"Now, this is… new," I muttered, staring at the grave before me. Hovering above it was the translucent form of a ghostly child, curled up in a floating, sleep-like position. She looked no older than five or six, her small hand clutching a sword that appeared almost weightless in her grip.
I could sense a powerful aura from her, and the information appeared in my mind like a system message:
[Target: Kuina. can be use Super Travel on her]
"Kuina…" I whispered, realization dawning. She was the childhood friend of Zoro—the girl who had inspired his journey to become the world's strongest swordsman. According to One Piece, she had met an untimely end in her youth after a tragic accident, a story that always seemed off to me.
After activating Super Travel, I watched Kuina's journey unfold as she awoke in the Soul Society. Her spirit took on the form of a Shinigami, stepping into a completely different world. I couldn't help but chuckle at the irony of it all: Zoro, her childhood friend, had somehow ended up in Hueco Mundo as an Arrancar, while Kuina was now a Soul Reaper.
"I wonder how this will play out," I mused, imagining the potential clash or reunion between them in their new roles.
Shaking my head, I reminded myself of my original purpose for being here. I'd come to scout for any clues about the Revolutionary Army, hoping the dojo head here might have some useful information. Finding Kuina's spirit had been a surprise, but now it was time to continue my search.
"Well, time to head to the dojo," I mumbled to myself, heading off, both intrigued by the mysterious clue and satisfied with the unexpected discovery of Kuina's fate.
Now, I'm heading to the dojo—the very place where Zoro learned swordsmanship: the Isshin Dojo. This dojo is located in Shimosuki Village, also Zoro's birthplace.
Strolling through the village, I soon reached the dojo, which seemed to be quite popular.
Arriving at Isshin Dojo in Shimosuki Village—the same dojo where Zoro trained—I found myself in the birthplace of a legend. The dojo itself had a humble charm, yet it was popular, bustling with the sounds of young kids diligently practicing their sword swings. Each one seemed to put their heart into the motion, lifting the sword back up after each strike, only to bring it down again in rhythm.
I stepped inside, observing the scene, when an older man with spectacles and graying hair approached. Wrinkles etched his face, but his eyes held the sharpness of someone who'd mastered the sword long ago.
"Hm, you are?" he asked, his gaze studying me.
"I'm a traveler, and also a friend of Zoro," I replied, keeping my tone respectful.
The dojo master's expression softened slightly, a glimmer of pride in his eyes. "Zoro… I'm glad to see he has such powerful friends."
Hearing this, I smiled. He studied me with a bit of curiosity, to which I shrugged. "Interesting. Well, I suppose I can't hide anything from you."
"Let's go somewhere else to talk," he suggested. I nodded, and, under the curious gazes of his students, we stepped outside and began walking toward the mountains. Soon, we reached a cliff from which the entire village of Shimosuki was clearly visible.
"So, what are your true intentions?" he asked, his tone now more serious.
"I just want to meet the Revolutionary Army," I replied, "especially since I've heard you have connections with them."
He kept silent for a moment, then shook his head. "I don't know what this 'Revolutionary Army' is that you speak of," he said, feigning ignorance.
"I'm not their enemy," I reassured him calmly.
"As I said, I don't know what you're talking about," he replied, though his tone held a hint of curiosity. "But since you're a friend of Zoro, you're welcome to spend the night at my house if you're planning to stay here." He gave me a measured look.
"Kuina… she was your daughter, right?" I asked.
He nodded solemnly. "There is a correction—she was my daughter. She died many years ago," he said, a sadness flashing across his eyes.
"Interesting," I replied, with a casual nod. "Because I just revived her yesterday."
Slice!
In an instant, a blade pressed firmly against my neck. "You didn't disturb my daughter's grave, did you?" he asked, his voice edged with threat.
I held his gaze, calm and collected. "It's not what you think. There are indeed strange abilities in this world," I said, lowering my tone. "And yes, I revived her. She will return tomorrow."
"Speak clearly—what do you mean?" he demanded, blade still poised.
"Tell me about the Revolutionary Army," I said, meeting his intense gaze, "and I'll speak clearly."
After a tense moment, he exhaled and withdrew his sword, signaling a reluctant agreement.
"They come to me some times but I am not related to them" He said.
"I just want to talk to them—specifically to a certain guy on their team," I said, watching him carefully as he handed me a Den Den Mushi, or simply a phone bug.
It was a small snail with a dial-like shell, able to mimic the voice of the caller.
"You can use it to call them," he said, then asked, "Now tell me, what do you mean by 'reviving her'?"
"Earlier today, I happened to pass by her grave," I explained, leaning back. "It was Zoro who told me about her—that there was once a swordsman more talented than him, yet she's no longer in this world. But as I saw her grave, I noticed her soul lingering near it, so I sent it away."
"What do you mean by that?" he asked, his expression shifting.
"I mean I used my powers on her. It will take around 24 hours for her to come back. I just used my abilities on her an hour ago, so tomorrow, you'll find her at her grave," I said, watching his reaction.
He nodded slowly, uncertain but intrigued. "...I'll see. Do you need anything else?" he asked.
"Just let her know that once she's mastered her current powers, she'll be able to travel to other worlds again," I added, standing up.
"Alright, I'll be leaving," I said, moving toward the exit, "and don't forget to mention me if she asks where I am." I gave a small wave, floating up effortlessly.
"I'll return after talking with them," I said, to which he replied, "Right, there's no need to hurry. I have more than one," he chuckled.
With a nod, I began to leave, taking the phone bug with me.
******
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