Connor and New Training.

Today I am in Vila Cobulo looking for a certain someone.

''Damn it, where the fuck is this retired knight?'' I was looking for a long time for the retired knight that Head Nun told me, but I can't find him.

I'm tired of looking for him!

I turned and walked towards the Pub I saw while remembering yesterday's events.

Yesterday was my first hunt; after killing that giant boar I thought about how to take it to Sister Cecily, after all he was really big, but what surprised me was that I managed to carry him, with a lot of effort, but I did it. The training I received was really worth it, I'm getting really strong!

After bringing the boar to Sister Cecily, she helped me remove the meat and leather, but of course at a cost, she wanted some of the loot for her help, and I accepted. I took the meat to the church in a big bag, but I left the leather saved in the hut, I had an idea of gathering the leather of the animals that I hunt to sell in the villages, the leather of these big animals is very hard and resistant, so it is worth a lot of money.

After that I had a delicious and abundant meal with Kenya, who was also very happy to be able to eat meat until she got fed up. Speaking of Kenya, she has already started her body training, but without the weight of the stones yet.

I sigh, ''A whole day wasted looking for a stinky retired old man''

I walked into the Pub and looked around.

The Pub has no name, but it is the only Pub in Vila Cobulo. The village itself looks like a common town, has houses, shops, and everything a normal town has, but this Pub has a western style, and there are only old people gathered here.

I approached the counter and sat in front of the bartender, who were looking at me with curiosity.

''Yo.'' I say, catching the bartender's attention.

''Do you serve milk by any chance....for free?''

The bartender seemed amused to see that a child like me came into his Pub and asked for a glass of milk.

''Haha, of course young lady! But it is rare to see a brat like you around here, and by your tone, you seem sad, did something happen?''

''Oh, I was looking for someone, but unfortunately I couldn't find the fucking bastard.'' I click my tongue in irritation.

'Wait, if I ask, does he put strawberry in the milk? Nah, Its better if I not abuse the goodwill of others too much, Lucyna would give me a beating for that.' I thought.

''Buahahaha! You have quite a dirty mouth for a child your age, so who are you looking for kid?'' He quickly brings me a glass of milk and waits for my answer.

Old people really are curious, huh? Not that I can blame him, there's nothing interesting about this island.

''Thank you old man, I was very thirsty!'' Picking up the glass of milk, I drank as if I were drinking beer.

''Puah! That was great! I am looking for a retired knight who is in the village, I want to learn how to use a sword.''

The bartender takes a clean cloth and wipes my mouth, which was probably a little smeared with milk,''I see, but why would a little girl like you want to learn to wield a sword? Isn't it better to focus on something else?''

''Thanks for worrying about me, but I can't tell you my reason. But to complete my goals I need to learn to fight and defend myself.'' I spoke in a firm tone, I would not change my mind, no matter what he or someone else says.

Still, I don't think it's a good idea to say openly that I want to learn how to fight to be a pirate, only big idiots like Luffy would do that, and he has the plot armor to protect him. That's something I don't have.

''Hmmm, I see.''

''As a responsible adult, I should try to stop you from doing this.....but by looking at your eyes I can see that you already made your choice.'' He responds with a smile.

The bartender turned and looked at my side. Following his gaze, I could see that next to me there was a person who seemed to be sleeping while covering himself with an.....blanket? Is he sleeping on the bar counter?

''So, what do you think about this, Connor? Will you teach the little girl to use a sword?'' The bartender says, looking at the man who is sleeping.

''Eh? Connor? Who?'' I say in confusion.

Seeing that the person next to me did not move, the bartender suddenly punched down towards him.

The punch was strong and hit the person in the head, the part of the counter where he was, got broke, and his head seems to me that have been crushed.

''Eh? Wha-Ehhhhhhhhhh?!''

I got too confused trying to understand what happened in that half second.

''Wake up Connor. If you don't wake up, next time I'm going to hit your other head down there.''

Hearing that, the man stood up slowly while scratching his head, as if that punch was just a head pat.

''What do you want, Robert. Can't you see I'm taking a nap?'' The man responds.

When he got up, I could see his appearance. He was old, in his fifties probably, with short white hair and a neatly trimmed beard, his face was wrinkled as if he were always angry, his iris were dark blue and his gaze was cold as ice. He is wearing a black jacket and brown pants, but that didn't hide his well-trained muscles.

''This little girl wants to learn to wield a sword, are you still teaching?''

''Tsk .... woke me up because of a little brat. Yes I am still teaching, but I do not do charity.'' The man turned and looked at me.

''Do you have money?'' he asks in a monotone voice, as if he's sure I don't have it.

His eyes are cold, but when he said money I could see that his eyes lit up, looks like he's an addict in make money.

Still confused by the suddenly situation, I try to compose myself and respond,''Eh? Ah! N-No, not now, but-''

''Then don't bother me, brat. Now get out while I'm being nice.''

Hearing that I really had no money, the sparkle in his eyes is gone, leaving only the cold look.

His indifference, as if he were looking at an insect, as if he were looking at garbage, is making me pissed.....very pissed!

''Haaaaaaaah?!''

I slam my hand down on the table hard in anger, and without my realizing it, it caught the attention of everyone present at the bar.

I got up from the chair, took my empty glass, and tossed it towards the man, but he took it as if it were nothing.

I give the man named Connor the middle finger and gently release my frustration.

''Who do you think you are to look at me like that? Huuuh?! You old man with a withered penis!''

''You were probably fired because your superiors couldn't stand a shitty little bitch like you who screamed all night in their beds, mother fucker!''

''If I weren't so young, I would stick an iron rod so big in your ass that you would call me mommy while asking for more!''

''And your mouth stinks more than the toilet in the orphanage! Never open that fucking mouth again in front of me, you whore!''

''Bastard!''

''Dick Head!''

''Bald!''

''You.....''

—————————

After a while of releasing my irritation and frustration, I got a little breathless, and started to hyperventilate, but I soon calmed down.

But I never stopped showing my middle finger to him.

After my explosion, the Pub was quiet.

I turned around to understand why there was no noise, and saw that everyone at the Pub was looking at me in silence.

'Oh shit, did I do something wrong? Why is everyone looking at me?' I think in fear.

When I was going to open my mouth to say something, the Pub burst into laughter.

'' ''Pffft-!'' ''

'' ''BUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!'' ''

'' ''HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!'' ''

''Little girl, you got him good! Ahahahaha!''

''Kid, with that sharp tongue what do you need a sword for? Uahahahahaha!''

''I never thought I would hear so many different curses from a little girl, that was incredible! Oshashashashasha!''

I look at the scene in amazement, 'Ehhh? I don't know what's going on.....but if they are praising me, then that's fine!'

Hearing their praise, I put my hands on my hips proudly.

However, on the next moment, I hear a loud thud coming from my side.

Hearing the loud sound, everyone turned their heads towards the noise, I also turned to see and saw what was. The cup that I threw was broken on his hand, and the man named Connor was looking at me with a death glare.

''You fucking brat...''

Seeing his deadly gaze directed at me, I could only stay frozen in place, as if my feet were glued to the floor.

'Oh....I am....really fucked up now' I thought.

—————————

-Connor POV-

''You brat....''

For the first time in a long time, someone managed to make me furious. And it was nothing less than a little girl who appears to be seven years old. But even though I am angry, my knight honor does not allow me to beat a innocent child.

I stood up while releasing a little bit of killing intent, but even if it's just a little, its too much for her. I was once a general, I participated in several battles and killed countless pirates who tried to plunder the kingdom I was fighting for, so this is not something that a young child can bear.

But what surprised me was that the kid looked me in the eye without taking a step back, as if she were challenging me, even though I can see her legs shaking, she still stands as firm as a wall in front of me.

'I admire your courage, kid, but I will teach you how to respect adults ... wait, did she say something about an orphanage?'

I looked at her figure up and down, and I can see that she wore only a white dress with long sleeves, which is the standard outfit of an orphaned girl from the church that is near this village.

''Kid.....you said orphanage, so you live in that church, right?'' I ask, still not withdrawing the killing intent.

''Bring it on old man! I will.....eh?''

From her reaction of surprise, she did not expect this question, it seemed that she expected a fight. Did she really think she could fight an experienced knight? At this point I don't know if she is brave or dumb.

''Y-Yes! I live in that church, why?''

She looked at me as if I was planning to massacre the people in the church to get revenge on her.

'Does she think I'm some kind of monster? For God's sake, I may have retired, but I'm still a knight.' I sigh.

''You said you were looking for me, but who told you about me? ''

''A-Ah...it was the Head Nun! She told me about you.''

I sat down and withdraw the intent to kill.. When she saw me sit, I could see her body relax, her legs went limp and she almost fell to the floor, but she managed to stay standing.

I scratch my chin, 'I see, if she was the one who told her to come after me, then this girl must be....'

''You, your name is Freya?''

''Yeah, my name is Freya. But how do you know that, Sir old and bald Connor?''

Did she just call me bald again?

Without hesitation, I punch my fist into her head, just hard enough for her to feel a little pain. A knight never hurts an innocent, and this brat is clearly not one.

''Ouch!! Why did you hit my head?! Bastard! This is child abuse!'' She angrily complains, and I grunt.

''First of all, I may be old, but I'm not bald. And second, I know your name because your Head Nun said she will pay for your training expenses with me, she said a child by the name of Freya would come looking for me.''

She pauses for a second, absorbing what I just said, and then jumps in surprise,''Eeeeeeeeh? She....she did what?! Why would she do that?''

I got up and went towards the door, ''Stop asking questions and follow me, shrimp.''

''R-Right! Wait....who are you calling shrimp, you fucker! Come back here!''

.

. (Scene change)

.

I was walking towards my house, and behind me the girl was following me.....while cursing.

''Bastard!''

''Idiot!''

''Stupid!''

''Degene-''

I turned and put my hand over her mouth, '' Shrimp, you better stop while you can. Before, I couldn't beat you up because of my honor, but now that I know that you are my newest apprentice, I have the total right to discipline you.''

I look her in the eye and release some killing intent, ''You don't want to be disciplined, do you?''

She shake her head negatively

''So we're clear, right?''

She nodded positively.

''Good.'' I nod, satisfied.

Arriving at my house, I opened the door and signaled her to enter. She came in and looked around curiously.

''Shrimp, stop looking around as if this place is some kind of turistic spot. Let's start training right now.''

I point to the table at the back of the room, ''Take the wooden sword on the table and go to the yard. Time is money, and I hate lose money.''

''Oh, Ok!''

She picked up the sword excitedly as if it were a new toy and headed for the yard.

Before she can step outside, I grab her by the collar of her dress, ''For five months, you will just swing that sword. Of course, it will not be easy. Every week I will increase the difficulty with weights or distractions, if you make a mistake or stop, I will punish you.''

''Eh?''

She looks at me with a horrified expression, as if she's facing a terrible monster.

I continued,'' You will come here every day, and you will swing your sword from five in the morning, until eight in the evening, got it?''

''Eeeeeeeeeeeeeh?! This is absurd, I can't swing a sword for fifteen hours!''

''Yes you can. It was your Head Nun who said to be tough on you, and since she's paying me, she has the final word. If you want to complain later, go talk to her. Of course, that's if you can walk after training.''

Before she can say anything, I slap her on the head, ''What are you waiting for, brat?! Come on! Training has already started!''

''Y-Yes Sir!'' She answers with tears in her eyes.

Arriving in the yard, she started swinging the sword.

But....

'What is this? Why is she swinging the sword as if she is fighting someone? Doesn't she understand what it means to train by swinging a sword? Wait, did she fall? She lost against the wind?!'

I sigh with the bizarre vision. It looks like this job is going to be more complicated than it looks.

To her surprise, I approached her and started to explain while adjusting her position.

''First, keep your back straight, now put one foot in front of the other, always keeping your spine straight, keep that in mind.''

''Y-Yes Sir!''

She adjusted her posture according to my instructions. At least she is obedient now.

''Good. Now hold the hilt of the sword with both hands, lift the sword over your head; with the tip of the sword pointing towards your back, and then.....here, bend your elbows a little more.... now swing it down, but not towards the ground, you should swing it and stop when the sword is straight in line with the center of your body, try it now.''

She swings again as per my instructions, and this time I can see a huge improvement.

She looks at me, ''Like this?''

''Hmm. You did it correctly, but you still have some mistakes, here, you are raising the sword very quickly, you need to....''

—————————

I've been training her for hours now, and I must admit, I'm a little surprised.

The girl may be a little stupid, but she learns fast. I taught her how to position herself in the correct posture, and now she's been swinging her sword for a few hours. I don't know why that woman want me to train her, but there must be a reason, that snake never does something for no reason.

But I can guess, the girl soon got a grip on training, and by the speed with which she learns, it wouldn't be surprising if she were some kind of genius, but not the smart type of genius at least.

I was taking some Sake before dinner while watching the girl, when I heard someone approaching and opening the door.

''Dad, I'm back.''

Looks like my boy got home, it's about time.

My son is ten years old, he has brown skin and white hair, which gives him a different contrast, making him stand out more than the other boys.

I take a sip of sake, ''Oh, Haru, you're back, how was in the work?''

He sat next to me and relaxed at the table, ''Dad, stop taking sake before dinner.'' He says scolding me, and I just shrug.

''And I hate that job, I asked several times, but they never let me guide the boats, they are too afraid that I will do something wrong, just because I am ten years old; the only thing I can do is help with fishing. Tsk, bunch of old bastards.'' He responds with clear indignation.

''Haha, boy, I understand them, you can be smart, but you're still only ten, you can't blame them.''

My son is smart, too smart for someone his age. He makes me proud, but he also makes me worried. Because he thinks he is special, he ended up being quite arrogant.

His dream is to travel the world in search of the unknown, he says he wants to record all the secrets he finds in a book, so that others can know the truth about things, it may seem simple, but it is quite a dream for a boy who is ten years old. And for that dream, he is working in the port, learning everything about navigation.

Haru hears the noise coming from the yard and curiously takes a peek, ''Huh? Who is that little girl in the yard, dad? Is she your new apprentice?''

''Yes she is. Don't worry about her, go eat and go to sleep, you need energy for your work tomorrow.''

''Oh, right then, don't drink until late, see you later.'' Haru heads straight for the bedroom, and I nod, not really caring what he said.

''Yeah, I know.''

.

.( Scene change)

.

-In the Forest behind the church-

Now it's three in the morning, the sky is completely dark, my son is asleep and the shrimp is back home. I'm waiting at a meeting place scheduled by me and my colleagues in the forest waiting for someone.

I hear the sound of wind whistling and realize she's arrived.

Lifting my head, I see a hooded person; the person I was waiting for.

''You finally arrived, I was tired of waiting.''

''Fufu, oh please. Unlike you who are taking sake all day, I have a lot of paperwork to fill out and a lot of people to take care of.''

''So, why did you call me here? Did they discover us?'' She asked, confused about the reason for the call.

''No, they didn't find us. I called you here because I want to know your plans for the kid.'' I answer.

''Kid? Do you mean Freya? Oh, nothing really.'' She responds with a giggle.

Annoyed by the empty response, I punch the tree beside me, creating a big hole on it, ''Don't lie to me, I don't know what is your plan for her, but even if we are on the same side, fighting a common enemy, I'm not going to let you bring an ignorant little girl to our fight.''

Our cause is just, but if she is thinking of using an innocent child, that would make us no different from our enemies.

She sighs ,''Oh stop it Connor, I wouldn't do that to her. You know even though my job is just a front, I care about those kids. I'm just making her wish come true.''

I raise my eyebrow, ''Her wish? What do you mean?''

''She wants to be a pirate to be able to travel the world without something holding her back, and for that she wants to be strong. I just guided her on the path she wants to follow, that's all. Now why did I helped her like this? It's quite simple, actually.''

She smile, ''At first I just wanted to see how she would fare if I gave her a hand, after all, it's my duty to help children in their dreams. Of course, you would hardly accept her as an apprentice, and that would be a lesson to her that she can't get everything she wants. But after receiving reports from one of my agents, I decided to fully support her.''

Her smile grows even wider, ''You must have seen it, right? She's not very smart, but I was surprised at how monstrous her talent in training is.''

''If nurtured, she will be a considerable power in the future. And if she happens to be strong enough to get the attention of those mother fuckers, then maybe she could join hands with us in the future.'' She finishes.

I massage my forehead, ''I see..... so it's an investment.'' I answer, and she nods.

So her dream is to be a pirate to live freely, huh. This will not be easy, in the moment she becomes a pirate the whole world will become her enemy.

''Was that all?''

''One more thing. By any chance....she is your daughter?''

She widens her eyes and laugh heartily, ''For the love of God Connor, how did you reach that conclusion, you fucking idiot? She is not my daughter, nor does she have any blood relations with anyone I know. I found her as a baby at the orphanage door, it was as if she had appeared out of nowhere!''

''Really?''

In the past her language was the same or if not worse than the Freya girl. If they are not related, then how are they so similar?

''If that was all, goodbye. I have other things to do.''

She disappeared in the shadows while I stood there thinking about how those two are so alike without having any blood relationship.