Chapter 012
Kai swallowed hard. He could clearly feel his heartbeat accelerating. Facing Kuina's first-ever request, he truly couldn't bring himself to refuse—deep down, he didn't even want to.
Looking again at her adorable, upturned face and those slightly puckered lips leaning toward him, a wave of emotion surged through Kai. Finally, he stopped holding back. His hands firmly wrapped around Kuina's slender waist, and he leaned in to press his lips gently against her soft, tender ones.
In that instant, Kai clearly sensed it in his consciousness universe: the orb representing Kuina glowed even brighter with pink light. Their innocent, youthful kiss deepened her love for him even further!
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"Kuina… I'm leaving this place."
As he spoke, reluctance welled up in Kai's heart. He looked earnestly into Kuina's beautiful eyes, which had suddenly tightened with emotion. He had already learned everything he could on Shimotsuki Island—it was time for him to venture out into the world!
He had been longing for the vast seas beyond for a long time. A week ago, when Koushirou told him he had mastered the basics, Kai had already wanted to leave. But he couldn't bear to part with Kuina, so he had delayed until now.
Still, Kai knew that if he didn't go out and experience the world, he would never grow truly strong. So he had to steel himself.
"You… you're setting sail?"
Kuina's voice trembled as she asked, panic rising in her chest. She had always known Kai would leave one day—but she hadn't expected it to be so soon!
"Take me with you! Can you?"
Tears welled up in Kuina's eyes. She couldn't bear to be separated from him.
"Kuina…"
Kai paused, a conflicted look flashing across his face. It wasn't that he didn't want to bring her—he simply didn't have the confidence yet to protect her properly with his current strength. If anything happened to her, it would break his heart. Besides, Kuina had only just mastered sword energy; she wasn't ready to face the dangers of the sea yet.
Pulling Kuina down to lie beside him on the soft sand, Kai honestly explained everything on his mind. After listening, Kuina said nothing more. She simply clung tightly to him, nestling in his arms without pressing the issue again.
"Kai… will you come back? You said you'd take me with you to the Grand Line, right?"
Finally, Kuina lifted her tear-reddened eyes and asked softly.
"Silly girl, of course I'll come back! My adorable Kuina is here—how could I possibly not return?"
Hearing her concern and seeing her tear-streaked face, Kai's heart ached. He gently pinched her delicate nose affectionately.
"Really?"
Kuina's tears turned into a smile. The playful pinch made her heart flutter with joy. She widened her big eyes and asked again eagerly.
"Of course! But when I come back, Kuina has to become an outstanding swordmaster, okay? Otherwise, I won't take you with me!"
Seeing her smile again lifted Kai's mood instantly. He teased her lightly while also motivating her.
"Mm! Don't worry, Kai—by the time you return, I'll definitely catch up to your level!"
Kuina lifted her cute face confidently. Her competitive nature wouldn't allow her to fall too far behind him!
"Mm! When that time comes, I'll definitely take Kuina with me to conquer the Grand Line!"
Kai smiled warmly, relieved to see her spirits restored. He made the promise with all his heart.
"It's a deal, okay?"
Kuina immediately extended her pinky finger toward him, looking serious.
"Mm! It's a deal!"
Seeing how adorable she was, Kai quickly hooked his own pinky around hers. Their thumbs pressed together.
"Pinky promise! A hundred years! No take-backs!"
Kuina said playfully as their fingers linked. Bathed in the glow of the setting sun, the pure, radiant smile that bloomed on her face etched itself deeply into Kai's heart—innocent and breathtakingly beautiful!
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