Chapter 15: The Straw Hats' First Mission
The Going Merry glided across the endless blue sea, the rhythmic sound of waves lapping against its hull. The sun gleamed overhead, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of salt and adventure.
Luffy was, as always, perched on the figurehead, his grin wide and carefree. But behind him, the crew was hard at work. Under Dikun's guidance, the Straw Hats had embraced their new structure, and the discipline was beginning to show.
"Johnny! Yosaku!" Dikun called from the upper deck, his sharp crimson eyes observing the men below. "Inspect the recruits' weapons and ensure everything is secure. Usopp, check the cannons. And Nami, report on our heading."
"On it, Aniki!" Johnny and Yosaku responded in unison, their pride as officers clear.
Nami rolled her eyes but complied, knowing how much smoother things ran with Dikun overseeing operations. "We're on course for the next island. Should reach it by tomorrow morning."
Dikun nodded, satisfied. "Good. We'll need supplies soon. And intel."
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A Mysterious Signal
Later that day, while Luffy napped lazily in the sun, Nami spotted something unusual on the horizon — a column of black smoke.
"Dikun!" she shouted. "There's trouble up ahead!"
Dikun was beside her in an instant, his calculating gaze scanning the distant sight.
"Pirates," Zoro grunted, joining them. "No doubt about it."
"Or worse," Dikun murmured. "Prepare for combat."
"Finally!" Luffy sprang to his feet, his nap forgotten. "Let's go kick some pirate butt!"
Dikun, however, was already formulating a plan. "Luffy, wait. We don't know what we're walking into. Nami, get us closer. Zoro and I will assess the situation from the crow's nest."
Zoro grumbled, but followed without question. Despite his preference for direct combat, he knew Dikun's cautious approach often saved them from unnecessary trouble.
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The Silent Commander's Insight
From the crow's nest, Dikun narrowed his eyes. Through the smoke, the remains of a merchant ship came into view. The sails were torn, and debris floated on the waves. There were no visible survivors — only the echo of destruction.
"Pirate raid," Zoro muttered.
"More than that," Dikun replied, his tone grim. "This wasn't a simple plundering. They sank the ship on purpose."
"To send a message," Zoro concluded.
Dikun's mind worked quickly. If a notorious pirate crew was behind this, it was likely they were still nearby. He turned sharply, giving his orders.
"Johnny and Yosaku, prepare the recruits. Keep them on standby. Usopp, ready the cannons. Nami, hold our position — we'll need maneuverability if we're attacked."
"And me?" Luffy grinned, eager for action.
Dikun smirked. "You're with me, Captain. If things go south, we'll need your strength."
"Awright!" Luffy cheered, cracking his knuckles.
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The Enemy Appears
Just as predicted, a large pirate ship emerged from the smoke. The jolly roger of a crimson skull flapped menacingly in the wind. On the deck stood a burly captain, his laughter booming.
"Well, what do we have here?" the pirate growled. "Another ship for the taking?"
Luffy stepped forward, his face gleaming with excitement. "I'm Monkey D. Luffy! And I'm gonna be King of the Pirates!"
The pirate captain scoffed. "Hah! A scrawny brat like you?"
But before Luffy could charge recklessly, Dikun placed a firm hand on his shoulder. "Hold."
Luffy blinked. "Huh? But—"
Dikun shook his head. "They're provoking you. Let them underestimate us." His crimson eyes gleamed with calculated confidence. "We'll end this quickly."
Turning to the crew, Dikun issued his orders. "Zoro, guard the starboard side. Usopp, aim for their sails. Johnny, Yosaku — keep the recruits out of harm's way."
"And you?" Zoro asked.
Dikun smiled coldly. "I'll handle their captain."
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A Display of Command
The pirate captain charged, roaring as he swung a massive cutlass. But Dikun was already moving. With the grace of a predator, he sidestepped the blow, his twin daggers gleaming.
In a flash, Dikun struck. One dagger sliced through the air, severing the pirate's belt and sending his weapon clattering to the deck. Before the captain could react, Dikun's second dagger hovered dangerously close to his neck.
"Yield," Dikun commanded, his voice low but firm.
The surrounding pirates froze. The ease with which Dikun disarmed their captain shattered their morale. Many dropped their weapons, unwilling to challenge the Silent Commander.
"W-What are you?" the captain stammered.
"Dikun Silver," he replied coldly. "Vice-Captain of the Straw Hat Pirates. Remember the name."
Luffy burst out laughing. "That was awesome!"
Dikun sheathed his daggers, stepping back as the marines aboard the merchant ship finally emerged to capture the defeated pirates. The Straw Hats cheered, their confidence in Dikun only growing.
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A Crew Worth Following
That evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, the crew celebrated their victory. Sanji served steaming plates of food, while Usopp exaggerated stories of their triumph.
Luffy leaned back with a satisfied grin. "Dikun, you're the best Vice-Captain ever!"
Dikun smirked. "I told you — I'll make sure you live long enough to become the Pirate King."
Zoro raised his glass. "To the Straw Hats!"
"To the Silent Commander!" Johnny and Yosaku added, their admiration evident.
As laughter echoed across the ship, Dikun felt something stir within him. This crew, bound by loyalty and dreams, was unlike anything he had ever known. And he would do whatever it took to protect them.
The Grand Line awaited. And with Dikun Silver at their side, the world would soon know the name of the Straw Hat Pirates.
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To Be Continued