Reborn as Mihawk's son-one piece

Ezra's eleventh birthday dawned like any other—the sky streaked with soft hues of pink and gold, the air carrying the faint scent of the sea. Yet, something felt different. He could sense it in the way his mother's smile lingered longer than usual, in the measured cadence of his father's footsteps. There was a quiet anticipation in the air, one that made Ezra's heart race with both excitement and curiosity.

Breakfast was a modest affair, as always, but the mood at the table was anything but. Selena placed a small, wrapped package in front of Ezra with a flourish, her violet eyes sparkling with mischief. Mihawk, ever the stoic, observed silently from across the table, his golden eyes betraying just the faintest hint of interest.

"Go on, open it," Selena urged, her smile widening.

Ezra tore into the wrapping, revealing a leather-bound journal and a finely crafted compass. The journal's cover was embossed with intricate patterns, and the compass gleamed in the morning light, its needle steady and sure.

"A navigator's tools," Selena explained. "Every great swordsman should know where he's headed. This journal is for your thoughts, your strategies, your dreams. And the compass? Well, that's to remind you that no matter how far you go, you can always find your way home."

Ezra's chest swelled with gratitude as he ran his fingers over the journal's textured surface. "Thank you, Mother. I'll make good use of them."

Mihawk cleared his throat, drawing Ezra's attention. "You're old enough now to begin understanding the world beyond Kuraigana Island. Finish your meal and meet me at the harbor."

Ezra's heart skipped a beat. The harbor? He'd only been there a handful of times, usually to help repair Mihawk's boat after storms. What could his father have planned?

The harbor was a quiet, secluded cove, its waters calm and clear. Mihawk stood near his sleek black boat, Yoru resting on his back. Beside him was a crate, its contents hidden beneath a canvas.

"Today," Mihawk began as Ezra approached, "you will take your first steps toward understanding the wider world." He removed the canvas, revealing a stack of maps, a spyglass, and a collection of aged, leather-bound books.

Ezra's eyes widened. "Are these… navigation charts?"

Mihawk nodded. "Some of the finest ever created. They'll teach you more than just routes and landmarks. They'll teach you how to think strategically, how to anticipate the unknown."

He handed Ezra a map, its edges worn but its details still vivid. "Study this. Tell me what you see."

Ezra unfurled the map and examined it closely. It depicted a series of islands scattered across the Grand Line, their names unfamiliar yet enticing. He traced his finger along the routes marked in bold lines, noting the symbols for currents, wind directions, and hazards.

"The Grand Line," Ezra murmured. "These islands… they're so close together, yet the routes between them look dangerous. Strong currents, unpredictable weather."

"Exactly," Mihawk said. "The Grand Line is a crucible. It tests not just your skill but your resolve. That's why most who enter it never leave. You'll need to understand this world if you're to survive it."

Ezra's grip on the map tightened. "I'll learn. I'll master it."

Mihawk's lips curved into the faintest of smiles. "We'll see."

Over the next few months, Ezra's routine expanded to include lessons in navigation and cartography. Selena took the lead, teaching him how to read the stars, measure distances, and interpret weather patterns. Her gentle demeanor contrasted with Mihawk's rigorous training, but her lessons were no less challenging.

One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Selena led Ezra to a rocky outcrop overlooking the sea. She carried a sextant and a small telescope, her movements graceful yet purposeful.

"Tonight, you'll learn to navigate by the stars," she said, handing him the sextant. "Find the North Star. It's your anchor, your constant."

Ezra raised the sextant and scanned the sky, his eyes darting between the countless points of light. It took him a moment, but he finally spotted the bright, steady glow of the North Star. A sense of satisfaction bloomed in his chest.

"Good," Selena said, her voice warm. "Now, measure its angle above the horizon. That will tell you your latitude."

As Ezra followed her instructions, he felt a newfound respect for the stars. They were more than just distant lights; they were guides, silent witnesses to the journeys of countless sailors and adventurers.

When they returned to the manor, Mihawk was waiting for them. He gestured for Ezra to sit and placed a small, unassuming book in front of him. Its pages were filled with dense, spidery handwriting.

"This is a journal I kept during my early travels," Mihawk explained. "Read it. Learn from my mistakes, my victories. And remember, the world is vast. Do not let its immensity intimidate you. Let it inspire you."

Ezra opened the journal, his eyes scanning the first entry. It described a duel Mihawk had fought against a pirate captain, the vivid details painting a picture of both the danger and the thrill of the encounter. He couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. This was the life he aspired to—one of challenges, growth, and discovery.

By the time Ezra turned thirteen, he'd mastered the basics of navigation and cartography. His training with Mihawk had also progressed, the wooden swords replaced with real blades. The transition hadn't been easy; Ezra's hands bore the scars of countless mistakes. But with each cut and bruise, he grew stronger, more precise.

One afternoon, as Ezra sparred with Mihawk in the clearing, Selena arrived with a letter in hand. Her expression was unreadable, but there was a tension in her posture that Ezra couldn't ignore.

"What is it?" Mihawk asked, lowering his blade.

Selena handed him the letter. "A ship was spotted near the island. A merchant vessel, from the looks of it. But it's unusual for anyone to come this close."

Ezra's curiosity was piqued. Kuraigana Island was remote, its ruins a deterrent to most travelers. Who would risk venturing here?

Mihawk read the letter silently before folding it and tucking it into his coat. He turned to Ezra. "It seems you'll have your first encounter with the outside world sooner than expected."

Ezra's grip on his sword tightened. "What do you mean?"

"We're going to the harbor," Mihawk said. "Prepare yourself. This may be nothing… or it may be the start of something significant."

As they made their way to the harbor, Ezra's mind raced with possibilities. Was the ship carrying merchants, pirates, or something else entirely? Whatever the case, he knew one thing for certain: his sheltered life on Kuraigana Island was about to change forever.