Chapter 4
Zoro tossed and turned in bed, his sleep disturbed by a nightmare. His body felt tense, drenched in sweat as his mind replayed the events of the past few days, blending them with his fears and frustrations.
In the dream, Kuina stood in the kitchen, holding her new piggy bank close to her chest. She looked at him, biting her lower lip, tears threatening to spill from her eyes. In front of her stood an enraged Zoro, his face twisted in fury.
"YOU'RE NOT GOING TO MESS WITH ME ANYMORE, KUINA!" Zoro screamed, his voice harsh and unforgiving. "WHAT THE HELL DID I DO TO YOU TO DESERVE THIS? YOU MAKE ME BUY YOU A PIGGY BANK YOU CAN'T AFFORD AND THEN YOU TRY TO MANIPULATE ME TO GET IT FOR FREE? YOU'RE A SELFISH BRAT!"
Kuina froze, her eyes wide with fear. The words hit her like a slap, but they were only a reflection of Zoro's anger, a mirror of what he might have said in the heat of frustration. The look on her face, shattered and sad, cut through him. His heart twisted painfully at the sight.
In the dream, Zoro's voice kept rising, each word more hurtful than the last. "YOU'RE A SELFISH LIAR! WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS TO ME?"
The dream version of Zoro stood tall and angry, the words spilling out like poison, cutting deep into the little girl who looked up at him in shock, unable to respond. The cruelty in his tone, the harshness of his actions, it was more than he ever wanted to see in himself. He hated it, hated that he could even think about saying those words.
The nightmare felt too real, and Zoro's chest tightened as the guilt gnawed at him. How could he be so cruel to her? She was just a child, and she had made a mistake, but she didn't deserve to be treated like that. He knew he'd never, ever want to say something like that to her, but the intensity of his emotions in the dream made him question whether his anger could take him there.
Zoro shot up in bed, his heart racing, covered in sweat. His breathing was shallow, panic creeping in as he sat there, the nightmare still lingering in his mind. It was the third time that night he'd woken up from this same, suffocating dream.
He rubbed his face, trying to shake off the haunting image of his angry self. "What the hell is wrong with me?" he muttered under his breath. His mind felt clouded, tangled with his own frustration at Kuina's actions, his fears as a father, and the love he had for her.
Zoro's hands trembled slightly as he got out of bed. The weight of the nightmare hung over him, making his head throb. He couldn't sleep again like this, so he decided to go for an early morning run. It was the only thing that usually helped clear his mind.
He quickly dressed in some training pants, grabbed a pair of sandals, and within five minutes, he was running along the edge of the lake near his home.
Running around the lake wasn't part of his usual training regimen, but Kuina had taught him how to navigate it. The memory of her, so confident at such a young age, brought a small smile to his face. He remembered the day she showed him how to avoid getting lost. They had been training outside when she casually pointed to a spot in the woods and said, "Daddy, you just have to keep the shore on your left side, and you'll get back home."
His mind wandered back to a day he would never forget. It was the first time he had ever doubted himself as a father. He had taken Kuina out for a run in the woods, trying to get her to follow in his footsteps, to learn the discipline that had shaped his own life. But after a few minutes, the trees started to blur together, the path disappearing into the maze of the forest. Zoro had stopped, panic rising in his chest. He wasn't afraid of getting lost himself—he had done that more times than he cared to count. But with Kuina by his side, he couldn't afford to be lost. Not with her. He couldn't let anything happen to her.
He could still remember the look of helplessness in his eyes as he knelt down to her level. "I'm… I'm lost, Kuina," he had admitted. "We're lost."
And then, as if it was nothing at all, she had pointed a tiny finger at the distant trees. "Daddy, the house is right there, we just have to turn left around that tree, then keep walking until we see a rock that looks like a surfboard. After that, we just go right and we'll be back."
Zoro had been stunned. She was so tiny, and already, she could read the forest better than he could. She had saved him from his own panic, and he had realized that day how incredibly smart she was. She wasn't just clever; she was resourceful. Her mind worked in ways he couldn't have imagined, and when he saw her guiding him back home, he couldn't help but see how much she reminded him of her mother. She had always been quick on her feet, always thinking ahead. Kuina had the same sharp intelligence, that same ability to navigate the world with ease.
His pace quickened, but the nightmare still lingered in his mind. He had been so angry at Kuina in that dream, shouting at her in a way he would never, ever want to. But it wasn't her he was really angry at—it was Nami.
He gritted his teeth, his thoughts turning back to the heated exchange they'd had. His mind played out the worst-case scenario, imagining how he might have reacted to Kuina in that same way. Screaming, pointing, accusing her of being selfish—it made his stomach turn. He would never treat her like that. The realization hit him hard: Nami would never, ever try to put him or Kuina in danger. She wasn't like that. She had her flaws, yes, but her actions were never malicious. She always meant well, even when things went wrong.
Was he scared? Scared of being manipulated? Of losing control? His fists tightened as he ran, but then, he forced himself to breathe deeply. This wasn't about him. It was about making sure he never let his fears cloud his judgment when it came to the people he cared about. Especially Kuina.
He slowed down, letting his body catch up with his thoughts. The lake was in sight now, the familiar shore on his left guiding him home. With each step, the tension in his body seemed to ease. He wasn't perfect. He'd make mistakes. But he couldn't afford to let his anger—or his doubts—get the better of him.
FLASHBACK
The moonlight barely illuminated one of the Thousand Sunny's quarters. Inside, the room was cozy, but cluttered—papers and books scattered about, and a few pieces of clothing thrown across the floor. Zoro sat propped up against the wall, his green hair slightly tousled from sleep. His eyes were closed, but his mind was awake, even as he lay back, feeling the steady rhythm of Nami's breath against his chest.
Nami, wrapped in a loose blanket, rested her head on his shoulder, her bare skin warm against his side. Her hand rested atop his, her fingers lightly tracing the patterns his right hand was drawing across her exposed belly.
"Robin told me she's leaving the crew," Nami murmured, breaking the silence.
"Really?" Zoro responded, his voice not betraying any surprise. He had learned not to be shocked by the crew's unpredictable decisions.
"Yep in a month" she said, her voice soft, but tinged with a sadness that Zoro couldn't ignore.
"First the Ero Cook, then Brook," Zoro commented, remembering the departures that had happened before. "Guess it's the cycle of this life."
"She wants to settle down." Nami tilted her head, her face inches from his, watching him curiously.
Zoro didn't say anything for a moment, his thoughts far away. He'd been through his own share of departures, but this one felt different—somehow more final. He remained silent, his eyes still closed, his hand gently moving over her belly.
Nami couldn't help herself; she nipped at his neck, a playful gesture that brought him back to the moment.
"Settle down..." Zoro snorted with a chuckle, his fingers lightly tracing the curve of her waist.
Nami giggled in response, her hands running through his chest, tracing his scar. She smiled at the thought of the people she cared about moving on. But then her eyes met his with a more serious glint. "You wouldn't leave this life of piracy and adventure, right?"
Zoro chuckled softly and opened his eye, locking them with hers. "It's not as much fun as it used to be, but it's all I know," he said, his words heavy with a hint of resignation. But it wasn't regret; it was simply the truth.
Nami relaxed against him, her head resting on his chest as she let out a quiet sigh. The two of them had never talked about what the future held, not in any real sense. For Zoro, it had always been one day at a time, one battle at a time.
"Why?" His voice was low and serious as he moved slightly to look into her eyes, his fingers gently brushing her hair. "Are you planning to leave us?"
Her gaze softened at the concern in his eyes. For a fleeting moment, her words seemed to float between them, unspoken. Was she talking about leaving the crew, or leaving him? Nami smiled gently, her eyes a little wistful. "I'm not planning to leave you," she said, but the way she said it left him wondering whether she meant him or the crew. She leaned up and kissed him softly, as if to erase any lingering doubts.
Zoro grinned at her response, his tension easing. He deepened the kiss, and soon, Nami's arms were around his neck. With a playful grin, Zoro pushed her back onto the mattress, his lips still on hers.
"I don't see you doing any mapping," he teased with a grin, his eyes dancing with mischief.
Nami's hands danced down his chest, a smirk playing on her lips. "Do you want me to go mapping?" she asked, her voice thick with teasing seduction.
Zoro stared at her seriously, his expression softening. "I don't want you to go," he said, his voice quieter, filled with a sincerity that reached beyond the playful words.
He kissed her again, but this time it was slow, tender, like a promise. After a few moments, Nami hugged him tighter, pulling him down on top of her, her fingers digging into his back as she melted into the kiss.
For that brief moment, nothing else in the world mattered. They were just two people, wrapped in each other's warmth, sharing a bond that neither fully understood but both cherished deeply.
END OF FLASHBACK
He stopped at the side of the deck, taking a long, deep breath of the morning air, trying to shake off the lingering weight of his thoughts. He walked slowly inside the house, feeling the familiar coolness of the wooden floor under his sandals. The quiet of the house seemed to contrast with the storm of thoughts still swirling in his mind.
"KUINA, WAKE UP!" he called out, his voice a little louder than usual, but it carried the warmth of someone used to gently coaxing someone out of sleep.
He moved up the stairs, his footsteps slow but purposeful, knowing the routine by heart. He reached the door to her room and called again, "Kuina!"
A muffled sound came from under the blanket, followed by a small voice.
"Shh... sleep," she mumbled, her head buried under her pillow.
Zoro smiled to himself, leaning against the doorframe. Well, maybe she had gotten her passion for sleeping from him.
Nami finished washing the breakfast dishes at Nojiko's house, the warm water soothing her hands as she moved methodically through the task. Her mind was a little elsewhere, preoccupied with the conversations and doubts that had been plaguing her for days.
The sound of the front door opening broke her focus, and Nojiko entered the room, carrying her 2-year-old daughter in her arms.
"Aunty Nami wants to hold you," Nojiko said with a soft smile, looking down at the toddler who clung to her mother.
Nami turned and looked at her sister. "I don't know…" she hesitated, but it was already too late. Nojiko was gently placing the girl in her arms.
Nami held her awkwardly for a moment, unsure how to manage the small child in her arms, but the toddler's warmth and gentle giggles soon had her relaxing into the role. "She's too cute," Nami whispered, her voice soft and sincere as she gazed down at the child.
"Yes, she is." Nojiko smiled and started to play with the little girl's tiny feet, her love for her daughter evident in the way she doted on her.
They sat there for a few minutes, quietly bonding with the child. But Nojiko, ever perceptive, noticed something in Nami's gaze—the way her eyes lingered on the baby, not just with affection, but with something deeper. There was a mix of curiosity, yes, but also sadness.
Nojiko broke the silence with a soft question, her voice gentle. "Do you want to meet her some day?"
Nami blinked, not quite understanding the question at first, but the sorrow in Nojiko's eyes slowly made her recognize what was being asked. "I probably shouldn't," she murmured, her voice filled with uncertainty.
"I'm not asking what you should do," Nojiko pressed gently. "I'm asking if you want to."
Nami didn't respond immediately, her gaze still on the little one, her thoughts swirling in confusion and regret.
Nojiko shifted slightly, her tone lightening a little. "She's the smartest kid I know, you know. And I knew one when I was younger who was a genius." She smiled, her eyes soft with affection for her daughter.
Nami didn't say anything, still holding the baby but feeling like a stranger in her own emotions. Her chest tightened, and her thoughts drifted to something Nojiko had mentioned before.
"You should see her holding her father's hand," Nojiko continued. "Guiding him around the island… it's the cutest thing. And every now and then, they pass by a store, and she makes him buy her ice cream or toys. He complains every time, but he always ends up doing what she wants." Nojiko chuckled softly, remembering the little scene fondly.
Nami's heart hands tightened around the baby for a brief moment before she looked up at her sister, her eyes brimming with unshed tears.
"She's great," Nami said quietly, her voice breaking slightly as she smiled at Nojiko through the tears.
Ding-dong.
The doorbell rang, and Nojiko moved to stand, taking her daughter from Nami's arms. "Give her to me. It must be Pauly who forgot something," Nojiko said, already moving toward the door. "It's bath time," she added to the child.
Nami handed the baby over and sat down at the table, lost in her own thoughts. The feeling of holding such a small, fragile baby lingered with her.
The thought made her throat tighten, and for the first time in a long while, she began to feel the guilt creeping back in. She'd always wondered if they had made the right decision. Recently, though, those doubts had turned into something more—guilt. She hadn't been able to shake the thought of what could have been.
"Nami," a voice called from the doorway.
She turned around, startled, quickly wiping her eyes with her hand.
Roronoa Zoro stood there, a few steps behind him, Nojiko watching the scene with wide eyes. Nami froze, unsure what to say or do. He didn't look like the same man from the day before. There was something different in the way he held himself.
Zoro stepped forward, his gaze steady as he met her eyes. "Nami… I… I just wanted to say… I'm sorry," he began, his voice calm and sincere.
Nami's chin trembled, and she could hardly breathe, unsure how to process what he was saying. Was this really happening? After everything she'd done? After the way she had treated him?
"I was way out of line yesterday," Zoro continued, his voice softer now. "I didn't mean the things I said. I don't expect you to forgive me, but… I know you're a good person inside. I know you would never want to put Kuina in danger. And I know you're too stubborn to ask for help, but if you came to me, it must be because you're in deep trouble. So… if you need my help..." He smiled faintly, trying to lighten the moment. "I'm here for you."
Nami stood there, speechless, completely taken aback. How could he still look at her like that? How could he still offer his help, after everything? She felt like she didn't deserve his kindness—his faith in her. But there it was, so raw and honest.
Zoro waited for her to say something, but when she didn't respond right away, he cleared his throat and took a step back. "Well, I'll be at my house, if you need anything."
Nami barely processed his words, her heart in turmoil. Before she could react, Nojiko, who had been standing there, watching, stepped forward and shot Nami a questioning glance.
"I… I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice barely audible. The simple act of saying it out loud made Nami's heart break all over again, and she quickly turned away, trying to hide the tears that had started to fall.
Zoro had felt foolish when he first apologized. He had swallowed his pride, risking being hurt again by Nami. But when he saw her standing there, eyes averted, her soft sobs quiet but undeniable, he felt nothing but relief. Her reaction proved he had been right. She wasn't heartless. She wasn't the woman who had manipulated him—she was still the same scared, vulnerable person he had always known.
He lifted his large hand to her chin, gently tilting her face upward so she could look at him. He wiped away the tear that had fallen down her cheek with a tenderness that made her heart ache. "It's okay," he said quietly.
Nami met his gaze, her eyes swollen from crying, but she no longer had the words to say. Zoro simply nodded, as if understanding that. He turned to Nojiko, his tone shifting.
"Nojiko, could you fetch Kuina from school today and watch her?" he asked calmly.
Nojiko, still holding the baby, nodded. "Of course."
Zoro gave a small nod of gratitude. "Thanks." He turned back to Nami. "So, tell me about those Shamanic pirates," he said with a half-smile, trying to shift the mood.
With that, they walked outside the house, the weight of the moment lingering, but for the first time in a long while, Nami didn't feel so alone.
The two of them wandered through the island, walking along quiet paths shaded by trees and illuminated by the late morning sun. As they walked, Nami began telling her story. Zoro listened silently, his usual interruptions and blunt remarks absent for once. His sharp eyes stayed on her, observing her carefully as her words spilled out.
She looked just like he remembered: long, wavy tangerine hair cascading down her back, peachy pale skin glowing under the sunlight, and a silhouette that still had the grace and confidence of someone who knew how to navigate storms, both literal and metaphorical. Yet, her eyes… they were different.
They weren't the fiery, adventurous eyes he remembered from the Thousand Sunny, always brimming with cunning plans and dreams of treasure. Nor were they the dull, despondent ones he'd seen when they met again at Cocoyashi five years ago. No, now they looked cold—cold and hurt, as if something had been chipped away piece by piece until only the fragments remained.
After several minutes of walking, they ended up on the beach. The gentle sound of waves crashing against the shore filled the air, and the salty breeze brushed against their faces.
"Really, Nami?" Zoro broke the silence, his tone flat but questioning. "I don't get you. Couldn't you just give those guys the pearl and be done with it? Aren't you rich enough already?"
She stopped walking and crossed her arms over her chest, pouting in a way that felt oddly familiar. "No," she said stubbornly, her voice carrying a spark of defiance. "I need it."
Zoro sighed, running a hand through his short green hair. A faint grin tugged at the corner of his lips. That reaction—it was so Nami. Stubborn, proud, and unwilling to back down. For a fleeting moment, it felt like they were back in their golden days, bickering on the Sunny about money and priorities. Those had been the best days of their lives, hadn't they?
"Come on!" she pressed, her pout morphing into a playful smirk. "Just come with me and scare them a little. You'll have fun, I promise. I bet you haven't had a decent fight in years."
Zoro sighed again, his grin fading slightly. "Decent… no. I haven't. The pirate I bumped into yesterday didn't seem too challenging, though."
They continued walking, their feet sinking slightly into the wet sand as the tide splashed against their ankles.
"Are you going to help me or not?" she demanded, stopping abruptly and placing her hands on her hips.
Zoro, who had taken a few more steps ahead, turned around lazily to face her.
"You never paid me your debt, you know," she teased, trying to hide the giggle that threatened to escape her lips. Instead, a mischievous smirk formed.
He let out a small chuckle. "So now you're extorting me?"
She smiled fully this time, and he had no choice but to grin back. "I already told you I'd help you," he reminded her. "And don't worry—I'll accept the consequences. I'm doing this because I want to, not because you're extorting me."
"Zoro…" she murmured, her tone shifting. It was almost as if she'd been caught off guard by his sincerity.
He turned back around, ready to keep walking, but she grabbed his hand suddenly.
He glanced over his shoulder, her sudden action catching his attention. "Hey," he said softly, noticing she was looking down at the sand.
Before he could ask what was wrong, she moved closer, closing the gap between them in an instant. Her arms wrapped around him tightly, and she pressed her face into his chest. For a moment, he was too surprised to react, but then his arms instinctively came around her, holding her protectively.
"Everything's going to be okay," he said gently, his voice low and reassuring. Still, the back of his mind buzzed with curiosity. Whatever powers those Shamanic pirates had, they must be something else to make Nami this scared.
"Thank you, Zoro," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly as she hugged him tighter.
He couldn't help but notice how small and fragile she felt in his arms. It struck him again—just like it always did—how much she seemed to carry, how much she tried to shoulder on her own. Her hair smelled the same, a mix of citrus and salt, so familiar it stirred something deep inside him. He had forgotten, though, how delicate she felt, like she might shatter if he wasn't careful.
And in that moment, he realized he didn't care about what had happened before. Whatever mistakes she'd made, whatever lies she'd told, he would protect her.
Nami allowed herself a rare moment of vulnerability, closing her eyes and resting her cheek against his warm skin. She felt safe. Invincible, even. It was a paradox she had long come to accept—Zoro was the strongest man she knew, invincible to the world, but she was his Achilles' heel. She could break him with a single word, a single action, and it haunted her. She hated that part of herself. Hated that she could wound him so deeply when all he did was endure and forgive.
And yet, there she was, clinging to him, selfishly allowing herself to feel comforted by him once again.
Her gaze lifted, meeting his. For a brief second, time seemed to freeze. His eyes held hers, and she saw something she hadn't in years—a trace of that young, steadfast man from the Sunny, the one who always had her back. Her lips parted slightly, and her face tilted up toward his, her body moving on instinct as her lips inched closer to his.
Zoro felt his breath hitch. For a fleeting moment, he was back on the Sunny's deck during one of their late-night conversations, the ones that always left him wondering about her. She looked so much like she had back then…
But just as her lips came close, he blinked, shaking himself out of the moment.
"Let's get them," he said abruptly, breaking the hug and stepping back.
Nami blinked, caught off guard. "Wha—?" She stared at him as if someone had just popped her bubble.
"Those pirates," he clarified, grinning faintly as he tried to brush off the moment.
She exhaled sharply, her face tinged with faint disappointment. Of course. She wanted to kiss him, wanted to stay in his arms and forget the rest of the world, but she knew better. She couldn't afford to hurt him again. And she would. She always did.
"Oh… yeah," she muttered, forcing a casual tone. "I have to grab something I left at Nojiko' first."
"Kuina must be at her house," Zoro said, glancing at the sun to gauge the time.
Nami grinned. "I'll sneak in. Don't worry about it."
That's when she noticed it—they had been holding hands the entire time. Her fingers were intertwined with his, his grip steady and warm. She didn't say anything, didn't let herself linger on the moment. She told herself it was practical, that she was guiding him through the narrow streets and holding his hand was just more efficient. Still, her heart betrayed her with its subtle, rapid beat. She wasn't ready to let go of the warmth just yet.
When they reached a park near Nojiko's house, she finally released his hand. "Wait here. I'll be back in a minute."
Zoro sat down on an empty bench, leaning back with his arms crossed as he watched her walk away. His gaze drifted upward, the faint rustle of leaves above him mixing with the distant sound of waves. For the first time in years, he allowed himself to think about the day she left the crew.
It was burned into his memory.
None of the remaining Straw Hats had seen her all day. He had knocked on her door, his voice gruff as he called her name. When she didn't answer, he persisted, knocking harder and louder, his patience dwindling with every passing minute. He was about to break the door down when he tried the knob and found it unlocked.
That's when he knew something was wrong.
Her room was spotless—not a single map left on her desk, no clothes carelessly strewn about as usual. Everything was gone. On the desk sat a single note, her handwriting neat but hurried:
"Dear Mugiwara,
My time on this crew is over. I'm sorry you have to find out this way, but I'm too much of a coward to face you in person. I know you won't be shocked—I'm not the first to leave. Please don't come looking for me. I need time. Let me process this, and I promise we'll meet again someday on the seas.
Love always,
Nami."
He remembered how his chest had tightened as if his heart had shrunk to half its size. His mouth had gone dry, and for a moment, he forgot how to breathe. From that day on, nothing had been the same.
He sighed, shaking the memory away as he leaned forward on the bench. Watching her disappear into Nojiko's house, he took a deep breath.
Inside the house, Nami moved with practiced stealth, careful not to make a sound. She was grateful the house seemed empty—Nojiko must've gone out. She hurried to her sister's room, searching for her backpack.
She froze when she heard the front door creak open.
"And then, when the teacher asked, I raised my hand, and no one else knew the answer!" A bright, excited voice chimed.
"Wow, Kuina! Even I didn't know the answer," Nojiko replied warmly.
Nami sighed in relief as their voices drifted toward the kitchen. She spotted her backpack on a chair, grabbing it quickly. As she rummaged through it, the sound of soft, approaching footsteps made her heart leap into her throat.
"Who are you?"
The voice was small and curious, but it froze Nami in place. Slowly, she turned around, her movements hesitant and deliberate, as though dreading what she might see.
A little girl with bright, curious eyes and green hair stood in the doorway, her hands clasped behind her back.
"I'm… one of Nojiko's friends," Nami said, her voice unsteady. She bent her head down, pretending to search through her backpack again, anything to avoid looking at her.
"What are you doing here? Auntie Nojiko is in the kitchen," the girl said cheerfully, tilting her head to the side.
Nami didn't answer right away, her fingers trembling as she rummaged through her things. "I just came to grab something I left here. I'll be gone in a minute—I don't want to bother her."
The girl took a step closer, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "I'm Kuina."
The name hit Nami like a lightning strike. Her head snapped up, and for the first time, she truly looked at the girl.
She couldn't believe her eyes. The pearl she had been holding slipped from her fingers, rolling onto the floor as her knees gave out. She sat down hard, staring at the child in front of her.
It was like looking at a reflection of herself at that age—except for the green hair. The resemblance was uncanny. The bright, round eyes. The delicate features. Even the way she tilted her head.
"Are you okay?" Kuina asked, her voice soft with concern.
Nami opened her mouth, but no words came out.
"Is this what you were looking for?" Kuina bent down, picking up the pearl and carefully tucking it into Nami's shirt front pocket.
Nami reached out, her hand trembling as it gently touched Kuina's cheek. She couldn't stop the tears that welled up and spilled over.
"Why are you crying? Are you hurt?" Kuina's brows furrowed in worry.
Nami shook her head, sniffling. "No… I'm okay."
Kuina smiled, a bright, innocent grin that tugged at Nami's heart.
"I have to go," Nami whispered to herself, standing abruptly. "I have to go," she repeated, louder this time, as if trying to convince herself.
Kuina's smile faltered. "Oh… okay," she said softly, looking down at her feet.
Before Nami could leave, she hesitated. Something about Kuina's expression made her stop. She crouched down again, meeting the girl's eyes. "I heard you want to be a pirate when you grow up."
Kuina's face lit up, and she nodded enthusiastically.
"You know what you need, then?" Nami asked, her voice regaining some of its usual confidence.
"What?" Kuina's eyes widened with excitement.
Nami slid her log pose off her wrist and held it out. "A log pose," she said with a small smile.
"No way! A log pose!" Kuina cheered, her voice filled with pure joy.
Nami couldn't help but grin at her reaction. "You'll need it if you want to sail…"
"…In the Grand Line! I know!" Kuina interrupted, clutching the log pose tightly, her eyes shining with determination.
Pride swelled in Nami's chest. Nojiko was right—the girl was smart. Too smart.
"I have to go now," Nami said, standing once more. "It was nice meeting you… and please, don't tell your aunt I was here, okay?"
Kuina nodded, though her smile had dimmed slightly. "Okay. I won't."
As Nami left, Kuina tucked the log pose carefully into her pocket and walked to the kitchen.
"Lunch is ready!" Nojiko called out cheerfully.
Kuina climbed into her seat at the table, a thoughtful expression on her face. "Nee, Auntie, when I become a pirate, you'll miss me, right?"
Nojiko paused, smiling warmly as she leaned down to kiss her niece's head. "Of course, I'll miss you. But thankfully, that's not happening for many, many years."
Kuina grinned. "Don't worry, I'll write you a letter every week."
Nojiko laughed as she set the food down. "Really? I bet you'll be too busy being an amazing pirate to write me that often."
Kuina shook her head earnestly. "No way. I wouldn't want you to feel sad missing me."
Nojiko kissed her forehead again. "You're such a sweet girl," she said lovingly.
TBC