Chapter 20: The Silent Commander’s Call

The Going Merry sailed smoothly across the calm waters of the Grand Line, the cursed island now a distant shadow on the horizon. Though the storm had passed, a sense of unease lingered within Dikun Silver.

He stood at the bow, his crimson eyes fixed on the open sea. The ancient ruins had been destroyed, but the memory of the twisted spirits remained. Yet something else weighed on his mind. Dikun knew that his role extended beyond fighting. He was not just a warrior — he was a commander.

It was time to lead.

---

The Captain's Trust

Luffy approached, grinning as he rested his straw hat against his chest. "You're thinking hard again, Dikun!"

Dikun glanced at him, his stoic expression unchanging. "I'm just preparing for what's next. That island was a reminder. Not all threats can be fought head-on."

Luffy tilted his head. "Then we'll fight sideways!"

Dikun sighed, though the corner of his lips twitched slightly. "It's not that simple."

"But you're not alone," Luffy added, his grin widening. "You've got all of us. And when things get tough, I'll punch 'em!"

That unshakable confidence — it was what made Luffy the captain. But Dikun's role was different. He saw the cracks, the risks, and the responsibilities. While Luffy chased his dream with reckless passion, Dikun would ensure the crew survived to see it through.

"Then I'll make sure you get that chance," Dikun replied firmly. "But from now on, I'll focus on leading our forces. We have the recruits, and they'll need discipline."

Luffy nodded without hesitation. "You're the best guy for the job, Dikun. I trust you."

And that trust meant everything.

---

Drilling the Recruits

Morning broke, and the deck of the Going Merry became a training ground. Dikun stood before the recruits — Johnny, Yosaku, Gerrick, and the others. They formed a disciplined line, standing at attention. The battle on the island had shaken them, but it also ignited a determination in their eyes.

"From today onward," Dikun's voice rang out, commanding and steady, "you are no longer just a crew. You are soldiers under the Straw Hat flag. Our journey will only grow more dangerous, and I will not tolerate weakness."

The recruits stood firm, their respect for Dikun unwavering. Even Gerrick, the former marine, held his head high, accepting his new role without question.

"Strength isn't only about how well you fight," Dikun continued. "It's about discipline. Tactics. Knowing when to stand your ground and when to fall back. I will teach you all of this."

He narrowed his gaze. "But understand this — I will only fight when it's necessary. My blades are reserved for the strongest foes. You will hold the line. You will follow my orders. And you will not fail."

"Yes, Commander!" the recruits roared in unison.

A ghost of a smile crossed Dikun's face. This was the foundation of a true force.

---

Zoro's Test

Later that day, Zoro approached the recruits, his swords resting against his shoulder. "Training them is one thing. But do they have what it takes?"

"They will," Dikun replied confidently. "But I'll need to see how far they've come."

Zoro's grin widened. "Then let's give them a test."

The swordsman stepped forward, his presence alone sending a ripple of unease through the recruits. His gaze locked onto them like a predator eyeing prey.

"Come at me," Zoro challenged, his voice low and commanding. "All of you."

The recruits exchanged hesitant glances, but Dikun gave a curt nod. "You heard him. Show no fear. This is a battle to prove yourselves."

Gerrick was the first to step forward, brandishing his cutlass. Johnny and Yosaku followed, determination etched across their faces. The rest of the recruits drew their weapons, forming a loose formation.

"Attack!" Dikun ordered.

The recruits charged, their combined strength meant to overwhelm the legendary swordsman. But Zoro's grin never wavered. With a single fluid motion, he drew his blades.

Steel clashed against steel.

Though the recruits fought valiantly, Zoro's overwhelming presence was undeniable. He weaved through their attacks, his strikes deliberate and controlled. Each movement carried the weight of a seasoned warrior, forcing the recruits to rely on their coordination rather than individual strength.

Gerrick parried a swift blow, his muscles straining. "He's… a monster!"

"And yet he's not even trying," Dikun observed, his eyes sharp. "Focus. Adapt."

Johnny and Yosaku moved in sync, flanking Zoro from both sides. The swordsman smirked, deflecting both attacks with ease.

"Good," Zoro grunted. "But not good enough."

In an instant, he disarmed them, sending their weapons clattering to the deck. The recruits stumbled back, panting.

Zoro sheathed his swords, his grin unwavering. "Not bad. But you'll need to be a lot stronger if you want to survive the Grand Line."

Dikun stepped forward. "And they will be."

The recruits, though exhausted, nodded with newfound determination.

---

The Commander's Words

That night, as the crew gathered for dinner, Dikun addressed the recruits once more.

"You lost today," he began, his crimson gaze unwavering. "But defeat is a lesson. Every stumble, every strike you failed to block — remember it. That pain will drive you forward."

He paused, his voice steady. "I won't always be by your side. There will be battles I cannot fight. But when that time comes, you will stand. Not as mere recruits, but as soldiers worthy of the Straw Hat name."

The recruits nodded, their respect for Dikun solidified.

Luffy grinned proudly. "With Dikun as your commander, you guys are gonna be unstoppable!"

And with that, laughter and camaraderie filled the ship once more.

But in the shadows of the Grand Line, greater threats stirred. And soon, Dikun's leadership would be tested in ways he could not yet imagine.

To Be Continued