One piece: I,Akaino will not die easily

How can we define whether a person can be called a good person? There are many factors to measure and judge, such as good character, proper behavior, willingness to help others... But if the question is: How do we define whether a soldier can be called a good soldier, then the question becomes much simpler. All generals would unanimously answer this question: Obey orders!

In Sakazuki's memories of his previous life, there was even a "Three Iron Rules" for soldiers:

Obey orders!Obey orders!Obey orders!

The duty of a soldier is to obey orders. This is the most fundamental and core quality of a soldier. However, for a soldier, the orders from superiors are divided into two types: one from their direct superior, and the other from their indirect superior. If the orders from the direct superior and the indirect superior align, then there's nothing to discuss—just carry out the orders without compromise.

The real issue arises when the direct superior and the indirect superior's orders conflict. As a soldier, how should one choose? This is actually a very difficult question because, according to regulations, the direct superior's orders take precedence, as the direct superior is directly responsible for the soldier.

But there is often a gap between ideals and reality, especially in this era of the Navy Headquarters, which operates as a highly hierarchical organization with a heavy emphasis on personal authority. Take this example: Vice Admiral Garp, known across the seas as a naval hero, orders a rank-and-file soldier like me to punch Admiral Akainu in the face to avenge a personal grudge. He says something like, "Young marine, you just go ahead and hit him. Afterward, I'll take responsibility as your direct superior. As a naval hero, I'll bear the consequences."

Well said! I choose to die! Because if I, as a soldier, follow your order to attack Akainu, who is my indirect superior, with Akainu's temperament, I'll definitely get hammered into oblivion. Even if the indirect superior is understanding and doesn't pursue the matter, I'll still be subjected to some subtle retaliation later. A little bureaucratic reprisal, like being "given small shoes to wear," is enough to make me regret everything.

These small issues can often be ignored in peacetime, but if such conflicts between direct and indirect superiors occur on the battlefield, it's an outright disaster. It might be cleaner and simpler to surrender outright or slit one's throat.

As a result, Sakazuki decided to address this issue and make some adjustments. In this world, the military's understanding and execution of absolute obedience are both vague and hesitant, as shown by problematic marines like Smoker and a bunch of rogue soldiers in the future.

"Hello, Fleet Admiral Sengoku?"

"Is that you, Sakazuki?"

"Yes, Fleet Admiral. My fleet has arrived at Ohara. The formation is complete, and we are awaiting the order from the Golden Den Den Mushi. However..."

"?"

"...Regarding the treatment of the evacuation ship, there are concerns that it might be hiding some fugitive scholars. I seek your instruction: should we destroy the evacuation ship simultaneously when the bombardment begins?"

"..."

There was a moment of silence from the other end of the Den Den Mushi, and then the firm voice of Fleet Admiral Sengoku came through:

"Avoid targeting the evacuation ship during the bombardment. There is only one ship. If there truly are fugitive scholars onboard, they won't escape. Afterward, the Navy will individually investigate the personnel on the evacuation ship."

Sakazuki's lips curled into a smile.

"Understood!"

He immediately reported the matter to his direct superior, leaving the decision to them. If Sengoku had said, "Destroy it!" Sakazuki would not have hesitated to inform all ships to open fire. He would have done everything he could to resolve the matter, and even if the result wasn't what he had hoped for, he would not waver further. This was the conduct Sakazuki believed a soldier should have. However, if Sengoku said, "Do not destroy it," this left enough room for Sakazuki to maneuver, and future strategies would become possible.

The greatest advantage of being a reincarnator was information. In Sakazuki's view, the asymmetry of information and the ability to foresee events in advance surpassed any other benefit a reincarnator could have. (Therefore, this book will not include any systems or special abilities, aiming to provide readers with a pure and somewhat realistic One Piece world.)

Given Sengoku's personality, Sakazuki was confident he would hear the order to "not destroy." Though his old superior was a staunch "government loyalist," who had risen to the position of Fleet Admiral through reliable task completion, outstanding military capabilities, and considerable combat prowess, compared to Sakazuki's own future radicalism, Sengoku was undeniably a moderate.

Moreover, even the Gorosei, the highest authority in the World Government, did not consider outright massacring civilians, as they had arranged an evacuation ship for their escape. Fundamentally speaking, the benefits of sparing the civilians outweighed the consequences of exterminating them. It's simple: the word "interests."

The benefits of eradicating these uninvolved civilians would merely ensure absolute secrecy and closure on the Ohara scholars' issue. However, it would also bring about widespread panic and skepticism among allied nations and islands. The phrase "The World Government ordered the massacre of civilians" would only magnify doubts about this incident. Such a move would exacerbate the distrust and divide between the World Government and its allied nations—a cost that no single evacuation ship could compensate for.

On the other hand, saving civilians during the Buster Call would enhance the World Government's reputation, indirectly reinforcing the narrative that the Ohara scholars were "devils" in their pursuit—an affirmation that the World Government only targets those who break the law by attempting to revive the ancient weapons. This would bolster the Government's credibility as the rightful authority of justice.

Given the high cost of extermination and the favorable returns from sparing the civilians, the two cannot be compared. The Gorosei, as the ultimate authority of the World Government, undoubtedly possessed the sharpest insight and governance in this era.

Sakazuki dialed the Den Den Mushi for the third time.

"Announce to the entire fleet: Fleet Admiral Sengoku has issued an additional order. All ships and combat units are under no circumstances permitted to fire upon the evacuation ship. After the operation is concluded, personnel onboard the evacuation ship will undergo verification."

"Understood."

"Order confirmed."

"Understood."

"Ahh, got it."

"Received!!"

The combination of his cap and hood effectively concealed Sakazuki's expression. Hidden in the shadows where no one could see, his typically stern and cold "iceberg face" broke into a faint smile of satisfaction.