The sun was rising higher, spilling warm light over the outskirts of Fuschia Village. Zoro adjusted the straps on his swords as Riku struggled to keep pace behind him, the younger swordsman's enthusiasm barely contained.
"Focus," Zoro said, his green eyes scanning the trees and paths ahead. "Don't just run. Observe. Timing, spacing, positioning. Every step matters."
Riku nodded, breath coming in short gasps. "Yes! I'll pay attention, Zoro!"
The two moved silently into the forest bordering the village. Zoro's Insight hummed faintly, noting subtle shifts: a broken branch, a rustle in the leaves, shadows that didn't belong.
After some distance, the faint sound of voices reached them. Zoro crouched low, signaling Riku to follow suit. Peering through the foliage, they spotted a small band of pirates surrounding a lone merchant. The men were clumsy but aggressive, trying to intimidate the merchant into handing over goods.
Insight whispered quietly: Middle one overcommits… left one is slow… timing is predictable.
Zoro crouched, measuring the distance. "Let's test you," he murmured to Riku. "Follow my lead. Observe first, then act."
Riku's eyes widened, but he nodded. This was his first real field lesson, and Zoro intended to teach through action.
With a swift, deliberate movement, Zoro stepped into view. "Leave him alone," he said calmly.
The pirates laughed. "And who's going to stop us?" the leader sneered, brandishing a dagger.
Zoro didn't answer. He parried the first strike with a smooth motion, Insight guiding every adjustment. Riku mirrored his movements hesitantly, parrying and dodging, learning instinctively from Zoro's form.
Within moments, the pirates were disarmed and retreating, shouts of frustration echoing into the forest. The merchant stared in awe, while Riku exhaled sharply, his hands trembling from excitement and fear.
Zoro sheathed his sword. "Not bad," he said simply, eyes scanning the path ahead. "Observation first, action second. Remember that."
Riku grinned, determination in his eyes. "I understand! I'll get better, Zoro. I'll be as good as you someday!"
Zoro didn't respond with words. Instead, he led the way deeper into the forest, testing Riku with subtle exercises: footwork, timing, and awareness. Each challenge was small but deliberate, building confidence and skill without rushing them forward.
As the sun climbed higher, Zoro paused at a ridge overlooking a distant river. Beyond it, forests, hills, and the faint glimmer of open sea promised endless possibilities.
"Step by step," Zoro thought, green hair glinting in the sun. "Survival first. Strength next. And eventually… the path will open fully."
Riku stood beside him, ready to learn, ready to follow, and ready to face the challenges ahead.
The world waited, vast and dangerous, but Zoro had taken the first real steps beyond the village. And this time, he wasn't alone.