One Piece: Mandala Swordsman

Chapter 453 I Want to Go to a Place That Acknowledges Me

From a very young age, specifically from the first time she came into contact with swords, Kuina knew that they would be her everything in the future.

Even Kuina herself couldn't explain why she had such a deep obsession with those knives.

Joy coursed through her body the moment she first swung her hand.

Because her father, Shimotsuki Koshiro, was a dojo teacher, Kuina had a privileged environment.

She was also delighted to discover that she possessed a unique talent.

Even boys who have trained for four or five years in the dojo are no match for her, who has only been wielding a sword for a few months.

Even her father was very surprised.

As time went by, her talents began to be developed more and more.

In the end, apart from the somewhat stubborn Zoro, no student from any dojo dared to challenge her anymore.

Because that would be asking for trouble.

They all knew they possessed considerable strength.

Kuina was naturally pleased with the envy of others.

Perhaps it was around that time that I developed my arrogant personality.

Although it may seem arrogant now, she has also seen her future goals because of it.

That is to become the number one swordsman.

However, her father, who had always supported her sword practice, ruthlessly shattered her dream.

Her father gently told her that girls cannot become the number one swordsman because of their physical strength and power.

Even now, Guina still remembers how devastated she was at the time.

She felt all her passion turn to ice.

Moreover, these words came from her most trusted father.

However, Kuina did not give up on herself as before, and relied on Zoro's encouragement to get out of that dark period.

After Shimotsuki Koshiro said those words, she was indeed stunned for a few seconds and felt very sad.

But then she took out the newspaper she had been keeping.

"Father, why is the black dragon so powerful that it can defeat the legendary monster Kaido?"

Perhaps even Shimotsuki Koshiro didn't expect Kuina to refute him with a real-life example, and he fell silent for a moment.

Seeing her father's silence, Kuina felt as if she had won a battle. At that moment, seeing her father who could not refute her, she felt inexplicably excited.

This might be rebellion, or it might be discontent.

But Guina still remembers the joy she felt at that time.

It's like the pride of knowing more than your parents can comprehend.

When a child realizes that their understanding is more accurate and broader than their parents', they will not be completely obedient.

Because at that moment she realized that even her father was not omniscient or omnipotent.

So, is what the father said completely correct?

If it's wrong, then isn't it ridiculous to give up on yourself now?

It was around that time that Kuina began to have her own ideas and act according to them.

You may still feel confused, but the path through the fog has already appeared.

Later, Guina also tossed and turned in bed.

She was wondering why her father would say such a thing to her.

Then she thought of the black dragon.

And the black dragon is...

As if suddenly realizing something, Kuina leaped up.

She ran out of the house barefoot.

She didn't know how long she ran, but then she saw the boundless sea.

Yes, that's why.

That's the reason.

The father said such a thing because his understanding of the world was too limited.

Compared to other places, the East China Sea is really insignificant.

It is precisely because of this narrow perspective that we can only arrive at the current conclusion.

But where that Black Dragon Lieutenant General is, there must be a much wider world.

That's a place where I can grow and gain recognition.

From that day on, Kuina made a new decision.

She cannot stay in just one small corner of this world.

I think my father's perspective is too narrow, but in the eyes of many others, I may also be narrow-minded.

In order to break free from this constraint, she cannot remain confined to it.

Soon, she secretly joined the branch's navy without telling her father.

The person in charge initially rejected her because she was too young.

However, after Kuina demonstrated her talent, her attitude completely changed, and she expressed her great welcome.

Of course, Shimotsuki Koshiro eventually found out about this.

Guina did not hide this from anyone.

Because she knew she couldn't keep this a secret forever.

However, she was much more determined when facing her father this time.

She stated that this is the path she wants to take. This is her decision, and even her father has no right to make her give in.

Faced with Kuina's resolute gaze, Shimotsuki Koshiro had no choice but to give in.

At that time, Guina couldn't tell whether her father's gaze was one of relief or helplessness.

The emotions inside were too complex for her to discern.

However, she knew that she had already taken the first step.

Once the mind is made up, there's no need to look back.

Therefore, Kuina remained steadfast.

After joining the navy, she realized that there were many outstanding seniors in her own little world.

She also benefited greatly from it.

Later, turmoil broke out in the revolutionary army, and the navy began to recruit soldiers.

She was sent to headquarters because of her outstanding abilities.

And that's how she met the Black Dragon.

Everything seems to be moving in a better direction.

You're sure to find the answer you're looking for here.

"Hmm? You look very serious. Are you recalling something important?"

Ugh?

Before she knew it, someone had silently appeared in front of her.

When she saw who it was, she was stunned.

“Don’t be so surprised, I was just passing by. But I happen to have some free time now, would you like to have a chat?” Roman looked at Guina and extended his hand.