The Marine ship remained at the village for three days.
Three long days.
They questioned everyone.
Villagers.
Witnesses.
Survivors.
And slowly—
The story of what happened began to spread.
"Two pirates… just dropped dead…"
"No wounds…"
"No blood…"
Whispers turned into rumors.
Something unnatural had happened.
And the Marines—
Were listening.
Kevin stayed away from them.
Not hiding.
But not approaching either.
He trained.
Morning.
Afternoon.
Night.
As if nothing had changed.
But inside—
Everything had.
"…They noticed."
He remembered the Marine officer's gaze.
Sharp.
Focused.
That wasn't normal curiosity.
That was suspicion.
"Kevin."
He turned.
Shimotsuki Kuina stood behind him, arms crossed.
"You've been avoiding them."
"…Yeah."
Kuina walked closer.
"…You think they'll arrest you?"
Kevin paused.
"…If they understand what I did…"
He looked at his hand.
"…Maybe."
Kuina frowned.
"…You helped people."
Kevin shook his head slightly.
"That's not how the world works."
Kuina didn't argue.
Because even she…
Could feel it.
Something about Kevin's power—
Wasn't something the Marines would accept easily.
That afternoon—
The Marine officer returned.
This time—
Directly toward the dojo.
Kevin felt it immediately.
"…He's coming here."
Koushirou stood at the entrance, calm as ever.
The Marine stopped in front of him.
"I have a few questions."
Koushirou nodded.
"Of course."
Kevin watched from inside.
Hidden.
Listening.
"Two pirates died without visible injuries," the Marine said.
"Yes."
"Your students were present."
"They were."
The Marine's gaze sharpened.
"…Did you see anything unusual?"
A pause.
A very small pause.
Then—
"No."
Kevin's eyes widened slightly.
"…Sensei…"
The Marine stared for a moment longer.
As if trying to read something deeper.
Then—
"…If you notice anything, report it."
"Of course."
The Marine turned and left.
But not before—
Glancing once more toward the dojo.
Kevin stepped out slowly.
"…Why?"
Koushirou looked at him.
"Because you are still a child."
"That's not a reason."
"It is enough."
Kevin clenched his fists.
"…They'll come back."
Koushirou nodded.
"Yes."
Silence.
"Then I'll be stronger before they do."
Koushirou's eyes softened slightly.
"…Good."
Kuina stepped forward.
"Then stop wasting time."
Kevin smirked.
"…You're one to talk."
"Fight me."
"Gladly."
Clack!
Their swords collided again.
But this time—
There was no hesitation.
Days turned into weeks.
Weeks into months.
Training intensified.
Kevin pushed himself harder.
Not just physically—
But mentally.
He learned to feel life more clearly.
Not perfectly.
But enough.
Small animals.
Insects.
Even the faint presence of people.
He didn't take their lives.
Not anymore.
He practiced stopping.
Controlling.
Resisting.
At the same time—
His sword improved.
Still not at Kuina's level.
But closer.
Closer than before.
"You're improving," Kuina admitted one day.
Kevin smirked.
"Say that again."
"Don't get used to it."
Clack!
They clashed again.
Faster now.
Sharper.
Kevin blocked one strike—
Then another—
Then—
He slipped past her guard.
"…!"
Kuina reacted instantly—
But—
Kevin's wooden sword stopped just inches from her shoulder.
Silence.
"…I win."
Kuina stared at him.
Then—
Smiled.
"…Once."
Kevin laughed.
"…I'll take it."
Time continued forward.
Slowly.
But surely.
And then—
Two years passed.
⏳ TIME SKIP: Age 6 → 8
Kevin stood in the same training yard.
But he wasn't the same.
His body was stronger.
Not muscular—
But refined.
His movements—
More precise.
His eyes—
Sharper.
He held a real sword now.
Not wood.
Steel.
Kuina stood across from him.
Also stronger.
Also faster.
"Ready?" she asked.
Kevin nodded.
"…Always."
Clang!
Steel met steel.
This time—
The gap between them—
Was no longer overwhelming.
From the side, Koushirou watched quietly.
"…He's growing."
But not just in skill.
Kevin's presence had changed.
Subtly.
Quietly.
Like something unseen—
Was always standing behind him.
Watching.
Waiting.
Kevin stepped forward—
And for a brief moment—
The air around him turned cold again.
Not enough to scare.
Not enough to harm.
But enough—
To be noticed.
Kuina narrowed her eyes.
"…You used it."
Kevin didn't deny it.
"…A little."
Kuina smirked.
"Then don't hold back too much."
Kevin smiled.
"…I won't."
Because now—
He understood something clearly.
Power wasn't just about strength.
It was about control.
And he—
Was finally beginning—
To gain both.
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