After making her promise with Zoro, Kuina felt a little more confident about the future.
She still had no idea what path lay ahead, but at least she had gained some confidence.
With tired steps, Kuina climbed the stairs, intending to fetch a whetstone and maintain her Wado Ichimonji.
What she failed to notice was a concealed figure quietly standing at the bottom of the stairway.
“Swoosh!”
Exhausted both physically and mentally, Kuina failed to notice the step beneath her foot.
Her foot slipped, and she fell backward down the stairs, with the back of her head about to strike the floor.
Although people in the world of pirates possessed remarkably strong bodies, for a child, falling down a flight of stairs and landing on the back of the head was no joke.
With bad luck, it could genuinely be fatal.
Just as Kuina’s head was about to hit the hard floor, Zhuyun, who had been hiding nearby, rushed out and caught her.
“Are you all right, little girl?”
Zhuyun carefully set Kuina down.
“Be more careful in the future.
You won’t always have someone nearby to help you.”
“Thank you.
Thank you, big brother.”
Still frightened, Kuina hurriedly thanked Zhuyun.
“If you really want to thank me, then help me introduce myself to Koushirou.
We came here to visit him.”
“You know my father?
All right, big brother.
Follow me.”
Kuina calmed her racing heart and led Zhuyun toward Koushirou.
“Big brother, may I ask why you’re looking for my father?”
“What if I told you I came here to challenge the dojo?
Would you believe me?”
“Challenge the dojo?!”
Kuina widened her eyes and stared at Zhuyun.
“Big brother, you’re a swordsman too?
My father is very strong.”
“I suppose you could call me a swordsman.
But I’m not the one challenging your father.
It’s a companion who sails with me.”
“I see.”
Kuina lowered her gaze and stared at the ground.
“Big brother, since you sail the seas, you must know a lot of things.
Tell me, is it really impossible for a woman to become the world’s greatest swordsman?”
Although she had made a promise with Zoro, Kuina wanted to hear a positive answer from Zhuyun, an adult swordsman.
It would give her a little more confidence.
“By the way, I haven’t told you yet.”
The corners of Zhuyun’s mouth lifted.
“The person who came to challenge your father is also a female swordsman.
You asked whether a woman can become the world’s greatest swordsman.
My answer is yes.”
“Next, you can see it for yourself.”
“A female master swordsman?!”
Kuina’s eyes widened.
“What are you standing around for?
Keep moving and lead the way.”
“Ah!
Yes!”
***
“Father, that’s what happened.”
Kuina lowered her head as she told Koushirou everything that had just happened.
“I see.”
A flash of lingering fear passed through Koushirou’s eyes.
He turned around and bowed deeply to Zhuyun.
“Thank you for saving Kuina.
Truly, thank you.”
“Thank you!”
Zoro, who had not yet returned, had also heard what happened.
Still shaken by the thought of what could have happened, he bowed alongside Koushirou to express his gratitude.
“There’s no need to keep thanking me.
Kuina has already told you why I’m here.
So, what’s your answer?”
Zhuyun glanced at Musashi behind him before asking Koushirou.
“Of course.”
Koushirou looked at Musashi, whose hand rested on the hilt of her sword.
“I presume this female swordsman is the one who wishes to challenge me.”
“What an astonishing presence.”
Koushirou adjusted his glasses, his expression becoming serious as he looked at Musashi.
“If we’re going to duel, the dojo probably isn’t suitable.
Please follow me.”
“Kuina, lend your Wado Ichimonji to your father for a moment.
And you and Zoro should come watch as well.
This female swordsman is no ordinary fighter.”
Musashi had been releasing an astonishing aura ever since she arrived.
Koushirou was shocked that such a powerful female swordsman existed, but he also realized that the dojo could not contain the battle between the two.
He needed to take Musashi somewhere more spacious.
“Master is finally going to fight?
Great!
I’ve never seen him seriously draw his sword before.”
Zoro jumped around excitedly.
“A female master swordsman recognized by Father?”
Kuina stared at Musashi, her eyes shining with anticipation.
“Musashi, don’t go overboard.”
Zhuyun had complete confidence in Musashi’s strength and firmly believed she would win.
He had no concerns about her losing.
He only hoped she wouldn’t cause too much damage to the surroundings.
***
Everyone followed Koushirou to the mountain behind Isshin Dojo.
There were no other villagers around.
“This place should do.”
Koushirou stopped and turned toward Miyamoto Musashi.
“Now we don’t have to worry about anyone in the village getting caught up in the fight.”
“Koushirou.
Wado Ichimonji, one of the Twenty-One Great Grade Swords.
Please, teach me.”
After drawing Wado Ichimonji, the smile that Koushirou usually wore disappeared.
His expression was completely serious.
In his heart, he had already confirmed that this would be the most formidable duel he had faced since retiring from the world.
“Swordsman, Miyamoto Musashi, reporting!”
As Miyamoto Musashi drew both of her swords, a sharp sword aura surged toward Koushirou.