[Date written: May 26th, 2016.]

Sakura Wishes | One Piece AU

"You are certain that she possesses great potential?"

Aoi nodded, instinctively glancing at the frail-looking girl standing by her side. Her formerly waist-length blond hair had been cut just up to her chin, choppy strands framing her dull, gray eyes.

Even a week of travel, of quiet persuasion to say whatever was bothering the young girl didn't work. Aoi was certainly at a loss; Yukari didn't seem to want to interact with her, or anyone in her unit after she was brought into their custody.

Yet strangely enough, she was the only one who was able - at the very least - to coerce a slight response; even persuading the girl to perform basic motor functions was considered a miracle by some of her peers, much to her exasperation. (Truth be told, the redhead had never been one to socialize much with those younger than her.)

"I'm sure, Father." She replied shortly, placing a hand upon the younger's shoulder; a weak attempt at reassurance, she knew. "Yukari can be a fitting asset to the Sibyl."

Hanazono Sousuke turned an appraising look upon the blonde, pursing his lips in thought. "Very well."

Aoi nearly sighed in relief. Yet to her surprise, and evident bewilderment, he shifted the sleeve of his dark blue kimono, clasping a hand upon the young girl's shoulder. "From this day forward, you are no longer Himuro Yukari."

He smiled gently, as a confused expression crossed the latter's face. "You are now Hanazono Tsubaki, my youngest daughter."

Aoi almost fell over in shock, yet quickly redeemed her composure as she glanced at the younger girl.

"Tsubaki..?" She murmured softly, the name feeling foreign upon her tongue, yet still held a significant meaning as an understanding glint shimmered in her gray eyes. The redhead smiled at her new little sister, taking her hand.

"It means 'camellia flower'."

'Tsubaki' smiled then, tears springing to her eyes as she looked at her adoptive family. "T-thank you.." She whispered timidly as Aoi wrapped her arms around the frail girl in a warm embrace.

"You're welcome, my little sister."

Sousuke looked at his two daughters, a rare smile on his lips as he placed both of his hands upon their shoulders. "Mina would have loved to see the two of you now," he said softly, almost to himself as the two looked up at him.

"She would be so happy to see the two of you."

Aoi stared up at her-- at their father, smiling knowingly. "We'll visit her, Father."

He smiled warmly, a gentle look within his cerulean eyes.

- -

"Is that a sakura tree..?" Tsubaki questioned as they finally finished their trek up a rather steep decline, watching several morganite petals fluttering down to where they stood. Aoi nodded, sweeping a stray scarlet curl out of her eyes as she gazed at the delicate statue placed beneath the cascade of pink.

It was made of ivory, a graceful figure of a woman frozen in mid-dance.

She smiled, turning to Tsubaki, who stared at the statue in wonder.

"I just wish you met Mom sooner."

She looked at Aoi, a wistful look in her gray eyes. "I was thinking the same thing."

To be continued?

....Crappy writing, I know.