Naturally, Zoro stood no chance against Xia Yu. The only reason Xia Yu accepted the green-haired kid's challenge was that after integrating LV6 swordsmanship, he felt a slight itch to test it out—and simply wanted to swing a sword for fun.
"Alright, you two. It's getting late—time to head home."
After defeating Zoro with a single move, Xia Yu returned Wado Ichimonji to Kuina and said with a smile,
"If fate allows… we'll meet again."
With that, Xia Yu turned around and left without hesitation.
"W-Wait…!"
Seeing Xia Yu leave so decisively, Kuina quickly stepped forward.
"Um… I still don't know—"
"My name is Xia Yu."
As if he already knew what Kuina wanted to ask, Xia Yu answered directly.
"Compared to being called a swordsman… I prefer the title 'traveler.'"
"Xia Yu? A traveler?"
Kuina blinked, and hope gradually began to shine in her eyes.
"Mr. Xia Yu! Can girls… really become the world's strongest swordsman?"
"As long as you believe you can… then you will."
Hearing Xia Yu's firm answer again, Kuina revealed a brilliant smile for the first time. Facing Xia Yu's departing figure, she bowed deeply.
"Thank you, Mr. Xia Yu! I'll never give up!"
But when Kuina raised her head again, Xia Yu had already disappeared.
After entering Shimotsuki Village, Xia Yu froze on the spot.
Although the village wasn't small, there wasn't anything like an inn or lodging house.
This… this is bad.
Wandering aimlessly through this unfamiliar village and feeling the strange gazes of the villagers, Xia Yu finally stopped walking and headed straight toward one of the houses.
Bang!
Before Xia Yu could even reach the door, the villager inside—probably frightened by the sight of this unfamiliar stranger—slammed the door shut.
"...?"
Xia Yu stared at the tightly shut door, his eyes widening.
Damn it…
Why is the difference between people so huge?!
When he first arrived at Windmill Village, the villagers there were extremely welcoming.
Especially Makino. After learning that he was a traveler, she not only arranged a place for him to stay but even brought him a large bowl of ramen.
But what's with the villagers of Shimotsuki Village?
Do I look that scary?
Or are the people here just shy around strangers?
Alright, alright…
If I had known earlier, I should've just taken the chance to stay at Kuina's place for the night.
"Mr. Xia Yu! Mr. Xia Yu!"
Just as Xia Yu was wondering where to go, Kuina's voice suddenly came from behind him.
Panting as she hurried up to him, Kuina leaned on her sword for support and said between breaths,
"Mr. Xia Yu… you walk so fast! I forgot to tell you—there's no lodging in our village. I thought you might not have a place to stay tonight, so I followed you."
"If you don't mind, Mr. Xia Yu, please come to my house as a guest! My father is a swordsman too."
Of course, Xia Yu wouldn't refuse.
There was no reason to.
After all, he still needed to stay here for a while until he completed the mission before leaving.
So in a village without inns or lodging houses, Koushirou's dojo was the best possible place for him.
Seeing Xia Yu agree immediately, Kuina was very happy and promptly led him toward the dojo.
…
…
The next day.
After already becoming acquainted with Koushirou, Xia Yu got up early in the morning and went to find him, preparing to begin his… fishing mission.
"You're going fishing, Mr. Xia Yu?"
When he heard that Xia Yu planned to fish by the sea, Koushirou froze for a moment.
From their conversation the night before, he knew Xia Yu was indeed a traveler—but he hadn't expected Xia Yu to have such a… peaceful hobby.
Still, despite his surprise, Koushirou lent Xia Yu a fishing rod and some bait.
Watching Xia Yu leave the dojo wearing a straw hat and carrying the fishing rod over his shoulder, Koushirou stood at the entrance and smiled while shaking his head.
"Father, did Mr. Xia Yu tell you he's a swordsman?"
At that moment, Kuina suddenly walked over, looking slightly excited.
"Last night on the beach, I saw him draw his sword. "His speed was fast… incredibly fast—like lightning! Zoro was completely stunned at the time."
Although Koushirou was somewhat surprised, his expression barely changed.
He already knew Xia Yu wasn't an ordinary person.
The reasoning was simple: if Xia Yu didn't possess considerable strength, there was no way he could travel the world alone. Even though Koushirou had retired and lived quietly in Shimotsuki Village, he understood better than most just how dangerous the seas of this world truly were.
After a moment of silence, Koushirou gently patted Kuina's head and smiled.
"It's time to practice your sword."
"Yes, Father!"
Kuina's eyes burned with determination.
"I will become the world's strongest swordsman. Mr. Xia Yu said girls can become the strongest too!"
"Hmm?"
Koushirou's eyes narrowed slightly. Just as he was about to speak, a violent gust of wind swept through the courtyard, and the sky darkened in an instant.
"Kuina, go practice your sword first."
After glancing at the sky, Koushirou spoke with a serious expression.
"And if you happen to see some unfamiliar people in the dojo later, remember this—you must keep it a secret."
"Huh?"
Although Kuina was confused, she obediently turned around and left.
As soon as Kuina walked away, a figure descended from the sky and landed steadily in the courtyard.
Seeing this, Koushirou immediately stepped forward and greeted him with a smile.
"Dragon. Long time no see."
The man standing in the courtyard was wearing a dark green coat. On the left side of his face was a red square-pattern tattoo, and his expression was cold and imposing.
Dragon—the leader of the Revolutionary Army, a mysterious and powerful man.
"Long time no see, Mr. Koushirou."
After glancing around the courtyard, Dragon got straight to the point.
"I came this time to gather supplies. I'll need your help organizing them."
"Are you preparing to make a big move?"
Koushirou raised his head with a serious expression.
"When do you need them?"
"As soon as possible."
Meanwhile—
Xia Yu, wearing a straw hat, sat on a rock by the sea and yawned lazily.
"Fish… how about we make a deal?"
"As long as you hurry up and bite the hook and help me finish this mission, I'll throw you tons and tons of fish food. What do you say?"
"One hundred fish! I just need one hundred fish!"
Xia Yu was definitely not a fishing enthusiast.
When he first received this mission, he was almost devastated.
Fortunately, the task carried no danger and gave him a full month to complete it.
So, with absolutely no fishing experience, he could only imitate Jiang Ziya fishing—waiting for fish willing to bite the hook themselves.