Kuina And Tashigi

After a long silence, Koshiro came back to his senses.

He looked at Finn and said, "Finn, you've grown so much in just one year since leaving Fengche Village. As expected of the son of a dragon—your talent is terrifying!"

Finn frowned slightly.

"Dragon again..."

It was getting boring.

However, he understood that Koshiro and the dragon had a good relationship, and Koshiro had often helped the Revolutionary Army with supplies.

That was probably why Koshiro felt comfortable letting Kuina and Finn spend time together.

Koshiro continued, "With your current level of kendo, you must have noticed that my style is not suited for Kuina."

Finn nodded.

Koshiro went on, "I believe the kendo she used earlier is much better suited for a girl, and her skills far surpass mine. I heard from my disciples that you taught her?"

"Yes," Finn confirmed. "I agree that my style isn't right for her, so I'm helping her find her own path."

Koshiro placed an arm around Finn's shoulders, leading him to a quieter spot to sit. "Finn, Kuina has big dreams. She wants to become the world's number one swordsman. Now that you're leaving, are you taking her with you?"

Finn smiled awkwardly.

"What's wrong? Don't want to?" Koshiro asked, noticing Finn's hesitation.

Finn immediately waved his hands. "No, no. It's just... I was planning to take Kuina quietly, but hearing you say that makes me feel a little embarrassed."

Koshiro scowled. "You little brat!"

"Haha! Don't be mad, Koshiro. I've got a gift for you!" Finn grinned, pulling out an attribute pill and handing it to Koshiro.

Koshiro stared at it, confused. "What's this?"

"Just eat it," Finn replied. "I'm going to find Kuina."

Finn stood up and left for the second floor.

Koshiro eyed the "jelly bean" in his hand suspiciously but decided to try it.

The next moment, his eyes widened.

Meanwhile, Finn found Kuina and told her what Koshiro had said. She eagerly agreed to leave with Finn.

After saying their goodbyes to Koshiro, Finn and Kuina made their way out of the dojo.

Outside, Zoro stopped them.

"Finn, are you leaving? Take me with you! I want to learn swordsmanship from you!"

Zoro was eager to improve his skills after seeing Finn's prowess with a blade.

"Zoro, it's not that I don't want to teach you, but my swordsmanship isn't suited for you. Here, take these first." Finn handed Zoro two attribute pills.

"What's this?" Zoro asked.

Kuina, eyes wide with curiosity, blinked. "What are those?"

"Delicious!" Finn grinned, taking out five attribute pills and offering them to Kuina. "Open your mouth."

"Ah~" Kuina obeyed and let Finn place the five "jelly beans" into her mouth.

Moments later, she opened her mouth in shock. "My strength... my speed..."

Zoro, too, noticed his body growing stronger.

"Finn, what is this? It actually boosted my strength!" Zoro exclaimed.

Finn smiled. "Of course it's a good thing, but you don't need to know exactly what it is—you wouldn't understand. Zoro, if you want to get stronger, I can recommend someone to you!"

Zoro's eyes lit up. "Can you teach me swordsmanship?"

"No! He doesn't know swordsmanship," Finn answered, shaking his head. "But if you trust me, go find him and sail with him. By his side, you'll grow stronger and forge your own path with the sword!"

Zoro paused, thinking hard.

"Who is this person?"

"His name is Monkey D. Luffy. He's my younger brother. Go find him, and within two days, you'll discover the sword you've been searching for!"

Finn smiled to himself, knowing the journey ahead would challenge Zoro.

Zoro considered the offer for a moment. Finn had grown so much in just a year, and his swordsmanship was already at a higher level than Zoro's. If Luffy could help him grow, Zoro had no doubt he would get stronger too.

After a brief pause, Zoro nodded. "Alright, give me the address, and I'll find him."

"I gave it to the curator. He'll send it to you so you can find my brother later." Finn grinned. He knew Zoro would inevitably get lost if he had the address himself—better to let Koshiro handle it.

The next day, Finn and Kuina boarded the massive battleship.

"Finn, the Navy gave you this huge warship?" Kuina asked, amazed at the sight.

"Yeah, well, my grandfather's pretty high up in the ranks," Finn answered with a smile, taking Kuina's hand. "By the way, Kuina, I'm going to introduce you to someone who will blow your mind!"

"Who is it?" Kuina asked, intrigued.

"You'll see."

Finn led her up to the deck, where Nami was scanning the horizon with a telescope.

Suddenly, two figures landed in front of Nami, nearly knocking her over.

"Master!!!"

Nami rushed over, hugging Finn's arm.

She looked at Kuina curiously. "Sister Tashigi, I saw you at the pool earlier. Why are you here now?"

"Tashigi?" Kuina asked, confused, shaking her head. "No, I'm not Tashigi. My name is Kuina."

Kuina was polite, aware that this was Finn's ship, and there would be Marines on board. Still, Nami's outfit made her blush.

"Sister Tashigi, stop teasing me. I'm not an idiot!" Nami laughed, pulling Kuina toward her.

But just then, a voice called out from behind Nami. "Master, you're back."

Nami froze.

The voice sounded exactly like Tashigi's.

She turned around and her eyes widened. "Sister Tashigi! What are you doing here?"

"Huh? Nami, what are you talking about? Where am I?" Tashigi looked confused.

"Then... then who is this?"

Nami was completely perplexed, her finger slowly pointing at Kuina.

Tashigi looked over, and both she and Kuina froze.

The two stared at each other for several moments.

Then, in unison, they said: "You are...?"