As dawn broke over the Revolutionary Army base, casting a soft golden light across what seemed like a barren wasteland, a new life was about to be welcomed into the world. Nico Robin, having found refuge with the revolutionaries during the Straw Hats' separation, was in the final stages of labor.
The base, usually buzzing with the activities of the revolutionaries, had fallen into a hushed anticipation. Koala, having grown close to Robin over the last few months, was at her side, offering support and encouragement. "You're doing great, Robin," Koala said gently, holding Robin's hand. "Just a little bit longer."
With tears welling up in her eyes, Robin shook her head and murmured, "I can't. I can't do this without him. I need him here."
Koala, understanding Robin's longing for Zoro, squeezed her hand trying to comfort her friend. "I know, but you two will be back with each other soon."
The air was filled with tension and expectation. Robin, amidst the pain and exhaustion, tried to focus on the thought of her child. Zoro's child. Their child. The thought gave her strength.
As the first cries of the newborn pierced the morning air, a wave of relief and joy swept through the room. Koala, tears in her eyes, beamed at Robin. "It's a girl, Robin. She's perfect."
Robin, overwhelmed with emotion, held her daughter for the first time.
Sabo, upon hearing the news, let out a whoop of joy and rushed in to see the newest member of their extended revolutionary family. "She's incredible, Robin. Congratulations!"
Outside, the news spread quickly among the revolutionaries. The base, usually so focused on their cause, allowed themselves a moment to celebrate this beacon of hope - a new life in the midst of their struggle.
Holding her newborn daughter, Olivia, Robin's thoughts wandered to Zoro and her Straw Hat companions. She longed for them to be there, especially her swordsman, to see this sweet new life they made.
As her friends exited the room, giving her space with Olivia, a sense of solitude began to envelop Robin. Gazing down at Olivia, now calmed and quiet, she spoke softly, "Your father would probably melt at the sight of you. You'd win his heart just as you've already won mine. I can't wait to tell you all about him." She tenderly kissed Olivia's forehead, allowing her tears to silently stream down her face as she thought about Zoro.
The birth of Olivia was more than just a new chapter in Robin's life; it was a symbol of the resilience and enduring spirit of the Straw Hat Pirates. Even separated, they continued to grow, to face challenges, and to prepare for the day they would sail together once more.
~~~
After making it to Sabaody, Nico Robin, cradling her 15-month-old daughter, Olivia, ducked into an alleyway. Her heart pounded as she listened to the distant voices communicating over a transponder snail, "We've located Nico Robin." On the other end was another voice, "Don't kill her. Be sure to bring her in alive."
Robin stood there for a few moments trying to keep Olivia quiet as she thinks: "Did I lose them?"
Speaking quietly to Olivia, Robin murmured, "We need to hurry. The others might already be here." Gazing lovingly at her daughter, she added, "Soon, you'll meet your father."
Reaching the Thousand Sunny, Robin turned Olivia to face their ship. "It's been two long years, Sunny," she whispered. As she took in the sight of her home, she looked down at her daughter, "Welcome to your new home, sweetheart." Her reunion with Sunny was interrupted by Franky's exuberant shout.
"Ah! Look at that beautiful woman over there! Is that our archeologist extraordinaire, Robin!?" Franky exclaimed while striking his usual pose.
Robin giggled in response, "You haven't changed a bit, Franky."
As Robin made her way down to the ship, an awkward silence followed as Franky's eyes fell on the small child in Robin's arms. "Hold on, is that…?"
Robin smiled down at her daughter, "You mean does HE know yet? No, but is this his daughter? Yes." Robin allowed Franky to step closer to Olivia who was now looking up at him in wonder.
Setting Olivia down on the deck, Robin walked over to inspect the ship's coating, "It's like jelly."
"Yup! Now we can sail the depths of the sea! You went to the bar, right? What number are you?" Franky says looking at Robin.
"I'm the eighth. Sounds like Luffy will be the last one." Robin says smiling once again.
Elsewhere in Sabaody, Sanji searched for Zoro. Hearing a commotion, he witnessed a half-sliced ship surfacing with Zoro resting on its hull. "I got on the wrong ship," Zoro muttered.
Seeing what Zoro had done, Sanji sighs and finally approaches the swordsman. "We need to get back to Sunny. Time's running out." Zoro, however, had other ideas in mind. "Nah, while I wait for everyone else, I'm heading to the shore to go fishing."
Sanji's eyes widened in exasperation. "Absolutely not!" he snapped, stepping closer. "You'll just get lost again, moss head! We can't afford any delays, especially with Robin-chwan and Nami-swan arriving soon."
Zoro scoffed, getting back in Sanji's face. "Since when did you start giving orders, crappy cook?"
"Someone needs to keep you out of trouble since Robin isn't here yet to do it," Sanji retorted, his face inches from Zoro's. "We're all meeting back at the Sunny, so just keep quiet and follow me."
Zoro muttered under his breath, "Hmph. Number 7 telling Number 1 what to do…"
Sanji, overhearing, flared up. "What did you say? You're ranking us according to when we got here!? It's a miracle you got here first! So don't let it get to your head!"
Zoro smirked, turning away. "Sure, whatever you say… Number 7."
Sanji's temper boiled over. "That's it!" He prepared to launch an attack, but Zoro was already drawing his swords.
Near the Sunny, Usopp, Nami, and Chopper arrived. Nami immediately sought out Robin, but she halted, surprised at the sight of a small child in Robin's arms. "Robin, who's this?" Nami asked.
Robin smiled warmly at her daughter. "This is Olivia, the newest Straw Hat," she said coaxing Olivia to greet Nami. "Olivia, baby, say 'hi'."
Olivia shyly hid her face in Robin's neck. "Don't want to", she mumbled.
"Is she… Zoro's?" Nami asked her curiosity piqued.
"Yes, but he doesn't know yet. I couldn't reach him during our time apart," Robin explained with a hint of sadness in her voice, gently rocking Olivia. "She knows who her father is though. I kept a picture of his bounty poster."
Hearing her father's name, Olivia peeked out, scanning the area. "Where Daddy?"
Nami grinned at the little girl. "I can't wait to see Zoro's reaction. Never pegged him for father material. But you, Robin, you look like you're a natural at this."
Robin's smile didn't waver, though her nerves were hidden beneath.
As the crew caught up with each other, Shakky and Rayleigh boarded the Sunny, providing Nami with crucial information for navigating the coated ship.
After what seemed like an eternity for Robin, she could finally hear familiar voices in the distance as she watched Olivia pressing Franky's nose and laughing every time his hair style would change.
"Hey! You guys!" Luffy shouts from above as they fly in on what looks like a large bird.
"LUFFY!" The Straw Hats say in unison excited to see their Captain once again.
Upon stepping onto the deck, Luffy's attention was instantly drawn to Franky's impressive modifications. Meanwhile, Zoro caught sight of Robin's changed appearance, pausing to take in her new look. Sensing his gaze, Robin turned towards him, their eyes meeting across the deck.
Zoro approached Robin; his steps determined. Without a word, he pulled her into a close embrace as he completed their reunion with a kiss. "I'm glad you're okay," he murmured, holding her tightly. "I missed you."
Robin, her heart racing with both nerves and relief, knew she had to broach the subject that was weighing on her mind. "Zoro, we need to talk," she said hesitantly, but kept her arms wrapped around his neck, like she was stuck to him.
Zoro's expression faltered slightly. "Did… Did I do something wrong?" he asked, a tinge of worry in his voice.
"No, it's nothing like that," Robin quickly said, wanting to ease his worry. "It's just…" But before she could finish, a small hand reached out and tugged at Robin's skirt. Looking down, Zoro found himself staring into a pair of bright blue eyes that reminded him of Robin. The little girl smiled wide at Zoro which made him melt a little since her smile is just like Robin's. Olivia, reaching up to Robin, spoke softly, "Mommy, up?"
Zoro stood stunned for a moment, the word "mommy" resonating in his mind as he saw Robin holding the little girl. He was about to ask Robin if the child was indeed his when chaos broke out on the Sunny's deck. Cannonballs struck close to the ship, causing waves to surge over the sides. Without hesitation, Zoro instinctively wrapped his arms around Robin, steadying both her and Olivia against the rocking ship.
As the crew sprang into action, Zoro's gaze settled on the source of the attack – a marine ship emerging through the mist, its cannons aimed squarely at the Sunny. Luffy, already rallying the crew, shouted orders, "Prepare to fight back! We need to protect the Sunny!"
Zoro, with both girls in his arms, felt a surge of protectiveness wash over him. He looked at Robin, "You two need to be somewhere safe right now, I don't want you out here where you can get hurt." As he released Robin, he made sure she made it to a safe location on deck before jumping into the fray.
Below the ship, Franky worked to submerge the Sunny by opening the valve to fill the airbag that was under the keel.
On deck, the rest of the crew marveled at the ship's transformation, its coating morphing into a protective bubble.
Franky rejoined them, confirming, "Buoyancy pouch removed, Nami!"
Nami, taking charge, announced, "Alright, everyone, prepare to submerge!"
Luffy, his excitement palpable, turned to Nami. "Are we getting under way, Nami!?"
"Yes. Go right ahead, Captain" Nami replied, smiling at Luffy's enthusiasm.
Seizing the opportunity created by Boa Hancock's intervention, where she used her ship to block the Navy vessels, Luffy addressed his crew with his characteristic grin. "Alright, guys! There's a whole lot of stuff I'd like to say to you, but never mind! I just want to thank you for going along with my selfish request for the last two years!"
Sanji chuckled, "Won't be the first or the last time."
Excited to be reunited with his crew, Luffy screams, "Set sail! Next stop, Fishman Island!"
As the Thousand Sunny descended beneath the waves, the crew's spirits soared with Luffy's infectious enthusiasm. His speech, full of gratitude and excitement for their future adventures, had rallied everyone's spirits. However, as Luffy's gaze wandered over his crew, it landed on a small, curious face he hadn't seen before standing next to Robin gripping her skirt and trying to hide behind her.
"Hey, who's this?" Luffy exclaimed, his eyes lighting up with a new kind of excitement as he noticed Olivia. His characteristic grin widened as he crouched down to her level.
Olivia, still clinging to Robin, looked up at Luffy with wide, curious eyes. There was an innocence about her, a stark contrast to the seasoned pirates around her.
Robin felt a small smile tug at her lips. "Luffy, meet Olivia. She's mine and Zoro's daughter," she introduced, her voice soft but filled with pride.
Luffy's eyes went comically wide, his mouth forming an 'O' of surprise. "Zoro's? And yours? No way!" He turned to look at Zoro, who was standing a short distance away, his expression unreadable. "Zoro, you're a dad?"
Zoro, caught off guard by Luffy's loud announcement, could only nod, his usual composure slightly rattled.
Luffy turned back to Olivia with a huge smile. "That's so cool! You're gonna be a great pirate, just like us!" he said enthusiastically.
Olivia, initially shy, began to warm up to Luffy's friendly demeanor. "Pirate?" she echoed, her eyes shining with curiosity.
Nami, watching the scene unfold, couldn't help but chuckle. "Looks like we have a new recruit, Captain," she said to Luffy.
As the Sunny continued its underwater journey, the atmosphere lightened. The revelation of Zoro and Robin's daughter, and Luffy's unabashed acceptance of her, served as a reminder of the deep bonds that united them. They were more than just a crew; they were a family, ever-growing and evolving.
Olivia, now the center of attention, basked in the warmth of her newfound family. For the Straw Hat Pirates, she represented a new chapter, a fresh beginning filled with potential and the promise of adventures yet to come.
The surrounding light gradually waned the further into the depths they went, giving way to the eerie, tranquil darkness of the sea's depths. The crew, accustomed to the ocean's many moods, continued their tasks unfazed. However, for little Olivia, this sudden shift to darkness was a new and unsettling experience.
Feeling uneasy in the dimming light, Olivia's eyes darted around the deck, searching for the comforting presence of her mom. Franky, sensing the need for some illumination, flicked on the deck lights, casting a gentle glow around them. In the newfound light, Olivia spotted Zoro, leaning casually against the mast, his eye closed in a moment of rest.
Without a second thought, Olivia toddled over to Zoro and climbed onto his lap. "Scared, Daddy," she whispered, her small arms encircling his neck tightly.
The unexpected weight and the soft voice jolted Zoro out of his brief respite. He opened his eye, looking down at the little girl clinging to him. For a moment, he was frozen, unsure how to respond to this new, vulnerable side of himself being called into action.
"Uh…it's okay, little one," Zoro said softly with unsurety in his voice, his voice a surprising contrast to his usual gruffness. He hesitantly wrapped an arm around Olivia, holding her close. "You're safe here with me."
From a short distance, Robin watched the scene unfold. A wave of mixed emotions washed over her — relief, happiness, but also a poignant ache for the time they had lost. She saw in Zoro's tentative embrace an unfamiliar tenderness, a side of him she has rarely seen.
Zoro, feeling Olivia's small heartbeat against his chest, was struck by a profound sense of responsibility. He was a father now, a protector not just to his crew but to this little life that depended on him. "Don't worry, Olivia. I'll do everything I can to keep you safe," he reassured her, a faint smile touching his lips.
The sight of Zoro comforting their daughter brought a smile to Robin's face. It was a small, yet significant step towards weaving the fabric of their new family. In the depths of the ocean, aboard the Thousand Sunny, they were navigating uncharted waters, but together, they were finding their way.
Around them, the crew continued their tasks, casting occasional glances at the heartwarming scene. The Straw Hat Pirates were more than just a crew; they were a family, and Olivia was now an irreplaceable part of that family.
Zoro rose to his feet, his arms securely around his daughter, his eyes scanning the deck for Robin. He needed to talk to her, to understand everything that happened while they were separated. Spotting Robin, their eyes met, and he subtly nodded towards the room she shared with Nami, indicating his wish for a private conversation.
As they entered the room, the air was heavy with unspoken words. Zoro, gently sat Olivia down on Robin's bed before turning to face Robin, his face still showing some shock at the fact he now has a daughter.
"Robin, I…" he began, his voice trailing off as Robin rushed to him throwing her arms around him. Steadying himself, Zoro wrapped his arms around Robin, relishing the feeling of her back in his arms after two long years.
"I'm so happy you're alive. I was so scared something happened to you after you disappeared. Seeing you unconscious…" Robin trailed off, burying her face into Zoro's chest.
Zoro experienced a tight sensation in his chest, a wave of guilt washing over him for making Robin worry while they were separated. As she pulled back slightly, Zoro found himself at a loss for words. "So… how did?" he began, but trailed off, uncertain of how to proceed. His gaze then fell upon Olivia, who brightened up instantly when she saw her father look at her.
Robin smiled some at the sweet reaction before speaking, "You remember that night we shared before we reached Sabaody?" Zoro looked at Robin, his face turning a little pink remembering it as he nodded. "Well, about 9 months later I had her." Robin looked back to Olivia.
Zoro nodded again, silently absorbing all the information. Then, his expression subtly changed, reflecting a deeper inner turmoil. Sensing this shift, Robin gently cupped his face in her hands, studying his features closely. Even in the dim light of the room, she could discern the toll the past two years had taken on him, yet she also noted a newfound strength and determination in his demeanor. As she gazed into his single eye, she detected traces of sadness, perhaps even guilt. "What's bothering you?" she asked, breaking the silence with concern.
Taking Robin's hand, he guided her towards the bed that Olivia was sitting on and sat with both of his girls. "I can't believe I missed so much," he said, looking between Robin and Olivia. "I wasn't there for you when you needed me, I missed seeing Olivia learn how to walk and talk, I wasn't there to be her dad… If only I had known where you were. I should have left that stupid island and searched for you." His voice was tinged with regret, and his hands clenched into tight fists, a sign of his frustration and anger towards himself.
Hearing Zoro voice the guilt he's feeling hit Robin hard, almost like a physical blow. "Please, don't talk like that," she implored, moving closer to him. She once again cradled his face in her hands, trying to offer some solace. Olivia watched them with a curious gaze, not fully understanding but sensing emotions at play. Noticing her mother's comforting gestures, Olivia, in her innocent way, tried to mimic Robin. Olivia climbed between her parents causing Robin to drop her hands and move back some to let her daughter in between them. Olivia reached out her small hands towards Zoro's face. "Daddy sad?" she asked in her soft, childlike voice.
Zoro looked at Olivia, the gesture making him tense a little, not used to having this little life with him and Robin. Her simple question seemed to pierce through his heartache. A small, sad smile formed on his lips as he saw this miniature Robin staring back at him.
Looking over to Robin, she held his gaze, her eyes conveying empathy and love. "Zoro, you're here now. That's what matters, and hopefully, if you'll still have us, we'll have a future to build together as a family." She said gently.
Zoro sighed, a mix of emotions playing across his face. "Knowing what I know now, I just wish I could have been part of her life from the beginning," he confessed, his voice heavy with regret.
Olivia, still not fully grasping the gravity of the conversation but wanting to help, kept her tiny hands on Zoro's cheek. "Daddy smile?" she said as she tried to push the corners of his mouth up into a smile.
Robin chuckled at Olivia's gesture, her heart swelling with love for both her daughter and Zoro. "You can't change the past, but you can be here now. Olivia and I, we need you. We love you," she reassured him.
Zoro looked between Robin and Olivia, the weight of his guilt slowly lifting for now, "I'll make up for lost time, I promise," he vowed, his resolve firming.
Adjusting his position on Robin's bed, Zoro leaned against the headboard. He gently pulled Robin to his side, wrapping an arm around her, and cradled Olivia with his other arm. "So, maybe…should I ask Franky to set up a room for us? You know so we could all be together?" he suggested, looking to Robin for her reaction.
Robin responded with a contented smile, resting her head on Zoro's shoulder. "That sounds wonderful," she replied, her voice tinged with enthusiasm. They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, with Zoro holding his girls close, appreciating his new family.
Just as Olivia's eyelids began to close, tired from the day's travels, Luffy's loud shout startled her, earning a frown from Zoro. "Stupid loud mouth captain, keeping her awake," he grumbled under his breath, eliciting a soft chuckle from Robin.
"Everyone, come look at these crazy looking fish!" Luffy shouted again.
Zoro stood up, ready to join the others. He attempted to pass Olivia back to Robin, but the little girl clung to him. "Livy sleepy," she murmured. With a smile, Zoro adjusted Olivia so she could rest comfortably on his shoulder. He looked at Robin, "ready to go?"
Robin nodded, and they made their way to the deck. The ocean was alive with luminous fish, creating a mesmerizing display in the dark water.
Zoro stood by the railing, holding Olivia securely and drawing Robin close with his free arm. As he gazed out at the sea, he continued to think about his new role on this ship. Not as the first mate or Robin's partner, but as Olivia's father now. He had missed part of his daughter's life, but he was resolved to not miss any more. He was determined to be the father Olivia needed and partner Robin deserved in her life. Standing there with his family, Zoro felt a deep sense of purpose and belonging, stronger than ever before.
~~~
Months had passed since the Thousand Sunny's adventurous journey through Fishman Island. As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink, the Straw Hat Pirates were enjoying a rare moment of tranquility on the deck.
In a quiet corner of the ship, Zoro and Robin watched their daughter, Olivia, playing. The toddler, now a little over two years old, was the spitting image of her mother as a child with her bright, curious eyes and a head full of dark hair. She had inherited Zoro's hard-headed determination and Robin's intelligence.
"Look, Mommy, Daddy! I'm a pirate!" Olivia exclaimed, brandishing a small wooden sword that Franky had crafted for her.
"Well if you're a pirate little one, then I think you need this." Zoro said as he put what looked like a little cloth on the top of her head.
Robin's smile widened as she saw that Zoro had given Olivia a mini version of his own bandana. "One day, you'll be as strong as your dad," she said warmly, her eyes filled with affection.
Zoro patted the top of Olivia's head, his face beaming with pride at her excited expression.
Luffy, playing nearby with Chopper, overheard their conversation and joined in. "Olivia's going to be an awesome member of our crew! Right, guys?"
The rest of the crew echoed their agreement, each member fond of the littlest Straw Hat. Nami had become her unofficial teacher when Robin wasn't around, Usopp her favorite storyteller, Chopper her playmate, Sanji made sure she always had her favorite snacks, Brook always had a fun song to play for her, and Franky always showered her with fun toys he's built.
From the kitchen, Sanji called out, "Dinner's ready Nami-swan, Robin-chwan, and my little princess Olivia!"
"Hey what about us!?" Usopp protested.
Sanji, slightly irritated, replied, "Yeah, yeah, yours is ready too."
Zoro muttered under his breath, irritation in his voice, "His little princess…? Stupid love cook."
Robin, hearing Zoro's grumble, reassured him with a smile. "No one's taking your little girl away, Zoro."
As they headed towards the kitchen, Olivia tugged on Zoro's arm. "Can I sit with you, Daddy?"
Zoro lifted her up and held her close. "Of course, Liv," he replied smiling down at her.
As the crew settled down for dinner, gathered around the table, Sanji laid out a large spread of food before them. Olivia sat between Zoro and Robin, her eyes wide at the feast.
"Let's eat!" Luffy declared, and the crew dove in, the air filled with laughter and chatter.
As they ate, Robin watched her family – both the one she had created with Zoro and the one they had found in the Straw Hats. She felt a deep sense of contentment and belonging. They had faced countless challenges and adventures together, but it was moments like these, simple and full of warmth, that truly felt like treasures.
~~~
As the evening sky filled with stars, Zoro stepped out of the room he now shared with his family, having just tucked Olivia into bed. Prepared for his turn on watch, he grabbed a bottle of sake and made his way to the crow's nest, only to find a familiar figure already there, engrossed in a book.
Zoro walked over to Robin and settled beside her, gazing out at the starlit sky. He opened the sake and took a sip. "This brings back memories," he said, breaking the comfortable silence between them.
Robin looked up from her book, a soft smile on her lips. "I thought it'd be nice to join you for your watch tonight. I've missed these moments of peace with just the two of us."
Zoro nodded, feeling a sense of nostalgia mixed with contentment. He took another sip of his sake as he pulled Robin into his arm.
"It's strange, isn't it? How life has changed so much for us. A pirate hunter turned pirate and a wandering archaeologist just trying to survive, to parents and members of the Straw Hat crew." Robin said reminiscing.
Zoro chuckled, "But I wouldn't change anything." He looked at Robin, his eyes reflecting sincerity. "Especially not the part where we became a family, making one was even better." Zoro smirked causing Robin to smile as they thought back to that night.
Robin leaned her head against Zoro's shoulder, feeling a warmth spread through her. "I agree. Every challenge, every adventure, it's brought us here, together."
Zoro continued to drink his sake as Robin went back to reading her book. Every few minutes they would exchange small talk while enjoying each other's company.
After a while, Zoro spoke up, his voice low. "You know, being up here with you, is what I love the most when we're on this ship."
Robin smiled, turning to look at him. "Me too. These moments are precious."
As they sat together, the sounds of the sea and the creaking of the Sunny were the only noises around them. It was a perfect night, a rare opportunity for them to just be together, away from their responsibilities and the ever-present call to adventure.
Eventually, with her eyes beginning to feel heavy, Robin closed her book and snuggled closer to Zoro. "Thank you for this," she murmured.
Zoro grabbed a nearby blanket and put it over Robin as his arm wrapped around her tighter, pulling her closer, "Anytime, Robin." he leaned down to kiss the top of her head. "Anytime."
They remained there for the rest of Zoro's watch, bathed in the glow of the stars shining through the window. This was their life now, unpredictable, but filled with moments of peace and love. For Zoro and Robin, that was more than enough.