C16 The Agreement Before the Departure of Frost Moon Village

Guina couldn't accept it.

She didn't want Lin Mo to go.

It was downright despicable—she hadn't bested him yet. How could he just up and leave?

"Lin Mo," Guina bit her lower lip, struggling to keep her brewing emotions at bay, "Must you really go? If you do, I'll never forgive you. Can't you stay, just a little longer?"

"No," Lin Mo shook his head, "I'm a traveler. I don't linger in one place for too long."

"But I haven't beaten you yet…" Guina's voice was tinged with sorrow, "Are you leaving without telling Zoro?"

Lin Mo had mentioned it to Zoro before their battle.

Given the circumstances then, it was likely Zoro hadn't paid much attention.

But mentioned it he had, and Lin Mo nodded in confirmation, "I've told him."

"That blockhead!" Guina's fists tightened, "He didn't even try to make you stay. What on earth is Zoro thinking?"

"Enough, Guina," Koshiro interjected with a sigh, "Partings are always hard, but this goodbye doesn't mean you'll never meet again. Once you and Zoro have grown into formidable swordsmen, nothing will stop you from setting sail."

Lin Mo hadn't anticipated his departure would stir such a tumult in Guina.

She was, after all, still a child.

"Then at least, at the very least, let's have one more duel before you leave!" Guina inhaled deeply, her stance mirroring the first time she had challenged Lin Mo, shinai aimed at him, "I challenge you!"

The same challenge, yet her spirit had shifted.

Koshiro seemed poised to add more, but thought better of it.

Lin Mo simply watched Guina, at a loss for words.

He had come only to bid farewell.

Nothing more.

Yet here he was, being challenged once again...

Silence hung in the air for a brief moment.

Lin Mo had no intention of fighting.

"Ten years," Lin Mo locked eyes with Guina, "Let's postpone our duel for ten years. Get stronger, then come find me in the New World."

With those final words, Lin Mo turned his back and walked away from Isshin Dojo, leaving Guina standing there, lost in thought.

Koshiro smiled and gently stroked her hair. "Strive to become stronger before the official duel."

"Father," Guina looked up at Koshiro, "didn't you once say that a girl couldn't become the world's number one? So, do you think I stand a chance against Lin Mo?"

"The future is unpredictable," Koshiro said with a smile. "Guina, you must understand that your father isn't narrow-minded. You're my daughter, and selfishly, I'd rather not have you face danger just to be the best. I wish you could stay by my side, grow up healthy and happy like any other girl."

"Father, so... the words you spoke that day, they weren't heartfelt?" Guina's eyes shimmered with emotion.

"Of course not," Koshiro reassured her with a smile.

"Then why are you...?"

"I've had a change of heart these past few days," Koshiro explained. "If I were to continue holding back someone as dedicated as you, wouldn't I be the real culprit?"

"Father, thank you." Guina's tears turned to laughter, the weight that had burdened her heart finally lifted. "Father, there's something I'd like to discuss with you."

"Go ahead," he replied.

"I want to surpass Lin Mo. So, please, teach me the sword techniques that will make me stronger."

Guina's gaze was resolute.

"Alright," Koshiro agreed without hesitation.

Just then, Zoro returned.

Spotting Guina and Master Koshiro at the dojo entrance, he asked with a hint of surprise, "Guina, Master, what are you two up to?"

Guina's eyes immediately caught sight of the Wado Ichimonji at Zoro's waist. She paused, incredulous, "How did the Wado Ichimonji end up with you?"

"It was a gift from Lin Mo," Zoro answered. "I challenged him to a duel and lost, but he offered me advice on the sword technique I created—the same one I used when we fought to a draw. Lin Mo is incredibly skilled. With just a few pointers, he doubled the strength of my technique. When I tested it out, I broke a sword, and that's when he handed me the Wado Ichimonji."

Zoro paused briefly before adding, "I'm not sure why he gave it to me. Maybe it was because I broke a blade, and he felt compelled to give it to me."

Guina was seething, her teeth clenched in frustration.

Koshiro observed Zoro thoughtfully.

Zoro scratched his head and let out a goofy laugh.

"Lemme tell you," Koshiro began, "Lin Mo isn't someone to take lightly. If he's passed on the Wado Ichimonji to you, it's a clear sign of his approval."

"What?" Zoro exclaimed, surprised. "For real? Lin Mo... he actually approves of me?"

"Hmph!" Guina interjected, clearly annoyed. "Lucky you. Before he left, he sparred with you, offered guidance, and even handed over his sword. Don't get cocky, Zoro. I haven't given up on the Wado Ichimonji. I'll reclaim it with my own strength. And in ten years, I'll defeat Lin Mo before you get the chance!"

"Huh? Ten years?" Zoro asked, puzzled. "What are you talking about?"

"Don't play dumb. You knew Lin Mo was leaving."

"Eh?" Zoro gasped, taken aback. "He's leaving? When? Why didn't he tell me?"

Guina paused, "He mentioned he'd told you."

"When did he..." Zoro started, but then it hit him—the conversation before his duel with Lin Mo. His face paled as he urgently asked, "He must have just left, right?"

Guina nodded.

Without another word, Zoro bolted toward the docks.

"Go on," Koshiro encouraged, giving Guina a gentle pat on the back. "You should see Lin Mo off too."

After a brief hesitation, Guina took off after him.

Frost Moon Village wasn't far from the pier. It only took Lin Mo about ten minutes to reach it.

He located his small sailboat moored at the water's edge.

Boarding swiftly, Lin Mo untied the boat and set the navigation system for Baratie, the floating restaurant.

As the boat began to pull away, Zoro's voice rang out from the shore.

"Lin Mo!" he called out, watching Lin Mo's retreating figure, now dozens of meters away. "Thank you!"

Lin Mo glanced back.

Guina had caught up to the shore by then and, echoing Zoro, she yelled out, "In ten years, I'll find you in the New World. You better stay alive until our duel. I won't forgive you if you lose to anyone else before I get the chance to beat you!"

"Lin Mo!" Zoro brandished the Wado Ichimonji overhead and bellowed, "I swear I'll beat you before Guina does. And with the Wado Ichimonji, I'll claim the title of the world's greatest Great Swordsman!"

Lin Mo turned back, speechless, casting a glance at Zoro and Guina.

What on earth were these two up to...

After a moment's thought, he nevertheless extended his hand and gave them a wave.

The pair on the shore waved back in sync, calling out together, "Fair winds!"