Shimotsuki Village
Six months passed,
Current Timeline: 1513, 1st month.
Many things happened around the world in these short six months. Admiral Sengoku has been appointed as the new Fleet Admiral of the Marines, while the previous Fleet Admiral Kong has been promoted as World Government's Commander-in-chief.
Aside from this, many Marine old-timers who were in service from Roger's ear retired one by one. The young and capable people with strong justice took their place.
A good example is Sakazuki, who was recently promoted to the rank of Admiral and was given the title 'Admiral Akainu'. It was talk of the town among the Marine soldiers.
There's also a rumor among the Marines that Vice-Admiral Kuzan and Borsalino will soon be promoted to the ranks of Admirals.
Another major event is regarding the infamous Fisher Tiger who climbed Red Line and freed the World Noble slaves, he was ambushed by marine soldiers and lost his life due to blood loss.
This news caused an uproar among the people and Fish-men. All the Fish-men grieved his death as he was considered as the Hero.
Reading this news, Blaize sighed. Fisher Tiger is a good soul but his heart yearned for freedom and death as he lost the meaning of life after his experience as a slave.
In a way, death is the truest freedom to him!
After that, Jinbe succeeded Tiger's position and become the captain of the Sun Pirates. Not long after, he accepted the World Government's offer and became a Warlord of the Sea.
--
When it comes to East Blue, none of these major news affected them in any way except for one: World Nobel and Celestial Dragon Jalmacks's visit to the Goa Kingdom.
It's been days since he visited and left the East Blue but this topic was still talked about among people.
But what none of them knew is, what happened in the Goa Kingdom before Jalmack's visit; the burning of the Grey terminal.
Since the Goa Kingdom is under World Government, the Marines can't intervene in their actions without their permission even if they want to.
He visited Luffy and Ace after the incident as he knew they were devastated by Sabo's death. He also met Sabo when he came with Garp, three months back. Only he knew Sabo is alive.
--
Today, Blaize received the good news that he always wanted to hear. He was called back to the Headquarters and he doesn't have to stay in the East Blue, anymore.
He knew once Sengoku took charge as Fleet Admiral he will be called back. Sengoku didn't disappoint him. 'Finally! I can enter the New World!'
Right now, Blaize is in Shimotsuki village the hometown of Kuina and Zoro. He was here the past five days. Before leaving East Blue, he wants to bring Kuina with him and prevent her death.
But, he can't take her away before the last duel between Zoro and Kuina. It needs to happen.
Kuina was a formidable child prodigy in swordsmanship, being the best student of the Isshin Dojo, despite her young age. She could overpower even adults in a sword fight.
Even Zoro who's considered a genius in the way of swordsmanship can't defeat her. Hell, Kuina can defeat Zoro with a single sword attack.
Because of Zoro's rivalry with her, she too trains harder so that she won't lose. Right now, Zoro and Kuina have fought nearly 2000 times. Soon, Zoro will challenge her into fighting with real swords.
Still, Kuina is someone who was always living with the knowledge that since she was a woman, it would only get harder as she got older for her to compete with men.
She was afraid and weak in her heart because of it. Only after her battle with Zoro, she will regain her spirit! If Blaize's not wrong, it will happen tomorrow.
--
Blaize's marine ship was docked on the shore near Shimotsuki village. He got acquainted with Kuina and Zoro when he first visited them six months back.
Both of them know that he's a Marine Captain. Many in the world have a bad opinion of Marines because of certain things and being a lapdog of the World Government.
So, both of them won't interact much with him. But, his six days' stay here increased the communication between them. All he did was, he showed them swordplay.
He's not a swordsman but he at least knows some simple sword techniques that he observed of Shanks.
Kuina was aloof and exudes an arrogant demeanor but on the inside, she's soft. For her age, she's really powerful; both physically and in terms of sword mastery.
She's just eleven years old and looked the same as shown in the series. As for Zoro, he's a tough nut and simpleton.
"Kuina, how many times has Zoro lost to you till today?"
"1999. If he loses another, it will be 2000." When she said it, there's a smile at the corner of her lips.
Zoro who was training his body a little away from them replied immediately after hearing her words. "I will win the next fight!"
"You said the same thing before all our fight, but you still lose." Kuina retorted.
"Come on, Kuina. You have to praise Zoro for his strong heart. He has never beaten you but he still says that he will win, you have to learn from him."
Kuina just turned her head. She thought of something and asked Blaize, "Blaize-san, can women truly become powerful as you said?"
"Yes."
"Can you tell me about the Big Mom that you mentioned before and how powerful she is?" Kuina asked with interest.
Blaize sighed hearing her question. Kuina asked this question more than a hundred times and he answered her every time.
It's just she didn't believe it and thinks he was just bluffing her. Blaize knew whatever he says won't reach her heart at the moment.
"Oh! It's Marine captain Blaize again, how are you doing?" At that moment, a voice came over and a person decked in yukata approached him from distance.
He's none other Kuina's father, Koushirou.
Blaize bowed his head lightly in a way to greet and spoke, "Sword Master Koushirou! I am doing well, how about you?
Koushirou nodded his head, "I want to have some words in pirate with you, shall we walk and talk?"
"Sure"
"Zoro, Kuina, stay here."
Then, Blaize and Koushirou walked along the shoreline. Koushirou initiated the conversation, "Mister Blaize, can I ask why do you approach Kuina and your purpose of stay here?"
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