Soon, news of former Navy Rear Admiral Dragon's defection spread across the world, triggering an uproar in every corner of the seas.
This wasn't simply because a Rear Admiral had turned traitor. What truly shook the world was Dragon's identity — he was the son of the legendary Marine Vice Admiral Monkey D. Garp, known as a hero of the Marines.
Worse still, Dragon had attempted to steal the so‑called tribute paid by allied nations to the World Government. This tribute was supposed to guarantee their protection under the World Government's authority.
If the tribute had truly been taken, those nations would have been forced to pay it again or risk losing their status. Without World Government protection, smaller nations were vulnerable to pirate attacks and invasion almost instantly.
For many of those countries, Lloyd's interception of the tribute was seen not as theft but as safeguarding their interests. They were genuinely relieved that their wealth and hard‑earned Berries remained secure.
Alongside the scandalous news, Dragon's bounty poster was released, listing his bounty at 350 million Berries — a level exceeding even the notorious Gekko Moriah of the Rookie Pirates.
As for Garp, the man accused of aiding and abetting a criminal, he was stripped of all his ranks in Marine Headquarters and exiled directly to Impel Down's Infinite Jail, where he would serve as a Warden Chief.
It was said the World Government initially planned to make him a mere warden, but Fleet Admiral Kong and other leaders pleaded on his behalf, allowing Garp to retain the higher rank of chief warden. Even so, descending from Marine Vice Admiral in Marine Headquarters to Warden Chief was a drastic fall from grace. In the world hierarchy, even a high‑ranking warden could not compare to a Marine Headquarters Vice Admiral in terms of influence or authority.
On the day of his departure, Garp stood at the Marine Headquarters port, staring blankly at a Marine warship about to dock — the vessel that would take him to Impel Down to begin his sentence.
Behind him stood Sengoku and Tsuru, both come to see him off, along with some of his former subordinates led by Bogado.
Lloyd arrived separately with his entourage, waiting for the ship to dock. He had come to escort Garp to Impel Down, as the World Government still feared Garp might defect again before reaching his destination. Lloyd was considered the most trustworthy Marine in the fleet, stronger and more reliable than anyone else.
Garp looked far steadier than before — slightly younger and less listless — a result of Kong intervening and securing the return of ten years of his lifespan from Lloyd.
Although Lloyd could have refused such a request outright, granting Kong's wish improved his standing and influence. Even after restoring ten years, Garp had still lost fifteen years of life, and Lloyd would still have the advantage in any future confrontation.
Once the warship docked, Garp turned back and looked at Marine Headquarters with a reluctant gaze. He forced a weak smile and addressed Sengoku and the others,
"I'm leaving now. I hope we can meet again."
Sengoku and the others only nodded silently, their throats tight with emotion.
At last, under Sengoku and Tsuru's watchful eyes, Garp joined the ranks behind Lloyd and boarded the ship bound for the prison.
Upon arrival at Impel Down, Vice Warden Magellan awaited at the entrance. As Lloyd and the escort group disembarked, Magellan greeted Lloyd respectfully,
"Black Dragon Admiral, hello, I am Vice Warden Magellan."
Lloyd nodded, his gaze sweeping over the group behind Magellan and recognizing a few familiar faces like Shiryu and Hannyabal.
After a moment, Lloyd asked calmly,
"Where is your Warden, Columbus?"
Magellan gave an awkward smile and said,
"I am truly sorry, Black Dragon Admiral, the Warden drank too much and has not woken yet."
It appeared Columbus had developed a severe drinking habit during his long tenure, a fact well known throughout the prison.
Lloyd raised an eyebrow, considering how this could explain how certain figures had escaped so easily in the past.
Magellan, sensing Lloyd's gaze, added nervously,
"I can try to wake the Warden…"
Lloyd waved him off casually,
"No need, let him rest. I do not think he will remain Warden much longer."
With that, Lloyd walked past Magellan toward the interior of Impel Down, and Magellan quickly followed to lead the way.
Within the crowd, Shiryu puffed on his cigar, a look of disdain on his face.
Lloyd suddenly stopped and looked back at Shiryu, voice quiet,
"Extinguish that cigarette."
Shiryu blinked, startled, then replied with a hint of annoyance,
"Black Dragon Admiral, you are a bit too nosy, this isn't Marineford."
Before he could finish, an irresistible gravitational force pulled him straight toward Lloyd. In an instant, Lloyd grabbed him by the neck, lifting him into the air.
The sudden scene stunned everyone nearby. Magellan's face turned dark, and he cursed under his breath,
"Shiryu, you fool, you have no idea the terror of the Black Dragon!"
Shiryu's arrogance was already well known; in his early twenties, he was brimming with confidence. He resented Lloyd, the youngest Admiral in Marine history, feeling Lloyd was merely lucky to be placed in a remote assignment like Impel Down.
In raw strength, Shiryu was powerful enough — if he were in Lloyd's generation, he might even have rivaled Momonga. But compared to Lloyd, he was not fit to carry his shoes.
Lloyd slammed Shiryu to the ground without hesitation, stepping on his head and pushing it firmly to the floor. The burning cigar Shiryu had been holding was crushed and pressed against his cheek.
Lloyd then inhaled smoothly, lifted Shiryu by the back of his collar, and looked down at his battered face with an expression that was deceptively gentle.
"Did you enjoy that smoke now?"