Chapter 13: The Silent Commander’s Charisma

The Going Merry sailed calmly under the vast blue sky, the sunlight dancing on the waves. The salty breeze carried a refreshing coolness, and the sound of creaking wood mixed with the occasional calls of seagulls. For most, it would have been a moment of peace, but Dikun Silver's mind remained focused.

Standing at the bow, the silver-haired Vice-Captain gazed ahead, his crimson eyes narrowed in thought. Even though they had left Baratie victorious, the fight against Don Krieg exposed the fragility of their crew. They had won by strength and spirit, but there had been little coordination. That flaw could be fatal in the Grand Line.

"Still thinking too much, huh?"

Dikun's sharp senses caught the voice before the speaker even approached. Zoro, the green-haired swordsman, strolled lazily toward him, his swords resting comfortably at his side.

"You should try relaxing for once," Zoro added. "The fight's over. We're alive. That's enough for now."

"It's not enough," Dikun responded calmly. "We won because Krieg underestimated us. That won't happen again. Every enemy from now on will know what we're capable of."

Zoro gave a slight smirk. "And that's why we have you, Vice-Captain. You worry so Luffy doesn't have to."

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Leadership Through Strength and Presence

Despite Zoro's teasing, Dikun's presence aboard the ship was deeply valued. The crew had quickly grown to rely on his judgment. Where Luffy brought joy and courage, Dikun brought clarity and direction.

Johnny and Yosaku, the newest additions to the crew, had already started calling him "Dikun-aniki" — a sign of admiration. They often watched him with wide eyes, eager to learn from his calculated mind.

"Dikun-aniki! Is it true you fought a whole pirate crew alone?" Johnny asked one day, leaning against the ship's railing.

"Not alone," Dikun answered, a faint smile curling his lips. "Luffy and I handled it together. Strength without trust is meaningless. That's something every fighter should remember."

Yosaku nodded, scribbling notes like an eager student. "And your strategies! You saw through Krieg's formations like it was nothing!"

"Experience," Dikun replied. "And patience."

There was no bravado in his tone. Unlike Luffy, who boasted without hesitation, Dikun's confidence was quieter, more refined. It was that calm assurance that drew people to him.

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Luffy's Obsession with Meat and Dikun's 'Discipline'

But, of course, there were moments when Dikun's patience was tested.

"Oi, Luffy!" Dikun's voice rang out sharply one afternoon.

The rubber pirate froze, a massive piece of meat in his mouth. His cheeks bulged comically as he slowly turned to face the crimson-eyed commander.

"What?" Luffy mumbled through the food.

"You just ate the last of the emergency meat rations," Dikun said, his arms crossed. "I specifically set that aside in case we get stranded at sea."

Luffy blinked, genuinely confused. "But it was just sitting there! Food is meant to be eaten!"

Dikun rubbed his temples. "And how do you plan to feed the crew if we get stuck with no island in sight?"

"Hmm… I'll catch a big fish!" Luffy declared, grinning widely. "Bigger than the ship!"

The crew laughed, but Dikun remained firm. "From now on, we're rationing food. And you're banned from the storage room without supervision."

Luffy pouted. "That's no fair!"

"It's entirely fair."

The dynamic was clear — Luffy may have been the captain, but Dikun took the role of a responsible older brother. He didn't hesitate to reign in Luffy's recklessness, even if it made him the target of the rubber man's whining.

---

Sanji's Observation

As the ship sailed onward, Sanji couldn't help but observe Dikun from the corner of his eye. While the blonde chef prided himself on his own charm, it was impossible to deny how naturally Dikun drew people in.

It wasn't just his looks — though his silver hair, toned physique, and sharp features often caught the attention of women in passing towns. It was the air of confidence that surrounded him, the way he spoke with purpose. His crimson eyes seemed to pierce through the nonsense, making even the most stubborn man listen.

"Oi, cook," Zoro's gruff voice broke Sanji's thoughts. "Jealous?"

Sanji scoffed. "As if. Just annoyed. The guy doesn't even try, and people fall over themselves to listen to him."

"Because he's got presence," Zoro replied with a shrug. "Doesn't need to yell. Doesn't need to show off. That's just how Dikun is."

Sanji frowned but had to admit Zoro was right.

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A Charismatic Presence in Town

When the crew finally docked at a bustling port town, Dikun's charisma was once again evident. As the Straw Hats strolled through the marketplace, townspeople couldn't help but whisper.

"Who's that silver-haired man?"

"He looks like a noble…"

"Maybe a bounty hunter?"

"Those eyes… so sharp."

Women giggled behind their hands, stealing glances, while men instinctively straightened their postures. It wasn't fear — it was respect. Even without drawing his weapons, Dikun's presence commanded attention.

Luffy, of course, remained oblivious, happily running from stall to stall in search of meat.

"Oi, Dikun!" Luffy waved with a grin. "Look! They've got huge turkey legs!"

Dikun shook his head, though a faint smirk touched his lips. "Just don't eat the whole stand."

"Can't promise that!"

---

The Crew's Silent Commander

Back on the ship, as the sun dipped below the horizon, the Straw Hats gathered for dinner. The atmosphere was lively — Luffy laughing, Sanji proudly serving his latest creation, and Zoro half-heartedly listening to Johnny's exaggerated tales.

But every so often, eyes would wander to Dikun.

"Dikun," Nami began, resting her chin on her hand. "You've been quiet."

"I'm always quiet," Dikun replied evenly.

"True," she mused, a smile tugging at her lips. "But you're not just a silent observer. You've got everyone wrapped around your finger without even trying."

Dikun didn't respond immediately. Instead, he gazed at his crew — at Luffy's endless enthusiasm, Zoro's unwavering strength, Nami's sharp intellect, and Sanji's passionate devotion.

"I don't need anyone wrapped around my finger," Dikun finally said, his voice calm. "I just need them to believe in Luffy's dream."

And that, they did.

The Silent Commander wasn't just a strategist or a leader. He was a symbol of unwavering loyalty and strength — the backbone of the Straw Hat crew.

And soon, the world would come to know the name Dikun Silver.

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To Be Continued