Zenkichi left Cocoyasi Village and soon arrived at a small settlent known as Shimotsuki Village.
Atop a hill on the village's outskirts, a boy with moss-green hair was training diligently.
A rope was tied to his hand, connected to a heavy stone dragging behind him as he continuously practiced his sword swings.
This boy was none other than Roronoa Zoro—the one who aspired to beco the world's greatest swordsman.
"Hey, kid. Training hard, huh?"
Zenkichi appeared in front of Zoro, smiling casually.
"Who are you?"
Zoro narrowed his eyes at the man and asked, puzzled.
"Who am I?"
Zenkichi thought for a mont, then grinned. "Just a lost traveler. Like you, I can't seem to find my way ho."
"No road sense at all!"
Zoro snapped, looking irritated. "What are you even talking about? I just can't find the way back!"
Zenkichi raised an eyebrow, half-smiling. "How can soone like you, a hopeless case when it cos to directions, rember the way ho anyway?"
Zoro huffed, clearly annoyed. "That's none of your business! Let's talk about you! Who are you really?"
"I don't recall seeing anyone like you in the village. Are you a pirate or sothing?"
Zenkichi shook his head. "I'm not a pirate. And that's not sothing you should worry about."
He paused, then added, "Tell sothing—do you really want to beco the world's greatest swordsman? I can give you a chance."
Zoro looked at him warily. "What kind of chance are you talking about?"
Zenkichi smirked. "I can teach you how to beco strong. But, there's one condition—you'll have to beco my godson."
Zoro scoffed. "I'll beco the world's greatest swordsman on my own. I don't need help from anyone."
Zenkichi chuckled. "Really? That's so serious confidence."
"But don't be so quick to dismiss it. Are you sure you won't change your mind?"
As he spoke, Kyōka Suigetsu appeared in his hand. With a calm motion, Zenkichi pointed the blade toward the distant sea.
A mont later, the vast ocean split cleanly in two.
"...Whoa…"
Zoro stared, stunned, his eyes wide with disbelief. His young heart was deeply shaken.
Was this really what swordsmanship could do?
Could a single swing of a blade slice the sea?
Zenkichi watched Zoro's reaction with a knowing smile. "So? Does my offer sound more appealing now?"
"If you beco my godson, I'll teach you all of this. With my guidance, you'll beco the world's greatest swordsman in no ti."
Zoro was silent.
The offer was far too tempting.
To wield swordsmanship powerful enough to split the sea and shake the heavens… surely that would make him the strongest.
Finally, Zoro moved. After a brief pause, he threw himself forward and hugged Zenkichi's leg.
"Godfather!"
Zenkichi smiled with satisfaction, nodding. "Very good. From today, I'll teach you the way of the sword."
He possessed the sword skills of Aizen, Kizaru, and even Whitebeard. While none of those n were pure swordsn, their abilities placed them well above most.
Teaching a beginner like Zoro was no problem.
And so, Zoro's training under Zenkichi began.
His improvent was rapid—and Kuina, who often sparred with Zoro, quickly noticed the difference. Curious and suspicious, she decided to follow him in secret.
One day, she found Zenkichi instructing Zoro in the clearing.
"Zoro! So this is where you've been sneaking off to?" Kuina stepped out from her hiding spot, eyes narrowed.
"Kuina! What are you doing here?" Zoro's face was filled with surprise.
Kuina crossed her arms with authority. "You've been improving way too fast lately. Sothing was up, so I followed you."
Zenkichi turned to Kuina, a smile on his face. She was a mysterious figure—even in the original tiline, her fate remained uncertain. But one thing was clear: her swordsmanship far surpassed Zoro's at this point.
"You've got a lot of talent, little lady," Zenkichi said calmly. "Want to be my daughter? I'll help you beco the greatest swordsman in the world."
"You've already seen how fast Zoro's progressed. That's all thanks to ."
Kuina blinked. "Your daughter?"
She was stunned. That was the last thing she expected.
"Godfather! You said I'd be the one to beco the world's greatest swordsman!" Zoro protested loudly, clearly unhappy with the idea of competition.
Zenkichi laughed. "It all depends on your abilities. I'll teach both of you everything I know—swordsmanship, chakra, Haki—and guide you according to your strengths."
"But whether or not you beco the best, that's up to your own effort."
Kuina looked at Zenkichi, eyes glowing with resolve. "Alright. Godfather!"
To Zenkichi's surprise, she didn't hesitate.
Unlike her real father, Shimotsuki Koushirou—who believed girls couldn't beco the strongest swordsman—Zenkichi recognized her potential.
And that was all she needed to hear.
"Excellent!"
With that, Zenkichi looked at his rapidly growing potential, ready to pass down his knowledge of swordsmanship, chakra, and all three forms of Haki.
Training had only just begun.
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