In the tavern, Makino's fair face flushed slightly.
"Um, I…" she began, hesitating. She opened her mouth to speak, but found herself unable to articulate her thoughts. She wanted to refuse.
Foosha Village was her home since childhood; she didn't want to leave. It was where she'd grown up, her birthplace, and she cherished her hometown.
However, she also harbored a deep longing for the sea, a yearning to sail and experience the unique cultures of different islands.
This was a special feeling, a secret desire buried deep within her heart. This desire, however, filled her with apprehension; it felt too bold, too risky.
At that moment, Ryuya said, "Wouldn't you want to try using the unique ingredients from various islands to create exquisite sake, in your own way?"
Then, Ryuya added, "Rest assured, sailing with me, I'll protect you with my name, Ryuya, White Dove!"
Hearing Ryuya, Makino's heart pounded faster than ever before. She clutched her chest, head bowed, her face flushed crimson.
She looked like a shy girl, which, in fact, she was. As a lifelong single woman, being invited by the handsome Ryuya, especially with the gentle smile playing on his lips, sent ripples of excitement through her.
It felt like a thousand deer were stampeding in her heart.
"Um, okay, I accept, but I need to pack."
"Fine, no problem. We can put the barrels directly on the warship, and then transfer them to my ship once we're back in Marineford. Is that alright?"
Makino nodded, "Yes, that's fine."
Ryuya nodded. Immediately, phantoms appeared one after another, carrying the sake barrels toward the warship.
At that moment, Ryuya sensed something was amiss with the phantom he'd designated as Zero. Without hesitation, he immediately shifted his consciousness, transferring his main body to Zero.
...
East Blue. An unnamed island, surprisingly developed, even boasting a bustling marketplace. Ryuya, leader of the Dawn Bird, was strolling through the market with Kuina.
They'd been sailing from the Grand Line towards the Four Blues, and every pirate they'd encountered had been swiftly dispatched by Kuina, their heads severed.
Kuina's talent was evident throughout their journey. Combined with Ryuya's medical expertise ensuring she suffered no lasting injuries, her swordsmanship had improved at an astonishing rate.
In just a few months, she'd reached the mid-level Supreme-Grade Swordsman rank—the same level as Gion, who had dedicated her life to the sword.
This greatly surprised Ryuya, but the fact that Kuina had experienced death once before put things into perspective. Her brush with death had granted her a unique understanding—Death Intent—a skill impossible for others to grasp, propelling her progress in swordsmanship far beyond her peers.
Ryuya and Kuina arrived at a restaurant, more accurately, a small eatery. As they settled in, Zoro entered—sporting spiky green hair, a dark green headband on his left arm, three gold teardrop earrings, a white T-shirt, a green sash, dark green trousers, and black boots. Three swords hung from his waist.
The moment the man entered, Kuina's gaze fixed upon him. Ryuya noticed and followed her gaze. Both kept their eyes discreet, unseen by Zoro.
Ryuya's lips curled into a slight smirk. "Zoro? That's his name, right?"
Kuina nodded. Both were cloaked, their figures shrouded in shadow.
"Should we greet him?" Ryuya asked playfully. He was simply curious to see her reaction to encountering someone she believed to be dead.
Kuina shook her head. "Let it be. He's far too weak now."
"Then you don't want your sword back?"
"Compared to a blade touched by another man, I prefer the Ominous blade- (Wado Ichimonji copy) my Master gave me."
As she spoke, Kuina recalled her death, the overwhelming darkness, the despair. She'd strived for the pinnacle of swordsmanship, but death had halted her progress.
She'd refused to accept defeat, yearning to reopen her eyes, to rise again. But fate had other plans, plunging her into an eternal slumber. If not for Ryuya, she wouldn't have seen the light of day again. She didn't dwell on why Ryuya had saved her.
Smiling, she said, "As I said before, I'll be your sharpest sword, Master. Anyone who's foolish enough to cause trouble will learn their lesson!"
Just as Kuina finished speaking, a commotion erupted in the distance.
"The moss-head! Where's the moss-head?!"
"Found him!"
"Surround him! We must avenge the vice-captain!"
The commotion drew closer. Numerous unsavory characters surrounded Zoro, who had just entered the restaurant. Zoro placed his hand on his sword hilt…
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