Chapter 23

Perhaps the World Government has uncovered the secret of the Royal Family of Alabasta's ability to construct the "River of Life," plus the previous failure of CP9, which is why it has used existing technological reserves to create this "phone." Continually sending people to Alabasta, an extremely important transport port, allows for establishing a base station. Ezekiel is convinced that to start something of this nature would require a stationary base station.

Clock Tower.

Toto looked wearily at the documents he held in his hand. In front of him stood a tall man with an indifferent expression, dressed in the World Government's uniform, and he didn't know why he appeared in Alabasta again.

Since Koza forced the rebels to surrender, his father Toto, who was the former leader of Yuba, was transferred to the more important Eastern Port.

"World Government… Why not address this issue directly with His Majesty the King?" Toto asked cautiously.

"His Majesty is too busy. Such trivial matters do not require direct communication with him. The World Government is merely selling mobile phones in Tamarisk and ensuring the security of Alabasta," the man added solemnly.

"..." Toto simply felt the visitor was very unfriendly, but he couldn't pinpoint the problem. After all, he didn't know that the World Government and Alabasta were already in a state of cold war of 'mutual animosity.'

Zalal from the special department of the World Government knows more. At the very least, he knows that the World Government wants to do business in Alabasta and that the Royal Family of Alabasta is highly wary of the World Government. The World Government will not openly command against the King, but will instead open channels one by one in many cities, flooding Alabasta with its mobile phones.

"Toto, do you want to challenge the orders of the World Government on behalf of Alabasta?"

"I cannot represent Alabasta; there will always be only one person who can represent Alabasta," Toto shook his head calmly, "and that is His Majesty the King of Alabasta."

Zalal looked a little embarrassed. As one who carries out the orders of the World Government, he had traveled the seas and the grand waterways. No country dared to resist him, but he hadn't expected to be challenged here today. Even if the King of Alabasta stood before him, he wouldn't allow anyone to speak to him like this.

"Chairman Toto, Alabasta is also a member of the World Government. You are obliged and must comply with the orders of the World Government. This is not a request, but a notification! So, whether you agree or not, the goal of the World Government will not change," Zalal said coldly.

"And what can the World Government offer us?" Will's voice echoed through the town hall, and Toto immediately bowed.

"Your Majesty!" he exclaimed, unsurprised, as he had been communicating with Ezekiel via mobile phone before the guest's arrival. Therefore, he neither directly refused the World Government nor agreed, simply wanting the King to handle the matter himself.

After all, it was the World Government, and no one could make decisions except the King.

"Are you the King of Alabasta?" Zalal recognized him the moment he saw Ezekiel ; he was the only one wearing a crown and cloak in the town hall.

Zalal bowed. He was a member of CP. This was the first time he had seen Ezekiel . At first glance, the King appeared to be someone whose opinion could not be ignored, and the intelligence from the World Government indicated that this was a country even CP9 could not provoke.

"Does the World Government want to sell mobile phones in Alabasta?" Ezekiel asked directly.

"Your Majesty... I believe the World Government holds such power," Zalal didn't answer directly.

"I can agree if the World Government agrees to one condition," Will said with a smile.

Zalal was surprised by this response. According to World Government intelligence, mobile phones were Ezekiel 's most important business. Without the income from mobile phones, the River of Life would collapse instantly, and the Kingdom's rule would sink to the bottom. The country is already engulfed in war.

"What do you want?" Zalal asked.

"I want Crocodile to leave this country," Ezekiel stated firmly.

Crocodile is always a hidden danger. If he's allowed to stay in Alabasta, he'll learn that it wasn't Aokiji who defeated him that day. Of course, it would be nice to kill him, but Ezekiel knows that's not the best solution since this guy is considered a hero.

"I'm afraid that won't work. After all, that man is one of the Warlords, recognized by both the World Government and the Marines," Zalal directly refused, knowing that the World Government's subsequent plans involve using this Shichibukai.

Ezekiel smiled and finally expressed what he truly wanted:

"Then I want the King of Alabasta to always have at least one strong person from the Marines. I mean a truly strong marine."

He needs to possess the strength of the three Admirals or even the might of a person like Garp.

Zalal paused for a moment and sighed. This was purely due to the calmness and wisdom Ezekiel displayed. In his view, Ezekiel should be aware of the World Government's stance toward him, and it would be odd if he didn't want Crocodile to leave. Nevertheless, the young King could clearly distinguish between the Marines and the World Government.

After all, within the World Government, there is too much darkness, despised by those marines who claim to represent Justice.

However, if a marine with a strong sense of justice were indeed sent here, it could eventually have a significant impact on Crocodile's mission. For instance, if Crocodile were to openly attempt to kill the King, would an Admiral intervene?

"I can only relay this for you, but the specific decision will depend on the high-ranking officials of the World Government."

Zalal saw in Ezekiel one of the greatest Kings he had ever encountered, but it was unfortunate that the Alabasta Royal Family was destined to be destroyed. Zalal was following the orders of the World Government, and he could not deviate from them in matters concerning Alabasta.

Ezekiel watched his back, knowing that the World Government would agree to this condition because the Marines are merely a tool in the hands of the World Government