"Great, Kuina. Tomorrow at the grand match, I'm going to defeat you."
Zoro put his blades away, eyes burning as he locked onto Kuina. After so many years, he finally saw a ray of light where he could win.
"Zoro, tomorrow will be your two-thousand-and-second loss." Kuina's expression did not change as she said it. Zoro might have gotten a fine weapon and a helpful tool, but she had not walked away empty-handed tonight either. The body-refining elixir and learning Shave filled her with confidence.
"This time, I'm going to win."
"I'm looking forward to it. Don't disappoint me, crybaby."
Kuina was in good spirits and teased him. Called a crybaby, Zoro flushed. He had, after all, been pummeled into tears by Kuina more than once.
"You're the crybaby."
He would never admit it. A man needs his pride.
"No, you are. You are, you are," Kuina kept poking at him.
"I'm not, not, not."
They said their goodbyes to Amon, bickering the whole way toward the dojo. It was late and they needed to get back, or the master would worry.
"Zoro, this way. You're lost again..."
...
Watching the two squabble their way into the distance, Amon felt pretty good. He had barely set foot on shore and already sold two jars, and most importantly, he had helped Kuina skirt a calamity. With two jars opened in public, he figured word would travel and visitors would not be far behind.
He headed for the village inn.
Night passed quietly. The next day, Koushirou's dojo held its once-a-year grand tournament.
"I heard the matches are starting. Wonder who will take the title this year."
"My bet is on Kuina."
"Kuina's talent is great, but she's still too young. Most years the seniors take it."
"True. The strength gap is real."
In Shimotsuki Village, Koushirou's tournament drew a crowd of villagers every year. The arena filled up with spectators even before the matches began.
Outside the dojo, several figures in gray cloaks watched the gathering with smiles.
"Didn't expect to catch the grand match too."
The speaker had patterned marks on his face. If Amon had been here, he would have yelped in shock. It was none other than the leader of the Revolutionary Army, Monkey D. Dragon. They had come to ask Koushirou to help procure supplies. They had not expected to stumble into a lively event.
"Hahaha, it's packed. Why don't we watch a bit out here before we go in," said the person behind him, face caked in makeup, neither quite man nor woman.
It was Emporio Ivankov, a senior officer of the Revolutionary Army. He stared at the crowd with bright interest.
"Too many eyes out here, Iva. Better to go inside," a massive man rumbled before Dragon could answer.
Anyone walking up would have been stunned. It was Bartholomew Kuma, one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea. Who would have thought a Warlord recognized by the World Government was also a high-ranking Revolutionary.
"Kuma, you have no sense of fun. Look at all these adorable boys. What a view."
Ivankov pouted at Kuma's warning.
"Come. Kuma is right. There are plenty of eyes about. We can watch the matches from inside all the same, can't we," Dragon said, lowering his head as he stepped into the dojo.
The others bowed their heads and followed.
"Hey, wait for me," Ivankov chirped, scurrying after them.
Inside, Koushirou presided over the tournament. He glanced up as they entered, gave a slight nod, and his lips moved almost imperceptibly. On the other side, Dragon offered a faint nod in return and continued toward the rear courtyard.
"Master, it's time," a disciple murmured at Koushirou's side on the platform.
"Alright. Let them begin," Koushirou said, announcing the start. The dojo's students paired off and clashed as the crowd leaned in.
"Dragon, long time no see." In the back courtyard, Koushirou greeted the approaching Dragon with a smile.
"It has been a while. We came hoping you could help us purchase some supplies," Dragon said directly.
"No problem. Leave it to me." Koushirou nodded.
While Koushirou and Dragon caught up, outside in the arena Zoro and Kuina finally faced each other.
"Kuina, this time I'll beat you." Zoro tied on the headband. Fighting spirit blazed in his eyes.
"Zoro, this will be your two-thousand-and-second loss."
Kuina finished speaking and drew first. Wado Ichimonji spun like a windmill in her hands. Zoro met her without flinching, clenched the Zanpakuto in his teeth, and unleashed all three blades. Since grasping the core of the Three-Sword Style last night, his strength had leapt, and it was why he believed he could finally win.
Boom. Their first exchange detonated in a sharp thunderclap.
"Hm?" The quiet talk in the back stopped. Faces turned at the sound.
-------------------------
Patreon Advance Chapters: patreon .com / ElvenKing20