### **Chapter: The Veil Guard Rises**
Ezekiel hadn't planned to activate this organization so soon. But Zephyr and Fujitora's joint insistence forced him to reconsider. The irony wasn't lost on him—**a justice-obsessed former Admiral** and **a righteous knight** advocating for covert ops.
*"Even the World Government has their CP units,"* Zephyr argued. *"Their methods are ruthless, but nations need such organs. Alabasta is vast—moles are inevitable. Katakuri is the ideal foundation. His conscience won't falter."*
Zephyr also recommended **Smoker for Admiral**, citing his virtual-world training and combat feats. Ezekiel approved.
---
### **The World Government's Gambit**
Upon learning a **Warlord** was involved, the Government urgently contacted all Shichibukai—even Jinbe. Only **Gecko Moria** of Thriller Bark remained silent.
The Elders' hearts clenched at the thought of Moria's **Shadow-Shadow Fruit**. Ezekiel's ability to **weaponize seemingly weak Devil Fruits** terrified them.
*First the Mirror-Mirror Fruit, now this… What horrors has he wrought with shadows?*
Their debate concluded with a decree: *Uncover Alabasta's secrets—whatever the cost.*
---
### **Blackbeard's Folly**
Ezekiel observed the news with cold amusement:
- **Blackbeard** murdered a Whitebeard crewmate and fled.
- **Ace** pursued him.
- Marine patrols returned empty-handed.
*"It begins,"* Ezekiel mused. Ace stood no chance against Teach, who craved the **Warlord title** as a stepping stone.
Would he come to Alabasta? Unknown.
...….
**Sun scorched the desert.**
A hulking figure navigated a laughably small sky-boat, teeth bared in a grin beneath his red captain's coat.
*"What lunatic invented this World Government junk?! One misstep and I'm paste!"*
The **Justice Phone** mounted on the boat crackled:
**"Blackbeard—earn your Warlord spot by bringing us Alabasta's secrets!"**
*"Go to hell!"* Teach mentally roared as a gust nearly toppled him. Signal degraded further, matching his foul mood. *Regretting this spy gig already.*
Then—**the Sky Island loomed.**
Intel suggested a **world-shaking secret** hid here. Teach licked his lips. *"Heh. My ticket to power."*
Clutching the island's edge, he hauled himself up—and froze.
**A titan blotted out the sun.**
Clad in obsidian armor, the **67-meter behemoth** made even Little Oars Jr. seem puny. Crimson skin. Hellish horns. Eyes burning with primal fury.
Teach's lips twitched. *"Oars' inbred cousin?"*
But size meant **leverage**. Giants had weaknesses…
*"I ate the strongest Logia! Future Emperor! This overgrown oaf's nothing!"*
**"BLACK HOLE!"**
Dark vortices erupted, swallowing Oars' feet. Steel armor warped—then **shattered**. Yet the flesh beneath remained unscathed.
Teach's smirk died. *"How?! Flesh tougher than steel?!"*
Oars scratched his head. *"Tingly…"*
Then—**comprehension dawned.**
*"You attacking me? His Majesty said I can hit back."*
**WHOOSH.**
A fist like a meteor descended. Teach summoned **Black Water** to counter—until he saw it:
**The fist turned ink-black.**
*Advanced Armament Haki.*
*"SINCE WHEN DO GIANTS HAVE HAKI?!"*
Oars' 500-year battle-lust erupted in a roar that split clouds:
**"I AM OARS. EXPECT NO MERCY!"**
**BOOM.**
The punch landed like a **continental plate shifting**.
--