Ban’s voice echoed through the woods.
Kuina stopped immediately.
Even Zoro, who had been attacking seriously, sensed her mood change and lowered his swords.
“Are you trying to say that women can also reach the top through hard work?”
Kuina was silent for a moment, then looked up at Ban as he removed his blindfold.
“No.
I’m saying that some people are born with terrifying talent that others can never match.
You don’t need to compare yourself to them.
You just need to surpass who you were yesterday.”
Ban smiled and shook his head.
“I don’t know what anyone told you, but your sword has lost its confidence lately.
That’s what I feel.”
Ban looked at Kuina, then turned to Zoro.
“As for you…
you’re simple-minded and stubborn, but you’re improving incredibly fast.”
That was Ban’s honest assessment after a month together.
In this world, the natural differences between people were truly terrifying.
“Is that a compliment or an insult?” Zoro pointed at his own nose, confused.
“A compliment.”
“Oh, thanks!” Zoro nodded, then looked back at Kuina, sensing something was wrong.
“Some things you have to figure out for yourself.
When I first arrived, your father asked me why I wanted to learn the sword, and I gave him my answer.”
Ban waved his hand and walked back toward the dojo.
He had other things to do.
Kuina was too proud; she needed to work this out in her own head.
Maybe Zoro would be the one to help her realize it in the end.
They were much closer than he was to her.
Back at the dojo, Ban went to find Koushirou.
The master seemed to be waiting for him.
He gestured for Ban to sit.
Ban sat cross-legged opposite him without hesitation.
“Thank you.”
As soon as he sat down, Koushirou spoke.
“About Kuina?” Ban asked.
“Yes.
“Zoro is getting stronger very fast.
I can see that Kuina is starting to struggle against him more and more.”
Koushirou sighed.
“As female swordsmen, they face natural physical disadvantages compared to men.
Kuina has such a strong personality…”
Ban understood.
Koushirou was worried.
He had probably mentioned this to her before, trying to prepare her mentally, afraid that if she lost to Zoro completely one day, she wouldn’t be able to overcome the mental barrier.
“That is true, but I don’t know the best way to help her.” Koushirou rubbed his temples, looking troubled.
Then he looked directly at Ban.
“And you…
your talent is incredible.
No, it’s more than that.
It’s monstrous.
Even compared to the strongest people in this world, you wouldn’t be inferior.”
Koushirou spoke seriously.
He saw Ban’s stamina, recovery, learning ability, and the mental fortitude to endure endless training.
If Ban hadn’t made it clear he wasn’t looking for a master, Koushirou would have wanted to take him as a disciple immediately.
But looking at Ban’s talent, he sometimes felt he wasn’t even qualified to teach him.
“I won’t argue with that.” Ban smiled.
With the System alone, he was already beyond everyone else.
Its assistance for cultivation was far stronger than he had imagined.
Hearing his confident reply, Koushirou shook his head helplessly, then his expression turned grave.
“In one month, you have grown beyond my expectations.
But I have a question for you.”
A question?
Ban looked at him curiously.
“Your identity…
Are you perhaps a World Noble?
Are you a Celestial Dragon?”
Koushirou asked in a heavy tone.
“Celestial Dragon?
Me?”
Ban was stunned.
He expected many questions, but not this one.
“Why would you think that?”
“Because I feel it…
a sense of looking down on everything.”
Seeing Ban’s reaction, Koushirou knew the answer was no, but he explained his feelings honestly.
it’s natural, not forced.
When I first met you, I thought it was arrogance or pride.
But it feels different.”
Ban didn’t deny it.
He touched his chin and thought.
Was he really acting like that?
He thought he was being quite humble.
He wasn’t the type to go around picking fights; he knew he needed to get stronger first.
Wait…
Suddenly, he understood.
It was because he was an outsider.
He knew the future.
He knew how everything would play out.
That knowledge created an invisible sense of superiority.
It came naturally without him realizing it.
“I see you understand now.” Koushirou saw the realization in Ban’s eyes.
“Yes, I think I know why.” Ban nodded.
He didn’t try to deny it.
“Good.
Then let’s talk about what exactly you want to learn from me.” Koushirou smoothly changed the subject.
He didn’t need to know the reason behind Ban’s nature; he just wanted to remind him.
“Swordsmanship.
And Haki.” Ban answered without hesitation.
“Haki?
Very well.
The method you used with Kuina and Zoro, closing your eyes to sense attacks…
that is indeed a valid way to train Observation Haki.
Though they are too weak now to give you good practice.”
Koushirou wasn’t surprised.
He had guessed Ban’s goal long ago.
“As for Armament Haki, it requires a strong body.
And yours is more than sufficient.”
Haki was rare in the Four Seas, but it wasn’t a secret.
“Regarding swordsmanship…
my advice is this: I can teach you how to generate power and the deeper principles, but in the end, you must find a sword style that belongs only to you.” “Monday to Friday – Update 3 Chapters a Day”
“Saturday and Sunday – Off”