One piece: I,Akaino will not die easily

Watching the giant fall into deep thought, Lindemann did not urge him but simply rested his right hand on his thigh, using his palm to support his chin. He observed the giant's movements, flicked his left thumb to turn off the camera's flash button, and then quickly pressed the shutter.

Amid Major Bell's loud greeting, the giant did not hear the faint sound of the shutter clicking.

"Major, strictly speaking, this is still raw meat!" Lindemann chuckled as he looked at the three-quarter-cooked meat chunk that was still dripping blood.

"Ah, it's fine, it's more satisfying to chew this way," Dorry, having snapped out of his thoughts, took the food handed to him by the navy. Due to his massive size, the giant meat chunk, nearly as tall as a person, looked just like a skewer in his hands.

"Hey, by the way, Uncle Dorry, why are you on this island?" Major Bell, keeping watch by the campfire, was somewhat puzzled.

"For a sacred duel!" The giant proudly knocked on the surface of his shield. "Only one of us can leave this island alive!"

Another giant? The navy members exchanged glances—this information had to be taken back.

Noticing their nervous expressions, Dorry reassured them, "Don't worry. That guy's name is Brogy. Like me, he's a member of the Giant Warrior Pirates. If there are any other members of your research team on this island, as long as they don't attack him first, there won't be any trouble."

Lindemann said in a low voice, "May we return and inform our companions of this situation? I still feel a bit uneasy."

To their surprise, the seemingly easygoing giant flatly refused this request. He shook his massive head. "No way. You have to tell me the specific details of Elbaf's alliance with the World Government."

Lindemann smiled wryly, somewhat helpless. "I'm just a mid-level officer. How could I possibly know the specifics of what those big shots discuss? You are an elite warrior of Elbaf, and from a military standpoint, we are technically allies. Please don't make things difficult for us."

Dorry stroked his long beard and pondered for a moment. "Your words do make some sense. Alright then, go back and warn your companions, but also inform a superior officer who has real authority. Let him come and meet me." He then turned and pointed toward the eastern volcano. "I live in that direction. I'll be waiting there for your message."

"Vice Admiral!!! We encountered a giant!!"

The first scout team to return reported breathlessly, but all three of them looked disheveled.

Sakazuki remained expressionless and asked in a deep voice, "Did you engage in combat with him?"

If that were the case, then his next plan would be ruined by these incompetent subordinates.

"As per your orders, we immediately retreated upon spotting the giant. We just ran too fast, and the branches and dead leaves in the jungle got stuck on us."

Hearing this, the vice admiral sighed slightly in relief. He looked at the panting trio who had barely caught their breath. "So, did you get a clear look at the enemy's clothing and appearance?"

"....." The three, who had been eagerly waiting for praise, suddenly froze.

After a long silence, the squad leader scratched the back of his head. "We... uh... ran off the moment we saw the giant's figure. It seemed like he was wearing a horned helmet, maybe?"

MDZZ. A crude curse flashed through Sakazuki's mind. With this, they still knew nothing about the giant.

"One hundred push-ups and squats, alternating." The vice admiral's expression darkened. Why was there not a single competent officer among these supposed elites?

"Vice Admiral Sakazuki! We have an important military report!"

Lindemann's voice came from the distance, high in the air.

In just a few seconds, Lindemann and his team landed swiftly on the deck of the warship. "Vice Admiral, we found the giant!"

Emmm… Seeing Lindemann shouting from far away, Sakazuki suspected that this was just another reconnaissance team that fled before even making proper contact. He felt a headache coming on and didn't even bother looking up. "If you dare say you didn't get a clear look at the giant's face, then go recite everything I taught you to the dinosaurs a hundred times."

To his surprise, a camera was handed to him. "This giant is named Dorry, nicknamed the 'Blue Ogre.' According to him, he was once the leader of the Giant Warrior Pirates." Lindemann pointed to the camera and showed his superior the clear image.

…

After a brief silence, Sakazuki turned to the trio still doing push-ups on the deck. "Add another set to your punishment."

"Ahhh! Nooo!" The three wailed in protest but quickened their training pace.

Sakazuki nodded at Lindemann. He knew he could rely on this subordinate. "Very well, well done. Go rest, Lindemann."

"...Emmm, Vice Admiral Sakazuki, I haven't finished my report yet." Lindemann remained standing instead of leaving as ordered.

This time, Sakazuki was genuinely surprised. "There's more information?"

Lindemann composed himself and continued, "We had a brief exchange with the giant and confirmed that he is indeed from Elbaf. He also recognizes the current giant officers in the Marines, such as John Jaudorn. However, he is completely unaware of the alliance between Elbaf and the World Government."

The ever-smiling, fox-like man opened his mouth to continue his detailed report—

"Lindemann! Shut up!!"

"Please, don't say any more!"

"Spare us, Brother Lindemann!!!"

Desperate cries came from the three beside him. Seeing that Lindemann still had an expression of unfinished business, as if he couldn't bear not to share more, they felt their hearts sink.

"Oh dear, that won't do. A soldier must be diligent and responsible." Lindemann feigned a helpless, heartbroken expression and continued his performance. "According to Giant Dorry, there is another elite warrior of the Giant Warrior Pirates on this island. He wears a horned helmet, has large nostrils, and goes by the name 'Red Ogre' Brogy."

"Add three more sets!!!" Sakazuki glanced at the despairing trio and turned to walk toward his cabin. "Lindemann, follow me to the captain's quarters."

Inside the cabin, Sakazuki sat down, resting his right leg on his left thigh with his foot hooked downward—crossing his legs in a relaxed manner. Looking up at Lindemann, who was still standing but nearly as tall as him even when he was seated, he praised, "Not bad. This time, you have made a significant contribution. If this information is true, it will undoubtedly alarm the Marine Headquarters' high command. No, perhaps even the Five Elders themselves might personally take notice."

Seeing his subordinate's surprise, he slightly lifted his chin. "What? Do you not realize how valuable this intelligence is? Take a seat wherever you like."

Lindemann attempted to mimic his superior's stylish posture but nearly twisted his ankle. Failing, he had no choice but to sit properly. He then sincerely asked, "I would appreciate your guidance, Vice Admiral Sakazuki."

"Discovering a giant is one thing, but if he truly is the leader of the Giant Warrior Pirates, then according to the giants' reverence for strength, Dorry undoubtedly holds great influence in Elbaf." Sakazuki pointed out. "The World Government, as always, will forbid us from killing him. At most, we can capture him alive. However, if we manage to recruit him into the Marines, a figure of his prominence would have a massive impact. Not to mention, the Marine Headquarters' giant forces would at least double in size."

Lindemann chuckled in admiration. "As expected of Vice Admiral Sakazuki, to consider such long-term consequences from a single piece of intelligence. With this, the Five Elders will surely look upon you favorably, and the Fleet Admiral will no doubt be proud."

The Five Elders? Sakazuki scoffed at their empty words of praise. What he truly valued were more warships, cutting-edge weapons, and powerful Devil Fruits. However, since most people in this world still held reverence for the World Government's highest authorities, Lindemann's words were not flattery—just a reflection of his own limited worldview.

"Don't try to credit this to me, Lindemann. From discovering the giant to gathering intelligence, this was all your team's accomplishment. I will report it truthfully to the Fleet Admiral."

Though Sakazuki was known for his forceful ways, he was not the type to steal glory for himself. He had no love for fame and power. If he had not earned it through his own efforts, he had no right to claim it.

This time, Lindemann was truly stunned.

Sakazuki had just analyzed the massive impact of this intelligence so clearly. Knowing its importance, he still chose to hand over the credit to his subordinate.

Back when Lindemann served under Vice Admiral Onigumo, he had seen firsthand how Onigumo neither sought fame nor actively promoted his men. But now, for the first time, Lindemann felt that he had truly chosen the right person to follow.

He stood up solemnly, bowing with deep sincerity.

"Vice Admiral Sakazuki, with such mentorship and support, Lindemann will never forget this for the rest of his life!"

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