Cyrus's voice echoed in the woods.
The attacking Kuina suddenly stopped, and even Zoro, who had been seriously striking at Cyrus, noticed that Kuina's mood was off and paused his movements.
"Are you trying to say that a woman can also reach the top through her own efforts?" Kuina asked after a moment of silence, looking up at Cyrus, who had taken off his blindfold.
"No, I'm trying to say that some people are born with terrifying talent that the vast majority of people can't compare to. You just need to surpass yourself," Cyrus said with a smile, shaking his head.
"I don't know who told you what, but your sword has lost its confidence. Yes, that's about the feeling."
Cyrus looked at Kuina, then turned to Zoro.
"As for you, you don't have much of a brain and are still single-minded. but your progress is remarkably fast."
This was Cyrus's own assessment.
Over the past month, he could feel that Zoro's strength was improving at a rapid pace.
It had to be said, the innate gap between people in this world was indeed terrifying.
"Are you praising me or insulting me?" Zoro pointed a finger at his own nose, looking hesitant.
"Praising you!"
"Oh, thanks then!"
Zoro nodded, then looked at Kuina.
He had also noticed that Kuina's mood seemed a bit off.
"Some things you just have to figure out for yourself. When I first arrived, your father asked me why I came to learn swordmanship and I gave him my own answer."
After speaking, Cyrus waved his hand and walked towards the Dojo.
He had his own business to attend to.
Kuina's personality was a bit too competitive; she needed to figure things out on her own.
Perhaps she still needed Zoro to enlighten her.
He hadn't sparred with Kuina for nearly as long as Zoro had.
Their relationship was, at most, one of familiarity.
Cyrus didn't concern himself with what would happen in the woods after he left.
Instead, he went directly to see Shimotsuki Koshiro.
Shimotsuki Koshiro seemed to be waiting for Cyrus. When he saw him approach, he gestured for Cyrus to sit down.
Cyrus didn't stand on ceremony and sat down cross-legged directly opposite Koshiro.
"Thank you."
As soon as he sat down, Shimotsuki Koshiro spoke his thanks.
"Is this about Kuina's matter?" Cyrus asked in return.
"Yes, it's about my daughter's matter."
Koshiro didn't deny it, nodding in direct acknowledgment.
"Zoro's strength is improving very quickly. I can feel that it's becoming more and more difficult for Kuina to fight him," Shimotsuki Koshiro sighed.
"Because of their innate physical strength, female swordswomen are at a considerable disadvantage against male swordsmen. Kuina's personality is too competitive."
As Shimotsuki Koshiro said this, Cyrus could hear the difficulty in his tone.
"So, you were the one who said this, which is why Kuina has been a bit distracted lately?"
Cyrus naturally knew this and understood Shimotsuki Koshiro's meaning.
In a way, it was like giving Kuina a preventative shot.
As a father, he certainly knew his daughter's personality.
Perhaps he was worried that she wouldn't be able to overcome the mental block after being defeated by Zoro in the near future.
"That is indeed the case, but I don't have a better way," Shimotsuki Koshiro said, rubbing his brow with a look of helplessness.
As he spoke, he looked up at Cyrus.
"And you, your talent is very good. No, I should say, it's exceptionally good. Even on this grand sea, your talent is perhaps no weaker than the strongest people out there," Shimotsuki Koshiro said very seriously.
This was his true feeling.
Incredible physical strength and recovery, as well as learning ability, and the disposition to endure tedious training.
If he hadn't seen that Cyrus had no intention of becoming his disciple, Shimotsuki Koshiro would have really wanted to take Cyrus on.
However, this terrifying talent made Shimotsuki Koshiro feel that he might not even be qualified to become his Master.
"I won't argue with that point." Cyrus smiled upon hearing this.
The data-fication ability alone already surpassed everyone.
The assistance that data-fication provided for his training was even stronger than Cyrus had previously imagined.
Hearing Cyrus say this, Shimotsuki Koshiro shook his head helplessly, then his expression turned serious.
"In one month, your growth has far exceeded my imagination, but I also have some questions about you."
'Questions?'
Cyrus looked at the serious-faced Shimotsuki Koshiro, a curious look on his own face.
"Your identity, or rather, are you a Noble? .... Or, are you a Celestial Dragon?"
When Shimotsuki Koshiro asked this, his tone was extremely grave.
"A Celestial Dragon? You mean me?"
Cyrus had considered that Shimotsuki Koshiro might be puzzled about many things, but he had never imagined he would ask this.
"Why would you think I'm a Celestial Dragon?"
"Because I can sense that way of looking down on everything from you."
Seeing Cyrus's reaction, Shimotsuki Koshiro already knew the answer, so he directly stated his feelings and the reason why he asked such a question.
"This quality about you is natural, not deliberate. When I first saw you, I thought it was some kind of arrogance or pride. But it seemed different."
Cyrus didn't refute this. Instead, he stroked his chin and began to think.
Since Shimotsuki Koshiro said so, it must be true.
But he thought he was still quite humble.
He wasn't some overpowered protagonist.
Even if he wanted to fight against the powerhouses of the sea, he would at least have to develop his strength first.
Wait.
Cyrus suddenly understood why Shimotsuki Koshiro had this feeling.
It was because he viewed everything in this world from the standpoint of an outsider.
Because he was an outsider and knew what would happen in the future, he naturally carried a sense of superiority.
This feeling arose spontaneously.
"It seems you've thought of the reason."
Cyrus's change in expression was caught by Shimotsuki Koshiro, who then spoke.
"Yes, I've thought of a possible reason." Cyrus did not deny it.
"It's good that you've thought of it. Then, let's talk about what you want to learn from me."
After hearing Cyrus's reply, Shimotsuki Koshiro didn't continue to question him, instead changing the subject.
He didn't know the reason for Cyrus's aura, but because of Kuina's matter, he could give him a reminder.
Since the other party had already figured it out, there was no need to say more.
"Swordsmanship, and Haki."
Cyrus didn't hesitate in the slightest.
"Haki, is it? Very well. The way you sparred with Kuina and the others before is indeed one way to train Observation Haki. Their strength is too weak, so the effect is very limited. As for Armament Haki, it requires a certain physical constitution, and yours is more than sufficient."
When Cyrus had been trying to train his Observation Haki, Shimotsuki Koshiro had already guessed what he wanted to learn, so he wasn't very surprised now.
Although Haki was not common in the Four Blues, it was common in the land of Wano.
"As for swordsmanship, my advice is that I can guide you on the power of swordsmanship, but you must find a style of swordsmanship that suits you."