1 New Strawhat!

Chapter 8: Oct 10

As the day began aboard the ship, the crew went about their usual routines, completely unaware that it held special significance for one of their own. Naruto, keeping his birthday a closely guarded secret, found himself grappling with a mix of emotions as he silently acknowledged the occasion.

Hinata remained asleep in her cabin, oblivious to the passing of time and the hidden significance of the day. Unaware of any celebrations that might have been in store, she slumbered peacefully, undisturbed by the events unfolding around her.

Throughout the day, Naruto kept his emotions tightly in check, not wanting to draw attention to himself or the significance of the day. As he worked alongside his crewmates, he couldn't help but steal glances at the calendar in his cabin, a silent reminder of the occasion.

As evening approached and the crew gathered on deck for their evening meal, Naruto felt a sense of melancholy wash over him. Despite his efforts to keep his birthday a secret, he couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment that no one had remembered.

And then, as the crew sat down to eat, Naruto's heart sank as he realized that his birthday had gone unnoticed by his friends. Despite his attempts to keep his emotions in check, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness at the thought of spending the day alone.

As the crew ate in companionable silence, Naruto forced a smile onto his face, determined not to let his disappointment show. Deep down, however, he couldn't shake the feeling of loneliness that weighed heavily on his heart.

As the meal came to an end and the crew dispersed for the night, Naruto retreated to his cabin, the weight of his solitude pressing down on him. In the quiet darkness, he allowed himself a moment of vulnerability, silently acknowledging the disappointment of spending his birthday alone, unnoticed by those around him.

In the quiet solitude of his cabin, Naruto sat alone, the soft glow of a single candle casting flickering shadows on the walls around him. With a heavy heart and tear-filled eyes, he held a solitary cupcake in his trembling hands, a small token of sweetness amidst the bitter sting of loneliness.

Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Naruto closed his eyes and began to sing, his voice trembling with emotion as he filled the empty space with the familiar melody of "Happy Birthday to Me." Each note echoed in the stillness of the room, carrying with it a poignant reminder of the passing of time and the ache of solitude.

As he sang, Naruto's voice wavered, the weight of his emotions threatening to overwhelm him. Memories of birthdays past flooded his mind, each one tinged with a sense of longing for the companionship and connection he so desperately craved.

But despite the ache in his heart, Naruto continued to sing, his voice growing stronger with each verse. With each word, he poured out his hopes and dreams, his fears and regrets, allowing himself a moment of vulnerability in the quiet sanctuary of his cabin.

And as the final notes of the song lingered in the air, Naruto opened his eyes, tears streaming down his cheeks as he gazed at the flickering candle before him. In that solitary moment, he found solace in the simple act of acknowledging his own existence, a silent testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Hinata stood in the doorway, her gaze softening as she watched Naruto, her heart aching at the sight of his tears. Silently, she took in the scene before her-the solitary figure sitting amidst the dim glow of candlelight, the haunting strains of "Happy Birthday to Me" filling the air with bittersweet melancholy.

Torn between the impulse to comfort him and the desire to respect his privacy, Hinata hesitated for a moment, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. But then, with a gentle resolve, she stepped forward, her presence a silent offering of solace in the midst of his sorrow.