The next day.
A disciple rushed into the dojo, shouting as soon as he entered the door:
"Master, there's a person with a gigantic face at the outer gate."
Koushirou, who was instructing his disciples in swordsmanship, immediately reacted and smiled, "Looks like they've arrived."
"Umi, go call Ron over."
"Oh, yes!"
Koushirou, carrying his packed belongings and the famous sword Raikiri, walked out of the dojo with Ron.
"Yo, Koushirou, long time no see."
Outside the dojo stood a tall person with a massive face, an enormous deep purple afro, and rather peculiar clothing. He waved at Koushirou.
The moment Ron saw him, he instantly recognized who he was.
One of the Revolutionary Army's leaders, the Horm-Horm Fruit user, Emporio Ivankov, known as the strongest Okama King.
Ron glanced at Koushirou and was surprised to find out that his "friend" was actually a high-ranking officer of the Revolutionary Army.
Koushirou and Ron walked up to Ivankov.
"And this little brat is?"
Ivankov looked down at Ron curiously.
"He's a disciple of my dojo, Ron. I'm planning to ask you to take him along on your ship this time," Koushirou said with a smile.
"Huh?!! Such a little brat wants to go out to sea? Koushirou, are you joking?" Ivankov widened his eyes, his expression exaggerated in disbelief.
Compared to his gigantic body, Ron looked tiny, barely as tall as the diameter of Ivankov's head.
"Haha, I'm not joking. Despite his young age, Ron is definitely strong," Koushirou chuckled.
"Is that so?" Ivankov looked at Ron with a face full of doubt.
"Well, whatever. For your sake, I'll take him along, but let me be clear, I'll drop him off at the next island. After that, it's up to him whether he lives or dies."
"No problem. By the way, have you prepared enough food supplies for the ship? Do you need me to…"
"Of course, I need it! What do you think I came here for?" Ivankov exclaimed with wide eyes.
"..." Koushirou scratched his head and said helplessly, "I'll have my disciples deliver the food after I return."
After that, Koushirou left.
Ivankov looked down at Ron. "Kid, how old are you?"
"There's no need for you to know," Ron said, turning his head away. The appearance of this person was somewhat revolting to him.
"Wahaha! Quite the personality for a little brat," Ivankov laughed.
"Hey, wanna become an okama?"
"Absolutely not."
The two walked on, one big and one small.
Behind them, hiding behind a tree, Kuina, carrying her belongings and the Wado Ichimonji, cautiously followed them.
By dusk, Inside the dojo.
"Has all the food been delivered?" Koushirou asked the disciples in front of him.
"It's all been sent."
Koushirou nodded.
Suddenly, an urgent shout came from outside the door, and a disciple rushed in.
"Master, something's wrong!"
"What happened?"
"Kuina! Kuina is gone!" The disciple held a letter in his hand, shouting anxiously.
Koushirou and the other disciples' expressions changed instantly.
"What did you say?!"
At the coast.
While the dojo was in chaos over Kuina's sudden disappearance, Kuina was stealthily trying to follow the large-faced Okama and Ron, planning to sneak onto the ship.
Just as she was about to board, a giant face appeared in front of her.
"Wahhhh!"
Startled, Kuina almost fell into the sea, but Ivankov reached out and grabbed her, pulling her onto the deck.
Ron, seeing her, was also surprised. "Kuina?!"
Kuina's eyes lit up when she saw Ron, and she quickly ran to his side.
Hearing the name "Kuina," Ivankov seemed to remember something.
"You… I remember now! I've seen you before. You're Koushirou's daughter!"
"Wait a minute, why is Koushirou's daughter here?"
Kuina looked at Ron and said, "I've already decided. I'm going to sea with you! Didn't we make a promise last time?"
"A promise?" Ron was stunned and then realized.
Could it be that she took his casual words last time as a serious promise?
He smiled bitterly to himself.
Now the dojo master was definitely going to blame him.
Seeing his concern, Kuina smiled and said:
"Don't worry. I've left a note for my father, so he won't have to worry."
Just as she finished speaking, the transponder snail in Ivankov's hand began to ring.
As soon as he picked it up.
Koushirou's anxious voice immediately came through.
"Ivankov, is Kuina on your ship?"
Kuina's expression froze.
Ivankov glanced at her and handed the transponder snail to her.
Ron also spoke up, "No matter what you're planning, it's best to explain it clearly to the master."
Kuina took the transponder snail and walked aside to talk to Koushirou.
"Ivankov, why haven't we set sail yet? The leader is still waiting for us in the Goa Kingdom."
The tall Fishman Karate master, Haku, dressed in white, approached.
Seeing Ron and Kuina nearby, Haku was startled.
"Who are these two kids?"
"One's Koushirou's disciple, the other is his daughter. Looks like they want to sail with us," Ivankov replied.
"Huh? That's not acceptable! Get them off the ship immediately," Haku frowned.
Ivankov shrugged and smiled, "That won't do. I've already promised Koushirou to take them out to sea."
Haku wanted to say something, but Ivankov winked and said with a smile, "Relax! I'll just take them to the next island, and they'll disembark there."
"Hmph…" Haku sighed, "Fine, just make sure they don't interfere with our mission."
"Of course."
----------------------------------------------------------
T/N:
Access 30 chapters in advance on my Patreon: p@treon.com/elvenking20