Side Story – "A Sword's Breath"
(This is a side story , it does not take place after the tournament)
The afternoon sun in Shimotsuki Village was gentle that day, casting warm streaks of gold across the dojo's polished wooden floor. The clang of practice swords had died down for the day, the students dispersing one by one. Only the soft shhhh of a broom on the veranda could be heard, and the faint smell of oil drifted from the storage room.
Inside, Koushirou sat cross-legged before a low wooden table. Laid across it was a sheathed katana, its lacquered scabbard glinting faintly. Beside it, a folded cloth, a small bottle of sword oil, and a powder ball rested neatly.
At the door, a much younger Zoro — no more than 12 years old — stood watching with curiosity.
Koushirou looked up.
"Zoro. Come here."
Zoro padded over, eyes glued to the sword.
"Do you know why I keep this one here instead of in the rack with the others?" Koushirou asked.
Zoro tilted his head. "'Cause it's special?"
Koushirou nodded slowly. "Special… yes. But not because of its age or craftsmanship. It's special because it has been cared for every single day since it was forged. A sword's life depends on the hands that keep it alive."
He gestured for Zoro to sit. "Today, you'll learn how to keep a blade breathing."
Step 1 – Respect Before Touch
Koushirou placed both palms on the table and bowed his head briefly before unsheathing the sword.
"Before you even think of cleaning it, you acknowledge it. The sword is not an object. It's a partner that shares your battles. A swordsman who forgets this… will never hear the blade's voice."
Zoro blinked. "Blades talk?"
"Not with words. They tell you when they're ready, when they're tired… and when they've had enough of you," Koushirou replied, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
Step 2 – Disassembly
He removed the peg holding the hilt to the tang and gently separated the parts, laying them out with precision.
"Every part matters. Dust in the guard, moisture under the hilt wrapping — these are the quiet ways a sword begins to die."
Zoro reached out, but Koushirou stopped him. "Not yet. First, learn to look before you touch."
Step 3 – Purification
Koushirou picked up the powder ball, tapping a fine dust across the blade. He explained,
"The uchiko ball cleans away old oil and grit. Always from the spine toward the edge, never sideways — the edge demands respect, and it will take your skin if you get careless."
Zoro leaned closer, watching the powder settle like pale snow on steel.
Step 4 – Breathing Life Back
Using a soft cloth, Koushirou wiped the blade in long, slow strokes. The steel gleamed faintly in the light.
"A sword is like a living being. This…" he tapped the blade, "…is its skin. Keep it clean, keep it oiled, and it will never betray you in the rain or the blood of battle."
He poured a single drop of oil onto the cloth, spreading it evenly. "Too much, and it suffocates. Too little, and it dries out. Balance, Zoro. A swordsman's first lesson is balance in all things."
Step 5 – Return to Rest
When the work was done, Koushirou reassembled the sword and slid it smoothly into its scabbard.
"The sword sleeps now, ready for the next fight. When you hold a well-kept blade, it will feel eager in your hands. Neglect it, and it will feel heavy… almost resentful."
Zoro's eyes were wide. "So… taking care of your sword makes it stronger?"
"It makes you stronger," Koushirou corrected. "Because you learn patience, discipline, and responsibility. Without those, you can't even protect your own blade — let alone your life."
That night, Zoro sat cross-legged in his small room, his two battered practice swords laid across his lap. He imitated Koushirou's motions as best he could with an old rag and a drop of oil. His hands were clumsy, his strokes uneven — but his eyes were sharp, filled with quiet determination.
It was the first time he understood that being a swordsman wasn't just about cutting things down… it was about keeping something alive.
Timeskip (2 years later (Zoro is 16 years old))
The morning mist hung low over Shimotsuki Village, softening the edges of tiled rooftops and the wisteria blooms swaying gently in the breeze. Zoro stood at the entrance of the dojo, He wore a white short sleeved shirt with dark green pants and boots .On his biceps was tied a dark green cloth, Wado Ichimonji tucked at his hip, a travel pack slung over his shoulder. His green haramaki belt was tightened firmly, the knot pulled with more conviction .
Koushirou stood waiting for him, hands folded calmly behind his back, a faint smile hidden beneath his usual serenity. Behind him, the students gathered — some trying to look cheerful, others clearly fighting the sting of parting.They had trained, spared and shared meals together for years , it was hard .
"Zoro," Koushirou began, voice quiet but carrying through the cool air. "The path you've chosen is steep, unyielding, and full of blades that do not forgive mistakes." His gaze softened. "But you've walked the first steps well. You have the strength to keep walking."
Zoro bowed low, the gesture stiff but deep with respect. "…Thank you. For everything."
One of the younger students stepped forward, eyes wide. "Zoro-nii, will you really fight other swordsmen out there?"
Zoro smirked. "Yeah. And I'm gonna beat them all."
Koushirou's expression grew more serious. "Remember what I've taught you — the sword is not your hand, but your will made steel. Never draw it in arrogance. Never break it in carelessness. And never… lose sight of the reason you fight."
From the group, Urashima spoke out "Try not to get killed, Mosshead"
"Shut up," Zoro shot back, but there was no heat in it — only the edge of a grin.
Koushirou stepped aside, the road beyond the village stretching out like a blade cutting through the horizon. "Go," he said simply.
Zoro took his first step beyond the wisteria's reach. The petals swirled around him in the wind, falling like a quiet blessing.
None of them waved, but every eye followed him until the mist swallowed his figure — their silence heavier than words
"Is someone gonna tell him that he's going the wrong direction "One of the students said with a deadpan face
"Don't ruin the moment another said"
"He will find his way eventually "
Koushiro and the students just smiled, they were going to miss Zoro.
"Zoro ,kuina's will and dreams I leave to you , be the greatest swordsman and fulfill your promise " Koushiro said as he stared at Zoro's back as he was getting further and further