17. Zoro and Kuina

CHAPTER 17: ZORO AND KUINA

As the chaos from the sinking ship settled, Zoro stood firm, eyes locked on the approaching figure. The air was thick with tension, yet Zoro's focus never wavered. "Dracule 'Hawkeye' Mihawk," he declared, his voice resonating with both reverence and determination. "The world's greatest swordsman and the reason I left my home town all those years ago. My dream and purpose in life. To defeat Mihawk and take his place as the world's greatest swordsman."

Goku and Usopp, standing beside Zoro with Johnny and Yosaku, exchanged glances of surprise and curiosity. "Zoro," Goku began, "is this really the man you've been searching for?"

Zoro nodded, a fierce glint in his eyes. "Yes, Goku. He's the pinnacle of swordsmanship. The ultimate challenge."

***

[EIGHT YEARS AGO]

The island of Shimotsuki was a serene place, covered in lush greenery and surrounded by clear blue waters. Nestled within this peaceful landscape was a dojo, renowned for its strict discipline and exceptional swordsmanship training. The building was traditional, with wooden floors and sliding paper doors, the walls adorned with various weapons and calligraphy.

Inside the dojo, a class was in session. Students of various ages and skill levels practiced diligently under the watchful eye of the master, Koshiro. The sound of wooden swords clashing filled the air, accompanied by the rhythmic footsteps of the students. Koshiro, a man of calm demeanor and sharp eyes, moved gracefully among his students, offering guidance and corrections.

Suddenly, the tranquility was shattered by a loud scream from outside the dojo. "I challenge the strongest fighter here!" A young Zoro burst through the doors, his eyes blazing with determination. Despite his small stature, his presence was imposing.

Koshiro looked at the newcomer with mild surprise and amusement. "And who might you be, young man?"

Zoro stood tall and declared, "My name is Roronoa Zoro! I've been challenging every dojo I encounter, and I won't stop until I'm the strongest swordsman in the world!"

Koshiro's eyes twinkled with interest. "Such practices are a thing of the past, but I like your enthusiasm, Zoro." He gestured to a young girl standing at the forefront of the students. "Meet Kuina, my daughter and the best young student in this dojo."

Kuina stepped forward, her demeanor calm and composed. She was about Zoro's age, with long black hair tied in a ponytail and sharp, focused eyes. Her presence exuded confidence and skill.

Zoro frowned, annoyance creeping into his expression. "A girl? You expect me to fight a girl?"

Kuina's eyes narrowed in irritation. "Don't underestimate me just because I'm a girl," she retorted.

Koshiro chuckled softly. "Zoro, do not underestimate her. Kuina, show him what you've got."

The two took their positions, each gripping a wooden sword. Kuina's stance was poised and balanced, while Zoro's was more aggressive and raw. They began to circle each other, the tension in the air palpable.

With a sudden burst of movement, Zoro charged at Kuina, swinging his wooden sword with all his might. Kuina, however, remained calm and collected. She parried his attack effortlessly, her movements fluid and precise. Zoro's attacks were relentless and frantic, but Kuina's defense was impenetrable.

They clashed repeatedly, Zoro's aggressive strikes meeting Kuina's graceful parries. Each encounter ended with Kuina landing the final blow, her technique outmatching Zoro's raw power. After the fifth clash, Zoro's frustration boiled over. He lost his temper, throwing his swords to the ground in anger.

"You... how can you be so strong?" he demanded, his voice shaking with frustration.

Kuina looked at him calmly, her eyes filled with determination. "Strength isn't everything. It's about skill and control."

Zoro clenched his fists, swallowing his pride. He turned to Koshiro and bowed deeply. "Please, let me join this dojo. I won't leave until I can defeat Kuina."

Koshiro's expression softened with a smile. "You're welcome to stay, Zoro. I believe you'll find what you're looking for here."

Over the following months, Zoro trained relentlessly. He sparred with every student, honing his skills and growing stronger with each passing day. However, despite his best efforts, he could never defeat Kuina. Each loss fueled his determination, but also his frustration.

One fateful day, after another defeat, Zoro approached Kuina, his face a mix of anger and resolve. "I will defeat you one day," he vowed, his voice steady despite his frustration.

Kuina looked at him with a hint of sadness. "Zoro, even if you surpass me, it won't matter. I'm a girl. Soon you'll be stronger and faster. A girl can beat a boy, but a woman cannot beat a man."

Zoro's eyes blazed with defiance. "I don't care about that. You're my goal. I will defeat you."

Kuina blushed slightly at his intensity. "If you're so determined, then let's have a duel. In the forest, with real swords."

---

A few hours later, as the sun began to set, Zoro and Kuina stood in a clearing in the forest. The air was cool and still, the trees casting long shadows on the ground. Kuina carried the famous Wado Ichimonji, while Zoro held three lower-level real swords.

"This time, I will win," Zoro declared confidently. "And when I do, I'll make you my woman."

Kuina's cheeks flushed, but she held her ground. "You won't defeat me, Zoro. Not yet."

They began their duel, the sound of metal clashing filling the forest. Zoro's attacks were powerful and aggressive, but Kuina's skill and precision gave her the upper hand. Despite landing a few cuts on her, Zoro found himself on the defensive more often than not.

Their final clash was decisive. Kuina disarmed Zoro with ease, her sword poised at his throat. Defeated, Zoro fell to his knees, tears of frustration streaming down his face. "Why can't I beat you?" he cried, punching the ground in anger.

Kuina knelt beside him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Zoro, you have incredible potential. But you need to refine your technique. Strength alone isn't enough."

Zoro looked up at her, his eyes filled with determination. "I won't give up. I'll keep training until I can defeat you."

Kuina smiled softly. "I believe you will. But remember, it's not just about defeating me. We both have the same dream. To be the world's greatest swordsman or swordwoman."

Zoro nodded, his resolve firm. "I'll become stronger. And one day, I'll defeat you. Not because you're a girl, but because you're my goal."

Kuina's cheeks flushed again, and she leaned in, kissing him passionately. When they pulled apart, she looked into his eyes, her own filled with determination. "I know. But I also want you to know, I like you too."

They stood together, holding hands, their hearts united by a shared dream. They vowed to each other, under the fading light of the sun, to one day be the world's greatest swordsman and swordwoman.

As months passed, Zoro and Kuina trained intensely, pushing each other to their limits in the quiet corners of the dojo and the dense forests surrounding Shimotsuki. Their relationship, blossoming from mutual respect and shared dreams, remained a secret. They found solace in stolen moments—late-night conversations under the stars, early morning sparring sessions where their swords clashed with a mix of fierce determination and unspoken affection.

The students and even Master Koshiro saw the dedication in their training but were unaware of the deeper connection they shared. Zoro and Kuina's relationship was built on a foundation of mutual dreams and the unyielding belief that they could achieve greatness together.

One typical morning, the dojo was alive with the sounds of training—the rhythmic thud of wooden swords, the focused grunts of students honing their skills. Zoro, drenched in sweat from an early sparring session, retreated to his chamber to catch his breath. As he sat on the wooden floor, he heard a gentle knock on the door.

"Come in," Zoro called, expecting another student.

To his surprise, Master Koshiro entered, his expression grave and eyes filled with a sorrow Zoro had never seen before. "Zoro, we need to talk."

A chill ran down Zoro's spine. "What is it, Master?"

Koshiro took a deep breath, his voice steady but heavy with grief. "Kuina... Kuina has passed away."

Zoro's world shattered in an instant. His vision blurred, his body trembled, and he felt as if the very ground beneath him was giving way. "No... this can't be true," he whispered, his voice breaking.

Koshiro placed a comforting hand on Zoro's shoulder. "I'm sorry, Zoro. She fell down the stairs... it was a tragic accident."

Zoro's knees buckled, and he collapsed to the floor, sobbing uncontrollably. His tears flowed freely, mixing with the sweat and dirt on his face. "Kuina... why?" he cried out, his heart breaking with each word.

Koshiro knelt beside him, his own eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I knew about your relationship, Zoro. I could see the bond you two shared, the way you looked at each other. Even with that, Kuina was determined to pursue her own dream."

Zoro looked up, his eyes red and swollen. "She... she wanted to be the greatest too. We promised each other."

Koshiro nodded. "Yes, and even in her last moments, she was focused on that dream. Zoro, you must carry on for both of you."

With a heart-wrenching cry, Zoro clenched his fists. "I swear, Kuina. I will continue our dream. I will become the greatest swordsman in the world. For both of us."

The days that followed were a blur of sorrow and mourning. Kuina's funeral was a solemn affair, attended by the entire village. The dojo was draped in black, and the atmosphere was heavy with grief. As Zoro stood before her grave, he felt a profound emptiness, a void that could never be filled.

Approaching Master Koshiro after the ceremony, Zoro made a heartfelt request. "Master, please. Let me have Kuina's sword, the Wado Ichimonji. I want to carry her spirit with me, to honor her dream."

Koshiro looked at Zoro, seeing the fierce determination in his eyes. "She would want you to have it," he said, handing over the precious blade.

Zoro took the sword with reverence, his grip firm and unwavering. "I will honor her, Master. I promise."

The years that followed were marked by relentless training and numerous battles. Zoro pushed himself beyond his limits, his skill and strength growing with each passing day. Every swing of the Wado Ichimonji was a tribute to Kuina, every victory a step closer to their shared dream.

His reputation as a formidable swordsman spread far and wide. Known as the Pirate Hunter, Zoro faced countless adversaries, his resolve and prowess earning him respect and fear in equal measure. Yet, amidst the chaos of battle and the thrill of victory, he never forgot his promise to Kuina.

***

Standing on the fins of the Baratie, the floating restaurant, Zoro gazed across the waters at the massive galleon of the Krieg Pirates. The air was thick with tension, the smell of salt and smoke mingling with the adrenaline coursing through his veins. His heart pounded as he watched Dracule Mihawk, the world's greatest swordsman, effortlessly deflect bullets with his massive sword.

Goku, standing beside him, asked, "Are you sure you're ready for this, Zoro?"

Zoro's eyes never left Mihawk, who continued to dismantle the Krieg Pirates' ship with graceful, devastating swings of his blade. The sight filled Zoro with both awe and determination. "This is my dream, Goku," he replied, his voice steady. "I have to do this."

Seeing the resolve in Zoro's eyes, Goku sighed and nodded. "Then go. We'll be right here."

Johnny, Yosaku, and Usopp wished him good luck, their voices filled with concern and support. As Zoro stepped forward, the rest of the Krieg Pirates and the cooks of Baratie recognized him. Murmurs spread through the crowd.

"That's Roronoa Zoro, the Pirate Hunter. He's going to fight Hawkeye!"

"The world's greatest swordsman versus the infamous demon pirate hunter. This will be a fight to remember!"

Civilians and pirates alike watched with bated breath, the anticipation electric in the air. The battlefield was littered with debris, remnants of Mihawk's devastating attacks. Broken planks and shattered barrels floated in the water, adding to the chaotic scene.

Mihawk, standing on his small boat, seemed almost serene amidst the destruction. When the Krieg Pirates demanded to know his purpose, Mihawk's response was chillingly simple. "I wanted to kill some time."

Zoro approached, the weight of Kuina's sword heavy at his side. He felt the eyes of everyone on him, their expectations a tangible force. He took a deep breath, the memories of his promise to Kuina and the years of relentless training flooding his mind. This was the moment he had been preparing for, the culmination of his dreams and vows.

As he squared off against Mihawk, the world's greatest swordsman, Zoro felt a surge of resolve. No matter the outcome, he would fight with everything he had, for Kuina, for their shared dream, and for the promise he made so many years ago. The clash of their swords would be a testament to his journey, his strength, and the unbreakable bond he held with Kuina's spirit.

[A/N: Read 10 chapters ahead of this series available on my patreon right now. patreon.com/saiyanprincenovels