I guarded Impel Down for a hundred years in the pirate world.

“Yes, and it’s one of the four most crucial Poneglyphs. It’s said that if you collect all four red Poneglyphs, you’ll have a chance to go to the final island that records all the truths of history and unlock the secrets of history from over seven hundred years ago.” Figo nodded: “Come on, help me carry it in.”

"You're going to put it in Impel Down?"

Kinkiri said in surprise, "I remember that investigating history from over seven hundred years ago is something the World Government has explicitly prohibited. You should..."

“Only I can investigate,” Figo explained. “Once someone else investigates that history, who knows what they might do?”

Jin understood, measured the heavy stone tablet that was tens of meters high, and muttered, "Don't hurt my back, why don't you let those kids carry it?" He and Figo each took one side and carried it into the city.

Because giants were once imprisoned there, the passageways of Impel Down were specially widened to barely accommodate the stone tablet.

By this time, the guards on the first floor had heard the news of Figo's return and gathered around. After greeting him, they quickly squeezed to the side to lend a hand, and gradually some even tried to take over Figo's carrying work.

"Chief, let us do it!"

These jailers were well-fed by the Sea Kings, and each of them was strong and powerful. When dozens of them worked together, they could barely lift the red stone tablet, which weighed hundreds of tons. So Figo let go and handed it over to them.

"Oh, so heavy! As expected of the King of Push, Fei Ge, he looks so relaxed!"

As one of the men carried the stone tablet to the other side, Jinqie's face darkened, but he smiled helplessly.

I'm used to it; it's always like this.

"By the way, what is this thing?"

"Is that even a question? The things that Lord Wang specially transported back must be dangerous items that threaten world security!"

"Oh! Did the Director really save the world once again this time?"

"Idiot, I said you're called Push King!"

"Ah, yes!"

Chattering away, they carried the stone tablet down the stairs, all the way to the depths of the fourth floor, to the entrance to the 4.5th floor of Impel Down.

After setting up the stone tablet, Figo said to everyone, "Thank you for your hard work. Go to the monitoring room and inform all the guards that we'll have a special meal for everyone tonight. I'll personally grill some sea kings!"

"Oh!" Cheers and shouts of joy immediately resounded throughout the entire fourth floor.

After dismissing the jailers, Kincho said irritably, "Why are you back again? Did you negotiate some terms with the World Government again?"

Figo stepped forward and patted him on the shoulder: "It's farewell dinner. I just came back to deliver this and then go see Sapphire. Old Jin, from now on, I'll really have to rely on you to keep an eye on Impel Down."

Jinqie was stunned. Was he serious?

Figo then opened the portal to the 4.5th floor and went inside.

The passageway and the outside world seem like two different worlds.

On one side are dark prison cells, and on the other is a bright and cheerful town. Over 35 years, Impel Down Level 4.5 has been transformed from a giant cave into a new structure built by successive generations of labor camp prisoners.

Now this place is no different from any other small town outside, except for the domed building in the middle that stands out. It is the library that Figo built himself, which stores books of all kinds that Figo entrusted Mia to collect.

Another difference is that everyone walking on the street is wearing prison uniforms, and the things they discuss with each other are different from those of ordinary people.

"I assure you, everyone's Armament Haki is subtly different, which is likely related to a person's spirit and strength. Just like what the chief said about no two leaves being exactly alike, if I can crack the secret here, it will be a truly great discovery!"

“But we have too few samples. There are only a handful of people in the whole town who have mastered Armament Haki. The chief is not here recently. Should we seek help from Deputy Chief Kinkiri?”

However, I always felt that this wasn't something we could figure out in a short time. We'd better study some simpler things first, reduce the weekly sentence to a monthly sentence, or even exempt ourselves from it, so that we'd never have to leave the town again and live in prison..."

Two middle-aged prisoners wearing glasses walked by, so engrossed in their discussion that they didn't even notice Figo standing at the entrance.

Figo smiled and shook his head, looking at the sapphire dressed in white walking towards him on the road ahead.

Gerald passed away two years ago at the age of 77, another short-lived man. His adopted sister, Sapphire, however, seems to have a long life ahead of her.

At 70 years old, she has only a few gray hairs in her long, flowing hair, making her look at least 10 years younger than her actual age, second only to Figo.

She now serves as the mayor of this special town and the librarian. Every day, she asks prisoners to read to her while she lies in a wicker chair and listens. She started her retirement 30 years ago, and it is probably this peaceful state of mind that has helped her maintain her youth.

Her Observation Haki had clearly detected Figo long ago, so she came over to greet him. As she walked, the prisoners on the street also noticed Figo. Unlike the jailers, they didn't go overboard, but simply greeted him from a distance and didn't disturb Figo and Sapphire's conversation.

Having been wrongfully imprisoned or convicted of other minor crimes, they thought their lives were hopeless. However, Figo's selection process gave them a second chance. They all had genuine respect for Figo and also respected the Sapphire who managed them.

"You're back, Figo. I heard from King Cutter that you caused quite a stir this time you went out and killed a lot of Celestial Dragons?" Sapphire asked.

"Hmm." Figo walked alongside her and said, "We killed over forty!"

"Head?" Sapphire smiled and said, "So, you're ready to take action? Is there anything I can help you with?"

“I’m going to take some prisoners who have been exempted from punishment and made significant contributions,” Figo said. “The others are not needed for the time being. I will go to Mary Geoise again at the World Conference in a little over three months. We’ll see about other things after that.”

Sapphire's expression turned slightly serious, and he turned to Figo, asking, "Are you confident?"

"It's about 50/50," Figo chuckled. "But I'm at least 98% confident I'll achieve the basic objectives!"

"Basic objectives?"

“Yes, this idea has been swirling in my mind for 42 years… The slave trade has no reason to exist!” Figo said, looking at her.

Sapphire's figure froze.

Long-forgotten memories replayed in her mind, and a faint smile appeared on her lips as she looked at Figo with a gentle expression.

"That's... wonderful!"

----------

Chapter Ninety-One: Farewell and Received

Sitting in the town's library, Figo talked to Sapphire in more detail about what he had done on his trip.

Sapphire wasn't too surprised by Figo's strength. Over the years, she had already acquired top-tier combat power, comparable to former Marshal Raul, and was rated SSR5.

But when she faced Figo, she could always feel a world of difference between them. She was also the only one who had personally witnessed Figo getting stronger year by year, seemingly with no end in sight.

“Gibeck…” Her expression turned wistful. “That child showed some special qualities when he was young, and he certainly grew up to be something special, but in the end, did he still become a pirate?”

“He’s alright. He almost got lost along the way, but at least he hasn’t forgotten your teachings, otherwise you would be seeing him now.” Figo smiled and said, “Besides, he has great potential. Give him another ten years, and maybe no one but me will be able to control him. He can bring me some fun.”

Sapphire chuckled and shook his head: "You should also keep an eye on yourself. Although you don't look old yet, you'll be 80 years old in 10 years. By the way, I gave him a special pendant that I took from a Celestial Dragon back then. I wonder if he still has it... That pendant seems to have something special about it."

"I've already been to the Valley of the Gods..." Figo said, "I'll ask him next time I see him. By the way, in the month I was gone, did the scientists in the town come up with anything good?"

That's right, scientists!

Although Impel Down is not much different from other towns, it is isolated from the outside world, lacks entertainment facilities, has few female prisoners, and Figo does not agree to them getting married and having children here. Naturally, the library has become their only place to pass the time.

Read a book a hundred times and its meaning will become clear.

There were always a few prisoners with scientific research talent who would try to figure out some small things, and Figo, having nothing better to do, let the transport ship satisfy their needs.

Unexpectedly, one person leads ten, and ten lead a hundred; a research team actually emerged in Impel Down, and they even produced something somewhat useful.

Sapphire said, "They've already figured out the cola-powered system you mentioned... By the way, how did you come up with the idea of ​​using cola as a propulsion system for a ship?"

Who knows what Franky was thinking? Figo chuckled, his expression enigmatic.

Sapphire didn't pursue the matter further, saying, "As for the Dao Power Meter you mentioned, they've almost perfected it, but they haven't found suitable materials, so it still has significant limitations and isn't suitable for us."

“What material would suit us? Diamonds won’t do either.” Figo was quite satisfied.

The Dorito is an early concept in the One Piece world, like a super-enhanced version of a punching power tester, which can more intuitively test a person's strength. This thing will play a significant role in what Figo wants to do next.

"Shall we go take a look?"

……

Having confirmed that the Daoli Measure was indeed the thing he wanted, Figo left Impel Down, ran hundreds of miles, and dragged back a Sea King.

That evening, a grand barbecue dinner was held in Impel Down. After everyone had eaten their fill, Figo officially announced his departure from Impel Down.

The barbecue suddenly didn't smell good anymore.

The jailers were bewildered, and those who had been drinking started sobbing.

However, the older prison guards remained very calm and comforted the younger ones, saying, "The warden always says that; he'll be back."

"Hahaha, you actually believe that? I bet Lord Impel Down will be back in Impel Down within a month!"

"Really?" the young jailer exclaimed excitedly.

Figo was helpless; no one believed him when he told the truth.

This time, Jinqie was starting to believe it.

After finishing the barbecue, he accompanied Figo down to the sixth floor, watching Figo walk around the territory as if it were his last inspection.

No prisoner dared to make a sound as Figo walked by, even though they were all ruthless pirates. In front of Figo, both big and small pirates were equal weaklings!

In particular, the newly arrived "Four Kings of the Water" vividly demonstrated Figo's formidable strength.

Even the toothless and limp Spider Queen would tremble at the sight of Figo, having developed a psychological trauma from that battle. Pegasus King, whose wings had been torn off, would also try to shrink into a corner of the prison.

So Figo didn't say anything. A few minutes later, he said goodbye to Kingie on the platform of Level Zero in Impel Down: "Your appointment as Warden should be coming down in a while. After serving as Warden for two years, it's time for you to leave Impel Down. You're over seventy years old, it's time to go back and retire. I'll come back to see everyone occasionally. Impel Down is in your hands from now on."

Watching Figo's retreating figure, Kingie truly believed it this time, and his eyes involuntarily reddened.

After all, they've known each other for a full 50 years.

50 years!

That bastard... he's finally gone!

……

Running on the vast sea, Figo also had some unusual feelings.

This time it's really over. Figo, who has shown his full strength and even earned the title of 'King of the World,' will probably have no one to play with him anymore if he wants to play the game of catching escaped prisoners.

Impel Down is no longer a viable leveling spot; it's not that you can't level up there, but the progress is too slow.

He quickly reached the vicinity of the Navy Headquarters, and his slightly complicated thoughts quickly disappeared.

Having already received word of Figo's impending return, the newly appointed Marshal Steelbone Kong waited discreetly in a corner, greeting Figo like a secret agent making a rendezvous, without alerting anyone.

There's no way around it; Figo's prestige in the Navy is just too high right now. He's even been given the outrageous title of "Naval King," and he hasn't shown his face for over a month since then. If he does appear, the Navy Headquarters in the dark will probably be in an uproar.

Figo still wanted to get together with his close friends and juniors like Sora and Mia to discuss the current situation, so he specifically reminded Sora to come see him. In addition, he had another purpose.

"I have reached an agreement with the World Government to cease hostilities for four months. When the World Conference begins, I will personally go to the Holy Land."

Upon meeting Figo, the uncle who had recently stirred up the world and left the World Government in a state of utter chaos, Kong Xin's respect for him deepened even further, yet he still felt some apprehension upon hearing this.

"Isn't this a bit risky? Judging from the World Government's reaction, they might have a way to deal with you, but that method probably can't be used outside of the Holy Land. As long as we maintain the status quo, they'll be the ones who can't hold out first."

"No, rather than believing it can't be used outside the Holy Land, I'm more inclined to believe that using it outside the Holy Land comes at a higher cost. So I still have to take the initiative to go there, otherwise I'll only be able to wander the world from now on, because I'm confident that I can withstand anything, but you can't."