"Hey, Zoro! Keep up, or we'll lose you."
"Kuina! It's right up ahead. How could I get lost?"
The green-haired boy named Zoro pouted at Kuina's warning.
But his feet told another story. He kept pace with Kuina and their teacher, Koshiro, then hurried ahead, his face bright with excitement.
"Come on, come on! We need good seats. The Swordsmanship Tournament's about to start!"
"Slow down, Zoro! If you take a wrong turn, finding you again will be a pain!"
Kuina hurried after him.
Koshiro smiled at the sight.
He had competed in two Swordsmanship Tournaments. At the first, he had been a Swordsman; by the second, he had become a Great Swordsman.
In the East Blue, that had inevitably earned him considerable fame.
Word of the Isshin Dojo had spread across the surrounding seas, drawing many children eager to learn Swordsmanship.
The Isshin Dojo was now a renowned school of Swordsmanship in the East Blue.
Its influence was considerable.
But Koshiro had no intention of competing in the third Swordsmanship Tournament.
He was past the point of chasing fame and fortune. What he wanted more was to train a powerful Swordsman who would make a name for themself.
The Swordsmanship Tournament had begun. Countless spectators poured into the Sky Arena, filing into its many venues to watch the competitors fight.
Swordsmen clashed fiercely, blades flashing—or one decisive strike ended it all.
A single opening could decide a match.
This was the third Swordsmanship Tournament, and its rules and organization were now well established.
Watching from inside the Sky Arena cost money.
Even so, the Sky Arena was packed.
Many people could not get tickets.
But huge screens had been erected across Paros Island, broadcasting the fights inside the Sky Arena.
Travelers stopped to watch.
It was less thrilling than