Chapter 68

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After deciding to start with Iceburg, Dak didn't rush into action.

He figured he'd let Bon Clay talk to Tom first. If that worked out, it would save a lot of hassle.

Dak temporarily shifted his focus to completing the main quest.

The quest was to ensure genuine growth in a Pokémon.

For ancient beings like Darkrai and Sceptile, who had lived for hundreds or thousands of years, achieving "growth" was a tall order.

Conversely, it seemed a much easier task with the baby Pokémon.

One day, while observing the Pokémon in his shop, Dak sought to identify which one appeared most capable of "growth."

To his surprise, he discovered that the still youthful Pawniard had begun self-training after witnessing the battle between Sceptile and Mihawk. It seemed eager to become as formidable as them.

Dak was startled by this and hurried over to stop Pawniard.

It wasn't that the babies shouldn't train, but their training could easily become uncontrolled without scientific and systematic guidance, potentially injuring themselves or even damaging their potential.

Dak believed in a simple philosophy: if they're still babies, they should play happily and grow up peacefully. Training could wait; Pokémon wouldn't miss much in a few weeks.

"Pawn."

Pawniard looked stubborn even as Dak picked it up.

It wiggled its arms and then pointed at Sceptile perched in a tree.

"What? Why?"

Having listened to the Pokémon's language and behavior for so long, Dak was gradually understanding their meanings.

Pawniard meant it wanted to become as strong as Sceptile.

"Pawn."

Because that way, it could help you.

Pawniard's gaze was resolute, seemingly unshakeable by anything.

"I see."

Dak didn't dismiss Pawniard's ambition with "I don't need your help" or "Just be happy." Such words would only belittle the Pokémon's earnest intentions and hopes. He preferred encouraging them to boldly pursue their dreams.

"If that's what you want to do."

"Alright, I'll wait for you to become strong and then help me."

Dak stroked Pawniard's blade gently and set it down. "Follow me."

"Pawn?"

Pawniard looked at Dak curiously, not knowing where he was taking it but feeling happy about the trust and expectations conveyed.

Dak was an important family member; it was determined to be of assistance.

That was Pawniard's simple thought.

But most Pokémon would strive for such a simple belief and commitment for a lifetime until their person died, or they themselves did.

Following Dak out of the shop, they arrived at a quiet and peaceful village.

"Pawn?"

Pawniard looked around, puzzled about why Dak had brought it here.

Villagers gazed at Pawniard with wonder, having never seen such an odd creature, which appeared somewhat intimidating.

"Um?"

Dak was checking the route when he suddenly spotted a little green-haired potato passing by, with two bamboo swords tied to its waist, dragging on the ground and leaving a faint trail.

That was none other than Roronoa Zoro, who Mihawk would later describe as juggling three swords.

Of course, Zoro seemed to be using two swords for now.

"Ah? What, you're asking for directions?"

"?"

A question mark appeared over Dak's head, invisible to others.

The scene felt familiar, but he couldn't place it at the moment.

"I heard there's a formidable dojo nearby. I'd like to visit."

Dak shook his head, dismissing the thought as unimportant.

Zoro should know the way back to the dojo, right?

"Oh, come with me then."

Young Zoro, quite proud, strutted forward with a step that seemed to disown all kin.

Dak, with Pawniard in tow, followed.

Villagers marveled at the sight, surprised anyone would dare ask Zoro for directions.

As dusk began to fall,

Dak started regretting trusting Zoro.

Pawniard, however, silently stayed by Dak's side, not one to complain.

"I'm telling you, I'm not lost. I was just testing your stamina. Our dojo isn't for just anyone; only those with enough patience can enter."

Zoro, red-faced and neck bulging, loudly explained, his face screaming 'guilty.'

"Yeah, yeah, sure."

Dak didn't want to argue further, nearly causing Zoro a stroke.

Having always stayed in the village, where had he seen such verbal artistry?

"Hey! Zoro! You idiot! Didn't I tell you to stay put if you're lost? Are you a three-year-old? Getting lost at your age!"

From afar, a little girl with short blue hair, Kuina, approached, looking like she had been searching for a while.

Kuina.

The daughter of Koushirou, a girl tragically killed by plot circumstances.

A genius little monster who defeated countless adults and beat little Zoro thousands of times, to die from a fall in the attic?

Ridiculous.

"You don't know anything! I'm not lost. I was testing them!"

Zoro stubbornly retorted, pointing at Dak and Pawniard.

"Who are you? I've never seen you on this island."

Kuina began scrutinizing Dak and the unusual Pawniard.

Struck by Dak's appearance, Kuina confirmed they weren't from the island.

Not to mention, they were accompanied by a strange and dangerous creature.

"We heard about a reputable dojo here and wanted to visit. If possible, I'd like this child to stay and learn."

Dak was moved by Kuina's gesture, seeing light at the end of the tunnel.

He also patted Pawniard, who nodded stoically in agreement.

"Do you want to join the dojo?"

Kuina relaxed significantly upon hearing this.

The naïve and pure girl, unfamiliar with dangers beyond the seas, appeared both mature and innocent.

"Yes."

Dak nodded.

That was indeed why he brought Pawniard here.

Of course, the main goal wasn't necessarily for Pawniard to learn under Koushirou or to forge any significant bonds with Zoro.

If learning was the objective, he could take Pawniard to Mihawk.

Mihawk would be pleased, Pawniard would receive guidance, and Dak could profit from Mihawk, benefiting all parties.

But Dak was interested in the swordsmith Koushirou, who forged "Wado Ichimonji" and "Yubashiri."

Pawniard's essence was a blade; even after evolving into Bisharp, its nature wouldn't change.

Perhaps Koushirou's unique teaching methods could refine Pawniard's blades to rival great swords, or at least, Pawniard could learn much from him.

Like what Zoro learned about "what is a sword" and "naming wisdom."

Only Dak knew these thoughts.

And without any suspicion, Kuina innocently led them back to the dojo.

[Isshin Dojo]

Seeing the dojo's sign, Dak remembered its name.

A mild-looking man with squinted eyes stood at the dojo's entrance.

As Dak and Pawniard appeared in his view, the man slightly opened his eyes.

Dak felt a pang of worry.

Legend has it, when squinty-eyed folks open their eyes, something dire happens.

"Father."

"Teacher."

Kuina and Zoro bowed upon seeing Koushirou, showing genuine respect.

Dak gave Zoro a sideways glance.

He thought Zoro would only mature after Kuina's death.

It seems his transformation began the moment he joined the dojo.

"Good day, we're here to disturb."

Dak greeted Koushirou, mimicking the gesture with Pawniard.

Manners start young.

"Good day, it's getting late. Let's talk inside the dojo."

Koushirou, a very humble man, made Dak feel comfortable.

The navy might display basic etiquette towards Dak, but their inherent arrogance was unmistakable, unlike Koushirou.

Then, Koushirou led them into the dojo.

As Dak stepped into a dim area, Darkrai silently appeared beside him, whispered something, and then vanished into the shadows unnoticed.

Koushirou, huh?

Dak didn't turn towards where Darkrai indicated, merely speculating about the identity of the person peeking from there.

Following Koushirou, they reached a quiet room.

Koushirou sat down on the tatami, adopting a kneeling posture, while Dak chose to sit cross-legged.

Pawniard stood behind Dak, not taught by Dak but acting on its own volition.

This action earned Koushirou's silent approval. He didn't force dojo children to learn cumbersome traditions, but he appreciated those who showed discipline.

Of course, due to Koushirou's squinted eyes, no one saw this appreciation.

Zoro immediately went to the backyard to train, seemingly eager to surpass Kuina.

"Rude idiot!"

Kuina complained as she watched Zoro's departing figure.

Then, she prepared three cups of tea, serving the guests first, then her father.

She intended to kneel beside Koushirou, as he taught, but seeing Pawniard standing, she felt awkward sitting and stood instead.

(End of Chapter)