Reborn as Mihawk's son-one piece

The years passed swiftly on Kuraigana Island, the isolated home that Ezra shared with his parents. Despite its desolate ruins and the ever-looming shadow of Shikkearu trees, the island felt like a sanctuary. For Ezra, it was a world of endless wonder and challenge—a place where the foundations of his identity would be forged.

By the age of three, Ezra's curiosity had blossomed. He would toddle through the ruins, his small hands brushing against ancient, moss-covered stones as he asked Selena question after question about the world beyond their island. Her stories painted vivid pictures of grand pirate ships, bustling towns, and dangerous seas. Ezra's eyes would light up as she described daring battles and legendary treasures, but there was always a stern edge to her tales.

"The sea is vast and beautiful, but it is also cruel," Selena would warn, her violet eyes darkening. "Never forget that, Ezra. Those who are unprepared are swallowed whole."

Ezra listened intently, soaking up her words like a sponge. He idolized his mother's adventurous spirit and keen intellect, but it was his father's presence that loomed largest in his young mind.

Mihawk was a figure of quiet intensity. He spoke little, but his actions carried immense weight. By the time Ezra was four, Mihawk had begun teaching him the basics of swordsmanship. Though the training was more play than discipline at that stage, Mihawk's expectations were clear.

"Your blade is an extension of your will," Mihawk instructed one afternoon as he handed Ezra a wooden practice sword. "Treat it with respect, and it will never fail you."

Ezra's small hands gripped the sword tightly as he mimicked his father's stances. The movements felt awkward at first, but Mihawk was a patient teacher. He would correct Ezra's form with precise adjustments, his golden eyes observing every detail.

Selena watched from a distance, a proud smile on her lips. She would often tease Mihawk about being too serious, but deep down, she knew the importance of his lessons. The world they lived in demanded strength, and Mihawk was determined to ensure that Ezra would not only survive but thrive.

As Ezra grew older, his natural talents began to shine. By the age of six, he could outmaneuver the island's small wildlife with ease, his reflexes sharp and his movements fluid. Mihawk began introducing more advanced techniques, pushing Ezra to refine his precision and control. The practice sessions were grueling, but Ezra never complained. He relished the challenge, driven by an unspoken desire to make his father proud.

Selena, meanwhile, took it upon herself to nurture Ezra's mind. She taught him to read and write, sharing stories from her own adventures and imparting wisdom about the complexities of the world. She encouraged him to question everything, to think critically and independently. It was a balance to Mihawk's rigorous physical training, and it shaped Ezra into a well-rounded individual.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Ezra sat by the fire with his parents. He was engrossed in a book Selena had given him, a tale of a daring pirate captain who had outwitted the Marines time and again. Mihawk sat nearby, polishing the edge of Yoru, his legendary black blade, while Selena hummed softly.

"Father," Ezra said suddenly, looking up from the book. "Why do you fight?"

Mihawk paused, his golden eyes meeting Ezra's inquisitive gaze. For a moment, there was silence, broken only by the crackling of the fire.

"To seek truth," Mihawk replied, his voice steady. "In the clash of blades, one's true nature is revealed. Strength, resolve, purpose—these are the things that define us."

Ezra nodded, his young mind turning over his father's words. He didn't fully understand them yet, but he felt their weight.

Selena reached over and ruffled Ezra's hair. "Don't let him make you too serious, my little falcon. There's more to life than swordsmanship." She winked at Mihawk, who responded with a faint smirk.

As the night wore on, Ezra felt a sense of contentment settle over him. He was surrounded by love, by strength, by purpose. Yet, deep within him, there was a growing restlessness—a yearning to explore the world beyond Kuraigana Island. He knew his time would come, but for now, he was content to learn, to grow, and to prepare.

Because greatness, as his parents had taught him, always came at a price.