Goodbye Koshiro

East Blue, Shimotsuki Village.

After bidding farewell to Master Tom, Giotto and the others traveled for some time before bringing Kuina back to her hometown, Shimotsuki Village. Since Vongola Family's flagship was not something that could be completed in a short time, Giotto left a Den Den Mushi behind. Master Tom would inform them once it was completed, and Varia would come and get it.

"It seems nothing has changed from last time. It seems that Koshiro's life is the same as before. He teaches his disciples and drinks tea every day."

Giotto said as he looked at Isshin Dojo, not far ahead. He didn't expect that Kuina would join External Advisors and succeed Yamamoto's Shigure Soen Ryu when he invited Koshiro to become External Advisors. 

The strength that Kuina displayed in Green Bit was already quite good. Moreover, she was still young. Once she grew older, she might at least reach a Vice-Admiral level.

After all, Shigure Soen Ryu was known as the perfect and invincible sword style. In addition, Kuina was quite talented, so she definitely had a chance to become the world's greatest swordsman!

"Is this Kuina's hometown? The air here is fresh. It's perfect for a retreat."

Aria took a deep breath and felt the fresh air. The moment she arrived at East Blue, she felt much more relaxed. This sea region was completely different from the first half of the Grand Line and the New World. The atmosphere was more peaceful.

Most people believed that this "peaceful" atmosphere was no different than weak!

That was right! East Blue was actually the weakest sea. This was something that the entire world acknowledged.

"Go, Kuina! You haven't seen your father for a long time, right?" Giotto smiled and said.

Hearing this, Kuina also took a deep breath. Then, she took a step forward. Ever since she stepped into Shimotsuki Village, she had mixed feelings. She was excited about seeing her father soon and wanted to prove herself at the same time. She wanted to show her father the results of her training to prove to her father that she could become the world's greatest swordsman even if she were a woman!

After a brief pause, she stepped into the dojo. When she entered, she saw the scene of a green-haired kid holding two bamboo swords, knocking down all the other disciples to the ground.

"Master! This is hardly a training. I want you as an opponent. I can become stronger and stronger if I challenge someone stronger!" The green-haired kid shouted as he looked at Koshiro.

There was no doubt that this green-haired kid was Roronoa Zoro. But judging from the situation, he seemed to become a little overconfident because he did not meet Kuina when he first joined the dojo.

But Zoro was indeed talented. It had not been that long since he joined the dojo, but none of the disciples around his age could keep up with him now. And the person he wanted to challenge now shifted from Kuina to Shimotsuki Koshiro.

"Huh? Kuina?"

At this time, Koshiro noticed Kuina walking in, and a faint smile appeared on his face: "Welcome back. How long can you stay this time?"

"Long time no see, Father! I will stay until the beginning of next year until Ugetsu-sensei picks me up to resume the training." Kuina said politely.

"Hey, master! Who is this girl? Also, can you save your reunion for later? I am challenging you now." Zoro seemed to be a little impatient. The reason why he became like this was not because of the conversation between Koshiro and Kuina but because he felt like he was stuck. He was purely pursuing strength. He would be stronger than he was now, but since his progress was slower, he was a little anxious.

"Kuina, let me introduce you. This child is Roronoa Zoro. He is my disciple. He's quite talented and strong. But his state of mind..."

Koshiro also saw through Zoro's question and said, "Do you mind teaching him a little?"

"Huh? You're asking this girl to be my opponent?"

Zoro turned his head and looked at Kuina. He did not think that this woman around his age would be a decent sparring partner. 

"Him?"

Kuina could clearly feel that his father treated Zoro differently. Although the others were also his disciples, this green-haired boy was definitely special.

With that in mind, she walked to the side and picked up a bamboo sword. Then, she slowly said, "Alright then, let me see how much father's disciple has grown!"

Kuina held the bamboo sword in both hands and took a basic stance. Even though this green-haired kid is somewhat capable, she did not have to use Shigure Soen Ryu against the likes of him.

Zoro turned at Kuina. He held a bamboo sword in each hand and immediately assumed his stance. The moment he picked up the bamboo sword, he keenly felt a hint of danger. In other words, this woman in front of him was not as weak as he thought!

"Hmph, don't cry and beg for mercy later!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Zoro rushed toward Kuina with his two swords in hand. As a child, his movements were quite agile. This kind of agile movement was indeed enough to deal with ordinary children and some adults. However, in Kuina's eyes, it was full of openings!

"Pa!"

The bamboo sword accurately hit Zoro's forehead, and Kuina's expression remained unchanged.