The next morning, before the sun was up, the kids were already up and about.
Even though Koushirou said they could sleep in, the kids knew that laziness was bad. After what happened, they realized they still had a long way to go!
When Zoro met Kuina in the morning, he immediately noticed something different.
He could feel that Kuina's aura had become stronger. It was so obvious that he could almost sense it directly!
So, Zoro trained harder than ever today. He didn't want the gap between him and Kuina to grow...
In the back mountain, the kids were already training. Even Nami was serious this time.
"Daisy, you just started training. Don't rush. We're still young. If we keep training, we'll get stronger," Ryuen said, worried as he saw Daisy suddenly increase her training.
But Daisy shook her head firmly and said, "I can do it!"
After completing the mission, Daisy realized how weak she was.
She knew that if she couldn't help in a fight, she would be useless. She didn't want to be like that! Daisy was filled with determination, clenching her fists with a look of unyielding resolve.
She wanted to prove her worth with actions, not just be a weakling watching from the side. No matter how hard it was, she would push through and strive to get stronger.
Seeing Daisy's stubborn expression, Ryuen didn't try to stop her.
He knew the other girls had also increased their training. He was a bit worried, though. Even though people in this world couldn't be overtrained, they needed proper nutrition. So he was already planning to catch the Sea King!
"Sigh... how should I deal with it..." Ryuen was a bit troubled. His abilities weren't suited for fishing.
At night, Captain Gulachi called and told Ryuen that the Marines had left. This made Ryuen and Nami feel much better. Although Garp is a bit reckless, his strength is too great, and Ryuen didn't want to deal with him now.
After dinner, the kids went back to their rooms to wash up and rest, but Kuina didn't come back. She had something to discuss with her father.
In the courtyard corridor, Koushiro and Kuina were kneeling at a tea table. Koushiro looked at Kuina seriously, while Kuina's face was full of determination.
"Kuina, have you really made up your mind?" Koushiro asked seriously.
"Yes, Father. After this battle, I realized that only real combat can improve my swordsmanship, so I won't give up!" Kuina said firmly.
Koushiro felt a headache. On one hand, Kuina was still young and far from adulthood. On the other hand, he didn't believe in Kuina's goal of becoming the world's strongest.
But seeing Kuina's determined eyes, his thoughts wavered.
For a moment, both father and daughter were silent.
After a few minutes, Koushiro squinted his eyes and showed a doting smile, saying, "Kuina, I agree you can go to sea early, but I have one condition!"
"Tell me!" Kuina said excitedly.
"Take care of yourself and don't get too hurt, or I'll worry..." Koushiro said gently.
"Father~"
Time passed quickly, and half a month had gone by.
"Mr. Koushiro, thank you for your teachings during this time. We learned a lot about swordsmanship!" At the entrance of Isshin Dojo, Ryuen and the others were saying goodbye to Koushiro.
"Hehe~ No need to thank me. You are all good kids. Keep it up, and I hope to hear your names on the sea one day!" Koushiro encouraged the kids. He really liked them; they were all excellent.
"We will!"
"Yes, Mr. Koushiro, you will hear my name on the sea one day!"
"We'll work hard!"
The kids said confidently.
After saying goodbye to Koushiro, Ryuen and the others slowly walked away from Isshin Dojo, frequently looking back with reluctance and anticipation in their eyes.
"Let's go!"
"We need to hurry to Clover Island. Captain Gulachi and the others are waiting for us..." Ryuen said with a sigh.
"Ryuen~" Nami looked at Ryuen, her sad expression almost making her cry.
"Ryuen, maybe... we should wait a bit longer~" Nojiko added.
"Why isn't Kuina coming with us? We're already partners..." Daisy cried.
"Don't cry. Kuina isn't an adult yet and can't go to sea. Trust me, we'll meet again on the sea!" Ryuen said firmly.
After that, the kids continued towards the back mountain, feeling a sense of reluctance to part with their partner.
"Ryuen, Nami... why are you so slow? I've been waiting for you for so long!"
Suddenly, a voice called out.
Ryuen and the others looked up the mountain in surprise and saw the small figure carrying a bag and holding Wado Ichimonji. Everyone's faces lit up with excitement, and they were all overjoyed.
"Kuina!!!" Ryuen and the others immediately ran towards Kuina, shouting excitedly, their voices echoing in the mountains.
"You idiot, I thought you weren't coming with us!" Nami choked up with emotion.
"Kuina, we can always be together from now on~~~" Daisy rushed to Kuina and hugged her tightly, tears streaming down her face.
The other three also rushed forward, surrounding Kuina and letting out their joy and excitement.
"We're partners, of course, I'm coming with you! Hehehe..." Kuina's face was beaming with a smile, a happiness she had never felt before.
She took a deep breath, feeling the air filled with the scent of freedom, a wonderful feeling beyond words.
It turned out Kuina had set off early and reached the mountain first.
Before going up the mountain, she had a farewell duel with Zoro—the 2002nd battle! After the fierce fight, Kuina was still the winner!
But the result of the battle no longer mattered.
They made a promise to meet again on the vast sea and have another duel then!
At this moment, Kuina, full of hope for the future, was about to embark on a new journey with her friends, with endless possibilities ahead...
Somewhere in the mountains, Zoro looked up at the slowly departing phoenix and shouted, "Kuina, don't lose!"
----
You can read 10 Chapters ahead on my
pat reon.com/GMadman