Nico Robin sat alone in her cabin aboard the Thousand Sunny, staring at herself in the mirror. Her blue eyes examined every line and wrinkle on her face, scrutinizing every thin, gray hair that had begun to sprout from her head. She sighed heavily, feeling a wave of insecurity wash over her.
"Is this what thirties feels like?" she mused aloud. "I never thought I'd be so... old."
It was true that Robin was no longer in the prime of her youth, but she was still undeniably beautiful. Robin's once youthful face now showed fine lines and wrinkles, evidence of the passing of time. Her hair, once jet black, now had strands of gray interwoven, giving her a distinguished look. However, her beauty was still striking, her features delicate and alluring. The tight purple dress hugged her figure perfectly, accentuating her curves and highlighting her slender frame.
But despite all this, Robin couldn't shake the feeling that she was past her prime. She had spent years as a fugitive from the World Government, constantly on the run and fighting for survival. Now that she was a member of the Straw Hat Pirates and living a life of adventure on the open sea, she couldn't help but feel like time was catching up with her.
As if on cue, there was a knock at the door to Robin's cabin. The knock was like a sharp crack on the door, a sudden and urgent interruption to her thoughts, reminding her that time was passing and she couldn't stop it. "Come in," she called out, not bothering to hide the sadness in her voice. the door swung open to reveal a slightly annoyed Zoro, who'd just been sent down by the resident cook to fetch Robin. "Oi Robin Dinner's.." His voice trailed off as he saw the look on the older woman's face. His expression softened to a look of concern as he took a step in the room. "You good Robin?" He asked gruffly.
When the woman responded with a lowered gaze, the swordsman took that as a sign that a sensitive conversation would ensue, so he closed the door quietly behind himself. Zoro's sharp gaze takes in every line and crease on Robin's face, searching for any sign of what may be troubling her. Her expression is pensive, her eyes downcast and a furrow between her brows revealing her deep thoughts.
Robin took a few moments to compose herself before finally speaking. "I'm just feeling a bit... old," she admitted, avoiding eye contact with Zoro. "It's my birthday tomorrow and I can't help but feel like I'm no longer in my prime." Zoro raised an eyebrow at this unexpected confession. He had always seen Robin as one of the most beautiful women he had ever met, regardless of age. But he knew better than to argue with her when she was feeling down.
"I'm not exactly an expert on this kind of thing, but I don't think you're old," he said truthfully. he laughed, a little nervously as he continued. "You still look pretty damn good to me. "he blurted before realizing the implications of what he just said. "I mean uh" He floundered around for the right words to say. Robin couldn't help but smile at Zoro's clumsy attempt at a compliment. She appreciated his straightforwardness, even if it wasn't the most eloquent.
He sighed at himself. "You're not old," he said firmly. "And even if you were, it doesn't matter. You're still one of the most powerful members of our crew."
Robin couldn't help but smile at his words, feeling a little better already. "Thank you, Zoro," she said softly. "That means a lot to me." She smiled warmly at her younger counterpart before he continued. "And if it makes you feel any better, I'll be turning thirty in no time too," Zoro added with a grin. Robin chuckled at the thought of the tough swordsman fretting over his age.
Zoro nodded in response and shifted uncomfortably on his feet. He wasn't used to being the one offering comfort to others, especially not someone as strong and independent as Robin. But he was determined to do whatever he could to make her feel better.
"Look, I know we're all getting older," he said awkwardly. "But that doesn't mean we have to let it hold us back. You're still one of the smartest and most capable people I know. Age is just a number."
Robin smiled again, this time more genuinely. Zoro's words were simple, but they carried a lot of weight coming from him.
"You're right," she said. "Thank you, Zoro."
Zoro nodded once more as he stepped over to his nakama.
"No problem," he said gruffly. "Just remember the next time you start feeling old," He paused and placed a hand on her back gently, making Robin shiver in surprise.
"You're one of the most beautiful women in this damn universe. Especially to me."
With that, Zoro turned and headed for the door. Robin watched him go, feeling a newfound sense of confidence wash over her.
"Thanks again, Zoro," she called out after him, shocked by his flattering words. Zoro glanced back at Robin with a small smirk on his face.
"Don't mention it," he said. "Just doing my job. Can't have you slacking off because you think you're not hot" He joked.
Robin chuckled at Zoro's mocking remark, grateful for his unexpected act of kindness. She knew that she would always have moments of insecurity about her age, but now she had a friend who would be there to remind her that she was still beautiful and capable, no matter how old she felt.
And for that, she was eternally grateful.
The next day, the Straw Hat Pirates celebrated Robin's birthday with a big party on the deck of the Thousand Sunny. As they laughed and danced together, Robin couldn't help but feel grateful for her crewmates and all the adventures they shared.
She may be getting older, but she knew that with them by her side, she would never truly feel old.
From that day on, whenever Robin looked in the mirror, she no longer saw an aging woman staring back at her. She saw a fearless pirate who had overcome countless challenges and still had many more adventures ahead of her.
Age didn't matter to Nico Robin anymore – all that mattered was living life to its fullest with her nakama by her side.