Chapter 10: Kuina and Zoro’s Promise

"That also includes our food expenses. Please accept it. If it's not enough, we'll pay more," Ethan insisted, painfully aware of Akame's black-hole appetite. He didn't want to bankrupt the dojo.

After some back-and-forth, Koshiro finally accepted the money.

At that moment, Kuina spoke up, "You know how to use a sword, right? Let's spar so I can see your level." Although Kuina was frustrated about being a girl instead of a boy, she was also annoyed that Ethan had mistaken her for a boy and wanted to vent her frustration.

"Kuina! Don't speak to your new fellow apprentice like that," Koshiro lightly scolded her.

"It's fine. I also want to see where I stand," Ethan said, standing up.

"KUINA! FIGHT ME!" Before anyone could spot him, a voice rang out. A green-haired boy with a fierce expression burst into the dojo.

'Wow, even though he looks fierce, little Roronoa Zoro is kind of cute,' Ethan thought.

"Wait a minute. I need to spar with the new guy first," Kuina said, getting up to fetch a bamboo practice sword.

"Bow to the shrine."

"Bow to each other."

"BEGIN!"

Kuina raised her sword and delivered a straightforward downward strike. 'So heavy! Is she a damn gorilla?!' Ethan thought as he blocked it. He tried to counterattack, but Kuina jumped to the side and slashed horizontally at him. Her attacks were relentless—simple strikes, slashes, thrusts, and sweeps, all flowing together seamlessly.

Within a minute, Ethan was forced into a defensive stance, unable to find an opening to counterattack. 'She's just a little girl, but her swordsmanship feels like it's been honed over thousands of battles, and her strikes are so heavy… Is she mad about me mistaking her gender earlier?' Ethan, who had initially thought this was just a test of his skill, now realized Kuina might be holding a grudge over being called "boy."

After a few minutes of being completely overwhelmed, Ethan was on the verge of collapse. "Soru!" He disappeared from Kuina's sight.

"He vanished!" Kuina and Zoro were both shocked.

Thwack! Ethan reappeared behind Kuina and knocked her bamboo sword out of her hand.

"Alright, Ethan wins," Koshiro announced.

Kuina silently picked up her bamboo sword and ran off. "Kuina!" Zoro called out, chasing after her.

"Is she going to be okay?" Ethan asked, concerned.

"Don't worry. Kuina is just very competitive. She won't do anything reckless," Koshiro said with a smile. Then he asked, "Was that Rokushiki?"

"Yeah, I saw someone use it once and tried to teach myself," Ethan lied without batting an eye.

"That's impressive. To learn a technique just by seeing it once," Koshiro praised.

"Not really. My swordsmanship is terrible. If it weren't for my physical abilities, I would've lost just now," Ethan said, his face reddening as he admitted his shortcomings.

"Your swordsmanship is nowhere near Kuina's. You were completely outclassed," Akame added bluntly, her own swordsmanship far superior to Ethan's.

"So, Sensei! Please teach us swordsmanship!" Ethan bowed.

"Of course. Isn't that why you came here? Are you ready?" Koshiro smiled.

...

"Girls become weaker than boys as they grow up. You'll catch up to me soon," Kuina said, her voice tinged with bitterness.

"Zoro, you always say, 'I'm going to become the world's greatest swordsman.' Father told me girls can't do that."

"I know. I've known for a long time, but… I can't accept it! Zoro, you're so lucky because you're a boy. I want to become the world's greatest swordsman too, but my body is changing…" Kuina placed her hand on her chest, causing Zoro's face to turn red.

"If only I were a boy…"

"You've beaten me 1,682 times! Stop complaining! That's just unfair! You're my goal!" Zoro shouted, frustrated after losing so many times.

"Who cares about being a man or a woman? When I finally beat you, are you going to say the same thing? As if I didn't win with my own strength! All my hard training would be for nothing! Stop talking like that!"

"Promise me this: one day, either you or I will become the world's greatest swordsman. Let's see who gets there first!" Zoro held out his hand.

"…Idiot. You've never even won once"

"It's a promise!" The two clasped hands, sealing their vow under the sunlight.