Ron hadn't anticipated that the first person he'd meet upon arriving here would be the very one he had come to find.
This cocky kid's personality was so different from the green-haired swordsman he would one day become.
"Hey, what's your name? I don't think I've seen you before. Are you from outside?" Little Zoro asked, his attitude as arrogant as ever.
"My name's Ron. I'm a traveler," Ron replied with a smile.
"Pfft!" Little Zoro covered his mouth, stifling a laugh. "A traveler? Hahaha! You look about my age, and you're calling yourself a traveler? Hahaha!" He laughed so hard, tears came to his eyes.
Ron didn't mind. After all, with the way he looked right now, claiming to be a traveler probably did seem a bit funny.
When Little Zoro finally stopped laughing and wiped the tears from his eyes, he asked, "If you're a traveler, then why are you carrying a sword?"
"I'm a traveler, so it's only reasonable to carry a sword for protection, right?" Ron said with a smile.
"Uh… that makes sense," Zoro said, scratching his head. "So, does that mean your sword is a real one? Can I take a look at it?"
Ron shook his head. "No."
"Because it's a hassle to put it back on after I take it off."
Zoro was dumbfounded. That was his reason? Taking off a sword and putting it back on was quick—what kind of excuse was that?
A few seconds later, Zoro snapped out of his confusion, only to realize that Ron was already walking away. He hurried to catch up.
"You're just making excuses so I can't touch it, right? You stingy jerk!"
But the truth was, yes. He didn't want this kid touching his sword, Raikiri, just in case it got into his hands and he couldn't get it back.
After all, there was a certain law of cause and effect known as the protagonist's aura.
"Tch, fine. I don't need to touch your sword. My swords will definitely be better than yours in the future—and I'll have more!" Zoro declared, resting his hands behind his head. "I'm gonna use two swords, no, three swords! I'll use three swords and become the world's greatest swordsman!"
Ron glanced at him. "Have you learned swordsmanship?"
Zoro seemed confused. "But I've heard there's a dojo over there. I plan to go challenge it soon."
Ron looked in the direction Zoro pointed.
"The dojo, huh... over there."
He smiled at Zoro. "Thanks for showing me the way. Let's meet again at that dojo."
"Huh? You're going now? It's—" Little Zoro didn't get to finish his sentence as he saw Ron dash off toward the dojo, his speed astonishing.
Scratching his head, Zoro muttered, "What a weird guy."
Later that night, snow began to fall.
The dojo was still brightly lit.
A short, blue-haired girl in a white training uniform was repeatedly practicing vertical strikes with a bamboo sword.
"Kuina, it's late. Let's stop for today," Koushirou said as he entered the dojo.
"Father, let me finish 100 more strikes, and then I'll rest. You go ahead," Kuina replied without turning around.
"Alright, but don't stay up too late," Koushirou said as he left.
"Got it," Kuina responded.
She continued, counting each strike.
"Ninety-eight, ninety-nine, one hundred!"
Breathing heavily, Kuina finally lowered her bamboo sword, her arms too tired to lift.
Just then, there was a knock at the door.
"It's late, the dojo is closed. Please come back tomorrow," Kuina called out.
The knocking stopped.
"Who would come to the dojo this late?" she wondered.
Curious, Kuina opened the door and peeked outside.
Snow was falling heavily, and in the yard, a black-haired boy sat cross-legged, his eyes closed, a white-sheathed sword resting on his knees. Snow had already started to accumulate on his head and body.
"No way… is he planning to sit there all night?" Kuina's eyes widened.
She stepped outside and approached the boy. "You're going to freeze to death ."
"I won't die," the boy responded without lifting his head or opening his eyes.
"Why not?" Kuina asked, intrigued.
The boy raised his head, opened his eyes, and smiled at her. "Because I don't want to die."
Kuina didn't understand his answer. Anyone would freeze to death if they slept outside in the snow. What did his will to live have to do with it?
Sighing, she grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the dojo.
"I don't know why you're here, but I can't just let you freeze to death at my family's dojo. You can sleep inside for the night."
Ron didn't resist and followed her into the dojo.
"Kuina, what's going on?" Koushirou came out to see what the commotion was and saw Kuina pulling Ron into the dojo.
"Father, this guy was planning to sleep outside. I brought him in," Kuina explained.
"Sleeping outside in this weather…" Koushirou looked at Ron in surprise. What was wrong with kids these days?
"Father, can this boy stay at the dojo tonight?" Kuina asked.
Before Koushirou could respond, his eyes caught sight of the white-sheathed sword in Ron's hand.
His eyes widened in shock.
"A white sheath... with golden lightning patterns... Is that...?!"
"Father?" Kuina asked, confused by her father's reaction.
Meanwhile, Ron stepped forward, holding the sword. He looked at Koushirou and spoke words that left Kuina astonished.
"The sword's name is Raikiri. I would like to challenge the dojo master with this sword."
"Raikiri... That sword hasn't been seen in centuries. I never thought I'd see it in my lifetime," Koushirou said, his eyes filled with admiration.
Looking at Ron, he asked, "Did you come here to challenge me?"
"To be precise, I've come to learn. I want you to teach me how to cut through anything and become a master swordsman," Ron said earnestly.
Behind him, Kuina's eyes widened at his words.
"Hahaha, becoming a master swordsman is no easy task. It takes a long, long time of dedicated practice," Koushirou said with a laugh, stroking his smooth chin. He loved seeing young people pursue the path of the sword.
That was why he had opened this dojo.
"Since you've come to challenge me, I'll accept. But before you fight me, you'll need to face her—my daughter, Kuina. Don't underestimate her just because she's a girl. Her skill is already on par with adults," Koushirou said, smiling as he pointed to Kuina.