Punk Hazard,
the Ice Peninsula.
Amid the endless snow and ice, two figures, one large and one small, moved forward.
The tall figure was draped in Black Long Hair, while the smaller one wore a black cloak and held a white sword. The surrounding wind and snow could not draw near.
Austin tucked his hands into his sleeves and walked forward calmly, with Kuina following at his side.
Kuina's face was flushed red. It was unclear whether it was from the freezing snow or her overwhelming excitement.
Ever since entering the Grand Line, and then entering the Grand Line, she had heard Teacher Austin's legendary stories more than once.
When she was young, she had only thought Austin was an exceptionally powerful swordsman.
Only after growing up did she realize that he stood at the pinnacle of this world.
Those who had never been to the Grand Line looked upon Austin like frogs at the bottom of a well gazing at the moon.
Those who had been to the Grand Line looked upon Austin like mayflies gazing at the vast sky.
Ever since childhood, Kuina had always wanted to earn her father's approval.
When someone like Austin became her teacher, it further ignited the fighting spirit within her that refused to submit to fate.
So when Austin asked, "Do you want to become stronger, Kuina?" she clenched her fists and nodded solemnly at him.
"Yes!!!"
"To reach the pinnacle, I will not retreat even in the face of death!!!"
Those words were thunderous. Even Austin unusually kept his gaze fixed on Kuina's resolute face.
Austin rubbed his chin, his expression turning somewhat serious as he stared directly at Kuina.
"Kuina."
"Yes!!!"
Hearing Austin call her name, Kuina hurriedly answered loudly, as though declaring her resolve.
"Your nose is running."
"Yes,