Night draped itself quietly over Shimotsuki Village, tree shadows swaying under the silver glow of the moon.
Jin stood beneath a familiar old tree, moonlight catching on his young but resolute features. At his waist, his worn war blade glinted faintly.
Facing him was Kuina, bamboo sword held tight in her small hands. Her dark eyes shimmered, torn between stubborn resolve and a sadness she couldn't hide.
"Are you really leaving?" Her voice, though soft, trembled.
Jin nodded, calm yet firm.
"Yes, Kuina. I'm ten now. It's time to see what lies beyond this village."
Kuina lowered her gaze. Her words broke slightly as they came out.
"But… I still wanted to spar with you more… and there's so much I haven't told you…"
"There'll be time," Jin replied gently, reaching out to ruffle her short blue hair. His gaze softened.
"You still have your own path to walk. Your sword's path doesn't stop because I'm gone."
Kuina's head shot up, eyes misty but fiercely determined.
"I won't stop! I'll keep training every day. And when you come back, I'll beat you at least once!"
Jin smiled — a warm, almost brotherly smile. Yet deep in his eyes flickered a quiet regret.
"I'll be waiting for that day."
For a moment, neither spoke.
The night breeze stirred their clothes, carrying the scent of moss and sea salt.
"Kuina," Jin's voice grew solemn.
"Don't stop your standing meditation. Keep taking the herbal baths. Your ki (気, inner energy) will keep growing, and one day you'll be the strongest woman swordsman the world has ever seen."
Kuina's throat tightened; she blinked quickly to fight back tears.
"…Mm!"
Jin drew in a slow breath, eyes softening at her small yet unyielding figure.
"And… one last thing—"
Before she could react, he stepped forward and pressed a light kiss to her forehead.
Kuina froze, eyes widening, then her whole face flushed scarlet. She nearly dropped her bamboo sword in shock.
"Y-you… what are you doing?!"
"It's a goodbye gift," Jin teased, lips curling into a boyish smile.
"You idiot!" she scolded in a tiny voice, though she didn't move away.
Jin turned his eyes skyward, voice low yet filled with quiet determination.
"When I'm strong enough to stand on my own, I'll come back. Then we'll spar properly again."
"You promise!" Kuina bit her lip, her gaze unwavering despite the tears brimming. "You mustn't break your word!"
"I promise," Jin answered softly, firmly.
Night deepened, neither moving.
Far off, Kumada's low growl echoed through the trees — reminding them dawn was close.
Jin clenched his fist, then turned his back to her.
"Kuina, take care of yourself."
"You too!" Kuina called back, her voice trembling but still clear.
Jin walked away, not looking back.
Watching his retreating figure, Kuina's shoulders shook. Tears finally fell as she whispered, voice cracking:
"Dummy… you'd better come back…"
Later that night, Jin packed carefully. Treasured herbs, his worn training blade, the handwritten sword manual — all tucked into his travel pack.
At dawn, with Kumada lumbering beside him, he stepped beyond the village path, heading toward the open sea.
Facing the rising sun over East Blue, Jin's deep violet eyes shone with fierce resolve and untamed ambition:
"East Blue… here I come!"
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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