Chapter 11: The Brothers of the Sea
The battle at the Baratie raged on, but under Dikun's calm leadership, the Straw Hats held the upper hand. While Luffy and Zoro fought fiercely, Nami and Usopp provided crucial support, following Dikun's commands without hesitation.
But just as the fight seemed to settle, a sudden splash from the sea caught everyone's attention.
"Oi! Luffy!"
Two figures emerged from the water, clambering aboard the Baratie with wide grins. Both were clad in tattered, worn clothes, with swords hanging loosely by their sides. One was tall and lanky with a bandana tied around his forehead, while the other, slightly shorter, wore sunglasses and an open vest.
"It's us! Johnny and Yosaku!"
Luffy's face lit up. "Johnny! Yosaku!"
"Friends of yours?" Dikun asked, his crimson eyes narrowing as he analyzed the newcomers.
"Yep!" Luffy beamed. "They're bounty hunters!"
Johnny struck a dramatic pose. "The famous sea bounty hunters, Johnny and Yosaku, at your service!"
Yosaku nodded, grinning. "We've heard all about your adventures, Luffy. And we figured we'd find you sooner or later!"
Dikun's expression remained stoic. "Bounty hunters, huh? That explains the confidence. But what are you doing here?"
Johnny scratched the back of his head. "Well… we were in a bit of a pinch. Got into a scuffle with some pirates and barely escaped."
"Then we saw Don Krieg's ship," Yosaku added. "We thought we'd help out, but looks like you guys have it handled."
Dikun gave a small nod. "We don't need reckless help. But capable hands are always useful."
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The Offer of a New Path
As the remaining pirates fled, Krieg's battered ship drifted further into the distance. The Straw Hats, exhausted yet victorious, gathered on the deck. Sanji, though still conflicted, silently served plates of food to the recovering Baratie staff.
It was then that Dikun addressed Johnny and Yosaku.
"You two fight well," Dikun said. "Not skilled like Zoro, but resourceful. You know how to survive on the sea."
Johnny grinned. "We've been doing this for a long time!"
"But bounty hunting only gets you so far," Dikun continued. "You're drifting without purpose. Following bounties won't give you the strength to stand against the Grand Line."
Yosaku blinked, caught off guard. "And what are you suggesting?"
"Join us," Dikun said firmly. "Luffy may be reckless, but he has a dream worth following. And as the crew grows, we'll need experienced fighters to keep the ranks in order."
Johnny and Yosaku exchanged glances.
"You want us to become pirates?" Johnny asked, hesitant.
"Not just pirates. Officers of the Straw Hat crew," Dikun clarified. "I'm building a structure to support Luffy's dream. It's not just about fighting — it's about leading. You'll each command your own squads, train others, and become part of something greater."
The weight of Dikun's words lingered. For two men who had lived aimlessly, the prospect of purpose struck deep.
"I've already planned a ranking system," Dikun continued. "Officers will oversee soldiers in squads. You'll answer to me directly, and in turn, I answer to Luffy."
Johnny straightened up, visibly moved. "You really think we're up for that?"
"I wouldn't offer it if I didn't," Dikun said, his eyes sharp.
Yosaku grinned. "Then we're in!"
---
The Straw Hat Command Structure
That evening, as the Baratie staff cleaned up and the Straw Hats rested, Dikun gathered the crew on the deck of the Going Merry. Before them, he unrolled a parchment with a detailed chart.
"This is how we'll maintain order," Dikun began, pointing at the top of the chart. "Luffy is the Captain. He makes the final calls."
"Of course!" Luffy grinned proudly.
"I serve as the Vice-Captain and the Commander-in-Chief of the crew's military force. My role is to manage strategy, discipline, and training."
The others nodded, fully aware of Dikun's leadership qualities.
"Zoro is the Combat Division Commander," Dikun continued. "He's the strongest fighter and will lead combat units directly during battle."
Zoro smirked. "Fine by me."
"Nami, as our navigator, remains independent from the chain of command, though she'll advise on all maritime decisions," Dikun explained. "And Sanji, once he accepts, will be our Third Division Commander in charge of logistics and supplies."
Sanji, still stirring a pot of soup, huffed. "You're assuming a lot, strategist."
Dikun ignored the remark, his gaze now fixed on Johnny and Yosaku.
"You two will act as Fourth and Fifth Division Commanders. Each of you will lead your own 20-man squads, mostly foot soldiers and scouts."
Johnny and Yosaku saluted dramatically. "Aye, Commander Dikun!"
"Every officer will wear an insignia to mark their rank," Dikun explained. "Lieutenants, Captains, and Cornets will follow as we expand."
The crew took in the concept with awe. Though it seemed ambitious, Dikun's vision was crystal clear.
"You're really thinking that far ahead?" Usopp asked, wide-eyed.
"Of course," Dikun said without hesitation. "Luffy will become the Pirate King. And a king needs a proper force to back him."
Luffy, despite not fully grasping the intricacies, nodded. "If Dikun says it's a good idea, then it is!"
---
The Silent Commander's Guidance
The night passed, and the Baratie drifted into peaceful silence. While the others rested, Dikun found himself on the deck, staring at the endless sea.
"You really believe in all this, don't you?"
Sanji's voice broke the quiet, his cigarette glowing faintly in the dark.
"I believe in Luffy," Dikun replied, his tone firm. "But belief alone won't protect him. Strategy, discipline, and strength will."
Sanji exhaled a thin trail of smoke. "You're not like most pirates. You act like a soldier."
"I'm not a soldier," Dikun said, his crimson eyes reflecting the moonlight. "I'm a commander. And I'll make sure Luffy's dream reaches the end of the Grand Line."
Sanji chuckled softly. "You really are something else."
The cook didn't say more, but Dikun could sense the shift within him. Sanji had seen the resolve in both Luffy and his Silent Commander. The seeds of loyalty had been planted.
And soon, the Straw Hats would sail forward — not just as dreamers, but as a growing force destined to shake the world.
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To Be Continued