Koushirou kept Noah's intention to take Kuina as his apprentice strictly to himself and did not tell his daughter.
He planned to treasure the letter of introduction until she turned seventeen and was old enough to set sail, then surprise her with it.
Kuina, wholly absorbed in practicing her swordsmanship, had not noticed their conversation at all.
It was only around midnight that she finally stopped, utterly exhausted. She came over, bowed respectfully to Noah, and returned to her room to rest.
Watching his daughter leave, Koushirou shook his head with a chuckle. The girl... with how excited she was, she probably would not fall asleep without tossing and turning under her covers for an hour or two.
Early the next morning.
At the first crow of a rooster, Zoro's eyes snapped open. He sprang out of bed and rushed excitedly to the clearing in the backyard to review and reinforce the swordsmanship Noah had taught him yesterday.
But to his surprise, someone had arrived even earlier.
"Kuina?"
Seeing the black-haired girl wielding her sword like the wind, Zoro froze, then broke into a wide grin. "Hahaha! I didn't expect you to get up so early today too! Hey! Stop practicing for a second and fight—"
"No time."
Kuina knew what Zoro was about to say without even turning around.
"Quit making excuses! I was just a tiny bit short yesterday, and now I've had a good night's sleep and feel amazing! Even if Uncle Noah taught you too, heh, you're still no match for me!"
"I said I don't have time..."
Kuina's brows drew together. She had barely turned her head when Zoro, already fired up, drew his bamboo sword with a shout and charged:
"Here I come! Watch out!"
Kuina gazed forlornly at the sky and sighed.