Chapter 24: The March to Vengeance

The Going Merry sailed further up the coast, tracing the survivor's directions toward the old fortress. The sky darkened as ominous clouds gathered overhead. Though the sea remained calm, an undeniable sense of conflict lingered in the air.

Dikun Silver stood near the bow, his crimson eyes narrowing as he surveyed the jagged hills beyond. Every ruined village, every desperate survivor, only strengthened his resolve. He was no stranger to war. He understood the horrors it wrought — but he would not stand by and allow it to spread unchecked.

Luffy, though often carefree, could see the storm brewing within Dikun. "We're with you," he said simply, a grin tugging at the corners of his lips. "Let's give those mercenaries a real reason to fear."

Dikun nodded. "They will answer for what they've done."

---

A Commander's Strategy

Night had fallen by the time the crew anchored near the rocky shoreline. The fortress loomed in the distance — a crumbling relic of the past, now occupied by those who thrived on destruction. Torches flickered along its walls, illuminating the black banners that marked the mercenary forces.

Dikun gathered the recruits in a tight formation. Gerrick, Johnny, and Yosaku stood at the front, their expressions resolute. Though they lacked the experience of seasoned soldiers, their training had forged them into a disciplined unit.

"Listen carefully," Dikun commanded, his voice low but firm. "We are outnumbered. A direct assault would be foolish."

He pulled a rough map from his satchel, tracing his finger along the cliffside. "The fortress has weaknesses. The northern wall is deteriorating — a concentrated strike will bring it down. While they scramble to defend, we'll strike from within."

Zoro smirked. "And if they try to run?"

"We cut them off," Dikun replied coldly. "No mercy for those who prey on the weak."

---

The Silent March

The recruits moved through the shadows, their footsteps muffled by the damp earth. The air was thick with tension. Every creak of the wind sent nerves on edge. But Dikun led them without hesitation, his presence a constant reassurance.

"Hold the line," he whispered. "Stay low. Keep your blades ready."

From atop the cliffside, the fortress walls loomed. The mercenaries patrolled lazily, their torches casting long shadows across the stone. They believed themselves untouchable.

But Dikun would prove them wrong.

---

The First Strike

A low whistle pierced the night air — the signal.

"Now."

With swift precision, Dikun and Gerrick's unit moved. The recruits lifted makeshift battering rams, their combined strength surging forward. The crumbling northern wall gave a thunderous groan before collapsing beneath the force.

The alarm rang out. Shouts echoed through the fortress as mercenaries scrambled to respond.

"Move!" Dikun commanded. "Formations!"

The recruits surged through the breach, their blades gleaming. Gerrick led the vanguard, clashing head-on with the disoriented mercenaries. Dikun's eyes flickered, taking in every movement, every shift in the battlefield.

"Yosaku! Secure the gate!"

"Johnny! Cut down their archers!"

The Silent Commander's voice rang through the chaos, his orders swift and precise. Under his command, the recruits fought not as scattered fighters, but as a single, unified force.

But Dikun did not raise his daggers. Not yet.

---

The Leader Emerges

From the inner keep, a figure emerged. Clad in battered iron and draped in a black cloak, the mercenary leader strode forward, his twisted grin visible beneath a jagged helm. Scars marred his face — a testament to the countless battles he had survived.

"You've got nerve," the leader sneered, his gravelly voice dripping with malice. "Attacking my fortress like this. Who do you think you are?"

Dikun stepped forward, his crimson eyes glowing beneath the moonlight.

"I am Dikun Silver," he said, his voice unwavering. "Commander of the Straw Hat forces. And I'm here to end your reign."

The mercenary leader's grin faltered. "You think you can stand against me?"

Dikun drew his twin daggers, the polished steel reflecting the flickering flames. "I know I can."

The battle had only just begun.

To Be Continued