The Great Voyage Begins with the Celestial Dragons

If Koushirou's sword strikes were merely like a crescent moon slicing across the blazing sun...

Gion's strike, then, darkened the clear sky, replacing the sun, moon, and stars as the only light in this world.

Mountains and rivers, sun and moon, all bowed down for it; ocean waves and hurricanes protected it.

The sky collapsed and the earth cracked, and the deep sea became an abyss.

The two looked at Koushirou with great concern. Even though they had always thought that Koushirou was a very strong person, they did not think that he could block this knife.

At this moment, Solo was in tears.

He clenched his fists, staring intently at the blade.

He knew that this was the slash that Koushirou had used to clear a path for him.

Only by truly witnessing the splendor of being the world's number one can he have a definite goal and the hope of achieving it.

On the contrary, Koushirou looked at everything in front of him without a trace of fear or confusion in his eyes.

He was ready to take the blow, ready to use it to end the fight.

He took a deep breath, gripped his sword tightly, and swung it fiercely, attempting to block Gion's full-force attack.

But a mayfly cannot shake a great tree.

Under Gion's all-out attack, Koushirou was like a moth drawn to a flame, and there was no point in him even putting up a fight.

The slash easily sliced ​​through Koushirou's body.

His right hand, which was holding the knife, was easily sliced ​​open by the strike and flew high into the air.

Whether it was the wind's doing or not, the arm separated from the Wado Ichimonji, the sword was stuck in front of Kuina, and Zoro caught the arm.

After the slash, all was calm.

But the scene just now, with Koushirou's heroic spirit as if facing the scorching sun, was imprinted in everyone's hearts.

Chapter 233 Farewell and Arrival

A month is neither a long nor a short time.

But for Koushirou, it was a period of easy days that passed quickly.

Compared to a month ago, his right arm was empty, with nothing on it.

His right arm, which held the knife, was something he had left behind after that battle, and it was also his original wish.

At least, looking at Zoro's incredibly determined eyes, he felt it was all worthwhile.

Moreover, besides Soro, Koushirou gained even more from self-satisfaction.

No swordsman can refuse a battle against the world's number one, even if it means the end of his life.

Having his future path cut off by Gion was not a regret for him as a swordsman; on the contrary, it was an honor for him as a swordsman.

He knew that the gap between himself and Gion was almost one that he could never bridge in his lifetime.

Since it's impossible to become number one, it's better to give up on that idea early and start a new path.

Koushirou smiled and contentedly put down the teacup he was holding in his left hand, then looked toward the inner room beside him.

Kuina, carrying her backpack, walked out of the room with a Wado Ichimonji tucked into her waistband. Her resolute expression was tinged with a hint of reluctance.

"Are you all packed?"

Koushirou gazed at his daughter and asked with a smile.

"Um... Please take good care of yourself."

Guina pursed her lips, trying hard to hold back her tears.

Today is the day she follows Gion away, to seek a wider world.

But when the time comes, there will always be some reluctance.

"Hahaha, it's not your place to say that. Once you've made up your mind, don't hesitate. As a swordsman, the worst thing you can do is hesitate."

Koushirou looked at his daughter with a smile and gave her his final advice.

It is a blessing for Kuina to be able to train with Gion.

Even if we can't reach the heights of Gion in the end, we've still witnessed the most beautiful scenery.

"Understood!"

Kuina nodded emphatically, her expression extremely serious:

"Father, I understand!"

She bowed deeply to Koushirou, her face resolute, and left without looking back.

Koushirou had no intention of getting up to see his daughter off; he simply watched her leave with a silent smile.

This is the path the other party chose, a path he didn't want them to choose.

But when the time came, all he could do as a father was to offer his silent blessings.

Kuina hadn't gone far from the room when she saw Zoro leaning against the wall, carrying two wooden swords.

Upon seeing Zoro, Kuina smiled knowingly and temporarily put down the baggage on her back and the sword at her waist.

Seeing this, Zoro immediately threw a wooden sword at him.

There was no need for further words between the two.

Five minutes later.

Kuina walked to Zoro, who was lying on the ground, and gently placed the wooden sword in his left hand:

"1506 times!"

"Ah, I've lost 1506 times in total! Next time we meet, I'll win!"

Zoro, panting heavily, looked at Kuina with unwavering determination.

"I'm waiting for you."

Kuina once again shouldered her pack and made her promise to Zoro.

After saying those words, she seemed to have unloaded all her burdens, and her steps became much lighter.

Zoro, who had fallen to the ground behind him, also grinned.

As he watched Kuina's retreating figure, his eyes held no trace of resentment, but rather were filled with blessings.

Is there anything cooler than seeing your best friend, who is also your rival, become the master of the world's greatest swordsman?

This suited him perfectly. If he couldn't even defeat Kuina, how could he talk about becoming the world's greatest swordsman?

As he watched Kuina's figure disappear, Zoro gripped his wooden swords tightly, his eyes burning with a fierce flame.

He needs to work even harder!

Not only for himself, but also for Kuina and for his teacher!

Meanwhile, Kuina also boarded the ship to Gion, silently watching Shimotsuki Village recede into the distance.

She didn't know where she was going, but she knew that the final destination was where her dream lay.

"Guina".

The sound of Gion's voice came from not far away, which helped Kuina compose herself and put on a smile:

"Teacher, I'm here!"

......

The Grand Line.

After resolving Tom's matter, Luther also embarked on a journey to Fishman Island with Otohime.

The discussion between Otohime and Tom went smoothly, and Tom agreed almost without much thought.

Franky and Iceberg will be temporarily sent to Jaya Island to receive instruction from Olvia.

Later on, Iceberg will gradually take over the affairs of Water 7, while Franky will gradually fade from everyone's sight, becoming an important pawn in the future.

As they got closer to Fishman Island, Otohime became increasingly anxious.

Luther glanced at the deep, dark underwater scenery around him, and knowing Otohime's thoughts, he spoke calmly:

"If you can't make up your mind, it's not too late now, or I can send you to New Fishman Island first."

When Otohime heard this, she gently shook her head.

She was downcast, but her expression was more resolute than ever before:

"Some things have to be done by someone. As the teacher said, since someone has to bear the burden, why can't that person be me?"

"Then you'd better be prepared to be misunderstood."

Luther, on the other hand, admires the current Otohime. She has lost her former pure kindness and is becoming more and more like a mature ruler.

Although he is still not a bad person, he has learned how to make choices.

“Teacher, Ms. Olvia said that you once told her that the path to becoming a king is inevitably lonely and misunderstood. Now I can be understood by you, at least I have never been alone from the beginning.”

Princess Otohime's smile remained as comforting as ever, like a gentle spring breeze.

"Be prepared, what you actually see and hear is always more hurtful than you imagine."

Luther gave Otohime a deep look, once again giving her a heads-up.

This time, he personally went to Fishman Island in order to bury the entire Fishman Street.

This would not only make Otohime completely devoted to him, but it was also something he needed to do.

Regardless of strength, everyone needs to have their own stance, and at the same time, they will have their own supporters and fellow travelers.

His status as a Celestial Dragon put him at the top from the very beginning.

However, to maintain the benefits that come with this identity, he must balance relationships with all parties involved.

His recent excessive favoritism towards the Fishmen has caused dissatisfaction among some member states and even within the Celestial Dragons themselves.

Therefore, he also needs to do something that will not affect the future plans of Fishman Island, but will also slightly ease relations with various forces.