230 223. Agreement

"Hello, Colonel Randall, it's Atlas."

He effortlessly called Randall's personal phone, and Atlas greeted him with expertise.

"Vice Admiral Atlas? Any orders for me?"

Randall inquired with a serious demeanor.

For seasoned Marines like them, military rank often took precedence over personal relationships. Randall suspected that Atlas had a mission assigned to him.

"Old man Randall, why the formality? This time, I've got a personal favor to ask of you."

Atlas responded with a slightly displeased tone, chuckling and playfully cursing.

"Hahaha, alright, I'll put up with you for a bit, you little brat!"

"Spill it, what's bothering you that you'd bother an old man like me?"

Randall sounded at ease.

Being a Marine from the same era as Garp, he might not boast the same notable accomplishments, but he has diligently served the Marines for decades.

"It's nothing serious; I just need you to lend a hand in picking up someone from Shimotsuki Village. I'm convinced she'll become an exceptional Marine in the future."

Atlas was, of course, referring to Kuina. To prevent Kuina from facing an untimely death because of his arrival, he resolved to bring her to the Marines as soon as possible.

At the age of ten, Kuina had likely established a strong skill set from her years in the dojo. In just a few years, she would be ready for actual combat.

"It's unusual. A kid earning your favor must be pretty talented!"

"No worries. I'll arrange for someone to bring her to the Logue Town base when I find the time. When you're available, you can fetch her and bring her back to headquarters."

....

East Blue, Shimotsuki Village.

The future greatest swordsman in the world?

Koshiro gazed in astonishment at Zoro, who was uttering curses. The red mark on Zoro's face hadn't yet faded, but his expression brimmed with determination. His fists were tightly clenched, as if every pore in his body resonated with the solemn vow.

"Are you being genuine?"

Koshiro slowly abandoned his gentle smile. His face became stern and serious. His half-crouched posture instinctively straightened, and he peered directly into Zoro's eyes through the lenses.

"Of course!"

"A man never breaks his promise!"

Zoro didn't evade at all; his words stood resolute.

"But..."

Koshiro spoke with a hint of hesitation, "Kuina will be leaving tomorrow. Atlas has arranged for someone to bring her to the Marines."

"Wha--!?"

The night grew darker, and the blackness enveloped the sea.

Unexpectedly, Shimotsuki Village descended into a profound slumber. Occasionally, the lights from a few houses flickered, possibly as people engaged in post-meal activities or pondered the origins of humanity.

Isshin Dojo.

The disciples had dispersed to their homes, seeking their mothers, and the dojo was no longer as vibrant as it was during the day.

However, the master bedroom remained well-lit.

Koshiro and his wife knelt on the bed beside a lit oil lamp. The radiant yellow light cast their shadows on the wall, engulfing the entire room.

"Are you sure it's safe to send Kuina to the Marines?"

Mrs. Koshiro furrowed her brow slightly, clearly questioning Koshiro's choice.

"I didn't want to do it either. I never thought that constantly challenging her would ignite her determination to succeed. She's determined to prove that a woman can become the world's greatest swordsman."

Koshiro also smiled wryly and shook his head.

He continuously tells Kuina that a woman can't become the world's greatest swordsman.

However, he is undeniably strong and has sailed the seas during his youth. How could he not recognize that gender is never a barrier to becoming formidable?!

Despite sympathizing with his daughter, he remains unwilling to let Kuina venture onto the sea.

After all, the sea is exceptionally unforgiving!

"Considering Kuina's nature, she's bound to set sail sooner or later, so it's better to expose her to the vastness of the sea early on."

"Moreover, I feel more reassured knowing that Atlas is looking out for her."

"But..."

"Alright, that settles it. At least, being in the Marines won't be as arduous as navigating the seas alone!"

Koshiro embraced his wife and whispered softly.

"You can't entrust Kuina to Dragon, can you? Even though I don't know his intentions, his whereabouts are too enigmatic, and he's certainly more perilous than being a pirate."

Dragon is someone Koshiro encountered by chance many years ago, and he once borrowed a substantial amount of grain from Koshiro.

His wife's illness was also cured by Dragon's associates, and despite the couple's deep gratitude, there lingered an air of uncertainty about him.

But the location of this formidable individual remains so elusive that even Koshiro, who has scrutinized countless individuals, cannot fathom his intentions.

"Eh--!"

Mrs. Koshiro sighed and reluctantly came to terms with the imminent departure of Kuina.

"Stop sighing."

"Or..."

"If we have another son, he can inherit the legacy of the dojo in the future?"

Whoosh!

As soon as he uttered those words, a powerful gust of wind extinguished the candle, and the sturdy bed began to shake violently. (T/N: 😏)

...

On the other side, in a corner of the dojo.

The cold moonlight illuminated rows of wooden stakes. Kuina gripped the bamboo sword with both hands, earnestly beginning today's extra training.

Ah!

Boom!

Ho!

Boom!

The muffled yet rhythmic beating resonated, echoing in the emptiness, a distant cadence.

"Kuina!!"

Suddenly, a burst of shouting disrupted Kuina's rhythm. Zoro, holding two long iron knives, had appeared behind her, and he wasn't noticed until that moment.

"Zoro?"

Kuina stowed her bamboo sword, tilting her head slightly, and regarded Zoro with suspicion, wondering what he was up to.

"You're leaving tomorrow?"

Zoro inquired without an immediate response.

"Yeah, Brother Atlas said he'd take me to the Marines."

"So..."

Zoro's eyes widened with fury, and he shouted, "Let's settle this, Kuina!"

"Bring your real sword!"

"With me?"

Kuina wiped the sweat from her forehead, took a breath, and replied, "Alright."

After saying that, she walked to the side and picked up Wado Ichimonji, which was leaning against a wooden stake.

Clang!

The long sword was unsheathed, held firmly with both hands, its blade directed at Zoro, who had assumed a Nitoryu stance.

"I'm ready!"

Zoro declared, taking the initiative to attack.

"Bring it on!"

Ah!

Wow!

Two figures crossed paths, and the clear sound of metal colliding echoed!

Clang!

Two long knives dropped to the ground, and Zoro followed suit.

Kuina raised her legs and pressed them against Zoro, with Wado Ichimonji firmly positioned next to Zoro's green-haired head.

"This marks my 1889th victory!"

"Dammit!"

"I'm not ready to concede!"

Zoro smacked his forehead forcefully and uttered through clenched teeth.

Boom—!

Kuina lay beside Zoro, gazing at the full moon in the sky, and spoke in a calm tone.

"Actually, my father used to insist that it was impossible for a girl to become the world's greatest swordsman."

"I strongly disagreed back then."

"But Brother Atlas mentioned that there are plenty of powerful women in this world. One of the Sanko in the New World is a woman."

"So, what's your point!?"

Zoro tilted his head, looking at Kuina in confusion.

"Fool!"

"Let's make a deal!"

Kuina abruptly stood up, gripping Wado Ichimonji, and shouted with excitement.

"Don't you always talk about wanting to be the world's greatest swordsman?"

"Then let's compete to see who can become the world's number one!"

"Good!"

Zoro promptly stood up, extended his palm, and offered it to Kuina.

Snapped!

A crisp round of applause rang out.

Under the moonlight, the two small figures clasped each other tightly.

"By the way, Zoro, why don't you use the Sandai Kitetsu that Brother Atlas gave you?"

"Huh? Atlas said I'm too young to handle the cursed sword."

"Oh, actually..."

Kuina suddenly recalled the first time Zoro was brought by Atlas to challenge her.

"Maybe you can try Santoryu!"

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