Chapter 16: Interlude
A/N: I know I know, you all waited for a chapter to come out only for it to be an interlude. I'm not that evil, so as soon as I post this chapter I'm posting another one for you all!. I just thought that adding an interlude here would make the last chapter flow with this chapter.
Also, there's another time skip in this chapter, I'm trying to wrap up this beginning arc so we can really get into the story. The next two chapters after this interlude will be the final ones for this arc so get ready for adventure! :)
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(A year later)
Zoro's POV:
*BAM*
"AUGH!"
*THUD*
"Match, over! And the winner is Kuina, with 2000 wins and 0 loses!"
Damn it! I lost to her again!
"It looks like you're still weak, Zoro," Kuina said with a mocking tone. She has that cocky look on her face.
She continued berating me and all I could do was grit my teeth
After she was finished, she left to do her own thing.
The other disciples started whining to Koushirou about giving her secret lessons, but I know that's not true.
I made an excuse to get away from them. I need to cool down.
I walked towards a well and wiped my face off…but I was still angry.
"Why can't I beat her!" I yelled out of frustration.
"Maybe because you don't understand her."
Surprised, I look in the direction of the voice. It was Noah, there's also a boy with blonde hair and a burn scar on his face. What was his name…was it…Sawdust?
What the hell do you mean I don't understand her?" I asked in both frustration and confusion.
"Well, you don't understand why she needs to get strong in the first place. If you know the reason for her strength, then you can understand her more and use what you understand to defeat her." Noah said, trying to copy the voice of a wise old man.
"Stop trying to act like an old geezer and tell me how I can understand her!" I exclaimed.
Scarface laughs while Noah rolled his eyes.
"Tch, no one allows me to have fun anymore."
He crossed his arms then opened his mouth.
"In order for you to understand her, you need to fight her in an actual fight." He said seriously.
An actual fight huh…then tonight, I'll fight her using real swords.
"Whelp, I said all I can. It's up to you now." Noah said, waving me goodbye. Scarface did the same and followed after him.
Knowing what to do now, I ran towards the nearest shed and got two real swords.
I hope you're ready, Kuina, because tonight will be our last battle!
x-X-x
Sabo's POV:
"So you want them to fight each other with real swords?! That's so cool! We have to go watch!" I exclaimed excitedly.
"Yep, that's the plan, but don't say it out loud!" Said Noah.
I put my hands on my mouth while Noah sighs. I uncover my mouth and laugh.
This past year has been good! Watching the other kids spar was pretty boring, but watching fights that have Zoro, Kuina, and Noah in them are always fun to watch!
I even wanted to fight in some matches too, but apparently, you can't bring a metal pipe to a sparring match…
They gave me a bokken to use but…it didn't feel right to me. I also didn't want to be separated from my pipe. I don't know why but it has a special connection to me like it reminded me of someone…damn this amnesia…
However, Noah seems to understand me. He doesn't question me or tries to convince me to fight with a bokken. He even said I could fight him with my pipe, even though I lose a lot I still have fun! He also taught me his breathing technique, at first I was skeptical how breathing a certain way would make me stronger but after a few months, I can see why!
"How about you Kuina? Are you excited?" Said Noah.
x-X-x
Kuina POV:
"I think this whole thing will be pointless, and what did Sabo say earlier, something about fighting Zoro with...something?"
"Don't worry about it. You'll find out sooner or later." Noah said cryptically.
What is he thinking about? He always has the strangest of ideas in his head.
First those weird exercises, then his strange breathing techniques, and now some fight that he is planning.
I can never understand him…but I know he has good intentions. After all, he's the one who's helping me get stronger, who believes in me.
Noah told me that if I fight Zoro one more time then he will also believe in me. Which I find doubtful…
However, I remember what he said to Zoro, about the way to defeat me is to understand me. Does he mean…do I have to tell Zoro about my issues being a girl? I don't really see how that would help Zoro beat me…
"Anyway, we'll catch you later. There's some stuff we need to prepare for." Noah and Sabo wave at me then walk away, leaving me by myself.
I looked up to the sky and saw that it was getting dark. I should go check on my father and see what he thought of my performance. He should be having a meeting with one of the other adults.
I walk towards the part of the dojo where the meeting is taking place, not knowing when I get there, my father will firmly say what he thinks about my dream...
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone