67: The Journey Begins at Sabaody Archipelago

A few days later.

A Marine ship arrived at the Sabaody Archipelago, and Ron disembarked.

Dressed in black pants and a white T-shirt, he wore a military green hooded coat and an orange travel hat, carrying his bag over one shoulder and Raikiri in hand. Turning back to Hina and Gion, who stood on the ship, he smiled and waved at them.

"This is far enough. Gion, Hina, let's meet again out on the sea."

"Weren't you supposed to call me Sister Hina, you brat, Ron! Hina is very upset!" Hina shouted at him in frustration.

Gion simply smiled warmly and waved back. "Take care. And if you change your mind, you're welcome back anytime."

Leaning against the railing, Hina looked at Ron, who was turning away, cigarette between her lips and sunglasses perched on her forehead. "Just make sure to think about the consequences of your actions, so I don't end up having to see you in cuffs next time."

"I get it. Alright, see you," Ron replied, waving goodbye as he walked away.

Hina rubbed her forehead in exasperation, her cool, striking face showing a hint of helplessness. "That guy never listens to anyone completely... I am so frustrated."

"Gion, do you know Ron's current strength?" asked Hina, a hint of curiosity in her voice.

"Eh?" Gion was startled by Hina's question, then thought about it. "I sparred with him half a year ago, and we were about evenly matched. I think he's gotten a bit stronger since then, but he should still be around my level. "Gion's beautiful face held a soft smile.

"What's going on?" Hina asked, puzzled.

"Oh, nothing," Gion replied, watching Ron's retreating figure with a faint smile.

The next time we meet, I wonder what he'll be like.

It shouldn't be too long… that strong little guy…

Her hand lightly touched her lips, and her cheeks tinged with a slight blush as she thought of something.

[Detected host location: Sabaody Archipelago. Conditions met for sign-in. Sign in now?]

"Sign in."

[Sign-in successful. Reward obtained: Vitality +10.

Special reward: Language Mastery.]

Ron was leaving the Marines and starting his journey from Sabaody Archipelago...

...

On the Grand Line, in the revolutionary forces' stronghold—

On The White Soil Island, Baltigo,

In the midst of windswept yellow sands, a tall and a short figure, both cloaked in black, walked forward, followed by others in similar attire.

"Is Sabo really here?" a clear female voice asked in doubt.

"He is, but his situation is a bit... complicated," replied a voice that was neither masculine nor feminine, belonging to the taller figure.

"Look, the city is just ahead."

The two figures at the forefront reached the gates of the city, where a group of people was waiting, including the leader of the Revolutionary Army, Monkey D. Dragon. Beside him stood a blonde boy with a hat and a girl with short orange hair.

Upon seeing the blonde boy, the girl in the black cloak widened her eyes slightly.

"Sabo."

Hearing his name, Sabo looked at her in surprise.

"See, I wasn't lying," the tall figure beside her said, pulling back his cloak to reveal a huge face – the Revolutionary Army officer, Emporio Ivankov.

"Guess who's here?" Ivankov said to Dragon and the others with a grin.

Their eyes focused on the slender figure, her twin swords hanging at her waist.

As she pulled back her cloak, her face emerged with a gentle smile, and Dragon and the others recognized her.

"It's… Kuina," murmured Hack, another Revolutionary Army member. "It's been years… She's changed so much."

Indeed, she had.

Now fifteen years old, Kuina had grown taller, reaching over 175 cm. Her once short blue hair had grown into a long, high ponytail, and her figure had developed elegantly, with long, toned legs exuding power. She wore a black cloak that perfectly complemented her composed, striking demeanor as a swordswoman.

"Kuina..." Sabo murmured, staring at her as if trying to recall something, but a sudden, intense pain in his head stopped him.

"Ah..."

He clutched his head in agony, crouching down.

"Sabo!" shouted Koala, the orange-haired girl beside him, her face full of worry.

Seeing this, Kuina looked at Ivankov in confusion.

"As I said, there's something wrong with him," Ivankov explained. "He lost all his memories after we rescued him, but I didn't expect him to be your and Ron's friend."

"I see," Kuina nodded in understanding.

"Koala, take Sabo back," Dragon instructed.

Koala nodded, leading Sabo back into the city.

Dragon turned to Kuina. "And that boy, Ron? He's not with you?"

"Ron and I went separate ways three years ago," Kuina replied, gently touching the hilt of Wado Ichimonji at her waist. "We agreed to grow stronger and meet again on the seas."

"Is that so…" Dragon nodded thoughtfully. "Do you have any particular place you plan to go?"

"A place…?" Kuina shook her head. "Not really. I'll go wherever I can find strong opponents who can help me improve my swordsmanship."

"If that's the case, why don't you stay here for a while? There are quite a few strong people here," Dragon suggested. "And whenever you feel ready, you're free to go."

Kuina considered this, then nodded. "Thank you. I'll stay for now."

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T/N:

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