Chapter 26: Zoro's Thirst for a Challenge

"Father!"

At Koshiro's words, a vein throbbed on Kuina's temple. "How can you just say whatever comes to mind?"

"Oh?" Koshiro smiled benignly. "Suddenly feeling shy in front of your idol? Yet you're still holding onto his arm."

Hmm?

Kuina looked down instinctively, and her cheeks turned as hot as fire, flushing all the way to her earlobes. She hurriedly let go, bowed, and apologized, "I am terribly sorry! Please forgive my rudeness, Master Shano!"

"It’s fine, it’s fine."

Shano waved his hand. He certainly wouldn't take it to heart, nor would he mistake it for romantic admiration. Kuina was only eleven, a year older than Zoro and the same age as Nojiko. Girls entering puberty had temperaments that changed by the day; it was common for them to suddenly become a fan of someone and just as quickly lose interest.

"Master Shano," Kuina sat down and couldn't help but ask, "Are you just passing through? You aren't leaving tomorrow, are you? Could you stay a few more days? This is a rare opportunity, and I would love to ask for your guidance on swordsmanship."

Speak of the devil.

"No rush." Shano gave a dry laugh, patted his empty stomach, and cast a pleading look at Koshiro. "Why don't we start dinner first?"

...

Dinner was held in a spacious side room on the west side of the dojo. A long, low table stretched across the center, and everyone sat along the tatami mats on either side. The Isshin Dojo was quite large, with about a dozen people dining together. Aside from Koshiro and Kuina, there were two assistant instructors, an elderly woman who cooked, and several children who lived and trained there. Zoro was among them; he hadn't finished his extra training session when Kuina dragged him back, and he still looked quite disgruntled.

The dinner was simple: rice, several stir-fried seasonal vegetables, grilled eel, and miso soup. It was standard fare, but since Shano was starving, everything tasted like a gourmet feast.

Once they started eating, Shano keenly sensed a gaze lingering on him from time to time. When he looked up, Kuina would quickly retract her stare, acting as if nothing happened as she held her bowl and nibbled on her rice like a proper lady.

Shano had initially tried to maintain his image by eating with restraint, but after being stared at by Kuina until he felt awkward, he stopped caring. *This troublesome kid, once or twice is fine, but why won't it stop?*

He gave up on the act, rolled up his sleeves, and started shoveling food into his mouth. In an instant, the pile of empty plates grew taller than his head, which conveniently blocked the young girl's view.

"This guy eats so much..." Zoro, who happened to be sitting opposite him, stared in astonishment. "And his table manners are even worse than mine..."

"Keep your mouth shut!" Kuina snapped, glaring at him. "A powerful swordsman has a big appetite; isn't that only natural? And look at you—you can't even beat a girl, yet you have the nerve to go for a fifth bowl?"

"You!" Zoro was furious. Why was this stuck-up girl acting so hypocritical today? He wanted to retort but couldn't find a reason, especially since he had just lost his 1,950th match against her earlier that afternoon. He could only sulk and stuff his face. As he got up to get a sixth bowl, he stole another look at Shano. *Junichi-senpai says this guy is strong, and Kuina says he's strong, but where is this strength? I can't see it.* Zoro narrowed his eyes. *Maybe... I should find an opportunity to test him later.*

...

After dinner, the night grew deep, and a light drizzle began to fall. In the Japanese-style garden, a primitive bamboo *shishi-odoshi* made a crisp "clack" from time to time, startling the fish in the pond.

Shano stood under the eaves, watching the rain in silence, when Junichi walked over in a hurry. "Boss, everything is settled at the clinic."

"How is the situation?" he asked.

"The boy named Sanji is fine. After taking the medicine, his color has improved significantly. He should be back on his feet by tomorrow," Junichi sighed. "However, that man, Zeff, has an infected wound that's festering, which is a bit tricky to treat. Granny Shiran’s strength wasn't enough, so she just called Master Koshiro over. With the two of them working on it together, they should be able to resolve it tonight."

"Thanks for your hard work." Shano nodded. Just as he was about to say something, someone tapped his shoulder from behind.

He turned around to see the green-haired kid straining on tiptoes to meet his eyes, but due to the height difference, he ended up looking up at him.

"Hey! Master Shano!"

"Something the matter?"

"Let's have a spar! How about it?" Zoro grinned, holding up his two bamboo swords. "The sword you're carrying looks very impressive. I want to see if you, as a swordsman, are worthy of that blade!"

Shano glanced at his Wado Ichimonji, raised an eyebrow, and said nothing.

"Zoro," Junichi frowned, "Master Shano is very tired. He doesn't have time to indulge your nonsense."

"But Senpai, I trained all day too, and I'm tired as well! Doesn't that make it fair?"

Zoro kept his eyes locked on Shano. "Scared?"

Shano couldn't be bothered to argue with the kid. He shook his head and was about to walk away, but after a glance at the bamboo sword in Zoro's hand, he changed his mind. *Fine. I can't shake him off, so I might as well get this trouble over with.*

"Alright, let's have a spar."

Shano reached out to take a bamboo sword, but Zoro pushed his hand away, eyes widening. "What are you doing? Think I'm going to share? I'm a two-sword style user; I need both of these!"

Shano chuckled, having forgotten that, and signaled for Junichi to fetch him one. Then, he suddenly turned his head toward the end of the corridor. "Koshiro-san’s daughter, why don't you join us?"

"Eh?" In the dim light, Kuina, hiding behind a pillar, widened her eyes and gripped her sleeves tightly. *When did he notice me hiding here?*

...

In the back courtyard of the dojo, there was a thatched awning where outdoor activities were held during bad weather.

"Hey! Are you serious!" Zoro was so angry his hair practically stood on end, pointing his bamboo sword at Shano. "We agreed to a spar; that should be one-on-one! How did it turn into the two of us against you?"

"Zoro!" Kuina scolded. "Mind your manners! Master Shano is a renowned swordsman of the East Blue. It is a great honor that he is willing to give us a chance to spar. We should give it our all to be worthy of this opportunity, not stand here shouting!"

"What kind of spell has he cast on you? Why are you always defending an outsider?" Zoro was even more annoyed. "Fine! We'll do this match, but I'm attacking on my own—don't expect me to coordinate with you!"

"As if I’d want your help," Kuina scoffed. She gripped her bamboo sword and addressed Shano solemnly, "We are going to begin. Please be careful, Master Shano!"

The girl who had been shy and timid in front of her idol just moments ago now stood straight as a stalk of bamboo, her presence becoming sharp and focused.

"Come on then." Shano smiled and weighed the bamboo sword in his hand.

Under the eaves behind them, Junichi rested his forehead in his hand and let out a long, weary sigh. The scene was all too familiar. He didn't even need to think to know exactly what was about to happen.