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Within the Isshin Dojo, the onlookers had departed. Having comprehended the circumstances, Kuina expressed her heartfelt thanks to her lifesaver, Aqua.
Realizing she nearly lost her life to a mere staircase, her cheeks blushed with a mix of embarrassment and frustration.
For someone as competitive as her, dying in such an ignoble way was utterly unacceptable compared to falling in a swordsman's duel.
"To our esteemed visitors from afar, if I'm not mistaken, you must be the heroes of the East Sea who vanquished two formidable pirates - Mr. Zyhark, Miss Aqua, and Mr. King, correct?" Koushirou's eyes, hidden behind his round glasses, slightly reddened as he deeply bowed to Zyhark, Aqua, and King, showing the highest form of respect.
"I truly can't thank you enough for saving Kuina!"
Upon hearing of Kuina's death, Koushirou managed to maintain a calm exterior, unlike Zoro's profound grief, but his heart was equally torn with distress.
Although Shimotsuki Village was secluded, Koushirou, who often kept up with news from the East Sea, easily recognized the trio's identity thanks to the recent news. Aside from Zyhark and Aqua, King's distinctive appearance made him particularly recognizable.
"Heroes of the East Sea who defeated great pirates?"
This prestigious title, impressive even just by the sound of it, surprised both Kuina and Zoro, who seldom followed the news.
Other than Koushirou, there was no one in the dojo, not even the adults, who could match them in combat. The villagers of Shimotsuki were even less of a challenge.
Thus, facing Zyhark, a formidable outsider, both Kuina and Zoro gripped their bamboo swords tightly, their eyes blazing with a strong desire to fight.
"To become the world's greatest swordsmen, we'd love to see how we measure up against someone as strong as you!"
Direct and straightforward, Zoro couldn't sit still any longer, his gaze fixed on Zyhark, who sat across from him. To Zoro's simple mind, Zyhark's central position suggested he was the strongest.
Before Zoro could issue his challenge, Kuina stepped forward.
"Excuse me for being presumptuous, but Mr. Zyhark, may I ask for a bout with you?"
Kuina's eyes gleamed with determination as she stepped forward, inadvertently pushing Zoro aside in her eagerness.
This infuriated the young Zoro, who, if not still engulfed in his earlier sorrow, would have surely lashed out in anger.
"Kuina!"
Koushirou gently reprimanded her, then apologetically turned to Zyhark, "My apologies for my daughter's brashness, Mr. Zyhark. She's always been headstrong. Please, don't take it to heart."
Zyhark, in a good mood, waved off the concern, "No worries at all. A strong desire to fight is a commendable trait for a swordsman."
With that, he stood up, facing Kuina with serious intent. He was curious about the strength of this girl who had dominated Zoro and never lost in over 2,000 duels.
"Though I have some knowledge of swordsmanship, it's not my strongest suit," Zyhark admitted. "But Kuina, if you're eager to battle, then let's have a friendly match!"
This was no understatement, as Zyhark's swordsmanship had only been put to the test once before, with his physical strength and Haki playing a more crucial role.
Kuina's face lit up with gratitude before her expression hardened with resolve. She held her bamboo sword with a prowess that belied her age, embodying the spirit of a true swordsman.
Recognizing her seriousness, Zyhark too adopted a fighting stance, ready to treat Kuina not just as a child, but as a worthy opponent.
Catching a bamboo sword tossed by a disciple, Zyhark positioned it before him, signaling the start of their match.
Kuina charged, her swift movements creating a series of echoes across the wooden floor, closing the distance to Zyhark in an instant. Her bamboo sword swung with a sharp, clean motion aimed directly at Zyhark.
Zyhark stepped forward, countering with an opposing swing of his bamboo sword.
The clash of their swords emitted a dull thud, revealing the formidable force behind Kuina's strike.
Sensing the power transmitted through the bamboo sword's handle, Zyhark internally commended Kuina's strength.
Despite his extensive combat experience, Kuina's swift adaptation and relentless attacks impressed Zyhark, who managed to block each strike without relying on his Observation Haki.
Fully immersed in the duel, Kuina launched a rapid succession of attacks, her ambition clear in her every move.
"Amazing, Kuina's actually pushing him back!"
"Keep it up, and finish him off!"
The dojo's disciples cheered, their pride in Kuina evident, as she represented the dojo's honor.
Watching from a prime spot, Koushirou sighed, seeing the unfolding match's reality. Zyhark's casual demeanor belied his skill, easily handling Kuina's offensive without being a swordsman by trade.
As Kuina prepared her final strike, believing she had Zyhark cornered, her movement froze, disbelief in her eyes.
"Does this mean the match is decided?" Zyhark's calm voice came from behind her, a bamboo sword resting gently against her neck.
"How is this possible?!"
(End of Chapter)