Sometimes Mr. Krabs wondered what made him hire that hyperactive yellow sponge.
It certainly wasn't because of the fact that he was a sponge, and that Mr. Krabs had a habit of hiring odd people to work there. Squidward was a cynical squid and Patrick, for those temporary times, was an airheaded starfish. He could easily have hired some sardines to do the job -ones without attitudes, at that.
Mr. Krabs was sure it wasn't his attitude. It was strong-willed, powerful, enthusiastic, but overwhelming. There was a reason there was a strong iron door with a lock from his side of the threshold. From all the damage the boy did on his own accord, he spent nearly as much as he brought in just on repairs.
Maybe it was his strength in his field. Mr. Krabs had never seen a prodigy like Spongebob in all his years of working at the Krusty Krab. Even Jim failed to compare. With Spongebob's raw talent and a little honing of his skill, he would become the best there was.
Maybe Mr. Krabs kept him around for that.
Or maybe he liked being saluted to.
"Mr. Krabs, sir!" Spongebob called, bringing a hand to his forehead in a crisp salute.
"Yes, me boy?" Mr. Krabs grumbled, running a red claw over his money again, cherishing the feel of the cool coins under his shell.
"The lunch rush is coming in, sir!" Spongebob informed him, feet braced against the floor and stance proud.
He looked like a new cadet.
Mr. Krabs chuckled heartily. "Bring them in, boy! And let's serve 'em up some o' the best Krabby patties they've ever tasted!"
"Yes, sir, Mr. Krabs, sir!" Spongebob agreed, charging out into the flocks of people demanding their order be taken by the only register man Mr. Krabs had. Squidward sent Spongebob an icy glare are Spongebob returned to his station.
Mr. Krabs knew this was the best team he could ask for.
The fact that one was very nearly his soldier made it forever easier to deal with, and definitely better.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything, kthxbye.