Just as the news of Doflamingo becoming a Shichibukai spread across the seas, another invitee also set sail.
The heir to the Sun Pirates, the "Knight of the Sea" Jinbei, too, had accepted the invitation to join the Shichibukai.
The two appointments may have been sequential, but the Marines announced them simultaneously—or perhaps word of one had leaked later than the other.
Don sat before two newspapers laid side by side, his chin resting on his hand, gaze slightly unfocused.
A year older now, Kuina and Zoro crept up from behind him.
"Take this!"
Both struck at once, but without even turning his head, Don tapped his fingers twice behind him.
"Ahhh!"
The pair yelped in pain.
A coating of Don's Armament Haki had struck them square on the forehead, leaving swollen lumps rising instantly.
Tears welled in their eyes—not from crying, but because the sharp sting was simply unbearable.
"I should've taught you this already," Don said evenly, eyes still on the newspaper. "Never shout when you attack. You're only warning your opponent to guard against you."
"I'm a swordsman!" Zoro shouted, clutching his forehead. "I'll be the greatest swordsman in the world!"
Kuina held her head, watery-eyed, staring at Don.
"So that's why you waste time coming up with all those flashy names for your moves?"
Don finally turned, smiling warmly. But seeing that smile, Zoro instinctively took a few steps back, his guard up.
Sure enough, the knock came right on schedule.
Before Zoro could react, Don's fingers struck his forehead between his hands.
Thump!
The dull crack rang out, and another lump swelled, egg-sized.
Zoro grit his teeth, trembling from the sting, but still tried to look defiant.
"Looks like I still need to teach you how to respect your senior."
Don cracked his knuckles with a crisp snap.
Zoro swallowed hard, feet shuffling back.
"I'm the senior here!"
Two steps back felt like a safe distance, and Zoro lifted his chin in protest—though his eyes never left Don's fingers.
"Oh?"
Don flicked his hand again. This time, Zoro tilted his head slightly.
He couldn't actually evade Don's strike, but he had managed to react.
Don drew his hand back, sitting down again. Not bad. His training hadn't gone to waste.
Then his gaze shifted to Kuina.
"I didn't even argue with you!" she blurted, instinctively backing up half a step. But sensing danger, she leaned back
Thwack!
The strike grazed her nose before landing on her forehead.
Her nose stung, eyes blurred with tears.
"Mm. Promising."
Don nodded with satisfaction.
To awaken Observation Haki at eleven or twelve was already a mark of genius—except for those born with overwhelming natural talent.
Of course, his methods deserved some credit too. Armament Haki–enhanced strikes carried plenty of sting.
"I'm leaving."
Don returned to the table, picking up the two newspapers.
The pair, clutching their heads and crying, froze at his words.
"You're running away? I haven't beaten you yet!" Zoro yelled.
Normally, such defiance would earn him another knock. He knew it, too, and stayed braced.
But this time, Don only turned back with a smile and shook his head.
"I'll come back when I can. Or perhaps one day, we'll meet elsewhere out on the seas."
"Why? Didn't you say you still needed more training?" Kuina asked urgently, tears forgotten, eyes fixed on him.
She had heard from her father that Don would eventually leave Shimotsuki Village, but this was far too sudden. She thought he'd stay for years.
"To save someone."
Don's tone was light.
"Huh?"
The two of them blinked.
Save someone?
Immediately, their imaginations ran wild—Don must have some tragic past, a loved one kidnapped, his time in Shimotsuki Village spent training until he was strong enough to rescue them.
"Is it your family?" Kuina asked softly.
"Let me help you!" Zoro declared, fists clenched.
"…?" Don looked at their earnest faces.
"You've got the wrong idea. I'm going to save a complete stranger."
"A stranger?"
Both were dumbfounded, unable to tell if he was joking.
"Why?" Zoro pressed.
"No why. I just want to, so I will. Not everything needs a reason."
Don shook his head, waving as he walked past them, leaving them staring after him.
Before long, Don sat across from Koushirou.
"So, you're leaving?" Koushirou asked, feeling the departure was rather abrupt.
"Yes. I've learned what I needed. But I won't stop training myself. Before I go, though, I'd like a real fight."
Don's expression turned earnest.
"Master Koushirou!"
The address froze Koushirou in place—Don had always called him dojo master.
But Don knew well enough: Koushirou's guidance had long since exceeded the worth of the nine million berries he'd paid.
In fact, sparring with a top-level swordsman for this long was priceless.
And here, he had even awakened both Observation and Armament Haki.
He wasn't ungrateful.
"…Alright."
After a pause, Koushirou nodded.
Kuina and Zoro, who had followed them, opened their mouths, but Don quickly turned to them.
"Not this time. You two can't come."
"Why not?" Zoro protested.
"You can't even block my fingers. Don't waste your breath."
Don curled his lip in disdain.
Zoro's veins bulged as he glared furiously at him—only to falter when Don's gaze flicked to his forehead. He swallowed hard, face falling. Best not to provoke him.
"Then get ready. Kuina, take Zoro into the village to buy some food."
Koushirou's gaze returned to Don.
"Shall we begin?"
"Yes."
Don left, and soon returned with the longsword Flame. Together, he and Koushirou walked away.
Kuina and Zoro stood watching until their figures disappeared.
"…Where's Don going?" Kuina murmured, eyes full of reluctance.
"Who knows? Saving a stranger, without a reason… what nonsense." Zoro folded his arms, trying to sound grown-up.