One piece: I,Akaino will not die easily

Beneath a military cap resembling an ancient battle helmet lay a cold, square face. Half-closed eyes, paired with a stern and indifferent expression, exuded an aura of menace.

Thick, curly black-brown hair cascaded down his broad back, evoking the image of the bristling fur on an arthropod's body.

This was Onigumo—his name perfectly encapsulating his nature.

As a rear admiral, he was tasked with accompanying Vice Admiral Sakazuki on a warship departing from the Navy headquarters to their destination, the West Blue's Ohara Island, to eliminate the scholars there who had violated the World Government's laws.

While Onigumo was busy verifying and organizing pre-battle preparations, his work was interrupted by a hurried captain.

With a temper that wasn't the best, the rear admiral cast a cold gaze at the panting captain who had disrupted him.

"Captain, is there something that needs to be reported to me?" If this interruption was over a trivial matter, Onigumo wouldn't hesitate to teach the captain before him a lesson.

The captain stopped, saluted, and reported:

"Rear Admiral Onigumo, Vice Admiral Sakazuki just boarded the ship, but he seems to be experiencing severe discomfort in his head and has been escorted to his cabin to rest by subordinates."

Onigumo frowned; this was indeed a matter requiring immediate reporting.

Putting on a stern expression, he questioned, "Why wasn't the ship's doctor arranged to diagnose the vice admiral immediately?"

The captain, looking somewhat aggrieved, replied,

"I did suggest calling the ship's doctor at the time, but Vice Admiral Sakazuki refused, citing concerns about disrupting pre-battle preparations. That's why I came to report the situation to you, Rear Admiral."

'As expected of a soldier among soldiers—he refuses to hinder the mission, even when unwell,' Onigumo thought to himself.

Under these circumstances, there wasn't much he could have done differently.

"Take me to the vice admiral immediately," he ordered. "Yes, sir!"

Inside the cabin, the sound of urgent footsteps approaching interrupted Sakazuki's introspection of his doubts and pessimism about his existence.

No matter what, the memories he inherited should prevent him from revealing any noticeable inconsistencies.

He had to thank the original Sakazuki's resilient and upright personality, as well as his reserved demeanor.

Having regained his composure, Sakazuki quickly came to terms with his new reality: he had transmigrated into the body of someone both familiar and unfamiliar.

Pressing down the brim of his cap, he took a deep breath, his body instinctively straightening as he looked toward the source of the sound.

As Onigumo stepped through the door, he was greeted by the sight of the vice admiral sitting upright, staring at him with the same solemn expression as always, as if nothing was amiss.

Before Onigumo could speak, the vice admiral's deep voice resonated: "Onigumo, what's the matter?"

Onigumo's tone carried a hint of concern as he replied, "I heard that Vice Admiral Sakazuki wasn't feeling well, so I came to check on you.

Sir, are you sure you don't need the ship's doctor to examine you?"

Sakazuki shook his head.

"It's nothing. I've probably just been cooped up at the base for too long. No need to worry. How are the preparations for the warship coming along?"

Onigumo, not overthinking it, answered at once,

"Hearing you say that puts my mind at ease. All personnel in every department are in position, and ammunition and supplies are fully stocked. We're awaiting your command, Vice Admiral Sakazuki."

Sakazuki rose from his chair and walked toward the door.

"Good. Make sure the crew stays alert and await the order to depart from headquarters."

He spoke with a composed demeanor as if the urgency of the Buster Call brought him no anxiety. Onigumo instinctively stepped aside, giving way to the vice admiral.

The lighting inside the cabin could never match that of the outdoors.

The interplay of shadows between the dim interior and the bright exterior spilled over Sakazuki's figure, obscuring his eyes under the brim of his cap.

The sea breeze swept past, lifting the cloak on his back, and causing it to billow audibly.

On the warship's deck, gathered sailors watched this imposing war god.

Their ears were met with the booming command of the towering vice admiral, "Fleet, depart!"

The vice admiral's deep voice rang out: "Destination, West Blue—Ohara. Depart. For justice!" The sailors, as if in unspoken unity, shouted in chorus, "For justice!!!"