In the end, unable to withstand Kuina’s persistent pleas, Musashi agreed to give her some guidance.
However, they also agreed that Musashi would only offer guidance and would not take her on as a disciple.
“I’m still a beautiful young woman myself.
I don’t want people calling me Master.”
Those were Musashi’s exact words.
***
As the night gradually deepened, Kuina still wanted to learn more from Musashi, but Musashi insisted that they stop for the night.
“After all, I just went through a battle myself.
I need to rest too.”
“Kuina, you should also make sure to get enough rest.
Even if you want to work hard, pushing your body beyond its limits will only have the opposite effect.”
After saying this, Musashi waved to Kuina and headed toward her room.
“Huh?
Master, you’re still here?!”
Seeing Zhuyun lying on her bed, Musashi’s face immediately flushed.
“Hmm?
Is the Master asleep?”
Seeing Zhuyun breathing steadily with his eyes closed, Musashi moved a little closer.
Looking at his peaceful sleeping face, Musashi could not resist poking his cheek with a finger.
“Master, you’re really cute when you’re asleep.”
“You’re always so handsome when you’re awake, but when you’re sleeping, you look like such an adorable child.”
“Come to think of it, I’ve been feeling Master’s subtle gaze lately.”
“It’s not my sword that you’re interested in, but my body, isn’t it?
Hehe.
If that’s the case, then I definitely need to work even harder on my training!”
“But now Master is sleeping in my bed.
Should I go to sleep in the Master’s room?”
Musashi bit her finger.
“Still, going to the Master’s room now would be…
too much trouble.”
“So…
let’s just sleep together.”
Musashi’s face instantly turned bright red.
“After all, the bed is quite big.
It should be fine, right?”
“Yeah!
It’s fine.”
Blushing, Musashi turned around and took off her shoes and outer robe.
She did not notice that Zhuyun had already opened his eyes, the corners of his mouth curling upward.
“Heave-ho!”
After removing her outer robe, Musashi lay down beside Zhuyun and looked at him before slowly moving closer.
“This isn’t bad either.
Hehe.”
Feeling Zhuyun’s breathing, Musashi happily closed her eyes.
“Mm!”
The moment she closed her eyes, Musashi was suddenly pulled tightly into Zhuyun’s arms.
“‘Mm’?!
Hahaha.
Musashi, you really are cute.
Even your startled voice sounds so pleasant.”
Zhuyun stopped pretending to sleep and looked down at Musashi in his arms with a smile.
“Master, you…
you’re awake?!”
“I’ve been awake the whole time.”
“I even heard you say I was cute.
Although ‘cute’ sounds a little childish, I’m happy to hear it, Musashi.”
“Wah, wah!
Master, you’re terrible.
You pretended to be asleep.
Let me go!”
Held in Zhuyun’s arms, Musashi squirmed shyly.
“Musashi, I have a strange illness.”
Zhuyun looked at the embarrassed Musashi with a serious expression.
“I can’t fall asleep unless I’m hugging a pillow.”
“So, could you let me hug you tonight?”
“Otherwise, I’ll have dark circles under my eyes tomorrow.”
“Huh?!”
“Not being able to sleep is a serious problem.”
“If that’s the case, then…
then I’ll allow the Master to hug me.”
By the end, Musashi’s voice was so quiet that it was almost inaudible.
“Then I really have to thank you, Musashi.
You’re so kind.”
Zhuyun kissed her forehead.
“I’m really glad I was able to summon you here.”
“Hehe.
Me too.”
“Meeting Master is one of the greatest joys of my life.”
Feeling the warmth of his kiss on her forehead, Musashi smiled happily.
***
Morning arrived.
The sun broke through the darkness of night and bathed the earth in its light.
The villagers of Shimotsuki Village gradually woke up.
Discussions about the tremors from the previous night could be heard throughout the village, along with talk about the mountain that had been split in two.
“Big Brother, Big Sister Musashi, are you really leaving?”
Kuina looked reluctant as she watched Zhuyun and the others prepare to board the Golden Hind.
Zhuyun had saved her, and she had not yet had the chance to properly repay him.
She also wanted to learn more about swordsmanship from Zhuyun and Musashi.
“Adventure on the sea is waiting for us.”
Zhuyun gently patted Kuina’s head.
“If you want to see us again, then become stronger and come find us on the sea.”
“Yes!”
Kuina nodded firmly.
“I’ll definitely become stronger.
When I do, I’ll definitely come find you, Big Brother!”
“And Zoro, you’d better work hard too.”
Zhuyun turned toward Zoro and laughed.
“I hope that, at the very least, you’ll manage to beat Kuina once someday.
Hahaha.”
“Hmph!”
Zoro looked at Zhuyun defiantly.
“I’ll definitely defeat Kuina.
And someday, I’ll go out to sea and challenge you too.
You’d better be ready.”
“Hahaha.
Then I’ll be looking forward to it.”
With that, Zhuyun led everyone aboard the Golden Hind.
“Well then, everyone.
I hope fate brings us together again.”
“I hope we can discuss swordsmanship with you and Lady Miyamoto again someday.”
Koushirou stepped forward and bowed.
“This time has truly opened my eyes.
I imagine it won’t be long before I see news of all of you making a name for yourselves on the sea.”
Kuina and Zoro waved their hands vigorously.
The Golden Hind slowly set sail.
Its speed gradually increased as it headed toward their next destination.