Watching Roger's Execution at the Start

The World's Greatest Swordsman?

Koshiro stared at Zoro, who had made his vow with absolute conviction. The red mark on Zoro's face had yet to fade, but his expression was full of defiance. His fists were clenched, and every fiber of his being seemed to surge with that promise.

"Are you... serious?"

Koshiro's gentle smile slowly faded. His face turned stern, and he straightened from his half-crouch without realizing it. Behind his glasses, his eyes met Zoro's.

"Of course!"

"A man never goes back on his word!!"

Zoro didn't look away. Every word rang with certainty.

"But..."

Koshiro hesitated. "Kuina's leaving tomorrow. Atlas has already arranged for someone to take her to the Marines."

"Huh—!!?"

Night deepened, and darkness blanketed the sea.

Shimotsuki Village had fallen asleep too. In the few houses still lit, the occupants were working off dinner by exploring the origins of humanity.

Isshin Dojo.

The dojo's students had all gone home to their families. The bustle of the day was gone.

But the main bedroom was still brightly lit.

Koshiro and his wife knelt on the bed beside a lit oil lamp. Its warm yellow flame cast their shadows across the wall, filling the room.

"Are you really comfortable sending Kuina to the Marines?"

Haiti's brow furrowed. She clearly had doubts about Koshiro's decision.

"I don't want to, either. I never thought that discouraging her all this time would only make her more determined to win. Now she insists on proving that a woman can become the World's Greatest Swordsman."

Koshiro shook his head with a rueful smile.

He had always told Kuina that a woman could never become the World's Greatest Swordsman.

But Koshiro was no weakling himself, and he had traveled the seas in his youth. Of course he knew that gender had never