Capítulo 89: Kuina
Blaize smiled at Koushirou's straightforward question, it didn't come as a surprise. He knew his movements were constantly monitored after his arrival at the Shimotsuki village.
He also sensed a powerful presence in the village. It's not Koushirou, if Blaize isn't wrong it should be Shimotsuki Kozaburo, Kuina's Grandfather.
"Kuina is a determined girl with a strong heart. She's someone who was born for greatness, I can't bear to see her talent getting destroyed." Blaize answered.
Hearing Blaize's words Koushirou's surprised for a moment and asked, "Kuina's doing great, why do you think like that?"
"Mister Koushirou, I don't know whether you realized it or not but Kuina's going through a tough time as she already began to doubt herself.
If no one guides her even now, she will end up in a worse state."
"I don't understand?" Koushirou looked at Blaize. He didn't doubt his words as his father informed him that Blaize isn't a simple person.
"Let me explain in simple words. I have observed Kuina for a few days and knew about the rivalry between her and Zoro.
But, we both know it won't be long before Zoro overwhelms her in terms of strength."
Koushirou interrupted. "Kuina knew it too. She's a sensible girl."
"That's the problem. The day she loses to Zoro, is the day her heart dies. A person's strength comes from one's spirit, not by their body.
But, you taught her saying that women can't defeat grown men, it was deeply engraved in her heart. So, if she ever gets defeated in the future she would always think it's because she's a woman.
Eventually, she will lose her drive to train and get stronger." Blaize shook his head.
Koushirou stopped in his tracks as if he was struck by lightning. He mumbled to himself. 'Am I the reason?'
Seeing his reaction, Blaize quickly spoke. "Please don't take my words to heart. You were raised in such a way that men are superior to women.
And, it's not too late. Kuina's heart needs training. Only by traveling and seeing the vast world that she can break the shackles that bind her existence."
"I don't know Kuina's going through such pain?"
"Kuina said that her dream is to become the world's strongest swordsman and inherit the Isshin dojo. It's not going to be easy. I admire her passion.
I want to accept her as a Marine apprentice but if she rejects my proposal I won't force her." Blaize expressed his thoughts.
"I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart. If Kuina agrees to leave with you, I won't stop her." Koushirou slightly bowed his head.
--
The next day, the fateful event happened.
In the training dojo, Zoro challenged Kuina for the 2000th time but he still lost to Kuina in one move. "You are still weak, Zoro!"
Later that night, a frustrated Zoro challenged Kuina to fight him with a real sword and said it will be their last fight. Kuina accepted his challenge. Blaize watched everything from a distance.
Zoro used two swords while Kuina used a single sword, Wado Ichimonji. They fought but Zoro once again lost while Kuina claimed her 2001st victory against him.
After the duel was over, Kuina broke down in tears. She had concluded that Zoro would soon pass her in skill and strength. He had already caught up to her current skills, it further confirmed her belief that boys grow up to be stronger than girls.
"My father told me that a girl can never become the world's strongest," Kuina spoke, looking at the sky.
Hearing her words, Zoro got angry. "You can't say that after beating me, it's not fair. If I ever beat you in the future, it's because of my skills not because I am a boy."
"Promise me...Someday, one of us will be the world's strongest swordsman. We will compete to see who gets there." Wiping her tears away, Kuina accepted Zoro's challenge.
Blaize smiled watching their interaction. 'Finally, the vow has been made!'
After the promise, Zoro left while Kuina sat alone thinking something, looking at the star-filled sky. But, the sudden voice startled her.
"It was a good fight!" Blaize appeared before her.
Seeing it's Blaize, Kuina relaxed. "Blaize-san, you were watching the fight?"
"Yes. Do you know why you have the feeling that Zoro's getting stronger while you remain the same?"
"It's because I am a girl!"
"No. It's because you already started thinking in your heart that you will eventually lose to Zoro. You can't hope to get stronger without putting any effort!" Blaize told.
"But..." Kuina once again cried.
"You don't have to say anything. Let me ask you, do you want to become the strongest swordsman?"
"Yes," Kuina answered firmly.
"Then, you have to leave this place and enter Grand Line."
"Leave the village?" Kuina hesitated. She can't bear to leave her parents and friends.
"Kuina, you are caught in the shadow of Zoro, it's not good for you to stay here. If you don't want to be defeated by Zoro, you have to make this choice.
No one can force you on this. It's up to you to decide."
Blaize words struck Kuina's heart. It's what she's afraid of the most; losing to Zoro.
"What should I do?"
"What I suggest you is, join the Marines under my command and travel the world. There, you can face countless swordsmen better than you.
And, I already talked to your father. Whatever your decision is, he will respect it. If you feel confused, you can talk with him." Blaize explained.
Kuina thought for a moment and said, "I will talk to father."
"Good! I will be leaving tomorrow, so make the decision quicker." Blaize nodded his head. After that, Kuina left and walked towards the dojo.
Blaize followed without altering her. If he's not wrong, she will return to place her sword where she will trip and die.
But, it didn't happen. Kuina directly went to visit her father while Blaize waited outside. After thirty minutes, she came out with a determined decision while her eyes were firm.
Carrying the Wado Ichimonji, she went to sleep. Unlike in the original, she didn't go anywhere so nothing happened.
Even so, Blaize watcher over her the entire night. In case, if something happens.
The sun rose as the next day arrived. Nothing happened to Kuina who woke up as usual. Meaning, she escaped the misfortune.
After getting freshened up and packing some things, Kuina informed her parents about her decision. she planned to leave the village to get stronger.
Before leaving the village, she met Zoro and gave him the Wado Ichimonji. "Zoro, I will get the sword back after I defeat you as an adult."
Zoro didn't understand what Kuina was saying. She didn't explain.
After saying goodbye to her friends, she came to meet Blaize and told her decision. Seeing her all packed up, "All set to go?"
"Yes,"
"Ok. Let's go." Blaize then brought her to the ship and informed Regis to set sail to Marine Headquarters.
"She's coming with us?" Rosinante asked, noticing Kuina.
"Yes,"
"Blaize-san, we are going back after nearly two years. I am excited." Regis grinned. Blaize too smiled.
--
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