“Probably…
so I can live freely in this world.”
His simple answer surprised Koushirou visibly.
“To live freely…
that is no easy task.” Koushirou sighed, seeming to understand the deeper meaning behind the words.
“That is why I need to learn the sword, to become strong, to gain the power to protect myself.” Ban smiled slightly.
“Does my answer satisfy you, Master?”
“It does.
Actually, no matter what your answer was, I would teach you.
But remember—when you swing a sword, you must have your own belief.
Only then can your sword become truly powerful.”
Ban took his words seriously.
He knew little about swordsmanship, while the man before him was a true master.
And to reach the peak, one needed more than just skill—they needed Haki and conviction.
“Now then, let us discuss the tuition.”
“Alright.” Ban agreed.
He remembered Zoro trained here for free, eating and living without paying.
But Zoro was family, and the people here were all related.
Ban was an outsider.
“500,000 Berries per year.” Koushirou quoted.
Ban shook his head.
Koushirou paused, thinking he was going to bargain.
“1,000,000 Berries per year.” Ban offered instead, shocking the master.
“But I want you to teach me everything you know, without holding back.”
Koushirou looked into Ban’s eyes, silent for a moment, then nodded.
“Agreed.
But I will only teach you advanced techniques once your foundation is solid.”
Relieved, Ban was about to speak when two heads peeked through the door.
“Kuina, go get…” Koushirou stopped, realizing he didn’t know the name.
“Ban.”
“Yes.
Kuina, show Ban to his room.
He will be staying and training here.”
Kuina looked at him curiously.
On the other side, Zoro—with even more bruises than before—stared up at Ban defiantly.
“You come too.
Help carry things later.” Kuina ordered Zoro.
Ban bowed slightly to Koushirou and followed.
Left alone, Koushirou frowned slightly.
That gesture just now…
it was very formal, like a noble’s etiquette.
“Is my guess correct?” he murmured.
He felt a sense of arrogance from Ban, or perhaps pride.
No, it wasn’t exactly arrogance—it was more like an innate sense of superiority.
Despite being polite, there was a distance.
A noble?
Or something else?
Koushirou felt this boy was full of mysteries.
Meanwhile, Ban was walking behind Kuina, casually lifting Zoro by the collar of his shirt.
“So, a place this small, he can still get lost?” Ban asked curiously.
He knew Zoro was the ultimate direction idiot, but the dojo wasn’t big, and Zoro had lived here for years.
“Yes!” Kuina answered without turning back.
“Impossible!
I never get lost!” Zoro struggled frantically, but Ban’s hand was like iron, not moving an inch.
“If I hadn’t grabbed you, you would have turned the wrong way and disappeared by now.” Ban said casually.
Zoro went limp, defeated.
“By the way…
you lost again.” Ban suddenly added.
“AAAAH!
What did you say!?” Zoro exploded, struggling again.
“So…
did you win?” Ban asked with a strange look.
Zoro froze.
“No…
“Hmph!” Kuina scoffed.
“This is your room.
I’ll bring your supplies later…
never mind, I’ll just get them myself.”
Kuina opened the door to a small but clean room.
Ban dropped Zoro on the floor and walked in, nodding in satisfaction.
“If you join the dojo, you train under me first.
Once you master the basics, my father will teach you.” Kuina explained.
She then looked at Zoro.
“Come help me.”
Zoro followed her with his head down, still depressed from Ban’s teasing.
After they left, Ban sat cross-legged in the middle of the room.
“Step one complete.
Now it’s time to see how much I can learn.”
He was full of anticipation.
Although he already had the Flame-Flame Fruit, this was the true beginning.
Now he would start learning the real power systems of this world.
Kuina and Zoro returned quickly.
Zoro was carrying a huge bag full of daily necessities.
“Here.”
After Zoro dropped the heavy load, Ban placed a smaller bag on the table.
Kuina and Zoro looked at him in confusion.
“What is this?” Kuina asked curiously.
“Tuition fee and living expenses.”
Hearing this, Kuina opened the bag.
Her eyes widened.
“So much money!”
Zoro leaned over to look and swallowed hard.
“Do you really have to pay that much just to learn swordsmanship!?”
Zoro was stunned.
He had never paid a single berry!
“Monday to Friday – Update 3 Chapters a Day”
“Saturday and Sunday – Off”