"I dare!"
Kuina's voice rang out, clear and loud.
She turned to look at her father, Koshiro, standing under the veranda.
Seeing the light rekindled on his daughter's face, Koshiro sighed inwardly.
He knew his stubborn daughter had made up her mind. No one could stop her now.
"Kuina, have you thought this through? Do you really want to take this thorn-covered path?"
Koshiro slowly descended the steps onto the grass.
"Yes, Father!"
"I want to see the world outside. I want to challenge those monsters!"
Kuina answered loudly, her voice carrying through the courtyard.
Koshiro stopped, looking at his daughter's slender but upright figure, a sudden mix of emotions filling his heart.
He actually loved his daughter dearly, and he had seen the cruelty of the New World.
That was why he had always believed the peace of the East Blue could shelter her for her entire life.
But he had overlooked her dedication to swordsmanship, and the unyielding pride in her bones.
"Father, you taught me that a swordsman's blade must never waver."
Kuina spoke loudly.
"If I give up my dream using my gender as an excuse, then my blade is already dead."
"I want to see that sea Rear Admiral Lorne spoke of."
"I want to prove to you that a woman can become the greatest in the world, too!"
Koshiro looked at his daughter, a gentle smile slowly spreading across his face.
"Since you've found your own path, go."
He gently stroked his daughter's hair.
"Pursue your own way of the sword. Don't leave yourself with regrets."
"Thank you for letting me go, Father!"
Kuina shouted, tears slipping down her cheeks despite herself.
She turned to face Lorne, bent her knees, and dropped onto one knee on the spot.
"Rear Admiral Lorne! I, Kuina, volunteer