Kuina was unwilling.
She didn't want Lin Mo to leave.
It was just too unfair—she hadn't defeated him yet! How could he just leave like that?
"Lin Mo." Kuina bit her lower lip, struggling to hold back the emotion threatening to burst forth. "Do you really have to go? If you leave now, I won't forgive you! Can't you stay, just a little longer?"
"No," Lin Mo shook his head. "I'm a traveler. I never stay in one place too long."
"But… I haven't beaten you yet…" Kuina said, aggrieved. "Does Zoro know you're leaving?"
Lin Mo had mentioned it to Zoro before their match.
Judging by the situation then, Zoro probably hadn't noticed.
But regardless, Lin Mo had told him. He nodded. "I told him."
"That idiot!" Kuina clenched her fists. "He actually let you go? What the hell is Zoro doing?!"
"Kuina, that's enough," Koushirou said helplessly. "Partings are always painful, but just because you're separated now doesn't mean you won't meet again. When you and Zoro grow up and become great swordsmen, I won't stop you from going to sea."
Lin Mo hadn't expected Kuina to react so emotionally to his departure.
Still a child, he thought.
"At least—at least before you go, let's duel one more time!" Kuina took a deep breath and, just like the first time she challenged him, pointed her bamboo sword at Lin Mo. "I challenge you!"
Same words, but from a different place in her heart.
Koushirou considered saying something but thought better of it and stayed silent.
Lin Mo looked at Kuina, speechless.
He had only come to say goodbye.
That was all.
And now she was challenging him again…
After a brief silence, Lin Mo decided not to accept.
"Ten years," he said, locking eyes with Kuina. "We'll have our rematch ten years from now. When you're stronger, come find me in the New World."
With that, Lin Mo turned and walked out of Isshin Dojo.
Kuina stood frozen.
Koushirou gently patted her head and smiled. "Before your rematch, work hard to become stronger."
"Father." Kuina looked up at him. "Didn't you say girls can't become the world's greatest swordsman? Then… do you think I have a chance to defeat Lin Mo?"
"No one can say what the future holds," Koushirou replied with a smile. "Kuina, you must understand—your father is neither narrow-minded nor stuck in outdated thinking. You are my daughter, and out of selfishness, I don't want you to face danger and bloodshed chasing the number one spot. I'd rather you live a normal life, growing up happy and healthy by my side."
"Then… what you said that day… you didn't mean it?" Kuina's eyes shimmered.
"Of course not," Koushirou said warmly.
"Then why did you—"
"These past few days, I've had a change of heart," Koushirou said. "If I kept stopping you, knowing how hard you're trying, I'd be a fool."
"Thank you, Father." Kuina smiled through her tears. The burden she'd carried in her heart finally lifted. "Father, there's something I want to ask you."
"Go ahead."
"I want to surpass Lin Mo. Please teach me sword techniques that will make me stronger."
Kuina's gaze was firm.
"Alright," Koushirou agreed readily.
Just then, Zoro returned.
Seeing Kuina and Koushirou by the dojo gate, he asked, puzzled, "Kuina? Master? What are you doing here?"
Kuina immediately noticed the Wado Ichimonji at Zoro's waist and froze in disbelief. "Why do you have Wado Ichimonji?!"
"Lin Mo gave it to me," Zoro replied. "I just had a match with him. I lost, but he gave me some tips on the move I created—you know, the one I used to fight you to a draw. He's amazing. Just a few words from him doubled the move's power. But during the practice, one of my swords broke, and then he handed me Wado Ichimonji."
He paused, then added, "I'm not sure why he gave it to me. Maybe because I broke one of my swords."
Kuina clenched her teeth in frustration.
Koushirou looked thoughtfully at Zoro.
Zoro scratched his head and laughed sheepishly.
Koushirou said, "Lin Mo isn't someone who does things on a whim. If he gave you Wado Ichimonji, it means he acknowledged you."
"Huh? Really?" Zoro was shocked. "He… acknowledged me?"
"Hmph!" Kuina huffed. "Must be nice. He sparred with you before leaving and even gave you a sword. Zoro, don't get cocky. I'm not giving up on Wado Ichimonji. I'll take it back with my own strength. Ten years from now, I'll beat Lin Mo before you do!"
"Eh? Ten years from now?" Zoro was confused. "What are you talking about?"
"Don't tell me you didn't know Lin Mo was leaving."
"What?" Zoro gasped. "He's leaving?! When?! Why didn't he tell me?!"
Kuina blinked. "He said he told you."
"When did he—" Zoro stopped mid-sentence, suddenly recalling what Lin Mo had said before their duel. His face changed drastically. "He probably just left, right?"
Kuina nodded.
Without another word, Zoro dashed toward the harbor.
"Go on." Koushirou gently patted Kuina's back. "You should see him off, too."
Kuina hesitated, then followed him.
Shimotsuki Village wasn't far from the docks.
After about ten minutes, Lin Mo reached the harbor.
He found the small sailboat he had left anchored by the shore.
He stepped aboard and untied the rope.
Opening the system's navigation panel, he set course for his next destination: the Baratie.
From the shore, Zoro's voice rang out.
"Lin Mo!" Zoro shouted, watching the small boat now dozens of meters out at sea. "Thank you!"
Lin Mo looked back.
Kuina had also reached the dock by then. Like Zoro, she shouted, "Ten years from now, I'll find you in the New World! Until I defeat you, you better not lose to anyone else!"
"Lin Mo!" Zoro held up Wado Ichimonji and yelled, "I'll beat you before Kuina does! I'll become the world's greatest swordsman with this blade!"
Lin Mo turned back with a blank look.
What are these two doing…?
After a moment, he raised his hand and waved.
From the shore, they both waved back in unison.
"Safe travels!"