After spotting Dragon and his crew in town, Lin Mo immediately knew they must be looking for Koshiro.
Dragon is the leader of the Revolutionary Army. The Revolutionary Army's mission is to overthrow the oppressive rule of the Celestial Dragons, who control the World Government. To the World Government, the Revolutionary Army represents the greatest threat to their authority.
As of now, the Revolutionary Army is still in the preparation phase and has yet to initiate any large-scale actions.
As for Dragon's visit to Shimotsuki Village to meet with Koshiro, Lin Mo didn't care about the reasons. It wasn't his business.
However, to return the guest room that Koshiro had prepared for him, he had to pass through the tea room.
Koshiro spoke first, breaking the silence, "Lin Mo, heading out?"
Lin Mo glanced at him and calmly nodded. "Mm."
Dragon studied him curiously.
Ivankov couldn't hold back and rushed out of the tea room, getting way too close to Lin Mo, inspecting him from every angle. "So you're the kid Dragon and Koshiro mentioned? I don't see what the fuss is about. Hey, hey, are you really gonna beat Kuina?"
Lin Mo pushed him aside with a slight frown. "Stay away."
"What?!" Ivankov exaggeratedly staggered back, clutching his chest dramatically as if he were in pain. "Ah! My heart... my heart... I can't... I'm dying... I'm dying…"
A few seconds later, Ivankov suddenly jumped up, hands raised in a cheerful pose. "Ha! I'm not dying!"
Koshiro smiled, adding a playful jab. "Ivankov, Lin Mo has already left."
"Ah!" Ivankov stopped in his tracks and saw that Lin Mo was already far away.
Ivankov collapsed into a corner, hugging his knees and sulking. "That little brat really just walked away…"
Koshiro smiled softly. "Ivankov is still as lively as ever."
Dragon sipped his tea, and then, unexpectedly, asked, "That kid Lin Mo... is he really just a child?"
"Hm? What do you mean?"
"His eyes... his demeanor... it's like he's been through a lot. He doesn't seem like a regular kid."
"I sense the same thing. But he really is just a child, and an extraordinarily gifted one at that." Koshiro replied, his eyes gleaming with something more. "Dragon, do you believe in miracles?"
Dragon raised an eyebrow. "Miracles? What are you talking about?"
"If you had arrived a few hours earlier, you would understand what I mean." Koshiro said, lost in thought. He recalled Lin Mo's sudden surge of power earlier, which had caught him off guard.
------------------
Next Morning.
At the break of dawn, Lin Mo rose early.
As soon as he stepped outside, a figure lunged toward him with murderous intent.
Lin Mo avoided it effortlessly, already sensing the incoming attack from the person lying in wait.
With a swift motion, he dispatched the fool with a simple slash.
"Ah!" Zoro face-planted into the dirt.
Lin Mo didn't even glance at him, walking by without a word.
Zoro scrambled to his feet, holding two bamboo swords, and followed eagerly. "Lin Mo, I've been thinking about what you said yesterday. I still don't understand everything, but I'm not giving up! One day, I'll completely understand you, surpass you, and beat you!"
Lin Mo responded lazily, "Mm."
Zoro continued, "I'm serious! Maybe you don't take me seriously now, but I'll prove myself through action. I'll train harder and show you I can do it!"
Lin Mo sighed inwardly. This kid is so persistent...
He kept walking, ignoring Zoro.
When they passed the tea room, Koshiro's voice suddenly rang out, "Zoro, shouldn't you be practicing now?"
Zoro froze, then immediately bowed to Koshiro. "Yes, Master!"
With renewed energy, Zoro rushed off toward the dojo.
Lin Mo nodded at Koshiro, who was sipping tea. "Thanks."
Koshiro smiled, "You're welcome. Are you heading out?"
"Mm."
Lin Mo exited the Ichi-Shin Dojo and entered the hills surrounding Shimotsuki Village for his daily hunt.
This was a regular part of his routine: fighting strong animals to hone his combat skills, boost his physical strength, and improve his Haki proficiency. The animals he hunted could also be traded for Berries, which he used to buy food and drink.
Two hours later, Lin Mo returned with a full haul.
He shared part of the meat with the Ichi-Shin Dojo before heading to the local tavern.
It was just like the first time he walked into Windmill Village's tavern. The moment he entered, the customers burst into laughter.
"I'm not seeing things, right? Did a kid just walk into the tavern?"
"Hey, kid, this is a tavern! Go get some juice somewhere else, hahahaha."
"Look, he's carrying two swords. Is he from the Ichi-Shin Dojo? Shouldn't he be practicing swordplay, not coming here to show off? Hahaha."
"Kid, this isn't the place for you. Go back to practicing sword slashes. Hahaha."
Lin Mo ignored their jeers and walked to the bar.
He sat at the counter and placed some Berries down. "Give me the best drink you have."
The tavern owner smiled as he recognized Lin Mo. "Oh? You're the kid from last night. I knew you'd come. Where's your guardian?"
Lin Mo wasn't interested in talking.
He tapped the counter.
The tavern owner looked down, smiled, and took the Berries Lin Mo had placed, remarking, "You're really drinking at such a young age. Impressive."
The tavern owner quickly poured Lin Mo a glass of the house's specialty sorghum wine.
Lin Mo took a sip.
The rich, smooth flavor of the drink spread across his taste buds. While it wasn't as good as the wine Koshiro had given him, it was still quite enjoyable.
Lin Mo nodded in satisfaction and removed the wine gourd from his waist, placing it on the bar. He then took out more Berries. "Fill it up."
The tavern owner nodded, took the gourd, and refilled it before handing it back.
In that short time, Lin Mo had already finished his first glass.
The tavern owner, surprised to see Lin Mo remain completely calm, gave him a thumbs-up. "I didn't expect such a young kid to have such a strong liver!"
At that moment, the tavern door burst open. A figure rushed in and sat at the busiest table, as if they had just heard the hottest news. Excited, they said, "Did you hear? Kuina, the undefeated swordswoman of the Ichi-Shin Dojo, was defeated by an outsider yesterday!"