Zoro and Kuina continued their training in the clearing, clashing swords with intensity and focus.

Meanwhile, Zenkichi had created a shadow clone, which quietly slipped away into the nearby forest.

There, a middle-aged man dressed in loose training robes stood beneath a tree, observing Zoro and Kuina with a calm, gentle expression.

"You must be Koushirou, Kuina's father," Zenkichi's clone said, suddenly appearing behind him. "Why are you hiding out here?"

Startled by the sudden voice, Koushirou turned sharply, but quickly composed himself.

"It's strange, isn't it? Why would a man of your strength show up just to train two children in swordsmanship?" Koushirou asked, his tone wary, eyes scanning Zenkichi carefully.

"And what if I don't want to answer that?" Zenkichi replied, his interest piqued. He could sense Koushirou's strength—it wasn't weak—but compared to him, it wasn't anything worth worrying about.

Koushirou gave a small nod, relaxing. "That was rude of me. If you don't want to say, then forget I asked."

Zenkichi raised an eyebrow. "You trust me that easily?"

"I trust my eyes," Koushirou said plainly. "I can tell you mean no harm to Zoro or Kuina."

"As long as your intentions toward them are good, I don't see a reason to pry."

Zenkichi chuckled. "You're more open-minded than I expected. How about we spar? I'm curious to see what you're capable of."

Koushirou's gaze sharpened. After a brief pause, he smiled faintly. "Very well."

"But not here. This isn't the place for a serious match."

Zenkichi nodded in agreement. "Lead the way."

A short time later, the two appeared on a mountain ridge far from Shimotsuki Village.

Koushiro had returned home first to retrieve his personal weapons. Now, standing tall on the mountain peak, he drew two gleaming swords.

"I'm a master of the two-sword style. Please, grant me your guidance."

As he readied his blades, his aura shifted—quiet and composed, yet radiating precision and force.

"I understand," Zenkichi said softly, Kyōka Suigetsu materializing in his hand. He stood at ease, spinning the blade lightly in his fingers, refusing to make the first move.

Without warning, Koushiro surged forward, his twin swords cutting through the air in a powerful arc toward Zenkichi.

But Zenkichi moved only slightly, raising Kyōka Suigetsu with practiced ease. A single sweep deflected the entire strike.

"Not bad," Zenkichi said calmly.

Koushiro's eyes gleamed. "You're strong," he admitted. "It's rare to find a true opponent at my level."

With a fierce expression, Koushiro unleashed a flurry of sword strikes, his two blades moving so fast they became a blur. Sword energy streaked across the field in sharp, crisscrossing lines.

But Zenkichi merely stepped forward and waved Kyōka Suigetsu once more.

A shockwave of pressure erupted from his blade, scattering the sword energy like mist in the wind.

"It's over."

A heartbeat later, Zenkichi was behind Koushiro, Kyōka Suigetsu resting calmly against the back of his neck.

"…Yes," Koushiro said with a quiet laugh. "It's over."

"I lost. I didn't expect your strength to be this overwhelming."

"You're impressive," he said, turning to face Zenkichi with sincere respect.

Just then, Zenkichi's expression shifted. His Haki had picked up something from the distance. "Someone's coming."

His eyes focused toward the horizon. "A group of powerful signatures is approaching Shimotsuki Village. They're probably here for me."

A moment passed before Koushiro nodded. "I'll go see."

With a flicker of movement, he vanished from the mountaintop.

Moments later, Koushiro appeared before a group making their way toward the village—led by none other than Monkey D. Dragon.

Dragon was about to rally his comrades when he spotted Koushiro walking toward them, his clothes slightly rumpled from his recent fight.

"Koushiro? What happened to you?" Dragon asked with a curious frown.

"Nothing much," Koushiro replied casually. "Just had a little spar."

"You came at the right time, though. We were just about to go looking for you."

Dragon wasted no time, stepping forward. "Do you remember the promise we made when we were younger?"

"I've found a way to change the world. I need your help."

Koushiro's smile faded slightly. He closed his eyes for a moment before answering.

"Dragon, I'm not the man I used to be."

"Back then, I had no attachments. I was willing to risk everything with you."

"But now, I have a dojo, disciples, and a family. I can't leave that behind."

Dragon was clearly disappointed, but he didn't press the issue. He respected Koushiro's choice.

However, Koushiro added thoughtfully, "If you're looking for someone strong—someone who might actually help you—there is someone I can recommend."

Dragon perked up. "A friend of yours?"

"Not exactly," Koushiro said. "We only met recently. I was just sparring with him."

"But he defeated me with ease. He arrived on the island not long ago. My daughter and disciples have already accepted him as their godfather. He's teaching them swordsmanship—and much more."

"I can't say I fully understand who he is… but he's powerful. Far more than I am."

Dragon's interest was clear in his eyes. "What's his name?"

Koushiro looked off into the distance, toward the village where Zoro and Kuina continued to train under their new master.

"His name is Arakawa Zenkichi."

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Looks like no bonus chapters again today, enjoy the 2 daily ones instead!