Chapter 62: Kuina

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Mihawk offered no explanation, either because it was the truth or because he simply couldn't be bothered.

After all, with his aloof demeanor, he hardly seemed the type to concern himself with such trivial matters. What did public opinion matter to him? He would simply brush it off with a smirk.

At least, with Garp present, he wouldn't be foolish enough to instigate a fight. There was a significant gap in power between them, a chasm separating a Warlord from an Admiral and a Yonko. He would only be humiliated.

"Haha, Ian, you've become quite capable! Managing a draw with Mihawk, no less!"

Garp bounded from the marine battleship, landing beside Ian and clapping him heartily on the shoulder.

Bam! Bam! Bam! The impact resonated like striking steel, as if he were forging a weapon.

"..." Ian was speechless. "Gramps, could you please stop that?" he thought, despite knowing it was a gesture of affection.

Garp was also surprised. Ian felt different than he had during the meeting at Headquarters months ago. Back then, while sturdy, he felt like he could easily crush Ian with a bit of force. Now, however…

It felt like he'd have to exert himself considerably, as if Ian had transformed from steel to gold. At this rate, he might soon be able to match the Whitebeard Pirates' Third Division Commander, Diamond Jozu, in a clash of pure physical strength. Impressive.

"Vice Admiral Ian... Oh, and Vice Admiral Garp!"

Tashigi rushed over, her face etched with concern for Ian, but she still politely greeted Garp.

He was not only a hero to the common people, but a symbol of inspiration and aspiration for most Marines. She held him in high regard. Garp gave a curt nod in acknowledgment.

"Mr. Ian, you were amazing!"

Brook added, having witnessed Ian's draw with the world's greatest swordsman. But beneath his hollow eyes and skeletal visage, his true expression remained a mystery.

"Yo, Crocus, long time no see! Don't worry, I'm not here to arrest you."

Noticing that Brook and Tashigi seemed to have something to say to Ian, Garp excused himself and approached Crocus, who wore a troubled expression.

He and Gol D. Roger had been close acquaintances, having chased each other across the globe in their younger days. He wanted to catch up with Roger's former crewmate.

He had first visited Ace in the West Blue, then Kid in the South Blue, and finally returned to East Blue to see Luffy.

His journey had spanned three seas and taken several months. He also frequently patrolled East Blue, apprehending pirates and looking after his grandson, which gave the impression that the East Blue was a relatively weak sea. However, those criminals who managed to thrive there were often exceptionally powerful.

"Garp, I'd rather not see Y..." Crocus grumbled, still reeling from the intensity of the earlier battle.

It had been a thrilling spectacle. So this was the era Roger had ushered in with his life? Quite impressive.

"Mr. Ian, you mentioned a request earlier?" Brook returned to their previous conversation.

"It's nothing much. Just help me find someone… and return this sword to its rightful owner." Ian retrieved the sealed black blade, Shusui, from his Garganta, a pocket dimension unique to Arrancars, and handed it to Brook.

Ian had shared Robin's story with Brook, who sympathized with her plight. He accepted the task of finding her. Her tragic past was no less heartbreaking than his own.

To avoid arousing Robin's suspicion, Ian simply mentioned Aokiji. Garp seemed indifferent, clearly aware of the situation and equally disapproving of the World Government's actions.

They would casually obliterate an entire island to maintain their rule, much like Itachi Uchiha, brainwashed by the Will of Fire, who had slaughtered his entire clan, from the elderly to infants, to prevent a potential war. Both clans, coincidentally, possessed the ability to decipher the ancient poneglyphs.

Reincarnation was a gamble. Some were born into privilege and luxury, while others were destined for a life of hardship and struggle, like insignificant ants.

Both Ace's situation and Ian's potential were more than enough to warrant Garp's cooperation.

As for Shusui, it was the legacy of Ryuma, rightfully belonging to Zoro. After all, Zoro's master, Koushirou, was a descendant of the legendary samurai.

Under Crocus's protection, Robin would find temporary respite. Ian had no intention of recruiting her. Her dream was to uncover the truth of the Void Century by deciphering all the poneglyphs. While Ian also enjoyed traveling, his wanderlust lacked direction. He couldn't simply follow her whims across the globe. His and Tashigi's first journey together had ended abruptly at Reverse Mountain, much to his disappointment.

East Blue held the promise of powerful Devil Fruits: Foxy's Slow-Slow Fruit, Buggy's Chop-Chop Fruit… Both possessed immense destructive potential, capable of turning the tide of any battle.

Ian's actions had undoubtedly captured Tashigi's heart. Strength amplified not only one's physical capabilities but also their inherent nature, be it ruthlessness and bloodlust or, like Whitebeard, Garp, and Ian, a profound sense of justice and compassion.

They embarked on their journey back to Marine Headquarters, the crew gazing upon Ian with newfound respect and admiration. Strength commanded respect, regardless of affiliation, be it pirate or Marine. Moreover, he was young, with the potential to surpass Mihawk, rival the Admirals and Yonko, and perhaps even transcend them all.

"Observing high-level swordsmanship is beneficial, but it's important to forge your own path." Aboard the marine battleship, Ian shared his insights from his duel with Mihawk with Tashigi.

"I understand. So, Vice Admiral Ian, what is your way of the sword?" Tashigi inquired eagerly.

"One sword. From one, it begins, and to one, it returns. Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. I don't have any flashy techniques. Since all swordsmanship ultimately converges into a single, decisive strike, why waste time developing countless variations? My approach is similar to Mihawk's, yet different."

"He has experienced countless battles, witnessed the swordsmanship of numerous masters, and reached the pinnacle of the art."

"I, on the other hand, am simply… lazy. With overwhelming strength, a single strike suffices. As for you, don't try to emulate me. Find your own style. If you struggle to find your own path, choose one that resonates with you and master it."

"You can still reach the pinnacle. The most important thing is to stay true to your chosen path."

Night had fallen, the battleship shrouded in darkness, illuminated only by flickering candlelight and oil lamps.

Garp stood on the deck, playing with Tashigi's pet dog, listening to Ian's lecture with a thoughtful expression. "Indeed. Why bother with fancy tricks? Just punch through any obstacle in your way."

Woof! Then, caught off guard, the small white dog suddenly grew to the size of Moria's Cerberus, taking a large bite out of Garp's arm. If Luffy were present, he'd likely exclaim, "I know that dog!"

"Holy! How could you do that?! Let go of Vice Admiral Garp!" Tashigi, who had been about to argue with Ian about his "simplicity" comment, rushed towards the giant dog, attempting to pull it away. But it yelped, a hint of a whimper in its voice.

It felt like its teeth had met an impenetrable force, a painful realization. Tashigi's scolding turned into comforting words. "Who told you to bite random things?"

"Don't do that again!" she admonished.

Garp's physical resilience was no joke. His fists could level mountains and shatter Chinjao's Drill Dragon Nail.

"I'm not a 'thing'…" Garp growled.

"Ah… I'm sorry, Vice Admiral Garp. I misspoke. You are… a thing…" Realizing her blunder, Tashigi quickly apologized.

It was a heartwarming scene.

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In East Blue, on a small island not far from Foosha Village, the home of both Garp and Dragon…

Zoro grilled a fish he had caught, savoring each bite as his dinner.

He washed it down with sake plundered from a pirate ship, while reading the latest newspaper. He had recently bid farewell to his master, Koushirou, embarking on his quest to become the world's greatest swordsman.

While he hadn't yet mastered the ability to cut steel with his breath, wood and stone were no match for his blades.

"Black Winged Devil? He defeated Crocodile and Moria, and now he's matched Mihawk on the summit of the Red Line. Another swordsman…"

"This path to the top is hard. But I won't give up. One of us has to become the world's greatest swordsman… Kuina!"

He clutched the katana at his waist, Wado Ichimonji, her cherished keepsake, his gaze hardening as he looked up at the full moon and stars.

One, two… what difference did it make?

It only added to the thrill of the chase.

Dense and often directionally challenged, he completely overlooked the image in the newspaper.

A female Marine, playing with a large white dog and the whale Laboon. He couldn't be distracted by beauty. Such things weakened one's resolve and hindered the speed of his draw. Her eyes seemed to lack… spirit.

So he disregarded her presence. Unless she was a powerful swordswoman, she held no interest for him. And Kuina, his childhood rival, had met a tragic end at the age of twelve, falling down the stairs. He had never seen her grow into adulthood.

Tashigi, following Ian's subtle hints that perhaps long hair was more becoming, had grown out her hair and donned glasses. Unless she stood directly before him, Zoro wouldn't recognize her.

In Foosha Village, at the dojo…

"Master, you're retiring early tonight."

"Barely touched your dinner. Missing Zoro already? He's only been gone a few days."

"Zoro was closest to Kuina, but she died when she was twelve, falling down the stairs. Now his most promising Student has embarked on his own journey to become the world's greatest swordsman…"

Koushirou's other students whispered amongst themselves. "I hope he succeeds. He's the most talented among us. If he can't do it, then I have no chance."

In his room, Koushirou, clad in his training gi, sat at his desk, a single lamp illuminating the room.

He, too, was reading the newspaper. His fingers traced the image of the Red Line, then Mihawk, the world's strongest swordsman, then the Marine newcomer, the Black Winged Devil… Garp, Crocus…

He paused at the image of the female Marine playing with the large white dog and the whale. He adjusted his glasses, a knowing smile gracing his lips.

"Tashigi, Kuina… It's been a while. Zoro is on his way to becoming the world's greatest swordsman. You'll meet again soon…"

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Word Count [1831]

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To Be Continued..

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