Kuina was not willing to accept it.
She didn't want Lucas Moore to leave.
It was just so unfair. She hadn't beaten him yet how could he just leave like that?
"Lucas Moore." Kuina bit down on her lower lip, trying her best to keep her emotions from spilling over. "Do you really have to go? If you leave now, I won't forgive you! Can't you stay just a little longer?"
"No." Lucas shook his head. "I'm a traveler. I don't stay in one place for too long."
"But I haven't beaten you yet..." Kuina said, her voice full of grievance. "Does Zoro know you're leaving?"
Lucas had told Zoro before their sparring match.
Given the situation back then, Zoro probably hadn't paid attention.
Still, he had said it, so Lucas nodded. "I told him."
"That idiot!" Kuina clenched her fists tightly. "He didn't even try to make you stay! What's wrong with that blockhead?!"
"Kuina, enough now," Koshiro said helplessly. "Partings are always hard. But just because you're going separate ways now doesn't mean you won't meet again. When you and Zoro grow up and become great swordsmen, I won't stop you from setting out to sea."
Lucas hadn't expected Kuina to take his departure so hard.
She really was still a child.
"At least, before you go, let's have one more duel!" Kuina took a deep breath, just like the very first time she challenged him. She raised the bamboo sword in her hand and pointed it at Lucas. "I challenge you!"
The same words, but a very different heart behind them.
Koshiro considered stepping in again but held his tongue.
Lucas looked at Kuina, speechless.
He had only come to say goodbye.
That was all.
How had it turned into another duel?
He fell silent for a moment.
But Lucas didn't plan to accept the challenge.
"Ten years," he said, locking eyes with Kuina. "Let's save our duel for ten years from now. When you're stronger, come find me in the New World."
With that, Lucas didn't linger. He turned and walked out of the Isshin Dojo.
Kuina stood there in a daze.
Koshiro gently patted her head with a smile. "Before your real duel, make yourself stronger."
"Father," Kuina turned to look at him. "Didn't you say girls can't become the world's greatest swordsman? Do you really think I can beat Lucas Moore?"
"No one can predict the future," Koshiro replied with a gentle smile. "Kuina, you need to understand something. I'm not a narrow-minded or conservative man. You're my daughter. And honestly, out of selfishness, I don't want you to risk your life chasing that title. I'd rather you grow up healthy and happy, just like a normal girl, by my side."
"Father... then what you said that day... you didn't mean it?"
"Of course not."
"Then why…"
"These past few days, I've had a change of heart," Koshiro said. "If I keep stopping someone who works as hard as you do, I'd be nothing but a fool."
"Thank you, Father." Kuina broke into a smile, finally able to let go of the weight in her heart. "There's something I want to ask."
"Go ahead."
"I want to surpass Lucas Moore. Please teach me swordsmanship that will make me stronger."
Kuina's eyes were full of determination.
"Alright," Koshiro agreed without hesitation.
Just then, Zoro returned.
Seeing Kuina and Koshiro at the dojo entrance, he frowned. "Kuina, Master... what are you two doing here?"
Kuina's eyes immediately fell on the katana hanging at Zoro's waist. Her expression changed. "Why do you have Wado Ichimonji?!"
"Lucas gave it to me," Zoro answered. "I just fought him. I lost, but he gave me advice on a move I invented the one I used to draw against you. It's amazing. Just a few words from him, and the move's power doubled. I broke a sword while trying it out, and then he handed me Wado Ichimonji."
He paused, then added, "I don't know why he gave it to me. Maybe it was because I broke my blade?"
Kuina clenched her teeth, furious.
Koshiro looked at Zoro thoughtfully.
Zoro scratched the back of his head and gave an awkward laugh.
"Lucas isn't the kind of person to give something away on a whim," Koshiro said. "If he gave you Wado Ichimonji, it means he acknowledges you."
"What?" Zoro's eyes widened. "Really? He actually recognized me?"
"Hmph!" Kuina huffed, clearly annoyed. "How lucky for you. He sparred with you, gave you tips, even handed you a blade. Zoro, don't get cocky. I'm not giving up on Wado Ichimonji. I'll earn it back with strength. Ten years from now, I'll be the first to defeat Lucas Moore!"
"Huh? Ten years?" Zoro blinked. "What are you talking about?"
"Don't tell me you didn't know he was leaving."
"What? He's leaving? When? Why didn't he say anything?!"
Kuina hesitated. "He said he told you."
"When did he" Zoro suddenly remembered what Lucas had said before their duel. His face changed. "He must've just left, right?!"
Kuina nodded.
Without another word, Zoro bolted toward the docks.
"Go," Koshiro said, gently patting Kuina's back. "You should send him off too."
Kuina hesitated for a moment, then took off after him.
Shimotsuki Village wasn't far from the docks.
After walking about ten minutes, Lucas arrived at the harbor.
He found the small sailboat he had docked earlier.
Lucas boarded, untied the rope securing the boat, opened his system navigation, and began sailing toward the Baratie sea restaurant.
Behind him, Zoro's voice rang out.
"Lucas Moore!" Zoro shouted, spotting his silhouette already dozens of meters from shore. "Thank you!"
Lucas turned back slightly.
At that moment, Kuina also reached the harbor. Like Zoro, she shouted at the top of her lungs, "Ten years from now, I'll come find you in the New World! Until we face each other again, stay alive! You're not allowed to lose before I beat you!"
"Lucas Moore!" Zoro raised Wado Ichimonji high in the air. "I'll defeat you before Kuina does, and with this blade, I'll become the world's greatest swordsman!"
Lucas glanced back at the two of them, visibly exasperated.
What are these two doing...
Still, after a moment's thought, he raised a hand and waved.
From the shore, the two waved back, shouting in unison:
"Safe travels!"
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