Capítulo 61: Red
News of the Fifth Emperor's capture rippled across the world like a tidal wave. Imai, the infamous pirate who had upended the balance of power, was now on her way to Impel Down, Level Six: Eternal Hell.
For many, her capture was a cause for celebration. Survivors of her bloody massacres—scarred physically and mentally—felt a small measure of relief, though the horrors she had inflicted would haunt them forever.
Yet there were also whispers of disbelief. Those who truly understood Imai's power knew she would never be subdued so easily. Suspicion and uncertainty spread, particularly among her allies.
The pirate world erupted into chaos. Crews tied to the Fifth Emperor began mobilizing toward Marineford, preparing for what would likely be a war. Some sought to free her; others sought revenge. All were drawn like moths to the flames of her imprisonment.
The tension felt eerily familiar, reminiscent of the great battle at Marineford—but everyone knew this confrontation had the potential to eclipse it. The moment Imai stepped into her cell, the world's balance would shift.
The days aboard the marine ship dragged on endlessly for Imai. She had only one word for the journey: boring.
Whenever she glanced at Diane, her so-called captor, she was met with a glare sharp enough to pierce steel. Imai swore she could feel those eyes boring into her even when she slept, though she wasn't sure how that was possible.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the door to her room creaked open. A marine officer appeared, his voice curt. "Move. You're getting off."
As she stepped onto the concrete dock, Imai inhaled deeply, savoring the fresh air. The breeze carried the scent of salt and the faint warmth of the sun—a deceptively serene backdrop for the storm brewing around her.
In front of her stood four towering figures: Akainu, Kizaru, Fujitora, and Garp. Their imposing presence was enough to make the weaker marines tremble.
Akainu, a cigar clenched between his teeth, stared her down. "Never thought I'd see the day you'd be in handcuffs."
Imai smirked. "Me neither. Just remember, it wasn't any of you who brought me in. This was all thanks to Diane's hard work and dedication." She shot a teasing glance at Diane, who only tightened her grip on the cuffs.
"It doesn't matter how it happened," Akainu said, his tone firm. "What matters is that you're here now. Diane, take her in."
Without a word, Diane yanked Imai forward and led her through the gates of Impel Down. The grim fortress loomed above them, its walls radiating an oppressive aura. Descending staircase after staircase, they finally reached the lowest level: Eternal Hell.
The silence was suffocating, the air heavy with despair. Diane shoved Imai into her cell and slammed the iron bars shut. Around her, the eyes of other prisoners gleamed in the dim light, their gazes filled with curiosity and malice.
Leaning against the cold concrete wall, Imai sighed.
"Well, well," a familiar voice drawled from across the corridor. "Out of everyone in the world, I never thought I'd see you here."
Imai looked up to see a man with light blond hair sitting in the cell opposite her. A sharp smile curved her lips. "If it isn't Donquixote Doflamingo. The former world noble himself. Funny, isn't it? My being here proves that nothing is impossible."
Doflamingo chuckled, his laugh low and amused. "True enough. But you know you've stirred up quite the storm, don't you? The battle brewing at Marineford—it's going to be a spectacle."
"Oh, no doubt about it," Imai replied. "And it's your chance to escape, isn't it? I've laid out the perfect conditions for you. You just have to seize the moment."
Doflamingo's grin widened, but his tone turned cold. "Thanks, but I don't owe favors. If I'm breaking out, I'll do it on my own terms."
"Suit yourself," Imai said with a shrug. "By the way, have you seen a girl with scarlet red hair and red eyes? Looks like a devil—people often say she is one."
"Ah, her." Doflamingo's smile returned. "You're talking about Fujiwara Hibiki. She's in isolation. Nearly killed someone here not too long ago."
"Sounds like her," Imai said, chuckling softly.
"Why are you looking for her?" Doflamingo asked, his curiosity piqued. "Don't tell me you two were close."
"Something like that. It's been a long time since I've seen her," Imai replied, her tone light but unreadable.
Doflamingo leaned forward slightly, his piercing gaze locking onto her. "I see what you're doing," he said, his smile turning sinister. "You're planning something big. The pirates flocking to Marineford—they're all just pawns in your game."
"Let's not discuss it further," Imai said, glancing at the nearby cells. "Our neighbors seem very interested in our little chat."
From her right, another voice chimed in. "If you're planning an escape, count me in. I've been waiting for years."
Imai smirked. "If you escape because of me, you owe me a favor. That's the deal."
Doflamingo scoffed. "You're getting ahead of yourself, Yonko."
"Am I?" Imai's gaze darkened. "If you refuse to repay me, I'll kill you myself."
Doflamingo's grin faltered for a split second, replaced by a simmering anger.
"Relax, Doflamingo," Imai said. "I'm not here to start trouble. Not yet, anyway. I've got bigger priorities—like Fujiwara Hibiki. She's going to be a key player in all of this."
Memories of Hibiki surfaced in her mind: a devilish girl with a reputation as dark as her own. From owning slaves to dealing with the underworld, even crossing the Celestial Dragons—Hibiki's deeds rivaled the worst of them.
When the World Government imprisoned her, they wiped her existence from history. But Imai hadn't forgotten. She couldn't afford to.
Leaning back against the wall, Imai closed her eyes, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Prepare yourselves, pirates and marines," she murmured. "The game is about to begin."
Status de energia semanal
-- Ranking de
Poder 
-- Pedra de
Poder