"You're planning to leave?"
Koushirou looked at the black-haired boy sitting in front of him, a bit surprised, but quickly calmed down. Stroking his chin, he nodded, "It makes sense. This dojo doesn't have much left to teach you. Going out to face stronger opponents is probably the right choice for you."
"When do you plan to leave?"
Ron replied. There were about three months until early winter.
"Early winter, huh…" Koushirou smiled. "I remember you arrived at our dojo last winter, and now, it's almost been a year."
"I'll never forget the guidance and lessons I've received this past year," Ron said sincerely.
Koushirou smiled warmly. "I'm glad to have had a disciple like you. Maybe soon, I'll hear your name echo across the seas."
Koushirou's expression turned slightly more serious as he said, "Ron, I don't know what kind of person you want to become—whether a pirate or a marine—I won't interfere with that."
"But I want to tell you this: as a swordsman, you must have something in your heart that you firmly protect. Only with a steadfast and clear mind, never going against your own beliefs, can you unleash the full power of your sword. Your strikes will be unstoppable."
"Something to protect…" Ron murmured.
Koushirou's expression returned to his usual gentle demeanor, and he smiled, "It's not easy to find what you want to protect. I also struggled and wandered for a long time before I found my purpose. You're still young, so don't rush. When you've seen the vastness of the sea and met all kinds of people, you'll naturally understand."
Ron nodded thoughtfully, committing Koushirou's words to memory.
The two walked outside.
Koushirou suddenly remembered something and turned to Ron, "By the way, if you leave in the winter, there probably won't be many ships passing by the island. Why not wait until early spring? I have a friend who should be coming to this island for supplies by then. I can ask them to take you. How does that sound?"
Ron thought for a moment, then nodded, "Alright."
A few months went by, and winter turned into spring.
It was now the beginning of another year, and Ron had turned 10.
Before he left, the news of his departure somehow spread throughout the dojo.
When Zoro heard, he was shocked and immediately ran to find Ron.
In the backyard, where cherry blossoms were in full bloom, he found Ron lifting a massive stone dumbbell.
Ron had grown taller since before, though he was still quite small. His body was well-proportioned, and though the muscles under his thin white training robe weren't overly pronounced, their lines were full of vitality and strength.
Only his enemies knew the terrifying power hidden within his small frame.
"Ron, are you really leaving?" Zoro asked bluntly, staring at him intently.
"Yeah," Ron replied without turning around. "I'm leaving tomorrow."
Zoro gritted his teeth, clenching his fists. "Why? Why are you in such a hurry to leave?!"
"Before you go, I want…" Zoro trembled all over, clenching his fists tightly as he shouted at Ron's back, "I want to fight you one last time!!"
He knew that once Ron left, it would be uncertain when they would meet again on the vast sea.
Ron stopped lifting the dumbbell.
Turning his head, he smiled at Zoro. "Alright."
The two of them used the dojo's regular real swords for the duel.
Ron held his sword with one hand.
Zoro held his with both hands and gripped another in his mouth, struggling to maintain a balanced stance.
"So, this is your three-sword style," Ron said with a smile, "Looks like you're still not quite used to it."
"Sh-shut up!" Zoro growled through the sword in his mouth, glaring at Ron.
"Come on," Ron gestured for him to make the first move.
Zoro didn't hesitate. He knew his strength was inferior to Ron's, so he had to go all out from the start, or he would be quickly defeated.
He dashed toward Ron with a step.
As their blades met, Zoro's eyes widened in shock. It felt like he had struck an immovable wall of iron!
No matter how much force he used, Ron's sword remained unshaken.
"Your body still needs more training, Zoro," Ron said with a smile. Then, with a swift movement, he flicked his sword.
Zoro's three swords flew out of his hands and mouth.
His arms trembling, Zoro stood there, stunned, eyes wide and vacant.
He had known their strength difference was significant…
It was like he had no chance at all!
Zoro clenched his fists, biting his lip, his eyes welling up with unshed tears.
"We'll meet again on the sea, Zoro," Ron said, walking past him with his sword in hand.
Zoro raised his arm, wiping his eyes.
He wasn't ready to give up.
Why am I still so weak after a whole year?!
As Ron was about to leave the courtyard, Zoro's voice called out behind him.
"Next time, when we meet again on the sea… I won't be this weak anymore!"
"Ron, I will surpass you!"
Ron paused for a moment, but said nothing.
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