Chapter 218: Welcoming Kuina Aboard
"Bellemere, are you okay? Did they do anything to you?" Bellemere held Nami's shoulders, carefully inspecting her body for any signs of abuse.
The villagers of Cocoa West Village gathered around Nami, all relieved and happy to see her safe.
"I'm fine," Nami forced a smile , her face still looking like she was about to cry. "Bellemere..."
"I made a deal with the Dawn Pirates..."
The villagers were shocked at Nami's words.
"Nami!" Bellemere asked with a serious face. "Do you know who they are? They're pirates..."
"I know!" Nami pulled away from Bellemere's grip. "I know they're pirates, but their name can protect the village!"
"I saw with my own eyes how afraid those pirate crews are of the Dawn Pirates. Just their flag made them flee in fear!"
"I've already decided!" Nami revealed the lightning dragon tattoo on her left shoulder. "I want to join them, so I can protect the village!"
"Th... that's... the Dawn Pirates' tattoo!"
"Nami..." Bellemere's heart ached seeing her daughter compromising for the safety of the village.
"Nami," Nojiko also looked at her sister with concern.
Dr. Nakao comforted Bellemere, "The Dawn Pirates have a big name, but they haven't done anything bad to civilians. You don't need to worry too much."
Nami, under the gaze of the entire village, hung the Dawn Pirate flag on the Cocoa West Village port's flagpole.
The black base lightning dragon pirate flag finally flew on the first island, declaring it as Eric 's territory.
Nami suddenly clenched a few pieces of paper in her hands, which were the stick-fighting instructions and Eric 's contact number that he had written for her. She made a firm decision in her heart: 'I will make enough money, 100 million berries, and protect Bellemere and Cocoa West Village.'
"Excessive pampering harms; only after enduring hardships can one grow stronger," Eric muttered softly, "Nami, you will definitely stand before me in the future. I believe in your strength."
"At least I won't be like Arlong, forcing you to do things you don't want to do..." Eric , now standing at the stern of the ship, looked out as the Cocoa West Village silhouette gradually disappeared from view. He stopped gazing and turned back to the cabin.
...
In Frost Moon Village, the 13-year-old Kuina and 11-year-old Zoro were dueling, both with sweat dripping down their faces.
The sound of bamboo swords clashing filled the air as they exchanged rapid moves.
Genzirou, still squinting as usual, watched the battle from the side.
It was only when Kuina's bamboo sword struck Zoro's abdomen that the match ended with her victory.
"Ha" Kuina breathed heavily. "This is my 3,301st victory."
Over the past two years, Kuina found it increasingly difficult to win, and the length of the battles was growing longer. She realized the gap between her and Zoro was narrowing, and now, she could only win through endurance.
"Dammit," Zoro muttered in frustration, but this time, he didn't run away. Instead, he asked Genzirou, "Master, is there still no news about Eric and Kurome?"
"Eric ..." Genzirou softly replied, "No news."
"Could that guy Eric be dead? I hope he didn't Dragon Kurome down with him." Zoro, with a fierce expression, continued complaining, "He came to the East Blue last year but hasn't even come to see us. Eric is such a bastard."
Kuina, deeply worried, added, "The news from the year before last kept coming up in the newspapers, but since last September, we haven't heard anything. It's really worrisome."
"Don't worry." Genzirou comforted, "With their strength, they won't be in trouble. I have a feeling they will show up before you know it."
"Before that, make sure to train well. When Eric and Kurome come to see you, you'll surprise them."
Both of them responded loudly, "Yes!"
...
"It's been about two years, right?" Eric stood at the bow of the ship, gazing into the distance at Frost Moon Village, asking Kurome for confirmation.
"Mm." Kurome replied softly, "I wonder how Kuina and Zoro are doing now."
"That little brat Zoro is probably still challenging Kuina to a duel," Eric chuckled, remembering Zoro's unyielding gaze and Kuina's strong character. "I don't know who's stronger between the two of them now."
Kurome spoke frankly, "They've both worked hard. If only Eric worked as hard as them."
Pfft
Eric felt like he'd been stabbed in the heart.
"Sorry," Kurome quickly apologized when she noticed Eric 's stiff expression. "I shouldn't have spoken the truth."
Pfft
Eric felt another stab in his heart.
Injured both physically and emotionally, Eric led Kurome, Kuina, Kurumi, and Esdeath along the path to the dojo.
Kurome, happily, asked, "Is this the dojo where sister trained in swordsmanship?"
"Mm, Genzirou-sensei gave me a lot of guidance in swordsmanship back then."
"So this guy must be strong?" Esdeath smirked, "I could use some exercise. This trip has been so boring."
"You're challenging the dojo, so please don't do anything unnecessary."
"Eric , you're so petty." Esdeath pouted, which was a rare sight.
Upon arriving at the entrance of the Isshin Dojo, the sound of bamboo swords striking wooden posts echoed through the yard, sharp and rhythmic, full of strength.
"That's Kuina practicing with her bamboo sword." Kurome smiled. "She hasn't changed after two years."
"Yeah." Eric walked up and called, "Kuina!"
"!" Hearing the familiar voice, Kuina stopped her movements and quickly ran toward the door.
The sounds of bamboo striking wood abruptly stopped, replaced by the sound of quick footsteps.
"Akame-sister!" Kuina, drenched in sweat, appeared at the dojo's entrance, and joyfully rushed toward Akame.
"I've been so worried about you!" Kuina hugged Akame tightly and rested her chin on her shoulder.
Akame smiled and gently stroked Kuina's short hair.
"I see you only want Akame and not me," Eric said with a pout.
"Not true!" Kuina quickly retorted.
Genzirou, the dojo master, came to the door with a warm smile, still as kind as ever.
"Genzirou-sensei," Eric bowed. "As agreed, I'm here to take Kuina."
"I know Eric is a man of his word," Genzirou replied, returning the bow. "So I entrust Kuina to you, Eric ."
"Yes, I will protect her." Eric turned to Kuina with a serious expression. "So, Kuina, would you like to join my crew and board my ship?"
"Yes!" Kuina stepped away from Akame's embrace, her expression serious. "Captain Eric !"
(END CHAPTER)
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