1 New Strawhat!

Chapter 4: A New Beginning

As the first light of dawn gently filtered through the windows of the Going Merry, the crew of the Straw Hat Pirates stirred from their sleep, each member gradually awakening to the realization that their ship was more than just a vessel—it was their home.

Luffy, with his trademark grin, bounded out onto the deck, his eyes shining with excitement. "Good morning, everyone! Isn't it great to wake up on our own ship?" he exclaimed, his enthusiasm infectious.

Nami followed closely behind, a contented smile gracing her lips as she surveyed their surroundings. "It's a beautiful day to be at sea," she remarked, her voice tinged with satisfaction.

Usopp emerged from his hammock, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he took in the familiar sights of the ship. "I never get tired of waking up on the Going Merry," he admitted, a sense of nostalgia washing over him.

Sanji, ever the dedicated cook, busied himself in the galley, preparing a hearty breakfast for his comrades. "Nothing beats starting the day with a good meal," he declared, his culinary skills on full display.

Chopper scampered onto the deck, his excitement palpable as he greeted each member of the crew with a cheerful "Good morning!" "I love being part of this crew," he chirped, his enthusiasm infectious.

Zoro emerged from below deck, his swords slung across his back as he stretched his muscles in preparation for the day ahead. "Let's make the most of our time on the Going Merry," he remarked, his voice filled with determination.

And Robin observed from a distance, her enigmatic smile hinting at the secrets she held close to her chest. "There's nowhere else I'd rather be than here with all of you," she remarked, her words carrying a sense of belonging.

As the crew gathered together on the deck of their beloved ship, they knew that no matter where their journey took them, the Going Merry would always be their home. With its sturdy hull beneath their feet and the wind in their sails, they were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, united in their shared bond of friendship and the freedom of the open sea.

And as they set sail once more, the Straw Hat Pirates knew that as long as they had each other and the Going Merry, they could weather any storm and conquer any obstacle that stood in their way. For theirs was a journey filled with adventure, camaraderie, and the boundless possibilities of the great unknown.

As the gentle morning light bathed the deck of the Going Merry, Hinata stirred from her slumber, her senses gradually awakening to the familiar sights and sounds of the ship. Beside her, Naruto slept soundly, his peaceful expression belying the adventures that awaited them.

As Hinata quietly rose from her hammock, she noticed Sanji bustling about in the galley, his back turned to her as he prepared breakfast for the crew. With a sense of anticipation, she approached him, eager to share the news of her newfound membership in the crew.

"Sanji, I have something to tell you," Hinata began, her voice soft yet resolute.

But before she could utter another word, Sanji turned around, his eyes widening in disbelief as he caught sight of her. "Hinata-chan?! What are you doing here?" he exclaimed, his voice rising in a mixture of shock and confusion.

Hinata blinked in surprise at Sanji's reaction, momentarily taken aback by his unexpected outburst. "I... I've joined the crew," she explained, her tone tinged with uncertainty.

Sanji's expression shifted from bewilderment to disbelief, his mind struggling to process the revelation before him. "Joined the crew? But how... when... why?" he stammered, his words tumbling out in a flurry of confusion.

Hinata's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she realized that Sanji had not been informed of her decision to join the crew. "I... I wanted to be part of this adventure," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.