"Alright!"
Hearing the two speak, Don didn't refuse.
After that, he recounted his experiences over this period to Kuina and Zoro, while Robin quietly helped tidy up the room at the side.
"Fishmen are that brutal?"
When Don mentioned that Arlong's Fishman Pirates had killed countless people, Zoro's eyes widened.
Don chuckled softly and shook his head.
"It's not just fishmen—most pirates are like that."
"Don's right," Kuina chimed in beside him.
"One day, I'll become a Pirate Hunter too," Zoro declared seriously, staring intently at Don.
"You'd better fix that habit of getting lost first. Otherwise, once you're out at sea, you probably won't even know how to make it back."
Don poured cold water over him without mercy.
"You're one to talk! You're terrible with directions too!"
Zoro shot back immediately, then raised his hand to shield his forehead—half expecting a smack.
"I've heard there are a lot of beautiful ones among fishmen," Kuina suddenly said.
"That's mermaids. Most live on Fishman Island. But plenty of slave traders roam around capturing both fishmen and mermaids—since their kind can fetch a high price at the auction houses."
The two's faces instantly paled at Don's words.
Such things really happen?
Seeing their reactions, Don smiled faintly, then continued recounting how he had crossed paths with Doflamingo, his encounter with Robin in the West Blue, and his clash with Aokiji.
"An Admiral of the Marines… as one of their strongest, his power must be terrifying."
Don spoke lightly, but Kuina and Zoro were no longer so naïve.
A Marine Admiral was already a true giant of the seas.
"They are indeed very strong," Don admitted.
"But you've really changed a lot."
Zoro looked at Don with a strange tone.
"When you first came to the dojo, you didn't even know swordsmanship—Kuina taught you. But now, you've already reached such a level…"
As he spoke, Zoro suddenly realized he might never catch up to Don.
Because I have a cheat…
Seeing the look on Zoro's face, Don smiled faintly.
"But you started late, so I'm still your senior!"
Kuina stubbornly pressed the point.
"Say that again when you actually surpass me."
Don narrowed his eyes at her, his expression turning serious.
Robin, having finished tidying, quietly watched Don tease the two children, smiling without interrupting.
Kuina gazed at Don, but didn't voice the words I'll definitely surpass you one day.
After all, in her eyes, Don was far, far ahead.
Once he finished telling them about his journey, Don sent the two on their way.
"I'll be staying for a few days. During that time, I can guide your training—so work hard!"
As they left, Don spoke up.
"Of course I'll work hard!"
Zoro immediately shot back, while Kuina nodded earnestly beside him.
After the two were gone, Robin sat down across from Don.
"You seem pretty close to them," she remarked.
"But they said earlier—you couldn't even wield a sword a little over a year ago. So… you grew this strong in just that short time?"
Robin had thought she already knew Don well. But this revelation seemed unbelievable.
"That's true. But don't compare yourself to me—you'd only end up feeling crushed."
Don lifted his hand, flames curling into a whip that lashed out and drew the blade beside him into his grasp.
As he drew the sword, its sheen had clearly changed.
Once dull and rough, the blade now gleamed with a strange, captivating beauty.
Robin didn't press further. She rose, choosing instead to wander the dojo, curious about the place where Don had once lived.
Meanwhile, Kuina and Zoro had resumed sparring.
Don's return clearly delighted them.
Robin didn't disturb them, simply watching their match from the sidelines.
Her presence soon caught their attention. When the bout ended, the two approached her, tilting their heads back to meet her gaze.
"You'll always stay with Don from now on?" Kuina asked.
"Why do you ask that?" Robin tilted her head slightly.
"I once wanted to set out to sea with him… but he threw me back ashore."
Kuina's voice held a trace of lingering grievance.
"You're still too young. Adventuring on the seas is no easy thing."
Robin could guess what Don had been thinking.
"I know. But only by venturing out can one truly grow stronger," Kuina said seriously, Zoro nodding vigorously beside her.
"But Don became so strong in just a year right here."
Robin reminded them gently.
The two fell silent.
That… wasn't wrong.
"So, that means… you're really strong too?"
Kuina thought for a moment before asking again.
"Me? I'm not that strong. But lately, I've been growing too."
"Show me!" Kuina demanded immediately.
Before long, both Kuina and Zoro found themselves immobilized—extra arms sprouting on their bodies.
"This… is also a Devil Fruit ability?"
Their eyes widened.
"Mm. I ate the Hana Hana no Mi—it lets me bloom limbs wherever I want."
As Robin spoke, dozens of arms unfurled behind her like a blossoming flower.
Kuina and Zoro exchanged stunned looks.
"Don risked a lot to bring back that fruit. You'd better think carefully—because once you eat a Devil Fruit, the sea will reject you. You'll never be able to swim again."
Robin dismissed her ability and left them with that warning.
Kuina nodded, but deep down, her decision was already made.
After parting with Robin, Kuina went straight to find her father.
Seeing his daughter, Koushirou already knew what her choice would be.
"So—you've decided?"
His expression was grave as he looked at her.
"Yes. Since Don went through so much trouble to find it, I want to try."
Although she had grown much stronger lately, ever since she'd let go of her inner burdens, the gap between her and Don had only widened.
"If you've made up your mind, then follow your own path."
Koushirou fixed his eyes on her, then pushed the small chest before her.
…
The next day.
Don, clad in training attire and carrying his blade, entered the dojo courtyard.
The disciples who spotted him all gaped in surprise.
Don greeted them warmly, then began his usual drills.
But his gaze lingered often on Kuina.
She was very different from yesterday.
Others might not notice, but Don could not be fooled.
After training, the students dispersed.
Kuina walked up to Don.
"I ate that Devil Fruit. It was really awful."
Her face went pale at the memory, recalling the revolting taste from the night before.
"Then show me your power."
Don nodded. The foul taste, he already knew. What he wanted to see was the type of fruit Kuina had gained.
END OF CHAPTER
patreon.com/MrBehringer
Fireborne Legends
🔹 Rising Bounty – Read up to 15 chapters ahead
🔸 Legendary Bounty – Command up to 35 chapters ahead