章 89: Ways To Avoid Death, Devil Fruit

Kozaburo had great confidence in his granddaughter Kuina and Zoro's potential, but even he hesitated to make such bold claims. He believed these children had the potential to become powerful swordsmen in the future, but the strongest? That seemed like a grand statement.

"Brother, do you really believe that?" Zoro asked excitedly, hoping to hear Arias confirm it again.

"Of course!" Arias responded with confidence, fully aware of Zoro's thoughts. "In fact, you have a good chance of surpassing her!"

Zoro's eyes widened with excitement as he turned to Kuina, exclaiming, "Kuina! Did you hear that? This guy says I'll surpass you!"

Kuina, with a playful smirk, replied, "Yeah, yeah. Let's talk after you beat me at least once. So far, you've lost to me two thousand times."

Arias was surprised by the sheer number of duels they'd had. "Two thousand times?" he thought. It made him wonder if Kuina's tragic fate could really be avoided.

Kozaburo interjected, "Even with their talents, they're still young. I'm not sure how much help they could be right now."

Arias, pointing to Hihe, replied, "Hihe isn't much older, and our strength still needs honing. By the time we're strong enough, these two will have grown into their potential."

Kozaburo considered this and then said, "Alright, if they agree, I have no objections."

Arias approached the two children, his face beaming with his usual bright smile. "Are you two future great swordsmen willing to sail with me and see the world beyond this village?"

Zoro instantly replied, "Yes! I'll defeat all the swordsmen in the world!"

Kuina, looking to her father for approval, felt a strong desire to explore beyond Shimotsuki Village. When Kozaburo gave a nod, she agreed as well. "I'm willing too."

"Then it's settled!" Arias announced joyfully. Recruiting these two ahead of time would definitely alter the course of history. His main concern now was how to prevent Kuina's untimely death.

With both children agreeing, Kozaburo sighed, "Come with me. I'll teach you the swordsmanship of the Shimotsuki family."

The Shimotsuki family had a long history of producing formidable swordsmen. The famous dragon-slaying samurai Shimotsuki Ryuma, with his black sword Shusui, was even regarded as a national treasure of Wanokuni. Their swordsmanship was exactly what they needed to cover their current weaknesses.

Arias, Hihe, and Carina followed Kozaburo to the dojo, where he began demonstrating sword techniques. Kuina and Zoro watched intently, seeing their grandfather wield a sword with mastery for the first time.

"The moment he draws his sword, his entire aura changes," Arias observed, squinting as he sensed that Kozaburo was not just wielding a sword but embodying one. He was indeed a great swordsman.

Kozaburo devoted himself to teaching them the essence of swordsmanship, explaining the wisdom of giving up one's name in the pursuit of mastering the sword.

"Good sword skills!" Arias couldn't help but admire. Kozaburo certainly had the combat power of a Vice Admiral!

Arias then drew his sword, Juelong, and began practicing alongside him. Seeing this, Hihe also drew her sword, Tian Yu Yu Zhan, and joined in. Meanwhile, Zoro and Kuina prepared to spar.

"Come on! I'll defeat you today!" Zoro declared with determination.

Kuina chuckled and tossed him a real sword. "Why a real sword?" Zoro asked, confused.

"Do you think you'll fight enemies with a bamboo sword?" Kuina replied with a grin.

Their duel caught Arias's attention, but he couldn't shake the feeling that this might be the last battle before Kuina's tragic accident. He couldn't believe that someone with her agility and strength would simply die from falling down a flight of stairs.

Arias's thoughts were interrupted by Kozaburo, who asked to see Juelong. Without hesitation, Arias handed over the sword, confident that it would return to him with a mere thought. He also knew that unless he revealed its true nature, no one would realize it was a sword capable of splitting the blade.

"An extraordinary sword!" Kozaburo, a master swordsmith, was amazed. "This must be a supreme-grade blade! Who crafted it?"

"I did," Arias replied simply.

Kozaburo was taken aback. How could someone as young as Arias forge a sword of this caliber? He returned Juelong to Arias, still in disbelief.

Meanwhile, Kuina and Zoro's duel concluded with Zoro's defeat, as expected.

"I won't give up! One day, I'll surpass you!" Zoro declared, his spirit unbroken.

Kuina just smiled, confident in her victory.

Arias then approached the two, holding a peculiar fruit in his hand. "You both have incredible potential. Here's a gift for you," he said, handing the fruit to Kuina.

Kuina, unaware of its significance, accepted it with curiosity. "Thank you."

Hiyori and the others were surprised. Why was Arias giving such a valuable Devil Fruit to someone he'd just met?

Zoro eyed the fruit with envy but said nothing. He wasn't the type to beg.

"Eat it," Arias encouraged. "This fruit will give you extraordinary powers."

This was the only way Arias could think of to prevent Kuina's death. The Zoan-type Devil Fruit would give her enhanced physical strength, especially in terms of defense and recovery. The Bear Fruit—Giant Panda form, known for its tough skin and resilience, might be the key to saving her life.

Arias didn't believe Kuina's death could be avoided any other way.