Kuina

Biodata

Feature	Information
Name	Kuina (古伊娜)
Alias(es)	Second Senior Sister
Gender	Female
Affiliation	Shimotsuki Dojo; travels alongside Ling Xuan
Occupation/Role	Swordswoman; dojo disciple
Status	Alive
First Appearance	Chapter 91

Background / History

Kuina trained at the Shimotsuki Dojo from childhood alongside her senior disciple brother and childhood friend, Ling Xuan. At age ten, she was already practicing swordsmanship, though she became distracted while watching Ling Xuan train Iaido. She unsuccessfully urged him to broaden his training beyond Iaido, believing specialization would waste his talent. 91

Frustrated by Zoro's rapid growth and her own difficulties, Kuina challenged him to a duel. Its result was not publicly established; Kuina returned displeased while Zoro became even more determined to train. 92 Ling Xuan’s intervention prevented the death that otherwise awaited her, allowing her to continue training at the dojo. 92

Five years after Zoro’s departure, Kuina and Koshiro stopped trying to change Ling Xuan’s chosen path. By then, Kuina was no longer able to match Zoro in combat. 92

When Ling Xuan prepared to leave Shimotsuki Village, Kuina initially wanted him to remain at the dojo. After Koshiro recognized Ling Xuan’s strength and agreed to his departure, Kuina’s reluctance to be separated from him became clear. 94 96 Koshiro ultimately entrusted her to Ling Xuan, and Kuina set sail with him from Shimotsuki Village. 97

Appearance

Kuina is first described as a pretty ten-year-old girl with short black hair. 91 As an adult, she is described as a graceful young woman with a golden-ratio figure shaped by years of sword training. 92

• Later depictions describe her with long purple hair, at times reaching her waist. 133 141
• She is frequently shown in plaid dresses, including purple and pink outfits. 144 146
• Her resemblance to Navy Lieutenant Tashigi is so exact that Loguetown Marines mistake Kuina for Tashigi. 107 111

Personality

Kuina is diligent, competitive, and serious about swordsmanship. Her irritation at Ling Xuan’s single-minded Iaido training and her challenge to Zoro both stem from her concern with becoming stronger. 91 92

She is deeply attached to Ling Xuan and reluctant to part from him. She eagerly joins his voyage, looks to him for reassurance in unfamiliar places, and worries when he faces danger alone. 97 117 187 Around him, she also shows a playful, mischievous side, including waking him by pinching his nose and teasing him during shopping trips. 110 114

Kuina is compassionate toward people suffering under oppression. After hearing Nami’s account of Arlong’s rule over Cocoyasi Village, she tearfully asked Ling Xuan to help the villagers. 145

Abilities & Skills

Swordsmanship

Kuina has trained in the Shimotsuki Dojo’s swordsmanship since childhood and remains committed to her dream despite falling behind Zoro in later years. 91 92

• Uses techniques passed down by the Shimotsuki Dojo. 101
• Challenged and fought Iron Wall Barroth during the Krieg Pirates’ attack on a passenger ship. 101
• Successfully subdued Barroth, an opponent Ling Xuan believed would require effort even from Zoro. 103
• Continues practicing swordsmanship while accompanying Ling Xuan and Nami. 156

Equipment / Items

• Personal sword — Ling Xuan gives Kuina one of his swords after accepting the Wado Ichimonji from her. 97
• 10 million Beli — Accepted from Captain Flandre and his crew as thanks for helping save their passenger ship. 105

Relationships

• Ling Xuan — Her senior disciple brother, childhood friend, traveling companion, and protector. Kuina asks to accompany him to sea, and he promises Koshiro that he will care for her. 91 97
• Koshiro — Her father and the master of Shimotsuki Dojo. He supports her decision to sail with Ling Xuan after recognizing Ling Xuan’s strength. 96 97
• Roronoa Zoro — Fellow dojo swordsman and rival. Kuina duels him before his departure; later, his growth surpasses hers. 92
• Tashigi — A Navy lieutenant who looks exactly like Kuina. Their initial shock develops into a close friendship. 111 114
• Nami — A friend and later companion. Kuina supports Nami after learning of Arlong’s oppression and later travels with her under Ling Xuan’s protection. 145 146

Story Role / Major Arcs

Shimotsuki Dojo

Kuina’s early role centers on her training, rivalry with Zoro, and concern over Ling Xuan’s exclusive focus on Iaido. She survives past the point at which Ling Xuan believes she would otherwise have died, then ultimately leaves the dojo with him. 91 92 97

Voyage to Loguetown

During the Krieg Pirates’ attack on a passenger ship, Kuina chooses to confront Iron Wall Barroth while Ling Xuan handles the larger pirate force. Her victory establishes her as a capable combatant rather than only Ling Xuan’s companion. 100 101 103

Loguetown and Navy Headquarters

Kuina meets Tashigi in Loguetown and discovers their identical appearance. 107 111 She later accompanies Ling Xuan to Navy Headquarters and remains with him during his Elite Training Camp period. 117 119

Later Travels

Kuina continues traveling with Ling Xuan through his Navy career, living in his G3 Branch office and accompanying him during investigations. 129 131 She assists in supporting Nami after Cocoyasi Village is freed and later reunites with Koshiro alongside Ling Xuan and Nami. 146 147

Notable Quotes

“Damn pirates... You evil scumbags deserve to go to hell!” — Kuina, confronting Iron Wall Barroth 101

“Senior brother, please let me come with you on your adventure. Father has already agreed.” 97