Chapter 3: The Vice-Captain's Oath

The sun hung high above Shells Town as the echoes of the earlier clash faded into silence. The streets, once filled with fear, now buzzed with awe and curiosity. Whispers of Monkey D. Luffy and his first recruit, the mysterious Dikun Silver, spread like wildfire.

The marines who had been defeated groaned in pain, scattered across the square. The officer who had terrorized the villagers lay unconscious, his pride crushed. Despite the trouble Luffy had caused, the people couldn't hide their relief. For the first time in years, they had witnessed resistance against injustice.

But Luffy, of course, didn't dwell on any of that.

"Wahaha! That was awesome!" Luffy laughed, hands on his hips. "Did you see how far that guy flew?"

Dikun, standing calmly beside him, observed the destruction with a sharp gaze. His crimson eyes betrayed no regret — only analysis. The damage Luffy had caused was significant, but so was the statement they had made. The World Government would take notice.

"You realize this means you've made the marines your enemy," Dikun said, his tone calm. "There's no going back."

Luffy simply grinned. "I never planned to."

The silver-haired strategist held his gaze for a moment longer before nodding. "Then I'll keep my word. From this day on, I am your Vice-Captain."

---

A Simple Oath

The declaration was met with silence at first. The villagers, though relieved, still couldn't believe what they had witnessed. Pirates — even ones who had helped them — were not often seen as heroes.

Yet Dikun stood by his decision.

"You're serious about this Pirate King thing," Dikun said, his voice low but firm. "That's not an easy road. The Grand Line will tear apart anyone unprepared."

"I don't care how hard it gets," Luffy replied, his voice unwavering. "I'll just get stronger."

Dikun's lips twitched — not quite a smile, but something close. "Then as your Vice-Captain, I'll make sure you live long enough to see that dream through."

Luffy grinned wide. "Great! Let's go find the others!"

"Others?"

"Yeah! I'm planning to get ten crewmates!" Luffy held up both hands, wiggling his fingers. "A swordsman, a cook, a navigator—"

Dikun shook his head, cutting him off. "That's foolish."

Luffy blinked. "Huh?"

"Ten people aren't enough," Dikun said flatly. "The Grand Line isn't just some playground. You're going to need more than a handful of people to stand against the likes of the Marines or the Warlords."

Luffy scratched his head, confused. "But I thought a small crew would be fun!"

Dikun narrowed his eyes. "Fun won't keep you alive."

For the first time, Luffy frowned. His lips twisted in thought, but Dikun could see the stubborn gleam in his eyes.

"Fine," Dikun relented. "You can have your ten crewmates. But I'll build a force that supports us. Foot soldiers, fighters, and people who believe in your dream."

Luffy tilted his head. "Like a whole army?"

"Not an army." Dikun's crimson eyes flashed. "A crew worthy of the Pirate King."

The conviction in his voice sent a chill through the villagers who watched from a distance. Even Luffy, who rarely gave deep thought to strategy, felt a surge of excitement.

"Okay! You do that!" Luffy said with his signature grin. "You'll be the best Vice-Captain ever!"

---

A Bond of Trust

The two clasped hands firmly — a silent oath exchanged. Though they had only just met, there was an unspoken understanding between them.

"I'll keep you alive," Dikun said, his voice resolute. "And I'll make sure the world knows the strength of the Straw Hat Pirates."

"And I'll become King of the Pirates!" Luffy declared without hesitation.

The villagers murmured, still processing the scene. Some were hesitant, uncertain about Luffy's ambitions. But the old man Luffy had saved stepped forward, bowing deeply.

"Thank you," the elderly villager said softly. "For standing up for us when no one else could."

Luffy laughed. "No problem!"

Dikun merely nodded, his face unreadable. But deep inside, a small part of him stirred — a sense of purpose he had long forgotten.

---

The Marines' Return

But their moment of triumph was short-lived. The distant sound of boots striking the pavement echoed through the town. From the Marine outpost, a column of soldiers marched forward in formation, their rifles gleaming beneath the sun. At the head of the force was Captain Morgan, his massive frame adorned in medals and a steel jaw that gleamed menacingly.

"So, these are the fools who dared defy the Marines," Morgan growled, his eyes burning with fury.

Luffy grinned, cracking his knuckles. "Another fight?"

Dikun's gaze sharpened. "No. Not yet."

He stepped forward, his calm composure unshaken by the looming force. "We've made our choice. Now, we see if we can stand by it."

The tension thickened as the Marines drew their weapons. But even as they faced overwhelming odds, neither Luffy nor Dikun showed a trace of fear.

The Silent Commander had taken his oath. Now it was time to prove it.