A Quiet Crush

CHAPTER 23 - Parenthood Aboard the Sunny

Life aboard the Thousand Sunny took on a new rhythm after Hana’s arrival. The crew’s adventures continued, but there was an added sense of purpose as they all adapted to life with a baby aboard the ship. For Robin and Zoro, parenthood brought challenges, moments of joy, and a bond that grew deeper with every passing day. 

### The First Few Weeks 

The first weeks were a whirlwind. Hana’s cries echoed across the ship at all hours, but the crew didn’t mind—most of the time. 

“Why is she crying again?!” Usopp groaned one night, his pillow over his head. 

“Babies cry, idiot,” Zoro snapped back as he carried Hana around the deck, her small body bundled in a blanket. He had taken to nighttime shifts, pacing the ship under the stars as he soothed her with his calm, steady presence. 

Robin, though exhausted, managed to smile whenever she saw Zoro with their daughter. His usually gruff exterior melted away in Hana’s presence, and his patience surprised even himself. 

“She already has you wrapped around her little finger,” Robin teased one morning as she watched Zoro carefully adjust Hana’s blanket. 

Zoro huffed, though his expression softened. “Tch. She’s strong. Just like you.” 

### Learning the Ropes 

Parenthood aboard a pirate ship came with unique challenges. Hana’s safety was always the top priority, and the crew worked together to ensure she was secure during battles or rough seas. Franky designed a special crib that could anchor to the floor and had padded sides to keep Hana safe no matter how wild the journey became. 

“Super baby protection!” Franky declared proudly as he demonstrated the crib’s features. 

Robin and Zoro both expressed their gratitude, though Zoro added, “If it fails, I’ll hold her myself.” 

Robin smirked. “You already do most of the time.” 

Zoro didn’t deny it. Whenever Hana was awake, she was often in his arms, her tiny fingers gripping his shirt or his calloused hand. 

### The Crew’s Role 

The crew took their roles as “uncles and aunts” seriously. 

Sanji became Hana’s self-proclaimed chef, creating special purees and soft foods for when she was ready to eat solids. “Only the best for Robin-chwan and Mosshead’s kid,” he’d say, ignoring Zoro’s glares. 

Luffy, ever the enthusiastic captain, tried to teach Hana to stretch her arms like him. “Look, Hana! Gum-Gum Baby Hug!” he declared, though his antics often ended with Robin calmly removing Hana from his grasp. 

Nami spoiled Hana with toys and soft blankets, while Usopp entertained her with stories and small gadgets he crafted. Chopper took meticulous care of her health, and Brook serenaded her with lullabies. 

“She has more protectors than most kingdoms,” Robin remarked one day, watching the crew dote on Hana. 

“She’ll never need them,” Zoro said confidently. “Not with us around.” 

### Special Moments 

Parenthood brought quieter, more personal moments as well. One night, Robin sat in the library with Hana nestled against her, reading softly from one of her favorite books. Zoro watched from the doorway, his heart swelling at the sight of his family. 

“She’ll grow up to be as smart as you,” he said as he joined them, sitting beside Robin. 

Robin smiled. “And as brave as you.” 

Hana gurgled in response, her tiny hand reaching for the pages. 

“She’s already got good taste,” Zoro said with a rare chuckle. 

### Parenthood’s Challenges 

There were hard days, too. Balancing parenthood with the demands of their pirate life wasn’t easy. Zoro often found himself more tired than ever, his training time cut short by late-night feedings or calming Hana during storms. Robin occasionally worried about whether they could provide Hana with the stability she deserved. 

“She’ll grow up on the sea, surrounded by danger,” Robin confided to Zoro one night as they stood on the deck, watching the moonlight dance on the waves. 

“She’ll grow up strong,” Zoro replied firmly, his arm around her. “And she’ll always have us. That’s more than most kids get.” 

Robin leaned into him, comforted by his unwavering confidence. 

### A Growing Bond 

As Hana grew, so did the bond between her and her parents. She learned to laugh at Zoro’s dry humor and found comfort in Robin’s gentle presence. She was a happy baby, her infectious giggles often lifting the crew’s spirits during difficult times. 

One evening, as the sun set and painted the horizon in warm hues, Robin sat with Hana in her lap while Zoro leaned against the mast beside them. Hana reached for Zoro’s swords, her small fingers brushing against the hilt of Wado Ichimonji. 

“Already interested in swords?” Zoro said with a proud smirk. 

“She might follow in your footsteps,” Robin said, her tone amused. 

“Or yours,” Zoro countered. 

“Why not both?” Robin suggested, her smile growing. 

Zoro grinned, placing a hand gently on Hana’s head. “Both sounds perfect.” 

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