"Hmm…"
Enel scratched his head sleepily as he watched the God's Army bustling about. He was perpetually busy. Research never ended, and he dedicated his days to new discoveries and theoretical constructs. His current project was nearing completion, requiring no assistance. He wondered what the commotion was about and stopped one of the soldiers.
"Has something happened?"
"Oh, Dr. Enel. Apparently, there are intruders in Upper Yard, and we've been ordered to increase surveillance."
"Intruders? That land was returned to the Shandia eighteen years ago. It's their territory now. We have no right to interfere."
"We haven't been told the details…"
Enel avoided political matters. He knew that entering Shandia territory without a formal agreement would create problems. He wouldn't stop them if they insisted, but he was curious who had initiated this.
"Who gave that order?"
"It came from Lord Gan Fall, but I heard it originated from Lady Komurasaki."
"…That little girl."
Enel stroked his chin, glancing towards the guesthouse. The soldier looked around nervously, worried about being overheard, but Enel simply frowned.
"Dr. Enel! You shouldn't say such things! What if someone hears you!?"
"I don't care. Even if no one's around, she'll hear it. That's her ability."
The Goro Goro no Mi, the Rumble-Rumble Fruit, Komurasaki's Devil Fruit, had once belonged to Octavia. Having served Octavia, Enel was familiar with its power, and he knew Komurasaki was quickly mastering it, almost rivalling her predecessor. However, to him, only Octavia was worthy of the title "God." He frankly disliked Komurasaki.
As long as he continued to prove his usefulness to Twilight, he wouldn't be punished for his insubordination. He didn't hesitate to voice his displeasure. He only acknowledged Octavia, and her daughter, Kanata, as "God." No one else, regardless of their position, was worthy of his respect.
Neither Gan Fall nor Komurasaki, in his eyes, were fit to be "God's spokespeople" on this island.
"I don't know the details, but tell them not to cause trouble and bother Kanata."
"Th-that's… a bit difficult for a mere soldier…"
"Is it? Fine, I'll tell her myself."
He had to fetch his research partner anyway. She was probably still asleep in the guesthouse. He might as well wake her up while delivering his complaint.
Their research fields were vastly different, but Caterina was undeniably brilliant. A specialist in human anatomy, her knowledge of ergonomics was invaluable for ship design, and Enel often sought her advice… but her true objective, he had heard, was the knowledge of Ohara. He didn't know or care about her purpose, but since she never consulted him, it likely wasn't related to physics or structural engineering.
Komurasaki was here as her bodyguard, but that wasn't strictly necessary. Frankly, Enel disliked her and didn't want her here.
"…If she weren't such an excellent power source…"
He wouldn't dare do anything that would anger Kanata. It was a fleeting thought.
***
"Ah, this is Shura, reporting from above. All clear."
"This is Satori. Ship sighted near the outer edge. Likely the Straw Hats' vessel. Over."
"This is Ohm. Nothing unusual to report. Over."
"This is Gedatsu. This is nnnnnnnnn! Nnn–"
"Damn it! Stop biting your lip when you talk!?"
"My mistake."
"No problems so far. Maintain surveillance."
The border patrol, usually tasked with managing immigration and emigration, had been reassigned to monitor Upper Yard. They were communicating via Baby Den Den Mushi, relaying information to the White Berets stationed on a ship near the island.
The White Berets usually handled disputes between residents and guest-related issues on Ohara. Their captain, McKinley, meticulously recorded the reports, compiling them for Gan Fall and Komurasaki every hour.
"Keep the Den Den Mushi lines open. We can't afford any surprises."
"Yeah. But those Straw Hats… they never listen."
"Gahahahaha! They're pirates! What do you expect!?"
"That's right! Worrying about every little thing will make you go bald!"
"Satori, Ohm's already bald."
"Shut up, you two. Want to be eliminated first?"
"…"
McKinley felt a twinge of anxiety, but he trusted their abilities. These patrolmen, all skilled users of Mantra, or Kenbunshoku Haki, were among the strongest soldiers on Skypiea. There were none more reliable.
The Shandia warriors had been relatively peaceful since the return of Upper Yard, rarely causing trouble unless someone trespassed. Even then, Twilight hadn't intervened, leaving the Shandia to handle it themselves.
McKinley was puzzled by their sudden change in policy, but… the order had come from Komurasaki. Gan Fall had simply relayed a message to the Shandia, requesting a peaceful resolution. She, however, was a different story.
"Since her approach differs significantly from Lord Gan Fall's, the God's Army is somewhat… confused. Please keep us updated."
They didn't know the nature of the other intruders in Upper Yard besides the Straw Hats. They had been tasked with maintaining surveillance, and failure wasn't an option.
"Oh, Giant's Lake."
"You mean that lake shaped like a giant's footprint?"
"Hard to believe it's a natural formation, but I find it equally difficult to believe there are giants that large."
"My father apparently made it when he fought here."
"I heard the tilting trees in that area are also his doing. Intriguing, but we can't enter."
"Are you even listening…?"
McKinley felt a growing sense of unease as the four patrolmen continued their casual chatter while supposedly on surveillance duty.
***
Maraptonoka and her group, having landed on the southwestern shore of Upper Yard near a sandy beach, dispersed.
Maraptonoka and Martin, still in his child form, were the only pair, walking confidently through the jungle. While insects and animals were present, none approached, seemingly wary of Maraptonoka. While she appreciated the lack of distractions, she occasionally glanced upwards with an irritated expression.
"Is something wrong?"
"Not exactly, but… that incessant bird call is rather annoying."
"Bird?"
It was a South Bird, calling out, "Joooo!" While it was a strange call, Martin paid it no mind, but Maraptonoka seemed bothered. She placed her hands on her hips and pouted.
"'Get out of this forest, monster,' it says… How rude, to address such a beauty in that manner."
"The bird doesn't know if you're beautiful or not."
"Shut up."
Maraptonoka's retort was sharp, but she didn't draw her weapon. Whether she deemed the bird unworthy of her attention or had other reasons, she refrained from resorting to violence, despite her irritation.
The South Bird, perhaps sensing her displeasure, continued its taunts from a safe distance, not approaching. She had probably decided it wasn't worth the effort.
"If there were something interesting here, it would alleviate the boredom…"
"Interesting… Well, I've found some locals. Warriors, it seems."
"Oh? And where are they headed?"
"North, from the village on the south side of the island. Probably towards the location of yesterday's battle with the Straw Hats."
"I see… That could be interesting."
Perhaps they could glean some information from the locals. While she didn't expect much, she had noticed the lack of cleared paths, suggesting this island had been untouched by human hands for a long time.
If that was the case, perhaps there were undiscovered items of value, things worthless here but prized elsewhere. Ohara was located northeast of Upper Yard. While she didn't know the exact range of Komurasaki's Kenbunshoku Haki, judging by the location of Martin's defeat, she likely covered more than half the island.
They had to avoid getting too close if they wanted to explore, but to lure them out, they had to risk entering her range…
"…Let's start by gathering information from the locals. It might lead to a business opportunity."
With a wicked smile, Maraptonoka changed course.
***
Meanwhile, the Straw Hats, en route to their presumed location of the gold, had been scattered by a giant snake. They had encountered it south of their campsite. Its size and venomous fangs had prompted them to flee, leading to their separation.
"Lost, huh? Those guys… Oh well, they'll be fine. I'll just wait for them at the ruins. South… that's the warm direction."
Luffy picked up a sturdy stick and headed southeast.
"Where are those idiots? Getting lost right after we set out… Oh well, they'll manage. I have the map memorized… South is… right."
Zoro headed off in a completely different direction.
"Separated, huh? I could track their 'voices,' but… it's difficult to distinguish them now that they're scattered. I suppose waiting at the ruins is the best option… Which way is south?"
Pedro wandered through the forest, searching for a South Bird.
"This is troublesome… We're separated. No one's returning to the planned route… Should I just wait at the ruins?"
Robin, having returned to their prearranged path, found no one. She set off for the ruins alone.
"L-l-lost! Someone, anyone! Aaaaagh!"
Chopper, separated from the others, ran through the forest, crying, heading southwest and getting hopelessly lost.