🌟 HEAR YE, HEAR YE, BRAVE SOULS! 🌟✨
🔥 Let the drums of destiny roar as we welcome our newest LEGENDARY adventurers… ⚔️ Buddyschlym! ⚔️ and ⚔️ Moran! ⚔️🎉⚡️ Our journey just leveled UP with their arrival!
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Luffy's memories drifted back to the moment he decided to change Kuina's fate. He had always been one to defy destiny, and when he remembered the tragedy of Shimotsuki Village's brightest star being snuffed out too soon, he knew he couldn't let it happen.
So, two years ago, Luffy used his Universal GPS to pinpoint Shimotsuki Village, finding it with ease.
And then he used the power of the Goro Goro no Mi to travel there in no time, barely taking a few minutes.
Upon his arrival, the villagers were both surprised and wary of the lively stranger, but his infectious grin quickly disarmed them.
It wasn't long before he stood in front of the Isshin Dojo.
"Oi, is this where the strongest swordsman is?" Luffy asked a young student near the entrance.
"That would be Kuina," The boy answered, pointing toward the dojo.
Luffy's eyes gleamed with excitement as he pushed open the doors of the dojo, his presence an unshakable force against the tranquil air inside.
The wooden floor creaked beneath his sandals as he strode forward, hands on his hips, his voice cutting through the murmurs of the students.
"I want to fight your best swordsman!"
A hush fell over the room. Disciples turned to one another, some whispering, others watching with wide eyes.
At the far end of the dojo, standing was the master of the dojo, Shimotsuki Koushirou. His calm gaze met Luffy's unrelenting one, and for a moment, silence reigned.
Then, the master chuckled. It was not mockery, but the amusement of a man who had seen many bold souls come and go.
"And who might you be, boy?"
His voice was soft, yet it carried the weight of authority.
Luffy grinned, flashing his teeth. "I'm Monkey D. Luffy! And I'm gonna be the King of the Pirates!"
A few students scoffed. Others exchanged looks of disbelief.
Koushirou's smile didn't waver. "A pirate, you say? Do you even have a ship?"
Luffy pouted. "Not yet."
"A crew?"
Luffy scratched his head. "Nope."
Koushirou leaned forward slightly. "Then, what makes you think you'll become a king?"
Luffy grinned even wider, stepping closer as if the answer was the most obvious thing in the world. "Because I decided I would!"
The room stirred at his conviction.
Koushirou studied the boy, his eyes narrowing just slightly. There was something about him.
Something wild. Something... magnetic.
That was when Kuina stepped forward.
The moment her eyes landed on Luffy, she felt it.
A sharp, inexplicable throb in her chest.
Her breath hitched.
What... is this feeling?
It was absurd. She was a swordswoman, the strongest student of the Dojo.
She had no time for distractions, let alone... this.
Yet, looking at him, it was as if something primal, something utterly beyond her control, clawed at the edges of her composed mind.
Her fingers twitched around the hilt of her sword, though she was unsure if it was from anticipation... or something else entirely.
"Very well," Koushirou said, breaking the moment. His amused eyes flickered between the two. "Kuina, would you accept this challenge?"
She swallowed, forcing away the inexplicable heat rising in her chest.
What was wrong with her? This was just a fight. Nothing more.
"I'll fight him," She declared, her voice unwavering.
Luffy stepped closer, his presence somehow pressing against her senses, filling the very air between them. He leaned in slightly, his grin mischievous, his eyes bright and full of something she couldn't quite place.
"If you lose," He said, his voice carrying an edge of playful arrogance, "you're coming with me. Deal?"
Kuina felt her heart lurch violently.
What?!
Why did his words feel like a declaration of fate? Why did they send a shiver down her spine?
She scoffed, desperate to bury the unwanted sensations. "Don't get ahead of yourself, idiot."
But even as she spoke, she could feel it.
A part of her wasn't sure if she wanted to win.
And that terrified her.
The fight began, and Kuina's skills immediately impressed Luffy. Her strikes were sharp and precise, each swing of her blade backed by years of dedication and rigorous training. She moved with the grace of someone who had honed her craft to perfection, but Luffy noticed her struggles.
"You're good," Luffy said as he dodged her blade effortlessly, his movements fluid and relaxed. "But you're wasting energy on wide arcs. Keep it tighter."
Kuina gritted her teeth, frustrated but unwilling to let his words distract her. She adjusted, her strikes becoming faster, more controlled.
Luffy nodded approvingly, dodging every blow with ease. He didn't strike back immediately, instead using the fight as an opportunity to push her.
"Your footing's too light," He commented, sidestepping a downward slash. "Plant yourself more firmly. Own the ground beneath you."
Kuina followed his advice, surprising herself when her attacks began to feel more solid. Despite her improvements, Luffy's sheer experience and strength made the outcome inevitable. He moved with the ease of someone far beyond her level, and after a few more exchanges, he disarmed her with a single, well-placed strike.
Her sword flew from her hands, and she landed on the ground, panting heavily.
"I win," Luffy said simply, extending a hand to help her up.
Kuina stared at him, her pride wounded but her determination burning brighter than ever.
"Why did you hold back?" She demanded.
"Because I wanted you to see how much stronger you could be," Luffy replied. "You've got the skills, but you're holding yourself back."
Her father, Koushirou, watched the exchange with a thoughtful expression. He approached his daughter, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Kuina, you've always wanted to become the strongest. Perhaps this young man can help you achieve that dream."
"But…" Kuina hesitated, looking between her father and Luffy.
"Don't let your dream slip away," Koushirou said softly.
Luffy grinned, patting her shoulder. "Come with me, Kuina. You've got what it takes to be the world's greatest swordswoman. I know it."
Her resolve hardened. "Fine. I'll go with you. But don't think I'll let you slack off on your promise."
------
In the evening
The dojo was alive with energy. The announcement of Kuina's departure meant only one thing—her graduation celebration.
Every student and master in Isshin Dojo gathered to honor her journey. Laughter and cheers filled the hall as the party preparations began.
Kuina worked alongside her father, Koushirou, ensuring everything was in place. She tried to focus, but her mind was still replaying the events of her duel with Luffy.
He was so strong, yet he had guided her and pushed her to grow.
There was something about him—something undeniable.
In the midst of the preparation, a small but determined voice interrupted.
"I challenge you, Luffy!"
Luffy turned, blinking at the sight of a young boy with green hair, a wooden sword gripped tightly in his hands.
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