Impel Down

Impel Down, the Great Gaol, is the World Government's maximum-security prison for the most dangerous criminals and pirates. Its name derives from The English verb 'impel', meaning to force. Gaol is an early Modern English spelling for jail.

It is located underwater in the middle of a Calm Belt. To only way to get there with the greatest of ease, one must use a water current accessible by going through the Gates of Justice located at either the Marine Headquarters or Enies Lobby. Also, the only way to safely get to the prison is to use one of the seastone lined Marine battleships as the entire place is surrounded by Sea Kings.

Layout
Impel Down is a large submerged tower like structure that whose foundation is at the very bottom of the sea bed. Due to it being built within the Calm Belt, the entire structure is constantly surrounded by gigantic Sea King swimming alongside underneath the waves. Along with these beasts, the prison is guarded by a force of Marine battleships and crew greater than any Buster Call.

Within the dark confines of the prison are various cells and torture chambers that used for the prisoners. The torture chambers are used for all sorts of brutal unspeakable acts. Among these include rooms for drowning prisoners, and spiked pits used to impale prisoners.

Current known prisoners

 * Sir Crocodile
 * Mr. 1
 * Mr. 2 Bon Kurei
 * Mr. 3
 * Portgas D. Ace
 * Jinbei
 * 500 pirates captured by Admiral Kizaru
 * Buggy the Clown

Crocodile and Mr. 1 were imprisoned in a Marine base, but were transferred to Impel Down after most of the captured Baroque Works members escaped (Crocodile and Mr. 1 chose to stay behind). Bon Clay and Mr. 3 were captured by Hina, and presumably transferred to Impel Down for reasons similar to Crocodile and Mr. 1's transfers.

Defeating Portgas D. Ace led to Blackbeard becoming a Shichibukai, and Ace being sent to Impel Down. Ace is currently sentenced to public execution.

During the Sabaody Archipelago incident, Kizaru captured 500 pirates, and all of them are currently being transferred into Impel Down.

Jinbei has caused a wild outburst during his summons in the Marine HQ, and is sent to Impel Down until he is calmed, but he shows no sign in folding.

Buggy the Clown was transferred here presumably after being captured after leaving the island he mistook for Treasure Island. Buggy managed to escape his cage in Impel Down, but it is unknown whether his aquaintance with Ace has any effect on his recent escape at Impel Down.