Chapter 12: The Straw Hat Fleet Concept
After the battle at the Baratie and the recruitment of Johnny and Yosaku, the Going Merry sailed smoothly under the clear blue sky. The crew gathered on the deck, enjoying the breeze, but Dikun Silver's mind was elsewhere.
Despite the victory, the fight against Don Krieg had exposed a flaw. While the Straw Hats were strong, they lacked proper coordination on a larger scale. As their numbers grew, so would the challenges. Dikun couldn't allow chaos to take hold.
Luffy's dream to become Pirate King would require more than a small crew — it would need a proper structure.
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A Private Meeting with Luffy
Later that evening, Dikun approached Luffy, who was leaning against the mast with a satisfied grin, munching on a piece of meat.
"Luffy, we need to talk," Dikun said firmly.
Luffy blinked, still chewing. "Hmm? What about?"
"About the crew," Dikun replied. "It's growing fast. And it's only going to get bigger."
"That's great!" Luffy grinned. "More friends!"
Dikun sighed. "It's not just about friends. If we want to survive the Grand Line and fulfill your dream, we'll need discipline and organization. I'm proposing a proper rank structure for the Straw Hats."
Luffy tilted his head, confused. "But why? We're doing fine now."
"Because what works with ten people won't work with a hundred," Dikun said plainly. "And one day, you're going to have more ships. More responsibility. You'll need leaders."
Luffy's grin faded slightly as he absorbed Dikun's words. He might not have liked thinking about logistics, but he trusted Dikun's judgment.
"Okay!" Luffy said with a laugh. "If you say so, Vice-Captain!"
Dikun nodded. "Then listen closely."
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The Straw Hat Rank Structure
The next morning, Dikun gathered the crew on the deck. Even Sanji and Zoro, often indifferent to formal matters, showed interest.
"I've decided on a formal ranking structure for the crew," Dikun announced, unrolling a parchment with the system written down. "This will ensure order and allow us to grow without falling apart."
He pointed to the top of the chart.
Captain: Luffy. "You are the captain. Your word is final. You make the calls on the most important matters."
Luffy grinned and gave a thumbs-up. "Of course!"
Vice-Captain: Dikun Silver. "I oversee all operations. I'm responsible for strategy, discipline, and ensuring everyone is fit for battle. I act when you're not present."
The crew nodded in understanding.
Lieutenants: "This will be the rank held by the original ten crewmates — including all of you. Each Lieutenant will specialize in their respective fields and provide leadership when necessary."
Cornet: Dikun's eyes sharpened. "This rank will only be given when we acquire additional ships. The Cornet will act as a ship captain, leading their own crew while still under Luffy's command. It's a responsibility, not a title for vanity."
Johnny and Yosaku exchanged glances, already imagining themselves worthy of the rank one day.
Sergeant: "Sergeants will be in charge of small units, consisting of ten men. They will be responsible for training, discipline, and maintaining order."
Corporal: "Corporals will report to Sergeants and command squads of five men, ensuring orders are carried out efficiently."
Private: "These will be the general foot soldiers. Every private will serve under a corporal, learning the ropes and improving until they earn promotions."
Dikun's voice was steady, but the weight of his words settled upon the crew. It was a declaration that they weren't just a crew — they were becoming a fleet.
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Responsibilities of Each Rank
To solidify his plan, Dikun detailed the specific responsibilities of each rank:
Captain:
Make strategic decisions.
Lead the crew through major battles.
Act as the face of the crew, representing the Straw Hat name.
Vice-Captain:
Develop strategies and battle plans.
Maintain discipline.
Act in the Captain's stead when necessary.
Lieutenants:
Serve as specialists in their fields (Combat, Navigation, Medical, etc.).
Provide counsel to the Captain and Vice-Captain.
Lead their division if necessary.
Cornet:
Command their own ships and crew.
Follow the directives of the Captain and Vice-Captain.
Ensure coordination with other ships in large-scale battles.
Sergeant:
Train and oversee squads.
Ensure discipline within the ranks.
Act as battlefield leaders.
Corporal:
Lead small units.
Execute orders from Sergeants and higher ranks.
Mentor Privates.
Private:
Carry out orders.
Train and learn under their commanding officers.
Earn their place through loyalty and strength.
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Zoro's Discontent
"You're really planning for all this?" Zoro questioned, leaning against the railing. "I just want to get stronger. I'm not interested in commanding people."
Dikun's eyes met Zoro's. "And you won't have to. As the Combat Division Commander, you'll fight. But even the strongest need to lead by example. Your squad will follow your strength."
Zoro grunted, but there was no denying the logic.
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Luffy's Final Word
Once the explanation concluded, Luffy clapped his hands together. "Alright! I don't get most of that, but it sounds cool! So we're a fleet now!"
"We're building towards it," Dikun corrected. "For now, we grow. And when the time comes, the world will know what it means to face the Straw Hat Fleet."
A grin spread across Luffy's face. "We're gonna be the best pirates ever!"
The crew erupted into cheers, the concept of a growing fleet igniting their excitement. Even Nami, though practical, couldn't deny the effectiveness of Dikun's plan.
The Silent Commander had done more than build a crew — he had built the foundation of an unstoppable force.
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To Be Continued