"Dad!"
Kuina said seriously, "I want to become stronger! Stronger than anyone!"
"Kuina..."
Koushirou certainly knew that his daughter was incredibly determined.
At such a young age, she was already stronger than the adults at the dojo. This wasn't just because of her talent, but also due to her unyielding spirit.
Looking into his daughter's determined eyes, Koushirou let out a sigh.
She had already made up her mind.
"I understand."
He said, "Since this is your decision, I have no reason to stop you."
"Yay!!"
The two children immediately cheered.
They happily returned to the training ground to rest.
But behind them, Koushirou's eyes couldn't help but show some concern.
After all, the Beast Pirates were still pirates.
A voice came from behind in the wind, "Why don't you let them come back with me? If they want to get stronger, I can help."
Koushirou shook his head.
"Your troubles are already more than enough. I can't add more to it."
"If you do this, you'll just drag the Beast Pirates into it too."
"I'm actually not worried about them getting hurt by Ian. There have never been rumors about Ian hurting his own crew on the sea."
"However,"
He sighed again.
"Letting two kids decide their own future... it's a bit too shameless for an adult, isn't it?"
"Trust them."
A voice came from the wind.
"Sometimes, kids' instincts can be more sensitive."
Koushirou nodded gently.
After deciding to join the Beast Pirates, the next day the two kids rushed to the Golden Dragon ship to start adapting to their future pirate life.
What surprised them most while touring the huge ship was seeing Ian getting beaten up by Mihawk.
Seeing this scene, even Zoro was left dumbfounded.
"Ian, is he really stronger than Mihawk?"
It was a brutal beating, and Ian didn't even fight back.
"That guy is just having Mihawk help him train."
Law, the one closest in age to them, spoke nonchalantly.
"Training?"
Kuina blinked.
"The highest level of Haki, the Conqueror's Haki's mastery."
Law shook his head.
"We're still too far from that."
He hadn't even awakened his own Haki yet.
And most likely, he didn't even have the Conqueror's Haki.
"Haki? Conqueror's Haki?"
Zoro picked up on the key points in Law's words.
"What's that?"
"It's a power hidden within the human body, a skill that true strong ones must master."
Law smiled and looked at the two, whose eyes were starting to shine.
"If you want to learn, then start with the Six Powers."
"Six Powers?!"
A week passed in the blink of an eye.
Outside the small cabin by the coast.
"Here."
Shimotsuki Kouzaburou handed Mihawk the newly repaired sword, Yoru.
"The weight and properties should be unchanged, but I reforged it."
The old man spoke with evident pride.
"The durability should have increased several levels compared to before."
Mihawk took the sword and examined it carefully, his face filled with delight.
He swung it slightly in his hand.
The feel of it was no different from before, but as the greatest swordsman, Mihawk knew his beloved blade had grown stronger.
"Let's use it to challenge the enemies from before!"
Shimotsuki Kouzaburou laughed heartily.
Ian, standing beside Mihawk, crossed his arms and grinned, "So, are you going to challenge those enemies again?"
Mihawk's expression stiffened.
Even though his beloved sword had become stronger, he didn't think he could last long under Ian's Laevateinn.
"Not yet," Mihawk said. "I'll do it when I've turned it into a Black Blade."
"Are you sure?" Ian asked, intrigued. "Perhaps this is your last chance."
Mihawk paused, then sneered. "You're too arrogant, Ian."
"Arrogant?" Ian's lips curled into a smirk. "Then so be it, Mihawk. I'll give you time to catch up, until the day you can no longer see me."
Mihawk clenched his fist in an instant.
This bastard! He really dares to say that!
While Mihawk was furious with Ian, on the other side, Kuina, who had come along, was bidding farewell to her grandfather.
"Grandpa! I'm going to set sail!"
"Eh! Kuina's grandfather!!"
Zoro was shocked, this was something he had never heard of.
"Go, go," Shimotsuki Kouzaburou had no reaction to his granddaughter's farewell, just waving his hand. "It's good to see the world."
"Mm!"
Kuina was encouraged by his words, nodding firmly with a fiery determination. "I understand!"
And so.
"Let's go then."
Ian stretched lazily.
In the week that followed, Shiki had taken down another country.
The location was near the Red Line, even further away, and Viola couldn't observe it either.
They'd have to wait a little longer.
But now, they'd need to find another place to wait.
Before setting off, Koushirou repeatedly cautioned his daughter and disciple.
The two young teenagers, who were eagerly anticipating the sea, couldn't help but be affected by the parting emotions, their eyes reddening.
Then, Koushirou bowed deeply to Ian. "Mr. Ian, I leave the children in your care."
Ian responded earnestly, "If they are on my ship, they are my companions. I will never let anyone harm them."
Koushirou felt a little relieved.
He could clearly tell that Ian's attitude was sincere.
Then, the Golden Dragon ship set sail.
"Goodbye, Father!!"
Kuina waved vigorously from the ship's railing, bidding farewell to her father, who was gradually becoming more distant on the dock.
"Mihawk, you owe me another favor."
Ian said.
"What?"
Mihawk furrowed his brows. "I don't remember owing you any favors."
"You think a swordsmith like Shimotsuki Kouzaburou would repair a sword for free?" Ian smiled. "I've already covered the fee for the repair."
"Tch."
Mihawk clicked his tongue, visibly annoyed.
One favor had already tortured him enough on this journey.
Another favor? How is he supposed to survive that?
But he had nothing on him—he had come with only a few pocket coins, and there was no way to repay the debt.
Maybe he should run away?
Anyway, the sword was repaired, and there was no need to travel with this bastard anymore.
He could just jump into the sea—
Wait!
This bastard's ship also has a Fishman crew!
Even if he jumped into the water, there'd be no escaping.
"Next," Ian chuckled. "Go find your old friend."
"Old friend?"
Mihawk froze, then his eyes brightened. "That red-haired guy is also in the East Blue."
"Exactly!"
Ian issued the command. "Destination: Goa Kingdom!"
The large ship sped forward at full speed.
Shimotsuki Village, the port.
Koushirou opened several boxes left by the pirates at the port, and a brilliant golden light almost blinded his eyes.
He couldn't help but exclaim.
"Truly worthy of the Beasts Pirates, they really are loaded."
The wind gathered around him, and Dragon appeared. "How do you feel about Ian now?"
Koushirou paused for a moment, sighed, and said, "I just hope he doesn't corrupt Kuina and Zoro."
Dragon smiled slightly. "I actually think that boy is quite reliable."
"However," He gazed toward the direction where the Golden Dragon Ship was heading. "Where are they going?"
Koushirou looked up, thought for a moment, and said uncertainly, "It seems like it's in the direction of the Goa Kingdom."
Dragon's expression instantly changed.
The Goa Kingdom!
Damn!
My son is going to be corrupted!
Oh, was he already corrupted by Red-Haired Shanks?
Then it's fine.
**********
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