"Oh?"
Upon hearing Gawain's explanation, a hint of helplessness filled Rayleigh's eyes.
"Thirteen squads, huh? This kind of setup is indeed very suitable for the current state of the sea."
However, this model is ultimately more suitable for pirates. For example, Newgate's pirate crew currently has fourteen divisions, and this number may continue to increase in the future.
In conclusion, this model can indeed make certain distinctions among cadres while maintaining basic equality among them.
However, this ambiguous classification ultimately failed to resolve the issue of hierarchy among cadres.
For pirate crews, there is no need to distinguish between superior and inferior. Pirate crews have always touted free will, and they can do whatever they want.
But for us, what we need more are detailed and comprehensive rules, don't we?"
As soon as he finished speaking, Rayleigh gently shook his head.
"So, Gawain, we'd better think of another way."
"Not necessarily!"
Standing to the side, Gawain shook his head in response to Grandpa Rayleigh's concern.
He shook his head as he added an explanation to Rayleigh.
"As you said before, the reason for classifying cadres is that we need to establish basic command authority for suitable cadres when they leave me to carry out joint operations, so as to avoid conflicts between cadres in temporary cooperation."
In conclusion, we need to ensure that when cadres need to cooperate unexpectedly in any situation, they can immediately determine who will take the lead!
The core of this issue is indeed the hierarchy of cadres.
On the other hand, this problem can also be solved by starting with the different environments in which the cadres are located, and by using reverse thinking.
In other words, I don't necessarily need to rank the cadres; I just need to let them know what each of them should do, and what the action most needs to do!
In short, we use squads to divide different roles, and use different roles to deal with different environments!
For example, I plan to designate the Fourth Division as a medical division. In this way, when faced with cooperative missions that are primarily medical, the captain of the medical division will have the right to take full control of all command work of the division!
Alternatively, I plan to design the Eleventh Division as a purely combat-oriented squad.
In this way, in cooperative missions where combat is the core, the squad leader can naturally take over command of all officers in the current environment!
As soon as he finished speaking, Gawain raised his right hand and gently rubbed his temple with his fingers.
He chuckled as he spoke, dawdling along.
"This arrangement ensures equality among cadres while preventing situations where multiple people issue orders and argue among them during teamwork."
First, set certain strength thresholds for the captains and vice-captains of each squad, and then use their functions to take over authority, thereby reasonably arranging the cooperation between the squads.
In short, this system will basically ensure the vitality and order of our team until we have operations all over the world.
"Rayleigh, what do you think?"
At this point, Gawain looked at Rayleigh expectantly, while Rayleigh frowned and pondered for a moment before speaking softly.
"Is the division of responsibilities used to determine the highest command authority when facing different objectives?"
This pattern is indeed rarely seen at sea.
After all, on our vast ocean, whether it's the navy or pirates, the stronger one's word carries more weight.
However, I feel like your method... seems somewhat familiar?
Rayleigh tilted his head slightly, trying to recall where the sense of familiarity came from. Just as he was thinking, Gawain, after understanding for a moment, smiled and said to Rayleigh.
"I really didn't expect this until you said we were familiar with each other."
This method of using authority to divide the power of speech, thereby ensuring equality within the team, seems to be the core way the Five Elders have always maintained unity.
No wonder you felt this was familiar; although my five predecessors are renowned, they rarely appear in your world."
As soon as he finished speaking, Gawain picked up a glass of wine and drank it thoughtfully.
In his current view, the classification system within the Five Elders is indeed a simple and easy-to-use system.
Just as Gawain was pondering further, Rayleigh adjusted his glasses and continued to ask.
"Oh?
Is it similar to the Five Elders?
No wonder you came up with this idea; those people were your seniors, and you had an instinctive tendency to learn from them.
So, tell me about the functions of each of the thirteen squads you've set up, okay?"
After saying that, Rayleigh looked at Gawain expectantly.
Faced with Rayleigh's gaze, Gawain almost waved his hand, wanting to tell Rayleigh that he hadn't been influenced by the Five Elders.
I was merely borrowing the experience of some old man who was considered the best in the world.
But he didn't say anything more, and after nodding in agreement, he continued to explain to Rayleigh.
"Sure."
Gawain reached out his hand behind him, and Kalifa immediately grabbed Gawain's usual drawing board and handed it to Gawain.
Holding a pen and paper, Gawain spoke while taking notes.
He spoke gently and calmly.
"First of all, I must emphasize again that there is no distinction of rank or status among the captains of the thirteen squads."
In my eyes, the First Division is not special, and the Thirteenth Division is not lowly. The only difference is the difference in responsibility.
However, I cannot change people's attitudes. Perhaps the First Division is not superior, but people will inevitably look at the First Division differently.
Therefore, in my plan, the role of the First Division is to replace me!
At this point, Gawain tapped his leg with his fingers; this slight movement helped him think.
On the other side, Rayleigh frowned even more upon hearing this, because he didn't believe, nor did he want, anyone or any team to replace Gawain's role!
Seeing Grandpa Rayleigh's expression, Gawain naturally knew what he was thinking, so Gawain shook his head and continued to explain.
"Don't look at me like that, old man. I don't really have the idea of having a team replace me."
I just feel that my future may not be as present in every collective action we undertake, and my orders may not be able to be carried out at every moment on every battlefield.
However, not every action we take has a clearly defined objective, such as medical intervention, rescue, espionage, or assassination.
In short, the existence of the First Division is a kind of insurance I have established for our team. The purpose of this division is to convey my orders in situations where I cannot be there, or to carry out temporary but essential emergency orders in my place.
I want to make the First Division a chain linking the other twelve divisions, and let this chain connect and strengthen the ties between the various divisions.
Therefore, the captain of the First Division must, on the basis of ensuring strength, possess sufficient qualifications to convince most other division captains!
As soon as he finished speaking, Gawain gently patted Rayleigh on the shoulder.
"Old man, you must have realized that, in some ways, the First Squadron is actually the vice-captain position you've been fulfilling."
However, with our growing personnel, we definitely need a clearer organizational structure. The basic job divisions on board, such as first mate and boatswain, are no longer sufficient for our team to function effectively.
After saying that, Gawain raised a glass of wine and toasted Rayleigh.
Rayleigh nodded with a smile as he drank.
"As expected, I can't escape the busy work. Alas, I'm truly burdened by my reputation!"
From what you're saying, I intend to select and appoint some of the existing Black Ice Terrace soldiers on the ship to form the basic structure of the First Squadron.
"Sigh, if it were just doing the work of a first mate, it wouldn't be much different from what I'm doing now. But if it needs to be formal enough, the thought of it just makes me feel like it's a hassle!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Rayleigh put down his cup in frustration, then glanced sideways at a figure sitting cross-legged in meditation in the distance.
"On our ship, no one's seniority can compare to mine. Although I am no longer a match for Issho or Gion, my experience with Captain Roger has added a lot to my legendary status."
There's no escaping it now, there's no escaping it anymore.
However, in my opinion, I don't need to sit for too long, nor should I.
As long as Yixiao stays on the ship long enough, with his strength, he will naturally gain qualifications similar to mine.
No matter what you plan to do with Brother Yixiao, he can completely replace me in the future, saving this old man a lot of trouble."
Rayleigh shrugged helplessly, then looked at Gawain again.
"I already know about the First Division. Please continue, Captain."
"Good."
Gawain nodded and continued,
"For the Second Division, I hope it will become a secret agency focused on external assassinations and internal investigations. Compared to the general applicability of the Black Ice Terrace, I think the new recruits and lower-ranking soldiers in the Black Ice Terrace need a source of motivation that is sufficient to encourage them to keep striving for advancement."
They need a dream!
Gawain frowned and rubbed his forehead, saying regretfully as he did so.
"It must be admitted that the soldiers that the Five Elders have been manipulating with bloodlines and faith all along do indeed have considerable motivation to support them in entering the Avici Hell."
But what I want to change and overthrow is precisely that kind of system, so I don't want to control members of secret agencies like assassins through mere boasting and brainwashing.
Therefore, I will provide the best soldiers in the Black Ice Terrace with a clearer path to advancement.
In this way, the existence of the Covert Operations Team... that is, the Second Division, can instill enough hope and perseverance in the hearts of the hardworking assassins.
Of course, there are also squads focused on espionage and information gathering, where hardworking spies and undercover agents can find ways to advance in their careers.
In this way, such a system can gradually spread the rule I hold in mind: the mediocre should be demoted, and the capable should be promoted.
"I understand. Making the Hidden Organization the Second Division will also boost the morale of the Hidden Organization."
Even if you emphasize that there is no hierarchy among the squads, it doesn't change the fact that peripheral members and ordinary people around the world instinctively arrange the thirteen squads in a numerical way.
If you can properly arrange the process of advancing from the Black Ice Terrace to the Second Division's Secret Service from a merit-based perspective.
In this way, the ideas of equality, hard work, and meritocracy will naturally be conveyed.
At the same time, differences in bloodline, background, and wealth can be naturally set aside, right?
At this point, Rayleigh didn't wait for Gawain's answer; instead, he continued muttering to himself.
"So, Captain, at your age, you not only possess ambition and the matching Haki, but you also grasp the progressive nature of humanity and rules."
Besides, there's also a bit of philosophy involved here, haha.
You really make me doubt your age, or the education you received in the past.
I truly cannot understand how you, without any fundamental reflection on the worldview, could possess such a high-level perspective that transcends seniority, without ever having personally experienced life at sea."
Rayleigh took an appreciative breath, picked up his glass, took a sip, and smiled as Rayleigh put it down.
"That's why I often say that some people are just naturally suited to certain things."
At least for you, politics seems to be an instinct rather than a serious subject that needs to be learned and mastered.
In short, who do you think should take on the role of Second Division Commander?
Lucci or Shiryu?
"If it's Lucci, his strength isn't enough. He needs to be at least at the average level of the Shichibukai. What do you think?"
"Indeed."
Gawain nodded.
"I have other uses for Shiryu, Lucci's strength is indeed somewhat lacking."
Fortunately, everything is still just our plan, and Lucci and our plans still have time to be improved.
In short, while serving as a captain in the Black Ice Terrace, Lucci also holds the Second Division Commander, which is the Onmitsukido Division. I think he is very suitable for this position.
"Indeed."
Rayleigh nodded first, then shook his head slightly and said.
"But what about the Black Ice Terrace? It seems to me that you want all the squads, including the First and Second Squads, to select their subordinates from the Black Ice Terrace based on merit and suitability."
So, should the Black Ice Terrace be repositioned from its current miscellaneous department status into a comprehensive talent training center with a certain educational focus?
"It's not impossible."
No sooner had Rayleigh finished speaking than Gawain answered his question.
"The Black Ice Terrace can not only cultivate general subordinate talents, but also serve as a tool for spreading the spirit of the Dark Bird and our dreams and will."
The new recruits of the future will learn and participate in simple tasks at the Black Ice Terrace to gradually integrate into the Dark Bird Flag and inherit our goals and spirit.
Layer upon layer, this creates a platform for everyone to continuously rise, which also helps to mobilize everyone, right?
After saying this, Gawain had a drink with Rayleigh, then changed the subject.
"Let's put aside the Black Ice Terrace for now; those matters require further discussion. I'll first clarify the issues concerning the squads."
For the Third Division, I hope they become a professional support team. The members of the division can include people who are not particularly outstanding in their respective fields, but whose overall abilities are relatively complete, so that they can provide support for the work of any division at any time.
This squad may not have the best warriors, the best doctors, or the most outstanding scholars.
However, I hope that when other divisions truly need manpower support, the Third Division can provide swift and effective assistance.
Such actions may not be decisive, but they should at least be timely and crucial. In this way, the existence of the Third Division can significantly increase the margin for error in various operations.
After speaking, Gawain gave Rayleigh plenty of time to think. Once Rayleigh showed a knowing look, Gawain continued.
"As for the captain of the third division, I have high hopes for Crocodile. He may not be all-rounder, but he is certainly not a specialist."
He has experience in covert operations and a considerable level of acting skills. Having served as a core member and leader of a team, he has a thorough understanding of all the tasks required by a team.
He may not be perfect, and his strength and abilities are not particularly outstanding.
But the more this is the case, the easier it is to become the one who is needed by others.
More importantly, he's smart enough and knows how to work with people; he's capable of leading what I consider the jack-of-all-trades and lubricant of the Third Division."
"Indeed."
Rayleigh largely agreed with Gawain's assessment, but he was more interested in hearing about Gawain's plans for the others.
He always felt that summarizing everyone's responsibilities would allow him to have a more comprehensive view of this institutional reform of the Gawain Plan.
So, Rayleigh looked at Gawain expectantly and urged him with a smile.
"Tell me about the other squads, Captain. I'm really curious how you define us."
I haven't looked forward to anything this much in a long time, so don't keep me in suspense, Captain!
Is the medical captain of the Fourth Division Kureha or Crocus?
Although they get along well, they're not entirely convinced by each other!