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Compared to what Akira did today, Magellan's actions back then seemed quite unclear.
It would have been understandable if Akira had chosen to do nothing or even worsened Impel Down's situation today. But instead, not only did he refrain from causing harm, he went out of his way to help them overcome the crisis.
Such kindness was truly remarkable.
Magellan wasn't an ungrateful person. How could he not feel shaken and ashamed in his heart?
If he could turn back time, he would never have stopped Akira from killing the prisoner.
But unfortunately, that wasn't possible.
Magellan felt guilty for what he had done to Akira, yet Akira didn't hold it against him and instead returned kindness.
Thinking of this, Magellan's face was full of shame.
"I'll take the first drink," Magellan said.
He wasn't great with words and didn't know what else to say, so after thinking it over, he decided to punish himself instead.
Without saying anything further, he downed three glasses in a row, the strong smell of alcohol filling the air.
"Don't worry too much, Magellan!"
"I didn't hold what happened that day against you. As the warden, it's your duty to look after the prisoners. I understand."
Akira, no stranger to leadership, knew exactly what to say and do in moments like this.
After comforting Magellan a little, he raised his own glass towards him.
"In fact, I've caused you trouble during all of this."
"Whether it's restoring the Impel Down branch or the time I've spent here strengthening myself," Akira said, "I genuinely owe you a favor."
After finishing his words, Akira didn't hesitate and drank the wine in his glass immediately. He turned the glass over, showing that not a single drop remained.
"No, Fleet Admiral Akira, I'm the one who should be grateful."
"Helping restore Impel Down and creating strong warriors to uphold justice is our duty. As the Fleet Admiral of the Marines who stands for justice, it's an honor for the prisoners to assist you in improving your strength so you can better uphold that justice."
"On the contrary, we are the ones who owe you a favor."
Magellan's words, filled with sincerity, moved Akira deeply.
Magellan quickly poured himself another glass, raising it respectfully.
At that moment, the other wardens also lifted their glasses and began to shower Akira with praise.
"Yes, Fleet Admiral Akira, you're too kind. Compared to your contributions today, what we've done is insignificant."
"If there's ever a pirate you wish to take down, just say the word, and I'll bring them to you immediately."
"Fleet Admiral Akira, there's no doubt—you're the person I respect the most from now on."
"We, Impel Down and the Marines, are united in serving justice. There's no need to separate ourselves. We are all one family."
"Whatever needs to be said, let it be said through the wine. Feel free to ask anything of me."
The mood in the office quickly became lively, with everyone happily exchanging toasts and drinks.
"What you said, Hannyabal, truly touches me. Impel Down and the Marines are indeed one family."
Akira echoed their words cheerfully, though an unreadable glint flashed in his slightly narrowed eyes.
He scanned the room, then quietly activated his Observation Haki, letting it spread throughout Impel Down.
In an instant, countless presences became clear to him.
After filtering out the pirates who were locked away and unable to move, the only ones left with the freedom to roam were the jailers. Their emotions and breaths, as sensed through his Observation Haki, were filled with relief and happiness.
Clearly, in the short time that had passed, all the jailers had received the news.
"If nothing unexpected happens, Impel Down should be secured after this incident," Akira thought to himself.
Time dragged on slowly.
Finally, two hours later, a warden who had been tasked with making the Vivre Card rushed back in.
"Director, Fleet Admiral Akira, the vivre card for the pirates have been prepared!"
He stood at the door, panting, holding a dozen pieces of paper in his hand.
The room fell into sudden silence.
The next moment, Magellan moved in a flash, appearing in front of the warden and grabbing the vivre card with his large hand.
"Fleet Admiral Akira."
Magellan placed the vivre card on the table with great care.
Akira finished the last sip of wine in his glass, then stood up, stretching his neck.
"Now that they're ready, let's head out without delay."
"Sorry for the trouble..." Magellan began, but Akira cut him off.
"You're welcome."
Akira pocketed the life papers and began to walk toward the door under the watchful eyes of everyone.
Just as he was about to step outside, he paused.
"Magellan, how about you come with me and capture them yourself?" Akira asked, tilting his head with a smile.
Magellan was momentarily stunned.
High above the clear blue sky, two bear-paw-shaped air shockwaves cut through the atmosphere, speeding toward their destination.
Within the high-speed shockwaves, Akira and Magellan were clearly visible.
Magellan had ultimately decided to leave Impel Down and join the mission.
In truth, after hearing Akira's suggestion, it was impossible for him not to feel moved.
Over the past 800 years, Impel Down has seen countless directors, but a prison break happened shortly after Magellan took office.
And it succeeded.
This was his greatest shame.
Before, he hadn't dared to dwell on it, but Akira had now given him the chance to regain his honor. Of course, he couldn't let that opportunity slip away.
"The prisoners who escaped under my watch must be captured by me personally," Magellan thought to himself. This was the only way he believed he could wash away the humiliation he carried.
As for Impel Down's security in his absence, he wasn't overly concerned.
First, after the Golden Lion's jailbreak, nearly all dangerous pirates had been locked away. The guards patrolled carefully and could respond to any suspicious movement with deadly force.
In these extraordinary times, extraordinary measures were necessary.
Second, during this period, the clones, created under the supervision of CP, had not yet been used. These leaves, with prisoners' names inscribed on them, had been locked away securely. While no one had utilized them, Magellan didn't mind using them now.
After all, they were made using the prisoners' own energy, so there was no loss in using them without reserve.
At present, every warden in Impel Down had one of these papers, ensuring a flawless security system. Not even a fly could escape, let alone the possibility of another jailbreak.
The reason Akira specifically invited Magellan to join him in capturing the escaped prisoners was because he had other plans in mind.