Chapter 36 - Shimotsuki

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Using the gap, Lepus, Brisa, and Muret left Cocoyasi Village and headed for Shimotsuki Village.

Arriving at Shimotsuki Village, the three of them looked for a place to live by renting a house.

After they found a place to live, the next day Lepus went to a dojo.

Arriving at the dojo, Lepus saw a man with glasses and long black hair in a ponytail sitting on the veranda watching the children practicing.

Lepus certainly recognized the man.

That man was Shimotsuki Koushirou, the owner of this dojo, Roronoa Zoro's teacher and Kuina's father!

Lepus then approached Koushirou and said his purpose.

"Excuse me, you're Koushirou-san, right? I want to meet your daughter, Kuina. Can I?

Seeing that suddenly an unknown youth came and said he wanted to meet his daughter, Koushirou was quite confused.

"Sorry, who are you?"

"My name is Lepus, Rex Lepus."

"Why do you want to meet my daughter?"

"I have something important to talk to her about. Please."

Seeing Lepus's expression that looked serious, Koushirou frowned slightly and then decided.

"Hmm.... Alright. Just a moment. I'll call Kuina."

Koushirou then stood up and entered inside the dojo.

Before long, Koushirou returned to the veranda with a girl whose of course his daughter, Kuina.

"This is my daughter, Kuina. Kuina, this is Lepus-kun who wants to see you."

Kuina only gave a small nod to Lepus.

Lepus was not offended by Kuina's attitude and then spoke.

"Hello, Kuina. I'm Lepus. There's something important I want to talk to you about one-on-one. Can I?"

Kuina frowned a little after hearing that. But then she nodded and spoke.

"Follow me."

Kuina walked into the dojo and Lepus followed after bowing in apology to Koushirou.

Kuina brought Lepus to her room.

Arriving in the room, Kuina invited Lepus to sit down and then spoke.

"So, what's the important thing you want to talk about?"

Lepus began to talk seriously.

"Do you believe that soon you will have a misfortune?"

Hearing Lepus's statement, Kuina was slightly surprised and frowned.

"Misfortune?"

"Yes."

"What misfortune?"

"I'm not going to say it. I don't want to scared you or unsettled you."

"...."

Kuina frowned deep.

Then they were both silent for a moment until Lepus spoke again.

"Do you want to make a deal?"

"A deal?"

Kuina asked confusedly.

Lepus answered seriously.

"I will save you from that misfortune. In exchange you will come with me."

Kuina again frowned.

"That's.... No need. I can take care of myself."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

Lepus regretted Kuina's stubbornness.

But Lepus also understand that no one would believe it if someone unknown suddenly appeared and said you were going to have a misfortune. They will be considered strange or crazy instead.

Lepus could only sigh in disappointment.

'Hah~.... What can I do? I'll be quietly watching and protecting her for some time until that incident happened.'

"Then, excuse me."

Lepus then left the dojo.

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