A week passed in the blink of an eye.
"You're noisy as hell, Zoro. Can't you train without sounding like you're murdering trees?" Jin lounged on the vine chair under the tree, arms behind his head, eyes half-lidded in annoyance. "Stop chopping logs and go grab the heavy blunt wooden swords. Try slicing falling leaves with those. When you can slice ten in a row midair, maybe—maybe—you'll have a shot at catching up to Kuina."
Zoro paused mid-swing, sweat pouring down his brow. He turned to Jin with suspicion. "Are you serious?"
"Does it look like I've got time to joke with a green-haired gremlin? All that log-cutting is for wannabes. Get to work."
"Right!" Zoro bolted toward the shed with renewed zeal, muttering something about surpassing Kuina and becoming the world's greatest swordsman.
Jin sighed and let his eyes close again.
Kuina hadn't visited the house much that week. She was likely spending time with her father—understandable. Their departure was getting close. Jin didn't take it personally. Let her be a daughter for a little longer.
Creaaaak—
The vine chair groaned under him.
"…Too much weight, huh," Jin murmured. "Guess even chairs have limits."
Not long after, the sound of whistling wind lulled him toward sleep.
Nightfall.
"Zoro. Kuina and I are setting sail the day after tomorrow," Jin said calmly, seated at the stone table across from the boy. Between them sat a large gourd sealed with rope. "These are for you. Inside are 170 pills. Starting from the day you turn ten, take one each week while soaking in hot water. Don't train that day. Just rest. These will help your body rebuild."
Zoro's expression turned deadly serious. "Got it. Starting at ten. One per week. Three years' worth…"
"Hide them. Don't tell anyone, not even Kuina."
Zoro nodded. He didn't need to ask what they did. He'd figure it out soon enough.
"I'll catch up to you," he said, gripping the gourd like a treasure. "When I set sail, I'll come find you both. And I'll win."
Jin grinned. "Looking forward to it."
Zoro stood, bowed low, and walked off into the night—back straight, steps steady.
The next day.
Jin wore a crimson shirt, open at the chest, tucked into black slacks and polished shoes. His sword, Kurofune, rested on his back, wrapped tightly in dark cloth.
As he passed through the Isshin Dojo's outer training ground, the rhythmic shouts of students echoed like a war drum.
"Hah! Hah! Hah!"
The kids shouted with each swing of their bamboo swords.
"Nice spirit," Jin murmured with a smirk.
"You're here. Come in."
Koshiro's voice called from the back.
Jin stepped through the courtyard, nodding at the curious kids gawking at him like some wandering war god.
He entered the back chamber and sat across from the sword master.
"You're leaving," Koshiro said, pouring tea. His usual smile was absent.
"I am."
"I don't have much to say. Take care of Kuina. No accidents. No regrets."
"If anything happens to her, it'll mean I'm already dead," Jin replied with a calm smile—but one that carried heavy steel behind it.
Koshiro nodded.
"Then we'll see you at the docks."
Jin stood and left without another word.
Back at home, Kuma was pacing the courtyard.
"Boss, I haven't seen Big Sis Kuina in four days," the bear muttered, rubbing his fuzzy chin. "She's not coming here to train anymore?"
Jin chuckled. "Probably spending time with her father. Let them be."
"Ohhh… I get it."
"By the way," Kuma said, rubbing the back of his head. "How long do you think it'll take for me to awaken Armament Haki?"
Jin looked at him seriously. "It'll come. Keep pushing. As long as your will doesn't break, it'll happen eventually."
"Got it, boss."
"Now get some sleep. We set sail tomorrow."
"Aye, Boss! Goodnight!"
Morning. The Docks.
A medium-sized merchant vessel swayed gently with the tide, moored at the wooden pier.
On the dock, Kuina knelt before her father. Her luggage was minimal—one travel pack, one sword case.
"Father… I swear. I'll become the kind of swordsman that makes the world tremble."
Koshiro smiled softly. "I know. You already have the heart for it. Jin has given you the foundation. Now go chase your dream."
His voice wavered for a moment. He pulled her into a rare, brief hug.
"Take care of yourself."
Kuina bit her lip, holding back tears.
"I will."
She turned and ran up the gangplank.
"You finished your goodbyes?" Jin asked as she landed beside him on the deck.
Kuina's eyes were red—but her back was straight.
"…I'm fine."
Jin smiled and patted her head gently.
"We'll come back someday. This is just the beginning."
This story is inspired from various fanfics i have read from around the world so if you find any similarities please dont mind . Thank you
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T/N :
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