A Quiet Crush

Special Chapter - Hana at Four

Four years had passed since the day Hana was born, and as the Thousand Sunny sailed on through the Grand Line, life aboard the ship had taken on a new rhythm. The crew was as lively as ever, but there was something different now—a little girl, full of energy and joy, who had made her home among them. Hana, now four years old, was growing up quickly, and every day was a new adventure.

Hana had inherited her parents' strong will and quiet confidence. While she was still young, her personality had already begun to shine through. She was curious, always asking questions about everything, from the stars in the sky to the strange creatures they encountered on their travels.

Her laughter echoed across the ship, a sweet sound that lifted everyone’s spirits. Despite her tender age, she had an independent streak and loved exploring the deck on her own, always under the watchful eyes of her parents or the crew.

“Momma, why do the waves go up and down?” Hana asked one day, sitting beside Robin on the deck. She was gazing out at the vast expanse of the ocean, her eyes wide with wonder.

Robin smiled softly, brushing a strand of hair from her daughter’s face. “The waves are like the ocean’s breath, Hana. They rise and fall as it moves. Just like how we breathe in and out.”

Hana tilted her head, absorbing the explanation. “That’s cool.” Her eyes sparkled with curiosity. “Like me and Daddy when we fight!” she added, grinning. “We go up, then we go down, but always together.”

Robin chuckled at her daughter’s words. “Yes, something like that.”

Zoro, ever the serious swordsman, had become an incredibly doting father. Though he still often grumbled and acted gruff, Hana had a way of getting him to soften, and he enjoyed nothing more than spending time with her.

One afternoon, Zoro was practicing his swordplay on the deck, his movements swift and controlled. Hana stood nearby, watching intently, her hands on her hips as if she were studying his every move.

“Daddy, can I try?” she asked, her voice full of determination.

Zoro paused, glancing at her with a raised eyebrow. "You're not old enough to use a sword yet," he said, but there was a softness to his tone.

“Just for fun!” Hana insisted, her hands mimicking his as she moved like she had seen him do so many times.

Zoro sighed but couldn’t help but smile. He handed her a small wooden practice sword, watching carefully as she took it in her tiny hands and tried to strike a pose.

“Alright, show me what you’ve got,” Zoro said with a grin, ready to teach his daughter a few moves—though not too many, just enough to satisfy her curiosity.

“Take that, Daddy!” Hana declared, swinging the sword with all the force her little arms could muster. Though it was clumsy, Zoro’s heart swelled with pride. His little girl was already so strong-willed and brave, just like Robin.

Later that day, as they walked around the deck, Hana held tightly to Zoro’s hand, looking up at him with her big, wide eyes. “When I’m big like you, I’ll protect you too, Daddy,” she said, her voice full of seriousness.

Zoro paused, his expression softening as he looked down at her. "You already make me proud, Hana," he said quietly, ruffling her hair. "But you don’t need to protect me. Just be yourself, and that’ll be enough."

Robin, though often reserved and calm, was just as proud of Hana’s growing sense of independence. As a mother, she provided guidance with a gentle hand, always encouraging her daughter to follow her curiosity but never pushing her too hard.

One afternoon, Robin and Hana sat together in the library, surrounded by books. Hana was flipping through a picture book, her eyes lighting up with excitement as she pointed to the different animals.

“Momma, can I learn about the world like you?” Hana asked, her voice full of wonder.

Robin smiled softly, pulling her daughter closer. “Of course, Hana. You can learn anything you want. The world is full of wonders, and there’s so much to discover.”

Hana’s eyes shone brightly. “I want to learn about the stars. Like where they come from.”

Robin leaned down, her voice soft and patient. “The stars are very far away, but they’ve been shining for many, many years. They are part of the universe, just like us, and they guide us when we need it.”

Hana nodded thoughtfully, her small fingers tracing the pages of the book. “I want to go to the stars one day. Will you come with me, Momma?”

Robin chuckled, brushing a lock of hair behind Hana’s ear. “I’ll always be with you, Hana, no matter where you go.”

The crew, of course, adored Hana. Each member had their own unique bond with the little girl, spoiling her in their own way and teaching her valuable lessons. Usopp often told her elaborate stories about his “greatest adventures,” which Hana listened to with wide-eyed wonder, while Franky spent hours building her tiny toys.

Sanji, of course, was Hana’s personal chef, always making her special treats and giving her a sweet smile every time she took a bite. “This is for you, Hana-chan. The best food for the best little girl!” he’d say, presenting her with a plate of something delicious.

Brook, ever the musician, played songs for her on his violin, serenading her with lively melodies that made Hana clap her hands and giggle. “Yoohohoho! You are the sunshine of our crew, little one!” he’d say, causing Hana to laugh in delight.

Even Luffy, who was usually too busy with his own adventures, made a point of making sure Hana was always included in the fun, often inviting her to join him for his “adventures” around the ship.

“Let’s go! We’ll be pirates and find treasure!” Luffy would shout, and Hana, her face alight with excitement, would run after him with a squeal of joy.

As Hana approached her fifth birthday, she continued to grow more independent, confident, and curious about the world around her. She was a constant reminder to Robin and Zoro of the love they shared and the future they were building together.

One evening, as the stars twinkled overhead and the gentle hum of the ship’s movement rocked them to sleep, Zoro and Robin sat on the deck, their daughter nestled between them. Hana was already half-asleep, her head resting against Robin’s shoulder.

Zoro wrapped his arm around both Robin and Hana, his heart full as he looked out at the horizon. “You know,” he murmured, “I never thought I’d be a father. But with you two... it feels like the most natural thing in the world.”

Robin rested her head against his, a smile on her lips. “You’re a wonderful father, Zoro. And I’m so proud of you.”

Hana shifted slightly, her tiny hand reaching up to touch Zoro’s face. “I love you, Daddy,” she whispered sleepily.

Zoro’s heart melted as he leaned down to kiss her forehead. “I love you too, little one.”

Robin smiled softly as she watched the two of them, feeling the warmth of their love. They had built a life together—one full of adventures, challenges, and quiet moments like this. And as Hana grew, she would carry their love with her, always.

And so, with the stars above and the sea below, the family of three drifted into a peaceful sleep, knowing that no matter what the future held, they had each other.

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