"It seems, Mr. Koshiro, that you're familiar with this Devil Fruit," Kahn observed, noticing Koshiro's recognition of the Paramecia Op-Op Fruit. With a faint suspicion in mind, Kahn tentatively asked, "So, Mr. Koshiro, are you aware of the bloodline factor?"
"Bloodline factor? What is that?" Koshiro responded with genuine confusion.
Using his natural Observation Haki, Kahn could tell that Koshiro's confusion was authentic. This made Kahn reconsider his earlier suspicion—perhaps Koshiro really had no connection to the Revolutionary Army, or at least not a deep one.
Kahn then explained, "The bloodline factor is one of the discoveries made by the 'MADS' scientific research group, which was led by Vegapunk, a genius whose intellect is five hundred years ahead of our time. One of Vegapunk's former colleagues, Vinsmoke Judge of the Germa Kingdom in North Blue, used the bloodline factor to create clones and enhanced humans with physical abilities far beyond that of ordinary people—stronger even than upgraded humans."
"The bloodline factor is essentially the blueprint of life, the treasure and secret of the human body," Kahn continued. "We've also mastered this secret. By combining the power of the Paramecia Op-Op Fruit with scientific methods, we can modify Kuina's body to become physically stronger than most men and even stronger than these enhanced humans."
"...I see," Koshiro said, somewhat overwhelmed.
While terms like bloodline factors, clones, and human modification went over Koshiro's head, he understood the most important point: Kahn could use the Op-Op Fruit and the secrets of the bloodline factor to enhance Kuina's physical strength beyond that of a typical man.
"...I would love to have this surgery!" Kuina exclaimed, not giving her father a chance to ask about the risks or even time to process what had just been said.
Like her father, Kuina didn't fully grasp the details about bloodline factors or human modification, but she understood one thing clearly—this surgery could make her physically stronger than any man. For a girl who had long resented her own physical limitations and envied Zoro for being a boy, this offer was irresistible.
"Kuina..." Koshiro frowned, turning to speak, but Kuina cut him off, already anticipating his concerns.
"Father, please don't stop me," Kuina said firmly. "Even if there's only a one-in-a-million chance, I want this surgery. Otherwise, I'll regret it for the rest of my life!"
Kuina's determination was unmistakable. Koshiro, who had grown up in the male-dominated culture of Wanokuni, was deeply moved by his daughter's resolve. After a moment of silence, he looked back at Kahn and asked, "Patriarch Kahn, is this operation safe?"
"Father..." Kuina's eyes softened with gratitude. Her father's question showed that he was choosing to support her decision.
Kahn smiled slightly. "Mr. Koshiro, since you know of the Paramecia Op-Op Fruit, you should be aware that it's called the ultimate Devil Fruit for a reason. In the hands of a skilled user, it can perform miraculous surgeries with no risk to the patient's life. There's no need for anaesthesia, no pain, and even viruses can be eliminated during the procedure."
The implication was clear: the surgery posed no life-threatening risks. Koshiro, relieved, bowed to Kahn once more. "Then, please proceed with the surgery for Kuina."
"Hold on," Kahn said, raising a hand to stop him. "I need to speak with Kuina first."
Kahn turned his gaze to Kuina, extending the offer once more. "This operation to alter your physique is one of the greatest secrets and trump cards of our Cross Family. It's also an exclusive benefit reserved for our members."
"Girl, would you like to be my maid?"
"I do!" Kuina replied firmly, without any hesitation.
Just like Zoro in the original story, Kuina was determined to become the world's greatest swordsman. She didn't care if it meant becoming a pirate, a bounty hunter, or, in this case, a maid. As long as it didn't require her to give up her dream and could help her overcome the physical limitations of being a girl, she was willing to follow a stranger's orders.
"So, Mr. Koshiro, what do you think?" Kahn asked, turning his attention back to Koshiro after Kuina's resolute agreement.
Koshiro, who had silently supported his daughter's decision, didn't hesitate this time. He bowed once more and said, "I'll leave her in your care, Mr Kahn!"
Kahn's lips curled into a slight smile as he assured, "Don't worry, Mr. Koshiro. Once she's a member of the Cross Family, I won't let anyone harm her."
And so, the Cross Family gained a new member, and Kuina's fate was changed, saving her from dying young. The Bushido spirit of Wanokuni proved to be useful in this situation.
Koshiro, having decided to support his daughter's dream, handed her over to Kahn with complete trust. In fact, he had come to terms with the situation. If Kahn had wanted to take Kuina by force, there was little Koshiro could have done to stop him. After all, he was just a pure swordsman, while Kahn wielded immense power.
Despite having the ability to take what he wanted by force, Kahn had gone out of his way to explain his intentions and the benefits of joining his family. This respect, shown even to an eleven-year-old girl, earned Koshiro's trust and agreement.
If Kuina could truly break the physical limitations of girls and achieve her dream, Koshiro would be thrilled. To further ease Koshiro's mind, Kahn instructed Monet to return to the ship and bring back materials to create a Vivre Card for Kuina. Kahn tore off half and gave it to Koshiro, allowing him to check on his daughter's status at any time. He also provided Koshiro with a Den Den Mushi so they could stay in contact.
Kuina left quickly, not even staying to say goodbye to her peers. It wasn't that Kahn was in a rush—he had plenty of patience for those who were useful. Even if it meant staying in the quiet Shimotsuki Village for a couple of days to allow Kuina to say her farewells, Kahn would have been willing to wait.
But Koshiro had other plans. He sent them off promptly, not even offering them a meal. His decision stemmed from concern for his most promising disciple.
"What? Kuina left? When did this happen?" Zoro, who had been training outside and returned drenched in sweat, was shocked when he learned from Koshiro that Kuina had gone. He asked anxiously, "Where did she go? When will she come back?"
"She's gone to chase her dream," Koshiro replied, his squinting eyes hiding his emotions. He spoke lightly, "She might return in a few years, maybe in ten years, or perhaps decades later—or she might never come back."
"Why... why didn't she tell me before she left?!" Zoro asked angrily, feeling hurt and mistreated. His eyes grew misty, wondering if Kuina still didn't see him as an opponent.
"She didn't say goodbye to you on purpose," Koshiro said, suddenly smiling. "Before she left, she asked me to tell you something."
He continued, "She left without saying goodbye today for a better reunion in the future. She's looking forward to meeting you on the sea one day, where you'll see if it's her with two thousand wins and zero losses or you with one thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine wins."
"Really?" Zoro's eyes lit up, his earlier sadness replaced with excitement. "Did Kuina really say that?"
Koshiro nodded, encouraging Zoro. "Yes, Zoro. Kuina left with a very powerful individual. When you meet her again, she may have broken the physical limitations of girls and become an incredibly strong swordswoman. If you don't train hard, you might not even get the chance to fight her."
"Heh... I won't lose!" Zoro declared with renewed determination. "One day, I'll find Kuina on the sea and defeat her with my own hands!"
"I accept the challenge for our 2,000th duel!" he shouted, filled with fighting spirit.
"Then, keep at it!" Koshiro responded with anticipation.
This was why he hadn't kept his daughter from leaving and had even "pushed" her away. Kuina now had a chance to defy the odds and achieve her dream, while Zoro was filled with motivation and a long-term goal. For Koshiro, today had truly been a lucky day.
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