Alabasta, the Sandora River.
As the mother river of the largest kingdom in the world by land area, the Sandora River stretched across almost the entirety of Alabasta.
The only regret was that its end was blocked by a vast mountain range, making a complete passage through the island nearly impossible.
For generations, the desert people who lived here had long grown accustomed to it. Whenever they wished to set sail, they had to take a lengthy route around the entire island. The same was true for the royal family and the countless ships traveling to and from nations across the world.
But now, something they had never even imagined was happening before their eyes, like a dream come true.
After the Great Cataclysm ended, the Marines stepped in. Survey teams arrived and began drafting plans. The ports were placed under temporary control, and the original three river entrances were reduced to a single one while a towering military fortress was constructed beside it.
Standing before that colossal fortress, no one believed pirates could ever force their way in.
And this was only the beginning. They would never forget what happened that day.
* * *
A few days earlier.
Alabasta, the end of the Sandora River.
Aboard a floating warship.
The scorching heat made people drowsy, while below, the waters of the Sandora River remained calm and undisturbed. From time to time, the sounds of discussion and argument drifted out from the ship's cabin.
Standing beside the railing was Vivi, the sole heir of Alabasta and its newly crowned queen. Several completed blueprints rested in her hands as she gazed absentmindedly at the river below.
For thousands of years, this idea had appeared and disappeared in the minds of countless kings of Alabasta. And now, the Marines had placed it directly before her. The plan to open the Sandora River beyond the mountains was right there in her hands.
Inside the cabin, the designers who had created the various proposals were still arguing fiercely over whose plan was superior, each presenting endless reasons to support their case. Yet the final decision had been left to her.
"Have you decided which plan to use yet, Queen Vivi?"
A man draped in a Justice cloak approached. He was "Murashi" Soter, an Admiral of the World Federal Government.
"To be honest, the differences between the plans aren't that significant. Designers argue all the time. It's part of their daily routine, so there's no need to pay too much attention to it. The decision is yours."
Wearing her crown, Vivi turned toward him. A trace of disbelief still lingered in her eyes.
"I know. It's just... it's hard to believe. Opening the Sandora River is something every member of Alabasta's royal family has dreamed about. But the manpower and resources required are beyond imagination. Even during our peak eight hundred years ago, the proposal was abandoned shortly after it was presented. I never imagined it could actually become reality today. It truly is..."
Vivi placed her right hand over her chest and bowed respectfully. With a solemn expression, she said, "Please convey my gratitude to Fleet Admiral Sakazuki. I speak on behalf of the Alabasta Royal Family and all our people in offering our gratitude and respect to the World Federal Government and Fleet Admiral Sakazuki."
Seeing this, Soter returned the salute and replied solemnly, "I will faithfully convey your gratitude and respect to Fleet Admiral Sakazuki."
After receiving his response, a smile appeared on Vivi's face as she picked up the blueprints. "All of these proposals are excellent. I'm going to discuss them with the ministers. It won't take long. I also have some gifts prepared for the designers."
Soter nodded. "That's fine. There's no rush. Opening the Sandora River is only the beginning. For a long time to come, I'll probably remain stationed here. Alabasta is simply too large. Even with the Seraphim, the transformation would likely take decades to complete. I'll escort you back to the royal palace first."
The warship sped through the sky toward Alabasta's royal palace.
Standing by the ship's railing, Vivi gripped it tightly. The rushing wind blew against her face, bringing a trace of coolness that she could clearly feel.
All of this was real…
* * *
That night, the Alabasta Royal Palace was brightly illuminated.
The sounds of heated discussion drifted beyond the palace walls. Countless residents looked toward the palace curiously, wondering what major event was taking place.
"We should choose this plan. Once the river is opened, domestic transportation will become much more convenient."
"No, no. It has to be this one."
"This proposal is the long-term solution. Alabasta will become the world's greatest trade hub in the future."
"That's not right. The needs of the citizens should come first."
"I think the desert restoration project that follows this plan is the most important part."
"This one..."
"No..."
Outside the palace, on a balcony.
Vivi gazed at the countless stars scattered across the night sky, searching for the one that might be her father.
"Igaram, do you think Father would be happy if he saw this proposal?"
The blueprint in her hands was the plan that focused primarily on combating desertification after the Sandora River was opened.
The curly-haired captain of the royal guard, Igaram, spoke softly. "No matter which proposal is chosen, His Majesty would be happy. This is the shackle that has bound Alabasta for thousands of years. Now it's finally about to be broken. The world truly has become a better place."
A smile suddenly spread across Vivi's face, and her voice carried a touch of emotion. "Yes... the world really is different now..."
Unified planning and management. The ports had been rebuilt and placed under the Marines' control. The introduction of ID Cards had almost completely eliminated the possibility of pirates emerging, while specialized experts designed development plans according to the unique characteristics of each island.
Even for a vast superpower like Alabasta, where the Seraphim alone were insufficient, the strongest figures in the world would personally step in to carry out the transformation.
Such things had once been beyond imagination. Whether it was pirates, the Marines, or even the former World Government, inviting people of that caliber to help came at a price Alabasta could never afford.
To those powerful individuals, it might have been no more than a trivial effort, but in a world where strength ruled above all else, that was simply reality.
No one cared about the opinions of the weak, and no one truly sought to change the world.
In the past, even if Alabasta emptied its entire treasury, it probably could not have convinced Shiki to open the Sandora River. More likely, everything they owned would have been taken from them instead.
But things were different now.
"Igaram, issue a public announcement. Inform the people across the kingdom that anyone interested may travel to the mountains and witness the opening of the Sandora River."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
* * *
Seven days later.
On the mountain range that blocked the Sandora River, a sea of people covered the mountainsides. They had traveled day and night from every corner of Alabasta, their clothes covered in dust and sand from the long journey.
After arriving, they accepted the simple meals prepared by the royal family and the World Federal Government, then eagerly turned their eyes toward the distant river.
All of them had come for one reason: to witness the moment that would change Alabasta forever.
"Can it really... be opened?"
"It should be true. Her Majesty has already made the announcement. And besides, this is the government led by Fleet Admiral Sakazuki."
"If he ordered it, there can't be a mistake."
"This is wonderful. In the future, we won't have to sail all the way around the island to trade."
"Once the river is connected, commerce will flourish. After that..."
"Grandpa, why are you crying?"
"Good boy... Grandpa isn't crying. Grandpa is happy..."
As time passed, the sun climbed to the very center of the sky. Even though some people had yet to arrive, they could wait no longer.
Standing atop the highest peak, Vivi spoke into an amplification device. "People of Alabasta! We are about to witness a historic moment. The Sandora River Opening Project, proposed, designed, and carried out by the World Federal Government, is about to begin. Once completed, the Sandora River will be renamed the Sandora Canal. Alabasta will enter a brand-new era! Let us witness it together!"
After a brief silence came an explosion of cheers. Countless people standing across the mountains shouted until their faces turned red. Their voices seemed to shake the heavens and the earth.
Even Vivi found it difficult to remain calm amidst the overwhelming excitement. Still, she managed to keep her composure as she turned toward Soter.
"Admiral Soter, I'll leave it to you."
Soter smiled and nodded before shooting into the sky. Under the gaze of countless spectators, he flew above the very end of the Sandora River.
"All residents who have arrived at the mountains, as well as those still on their way, remain where you are! Grab onto something nearby and steady yourselves!"
His voice, empowered by Haki, rang out like a massive bell, allowing everyone to hear it clearly.
After the crowd hurriedly followed the instructions, Soter took a deep breath and fixed his gaze upon the mountain range before him.
He raised both arms, and the muscles across his body swelled dramatically.
Clap!!!
The sharp sound of his palms coming together echoed across the heavens and earth.
"OPEN!!!!!!"
With that roar, the mountain range trembled. The people standing atop the mountains felt the ground beneath their feet shaking violently, while the peaks themselves seemed to be moving in an unimaginable way.
Those who had not yet arrived only saw the figure hovering in the sky. Then, following a single command, as if answering the decree of a god, the mountains blocking the river began to part. They shifted toward both sides of the Sandora River while the earth shook madly beneath them.
From above, the sight was breathtaking. The Sandora River was being forcibly torn open.
Thunderous rumbling filled the air without end as a vast canyon split through the land, widening as it stretched forward. It raced toward the distant sea, carving a path across the island.
Everyone stared blankly at the scene before them. It looked like a miracle, and no one could find the words to speak.
Then the seawater from the opposite side of the island finally met the water on this side.
The collision unleashed a terrifying force. It was as though a colossal bomb had exploded beneath the sea. A towering mushroom cloud rose into the sky, while countless droplets of water blasted outward and splashed across the faces of everyone present.
"Long live Alabasta!!!"
Tears filled the eyes of every Alabastan as they looked at the newly connected river. It was the dream countless generations had longed to see.
The emotions surging through their hearts were impossible to describe, so all they could do was shout at the top of their lungs.
**
**
**
Thank you for reading! If you'd like access to extra chapters and want to support my work, you can visit my P@treon:
P@treon/SilverShark769
Vote with Power Stones for Bonus Chapters!
Your support means a lot, thank you!