Chapter 10: The Battle at the Baratie

The towering form of Don Krieg's massive warship loomed over the Baratie, its jagged sails tattered yet intimidating. The ruthless pirate stood at the bow, his golden armor glinting ominously beneath the sunlight. Around him, dozens of battered men groaned from hunger and exhaustion.

Krieg's voice echoed across the water. "Sanji! Bring us food! We're starving!"

The demand sent murmurs through the Baratie staff. Some chefs gritted their teeth, fists trembling in anger, but no one dared to step forward.

Sanji, however, remained unmoved. He flicked the ash from his cigarette, his face calm yet sharp. "This isn't a charity."

"You dare defy me?!" Krieg roared, his hand gripping the railing of his ship. "I'm Don Krieg! The most feared pirate in the East Blue!"

Luffy, sitting cross-legged on the deck, tilted his head. "Don who?"

Zoro smirked. "Never heard of him."

The insult sent Krieg's face into a furious scowl, but before he could retaliate, Dikun Silver stepped forward. His crimson eyes gleamed with a chilling calmness.

"Bluster and fear tactics might work on others," Dikun said, his voice cutting through the tension. "But not on us."

Krieg sneered. "And who the hell are you?"

"The Vice-Captain of the Straw Hats." Dikun's tone remained steady, his hands resting casually at his sides. "If you think threats will get you what you want, you're mistaken."

---

A Tactical Mind at Work

While Krieg fumed, Dikun quickly assessed the situation. Krieg's crew was weakened — barely able to stand. But the man himself was still a formidable opponent, especially with his golden armor and deadly arsenal.

"Luffy," Dikun said, his eyes never leaving Krieg. "You're eager for a fight, aren't you?"

Luffy's grin widened. "You bet!"

"Good," Dikun replied. "But don't get reckless. Zoro, be ready to assist. Nami, keep an eye on any movements from Krieg's ship. Usopp, prepare your slingshot — focus on keeping their smaller boats from flanking us."

The crew nodded in understanding. While Luffy was the captain, it was in moments like these that Dikun's authority as the Silent Commander shone. His tactical mind quickly took control, ensuring every member had their role.

Sanji observed Dikun's leadership with quiet intrigue. It wasn't often that a pirate crew had someone like him — not just a fighter, but a true strategist.

---

The Clash Begins

With a roar, Krieg finally lost his patience. "Enough talking! Sink the restaurant!"

Cannons boomed from the ship, and the first wave of Krieg's men leaped into the water, swimming toward the Baratie. Despite their weakness, the fear of Krieg drove them forward.

"Here we go!" Luffy shouted, stretching his arms wide. "Gomu Gomu no Pistol!"

His fist rocketed forward, slamming into one of the oncoming pirates and sending him flying back into the sea. Zoro, without missing a beat, unsheathed his swords, his deadly grin visible.

"Don't slow me down," Zoro said, lunging toward the enemies who managed to climb aboard.

Meanwhile, Usopp's sharp eyes scanned the water. "Take this! Exploding Star!"

The projectile soared, striking one of the small boats and igniting a blast that sent the pirates scrambling.

Dikun, however, didn't move. He stood calmly at the center of the Baratie's deck, analyzing the battlefield. Every motion, every tactic — he saw it all.

"Zoro, three to your left," Dikun called out. "Luffy, watch your flank!"

His commands were swift and precise, giving the crew an unmatched advantage.

---

Sanji's Choice

Amidst the chaos, Sanji clenched his fists. He hated pirates like Krieg — men who abused their strength for greed. Yet, even now, he saw the desperation in Krieg's starving crew.

"Dammit," Sanji muttered.

Without hesitation, he rushed back inside the Baratie. While the battle raged on, the scent of freshly cooked meals soon wafted through the air. Moments later, Sanji reappeared, balancing large trays of food.

"Eat," he commanded, tossing the trays toward the remaining half-starved pirates. "But don't mistake this for kindness. I'm a cook — feeding the hungry is my job."

Krieg growled in frustration, but his men devoured the food, too weak to care about their pride.

Dikun watched the act in silence. While Sanji's methods were reckless, his unwavering heart left an impression.

"He's not just a cook," Dikun thought. "He's a man with principles."

---

To Be Continued

With the battle still underway and Krieg's wrath far from over, the Straw Hats faced their next challenge. But Dikun Silver had already seen it through — a cook with a strong will was exactly what they needed.

The question remained — would Sanji accept the offer to join their crew? Or would the ties of the Baratie and his past hold him back?