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"Everyone—"
"I won't say much more about the matter with the nun!"
"Some of you are more mature and sensitive than typical children, and you're likely already aware of her true nature."
As the sun set, the children from the Sheep's House, along with Linlin, Gerd, and Hajrudin, gathered on the beach. El, towering like a small giant, stood among them like a crane in a flock of chickens, while the others sat obediently on the grass. No one was playing around anymore. Instead, they all listened intently to El's words.
"In any case, from today onward, we're a family, and we'll live together!" El declared loudly, looking at the children from the Sheep's House. "Since you all call me Big Brother El, I won't abandon you. You can rest assured!"
"This dreamland amusement park is just the beginning. I will lead you in building a kingdom of our own, where people of all races can live together peacefully and harmoniously!"
"Yes, Big Brother El!"
"From now on, we'll follow you!"
"That's right, Big Brother El, you're our 'guardian' now!"
"We'll listen to everything you say, Big Brother El!"
"Please don't leave us behind!"
One by one, the children's eyes lit up with admiration for El, their voices full of enthusiasm.
"Big Brother El, I want to be a part of this too!" Linlin shouted.
"Me too!" added Gerd, as both girls clung to El's arms.
"Of course, you two are my wings!" El smiled as he pinched their cheeks. Linlin, being naturally powerful, would undoubtedly become a key fighter in the future. He remembered Gerd had a talent for medicine, which could lead her to become the team's doctor and a fighter as well. Moreover, her Soul-Soul Fruit abilities would make her invaluable in both combat and other tasks. While the fruit's powers couldn't directly heal others, the potential applications of giving life to objects were endless.
"Hehe..."
Both girls were overjoyed by El's acknowledgment.
El then looked at Hajrudin. "Hajrudin, do you want to join us as well?"
Compared to Gerd, Hajrudin didn't have as much potential. He might not become a force on par with a Navy Admiral, but with the inherent strength of the giant race, he could still be cultivated into a valuable asset.
"Me... Can I really be one of your wings, Big Brother El?" Hajrudin blushed, feeling ashamed. "But earlier, I was so embarrassing!"
Hajrudin, whose dream was to become a warrior as great as Mountain Beard and Waterfall Beard, had been mortified by his fear of heights. He was still haunted by how he almost wet his pants when they were flying just a few hundred meters off the ground.
"Everyone has things they're good at and things they're not. What's important is to face your fears head-on, not to run from or avoid them," El said, patting Hajrudin's shoulder with a reassuring smile. "Hajrudin, I believe one day you'll overcome your fear of heights!"
"Big Brother El..." Hajrudin gazed at El, who stood tall and confident before him.
"Even if one day the great duel between Blue Ogre Dorry and Red Ogre Brogy concludes, and the Giant Warrior Pirates rise again with one of them returning in victory..." El continued, placing a firm hand on Hajrudin's shoulder, "with your current strength, you're still far from being able to lead them. Instead, why not train with us on the seas and sharpen your skills? I believe, in time, you'll surpass even Mountain Beard and Waterfall Beard to become the strongest giant warrior!"
Hajrudin was still somewhat naive and idealistic at this point, unlike his future self, who would harbor grand, unrealistic ambitions of becoming king of the giants. His current dream was to become a warrior as respected as Mountain Beard and Waterfall Beard.
"Alright—"
Hajrudin's face flushed with excitement. "I'll follow you, Big Brother El!"
"From now on, you'll train with us," El smiled. "When we return to Elbaf in a few days, I'll explain everything to your teacher, Raideen."
Since Mountain Beard and Waterfall Beard were quite old, they no longer had the energy to guide someone like Hajrudin, whose talent wasn't particularly outstanding. Usually, Hajrudin trained under his teacher, Raideen, a former member of the Giant Warrior Pirates. Over the past six months, Mountain Beard and Waterfall Beard had taught El everything they knew, including the secrets of Elbaf's Spear Techniques. Out of respect for them, El refrained from using his special observation haki to read their memories. Now that El had learned almost everything they had to offer, he was ready to teach Hajrudin.
"Alright, meeting's over! Time to prepare dinner!" El clapped his hands, pleased with himself for convincing Hajrudin to join their ranks. As for Gerd? She was definitely not going anywhere.
"Once everyone has eaten and rested well tonight..." El said, his tone serious as he looked around. "This will be the most comfortable and peaceful night you'll have for some time!"
"Starting tomorrow, I'll be training all of you to become proper warriors!"
"Linlin, Gerd, Hajrudin, you'll be training too!"
"No one gets to slack off!"
"Eh!?" Linlin wasn't the only one shocked—Gerd was equally surprised. She pouted, realizing this wouldn't just be a vacation in the 'Dreamland Amusement Park' but would involve training just like in Elbaf.
"Yes, Big Brother El—" Hajrudin and the children from the Sheep's House, however, were full of energy and excitement, eager for what was to come.