigar**, watching the Admiral with a smirk.

He sneered.

Disdain in his eyes.

Then—

Carl stopped.

Slowly—

He turned to Shiryu.

And **spoke lightly.**

**"Put out your cigarette."**

Shiryu exhaled a cloud of smoke.

Unbothered.

**"You're being a bit nosy, Admiral. This isn't Marin—"**

**CRACK.**

**An invisible force yanked him forward.**

Before Shiryu could react—

Carl's **hand** was **around his throat.**

**Lifting him effortlessly off the ground.**

The air **froze.**

Magellan **cursed inwardly.**

Shiryu **choked**, his hand instinctively reaching for his sword.

But—

He never got the chance.

Carl's grip **tightened.**

A silent message—

**Struggle, and I'll break you.**

Despite Shiryu's skill—

Despite his reputation—

He was nothing before Carl.

He had never understood **what it meant** to stand before an **Admiral.**

Carl's **strength** was on another level.

With a flick of his wrist—

He **slammed** Shiryu into the ground.

The impact **shook** the floor.

Then—

Carl grabbed Shiryu's head.

And **pressed his face into the ground.**

Shiryu's **lit cigar**—

**Burned out against his lips.**

Smoke curled in the air.

Carl's voice was **calm.**

Cold.

He lifted Shiryu by the collar, bringing him close.

And whispered—

**"Do you still think this is the time to resist?"**