The vast sea shimmered under the morning sun. Sails billowed gently in the wind, cutting across the calm blue stretch of East Blue.
Jin reclined in his familiar vine chair, arms crossed behind his head. His violet eyes stayed half-lidded, tracking the distant shoreline ahead.
Beside him, Kuina sat stiffly on a smaller chair. Her gaze lingered on the horizon.
"…Jin, do you think Makino-san will like me?"
Jin exhaled through his nose. "You've already asked that twice."
He glanced her way, voice measured but not unkind. "Makino is kind. The kind of woman this world rarely sees. She'll like you—hell, she'll probably dote on you. Just don't act too tsun, and we'll be fine."
Kuina pursed her lips. "…I got her a gift. I bought it myself. With the bounty money."
Jin smirked. "I'm sure she'll love it. Our little 'Blue-Haired Witch' finally grew up, huh?"
A tinge of red colored Kuina's cheeks. "Tch… at least I didn't scam half the sea like some gambler I know."
Jin chuckled, his smile cold and crooked. "Don't knock it. Those idiots practically handed me their wallets. Observation Haki is a hell of a cheat code when it comes to poker."
Indeed, in just a month, Jin had raked in over 300 million beli across East Blue—single-handedly bankrupting several shady casinos. His new moniker had spread like wildfire: Gambler King of East Blue. Posters banning his entry now adorned gambling dens in every major port.
In contrast, Kuina had earned her own reputation through grit. The Blue-Haired Witch—a rising star in the bounty hunter world. She'd personally taken down over a dozen bandits in the 3–5 million range, collecting heads and rewards without flinching. Ruthless. Efficient. Just like he taught her.
"Anyway," Jin stood and stretched, cracking his neck, "wrap up your juice. We'll be docking at Windmill Village within the hour."
"…So soon."
She fell quiet. Jin could feel the tension in her body—not fear, but unease. Kuina didn't do "friendly." She didn't know how to relax around new people. And now she was about to meet the only woman Jin had ever lowered his guard around.
Behind them, Kuma stood silently, the wind rustling his oversized travel pack.
"If she's really as gentle as you say," Kuina muttered, "then I'll try… to be a good little sister."
Jin didn't respond immediately. He just looked ahead, his voice steady when it came:
"She'll like you. Trust me."
Two days later…
They spotted it at dawn.
Windmill Village.
A modest port, quiet and tucked along the coastline. Wooden rooftops. Cobbled paths. The same lazy windmill turning slowly in the distance.
Jin's eyes narrowed as the ship approached the dock.
"…Half a year," he muttered under his breath. "Wonder how Makino's been."
Kuina said nothing but stood closer to him.
Kuma shifted awkwardly behind them. "Is… is this the place, boss?"
"Yeah. Our first real stop. Get ready."
As they disembarked, Jin tossed a bundle of cash to the helmsman.
"Crab, stay with the ship. You're still on the payroll."
"Yes, sir!" the man saluted, thrilled at the 500,000 beli bonus.
Jin carried two barrels of rare liquor slung over one shoulder. Kuina held a ribbon-wrapped gift box. Kuma? He looked like a walking luggage cart—bags stacked from shoulder to waist.
Locals greeted them along the path into the village. Jin nodded back coolly, sparing the occasional smirk. Kuina kept her head down. Kuma walked like he was afraid to break something.
Finally… they stood before the bar's doors.
The same wooden sign.
Jin exhaled, pushed the door open.
"Welcome—!"
Makino froze mid-greeting. The glass she was polishing clattered into the sink. And then—she ran.
Straight into his arms.
She buried her face in his chest, tears already streaking down her cheeks. "Welcome back, Jin…"
Jin dropped the barrels and held her tight.
"…I missed you too, Kikoru."
Behind them, the bar erupted in teasing laughter.
"Well, well—he's back!"
"About damn time!"
"Look at that guy… making a woman cry on arrival!"
"Makino's man finally returns, huh!"
Kuina stood in the doorway, arms crossed, trying to scowl—failing miserably.
"…Can you stop blocking the entrance already? Some of us don't have time to watch soap operas."
Jin looked back with a smirk. "Oh right! Makino—this little gremlin here is Kuina. Blue-haired brat, loves sword fights, hates conversation."
Kuina stepped forward stiffly. "I'm Kuina. I'm… a swordswoman. And I'll be in your care from now on."
Makino wiped her tears and turned to face her, smile gentle as ever.
"You're very welcome, Kuina-chan. Any sister of Jin's is family here."
This story is inspired from various fanfics i have read from around the world so if you find any similarities please dont mind . Thank you
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T/N :
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