Chapter: Forging a Nation's Soul
A great nation is built by its people.
Ezekiel wholeheartedly agreed with this principle. The humans of this world possessed superhuman capabilities—phenomena that defied logic—yet almost no systemic framework existed to harness these wonders.
If 21st-century scientists were transported here, they'd be stunned. While basic physics still applied, Devil Fruits turned every convention upside down.
There was no doubt: Devil Fruits were this world's most precious treasures. Yet their mechanisms remained enigmatic. Even excluding Ezekiel's Smartphone-Smartphone Fruit, only the combination of the **Soul-Soul Fruit**, **Shadow-Shadow Fruit**, and **Lineage Factor** science had made resurrection possible.
As Garp himself once said in the original timeline: "Even stones can be revived."
This was why Ezekiel had pursued an ambition most would deem impossible—because he believed Devil Fruits truly held such power.
.....
Alabasta. Yuba—the oasis city inland.
Once the kingdom's second-wealthiest settlement (after Alubarna), it had been buried under sand during Crocodile's reign. Though Ezekiel had implemented sweeping reforms, the locals' ingrained harshness made this region Alabasta's **least secure**. Even the Rainbase mayor had been assassinated…
Sheriff Kamal lounged in his quarters.
Previously, while Crocodile controlled the underworld, Kamal had managed the "lawful" facade. After Crocodile's death, Kamal lost most official authority—only retaining influence by absorbing his predecessor's criminal networks.
*Bzzt—bzzt—*
Kamal pulled out a **Justice Phone**—the World Government's inferior alternative to Den Den Mushi, now widely adopted despite lagging behind Alabasta's technology.
He answered hastily.
"Kamal. Have you uncovered Ezekiel and Zephyr's whereabouts or activities?"
The voice on the line sounded weary. Though the immediate crisis had passed, the World Government knew Ezekiel had left Alabasta—but his purpose remained a mystery. The seas were vast, and not even they could be omniscient.
Among those present at Thriller Bark, there'd been no traitors.
Without direct contact with Gecko Moria (which the Marines avoided), the Government had no leads. This ignorance fueled desperate intelligence efforts.
*What was he doing out there?* Ezekiel had undeniably become a figure requiring **constant surveillance**.
**"Mr. Zalald… You know how bleak things are for us nobles now. That bastard Ezekiel stripped 80% of our power. I only confirmed he left Alabasta—nothing more. Though… it might involve a Warlord."**
Kamal's voice cut off abruptly.
Zalald, who'd spent two sleepless nights obsessing over Ezekiel's movements, stiffened. He'd expected a breakthrough—only to be met with cryptic hints.
**"Which Warlord?"** he demanded.
Silence.
Then—**strange scuffling noises**.
Kamal seemed to have lost his voice. His widened eyes reflected figures in **dark cloaks**, their faces obscured. Crimson glyphs glowed on their garments. They'd appeared soundlessly.
One extended a hand from their sleeve, offering a **blood-red parchment**:
***"Sheriff Kamal of Yuba. Convicted of treason."***
The execution commenced instantly.
Kamal tried to scream—but a massive, semi-liquid **rice cake** engulfed his head. As he thrashed, more mochi layers smothered him whole.
Zalald heard only wet choking before a new voice rasped through the phone:
**"If the World Government seeks answers… perhaps His Majesty Ezekiel will tell you himself."
Click.
The line died.
Cold dread seeped into Zalald's bones. *Another channel lost.* This marked the **third informant eliminated this week—but at least he'd gained one clue:
A Warlord was involved.
...….
Weeks Earlier
Following Oars' resurrection, Ezekiel tasked Katakuri with forming the **"Veil Guard"**—an elite unit handpicked from Alabasta's military. Their contracts were sealed through the **"All Creatures Equal"** ability-transfer system.
Modeled after **CP agencies**, the Veil Guard operated both overtly and as covert intelligence. Assassination, interrogation, espionage—no method was off-limits.
Katakuri's **90 GB Observation Haki** proved ideal for this role, enabling near-omniscient surveillance within his range.
.....
The **30-hectare Sky Island** wasn't merely for civilian use. At least six floating islands would house Alabasta's military branches—including an aerial fleet base above Eruma, realizing Ezekiel's vision of **air superiority**.
But as Alabasta's strength grew, so did its vulnerabilities. The Veil Guard's existence became indispensable—especially for **purging the aristocracy.
No nation could claim 100% loyalty, but Ezekiel refused to tolerate dissent.
The guilty would be judged.*
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