"I suppose... just to live freely in this world."
The answer rang out clearly in the room.
Dunn's response was blunt enough to cause visible surprise on Koshiro's face.
"To live freely in this world... that is no simple task," Koshiro remarked with a touch of melancholy, as if reading the deeper weight behind Dunn's words.
"Exactly. That's why I need to learn the sword, to grow strong, and to possess the power to protect myself," Dunn continued calmly. "So, Master, is my answer satisfactory?"
"Satisfactory. Honestly, no matter what answer you gave, I would have taught you. After all, when you swing a blade, you must have your own conviction. Only a sword backed by such will can hold power," Koshiro replied, a warm smile returning to his face.
Dunn didn't take Koshiro's words as mere lecturing. He knew he was a novice in the way of the sword, while the man before him was a top-tier master.
At least for now, Koshiro's understanding of the blade far surpassed his own. Moreover, reaching the level of a true Master Swordsman did seem to require a specific spiritual anchor—one that often intertwined with the mastery of Haki.
"Since you are here to study, let us discuss the fees," Koshiro said, breaking Dunn's train of thought.
"Fine," Dunn nodded.
Though he recalled that Zoro seemed to stay and train for free—likely due to the blood ties between the Shimotsuki clan and the villagers—Dunn preferred a clean transaction.
"Five hundred thousand Berries per year." Koshiro gave a price after a moment's thought.
Dunn immediately shook his head.
Koshiro assumed Dunn was going to haggle for a lower price and waited for him to speak.
"One million Berries per year," Dunn countered.
Koshiro froze. He realized he had guessed wrong.
"One million Berries. In exchange, I want you to teach me without holding anything back."
"Deal. But only when your swordsmanship reaches a certain level will I teach you the more advanced secrets," Koshiro replied after a brief silence, meeting Dunn's steady gaze.
With the agreement settled, Dunn felt a weight lift. Just as he was about to speak, two small heads peeked into the room.
"Kuina, go and show..." Koshiro started, then realized he hadn't asked for the boy's name.
"Dunn."
"Right. Kuina, go and arrange a place for Dunn to stay. He will be studying with us from now on."
"Okay!" Kuina nodded, looking at Dunn with undisguised curiosity.
On the other side of the door, Zoro—looking even more bruised than before—stared intently at Dunn as he stood up.
"You come too. I need you to help carry things," Kuina commanded Zoro, leading the way.
Dunn performed a traditional cupped-fist salute toward Koshiro before following her.
After they left, Koshiro remained seated, a puzzled expression on his face. He recognized the gesture Dunn had made; it was precise, formal, and carried a sense of ancient etiquette.
"Could my guess be true?" Koshiro murmured to himself.
Despite their short meeting, Koshiro sensed a certain... pride in Dunn. No, that wasn't quite right. It was a sense of standing on high ground—a natural air of superiority. Even though the boy was perfectly polite, the feeling was unmistakable.
A noble? Koshiro found Dunn to be a mass of contradictions.
Dunn, meanwhile, wasn't overthinking it. He was currently holding Zoro by the back of his collar, lifting the boy slightly as they followed Kuina.
"So, in a place only this big, he actually gets lost?" Dunn asked, genuinely intrigued.
He knew Zoro was a legendary "lost cause" when it came to directions, but the dojo wasn't that large. Zoro had been here for a while; how could he still lose his way?
"Yes," Kuina answered curtly without looking back.
"I am not! How could I get lost?" Zoro struggled desperately, but the hand on his collar was like an iron vice, steady and unmoving.
"If I hadn't grabbed you, you would have turned the wrong way and ended up who-knows-where," Dunn's comment made Zoro go limp. He hung there dejectedly, looking thoroughly defeated.
"By the way, you lost again," Dunn added, giving him a little verbal jab.
Zoro snapped out of his funk instantly, thrashing again. "Aaaargh! What did you say?!"
"So... did you win?" Dunn asked with a mischievous glint in his eye.
Zoro stiffened. "I didn't win. But I will! One day!" he muttered, looking down.
"Tch," Kuina scoffed without turning around.
"This is your room. I'll have Zoro bring the... actually, I'll just bring the supplies over myself in a bit," Kuina said, sliding open a door and stepping aside.
Dunn dropped Zoro on the floor and walked in to inspect the room. It was modest and clean, which was more than enough for him. He sat cross-legged by the small central table.
Step one complete. Now to see just how much I can learn, he thought, resting his chin on his hand. He was genuinely excited. Even with his Devil Fruit power, this was his true beginning in mastering the forces of this world.
Kuina and Zoro returned quickly, with Zoro hauling a massive bundle of daily necessities.
"Here," Dunn said, placing a small bag on the table.
Both Kuina and Zoro looked at it with confusion.
"What's this?" Kuina asked.
"Tuition and living expenses."
Kuina opened the bag, and her eyes nearly popped out of her head. "That's so much money!"
Zoro leaned over to take a look and swallowed hard. "It costs that much to learn here?"
Zoro was having a minor existential crisis. I didn't pay a single cent!
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