C15 Frost Moon Village's Unexpected Progress

For the past ten days, Zoro had pushed himself to the brink, his relentless training alarming the other sword-practicing children. Koshiro, concerned Zoro might overexert himself to sickness, had a talk with him, urging him to scale back his regimen. Zoro, however, refused. Koshiro then sought Guina's help to convince Zoro, but to his surprise, she shared Zoro's determination. In fact, Guina had ramped up her own training several fold. The catalyst for their intense dedication was Lin Mo's swift defeat of the bandit Higuma and his gang, just over a week earlier. Koshiro felt helpless and frustrated, unable to dissuade the two.

Deep in the valley, Lin Mo took up Zoro's challenge. They faced each other, poised and ready for combat. A gleam of determination in his eyes, Zoro charged first. Approaching Lin Mo, he skillfully traced two intersecting arcs with his swords, while the third blade, clenched in his teeth, joined the assault under his deft control. This Zoro was leagues beyond the brute force novice who had once clashed with Lin Mo.

Such progress in a brief span spoke not only of Zoro's innate talent and insight but also of the sheer volume of training that had honed his body's muscle memory. His improved swordsmanship and mastery over the trio of blades were testament to his hard work. Yet, to Lin Mo, Zoro was still outmatched. With a discerning squint, Lin Mo spotted an opening and, as Zoro neared, sent him flying with a single, decisive blow. The Wado Ichimonji returned to its sheath.

Lin Mo's gaze followed Zoro as he lay on the ground, who after a moment, rose, dusted himself off, and offered a wry smile. "I'm still no match for you. Clearly, I need to train even harder."

Watching him, Lin Mo felt a stir of emotion. "Zoro," he began, "next time you execute that move, lift your shoulders a bit higher, concentrate more, and lower your stance. Give it a try."

Zoro paused, momentarily stunned.

Without overthinking, he swiftly picked up the sword that had fallen beside him and replicated the stance Lin Mo had instructed.

"Like this?" Zoro mumbled, his words muffled by the sword hilt in his mouth.

Lin Mo nodded in affirmation and urged, "Give it another go."

"Okay."

Zoro acknowledged and shifted his focus to the nearest tree.

Lin Mo sensed that the sword force Zoro was now unleashing had intensified slightly from before.

Zoro charged at the tree and with a swift strike, he left three gashes nearly ten centimeters deep in the bark.

"Huh?" Zoro gazed at the marks he had carved, his eyes shining with excitement, "Before, I could only make cuts five centimeters deep. Lin Mo, you're incredible! Your casual tips have helped me make a breakthrough."

"Keep experimenting," Lin Mo advised, "This technique can be even more powerful. Stay diligent."

"I will!" Zoro promised, nodding with determination.

As he finished his vow, a crack resounded. The sword in his right hand suddenly split, and half the blade clattered to the ground.

Zoro's eyes bulged as he stared at the broken blade on the ground, his face contorted in dismay, "Ah! Ah! Ah! How did it break? I saved up for so long to buy it. This is a disaster. With one less sword, how will I continue my sword training..."

He had been practicing with real swords, which were the only kind that could endure the rigor of his training.

All three of his swords had sustained various degrees of damage, particularly the one in his right hand, which was the most battered. Its breaking was inevitable.

Lin Mo also fixed his gaze on the broken blade lying on the ground.

He couldn't help but wonder if the timing of the break was too coincidental.

After a brief silence, he drew the Wado Ichimonji, sheathed and all, from his waist.

"Zoro," Lin Mo called out.

Tears brimming in his eyes, Zoro was still reeling from the loss of his beloved sword. Hearing Lin Mo's voice, he turned to face him.

Lin Mo tossed the Wado Ichimonji to him.

Instinctively, Zoro caught it and alternated his gaze between the sword and Lin Mo, puzzled. "What's this about?"

"I'll give it to you," Lin Mo stated calmly.

"Eh?" Zoro exclaimed in surprise. "Why? Didn't I lose to you?"

"The blade suits you well."

Without another word, Lin Mo turned and strode toward Isshin Dojo. He had only taken a few steps when a notification from the system echoed in his mind.

Beep! By giving the Wado Ichimonji to Zoro, sign-in progress increased by 20%.

Beep! Sign-in task for Frost Moon Village completed. Congratulations to the host for unlocking Rokushiki. Swordsmanship level increased by 1, current level is Lv. 6.

Upon hearing this, Lin Mo abruptly halted. A formidable and heart-thumping aura emanated from him, then, as before, it swiftly faded away.

It appeared there was no longer a need to challenge Koshiro...

Yet, this final bit of progress was unexpected.

Lin Mo chuckled and pulled up his attribute panel.

Name: Lin Mo.

Age: 10.

Sign-in Zone: Baratie (0%)

Haki: Busoshoku Haki Lv2, Haoshoku Haki Lv3, Kenbunshoku Haki Lv2.

Skills: Fire Escape, Fire Dragon Flame (Beginner), Swordsmanship Lv. 6.

Rokushiki: Finger Gun Lv. 1, Iron Body Lv1, Shave (Locked), Moon Step (Locked), Tempest Kick (Locked), Paper Art (Locked).

Weapon: Demon Blade Star Fragment (Lake Toya).

System Space: 10 x 10 x 10 cubic meters.

Rokushiki, in the pirate world, consists of six body techniques that go beyond human limits. Mastering all six would make one incredibly powerful. Unfortunately, only Finger Gun and Iron Body had been unlocked so far.

Finger Gun is a technique reputed to pack the punch of a gunshot. It concentrates the user's entire strength into the index finger, releasing a hardened fingertip strike in the blink of an eye. The fingertip can deliver bullet-like force, easily penetrating flesh or even steel.

Iron Body, a defensive skill in Rokushiki, involves channeling strength into a well-trained physique, rendering it as hard as iron. It's impervious to ordinary bullets and blades.

Regarding the body techniques yet to be unlocked, Lin Mo would explain them once they became available.

He closed his attribute panel.

Lin Mo made his way toward Isshin Dojo, knowing that with the mission complete, it was time to depart. Having resided at the dojo for so long, he owed Koshiro a proper farewell.

Zoro clutched the Wado Ichimonji Lin Mo had gifted him, staring at his retreating figure in bewilderment. Moments before, an overwhelming power had surged, chilling him to the bone and causing his legs to buckle, sending him crashing to the ground.

Shaking, Zoro watched Lin Mo, who had briefly stopped before resuming his walk. He had a sinking feeling about the source of that dreadful energy. It had been fleeting, but Zoro was certain it was no illusion.

"Was that Lin Mo?" Zoro muttered to himself, a nervous gulp following his words. "That was terrifying. What on earth was that?"

At Isshin Dojo, Koshiro observed his students honing their foundational techniques.

Sensing Lin Mo's presence, he turned to greet him with a warm smile. "You're back earlier than usual today."

"Yes," Lin Mo replied succinctly, "I'm leaving."

A flicker of surprise crossed Koshiro's eyes, but it quickly gave way to understanding. "I suppose it's time. You've always spoken of becoming a traveler. Are you planning to set out right now?"

Lin Mo nodded in affirmation. "Yes."

Upon hearing the news, Guina, who was leading the practice session, rushed to the dojo entrance, her expression a mix of shock and frustration. "You're leaving? Why? Zoro and I haven't had the chance to defeat you yet. I don't want you to go!"