C7 Frost Moon Village's Annoying Ghost

Upon spotting Dragon's entourage in town, Lin Mo immediately surmised they were there to seek out Koshiro.

Dragon stood at the helm of the Revolutionary Army, an organization dedicated to toppling the inequitable reign of the Celestial Dragons who controlled the world—a force the global authorities deemed the most significant threat to world stability.

At this point in time, the Revolutionary Army was likely still in the planning stages, not yet having initiated any major operations.

As for Dragon's purpose in visiting Frost Moon Village to meet with Koshiro, Lin Mo couldn't care less.

The only inconvenience was that he had to pass through the tea room to get to the guest room Koshiro had arranged for him.

Koshiro was the first to break the silence, "Lin Mo, have you been out?"

Lin Mo glanced at him and gave a composed nod, "Yes."

Dragon observed him with a keen interest.

Ivankov, unable to contain himself, burst from the tea room, scrutinizing Lin Mo from every angle, "So you're the kid Dragon and Koshiro have been talking about? You don't look that impressive. Hey, hey, have you two got it wrong? Can this kid actually take on Guina?"

Lin Mo, repulsed, shoved him aside, "Keep your distance."

"Huh?" Ivankov recoiled, wounded, clutching his chest and shaking, "Ah, my heart... My heart... I can't... I'm dying, I'm dying..."

Seconds later, Ivankov's vigor returned as he threw his hands up and roared with laughter, "Ha! As if I'd die!"

Koshiro, with a smile, chimed in, "Ivankov, Lin Mo's already gone."

"Ah!" Ivankov froze, then looked towards Lin Mo, only to see he had indeed moved on.

Struck by the revelation, Ivankov collapsed against the wall, curling into a ball within a vast shadow, "That little punk, he actually just walked away..."

"Hehe," Koshiro chuckled, "Ivankov, you're as spirited as ever."

"Yes," Dragon agreed, sipping his tea before setting the cup down and suddenly inquiring, "That Lin Mo kid, is he really just a child?"

"Hmm? What are you implying?"

"His gaze and demeanor suggest he's an adult with a wealth of experience."

"I've sensed what you're talking about too. But he truly is still just a child, albeit a prodigiously talented one." Koshiro responded with a smile, his eyes twinkling as he posed a question, "Long, do you believe in miracles?"

Long paused, puzzled. "Miracles? What exactly are you referring to?"

"Had you arrived a few hours earlier, you would have grasped my meaning." Koshiro took another sip of tea, the memory of Lin Mo's sudden surge in strength, which had given him a sense of pressure just hours before, flashing through his mind.

The following day dawned.

The sky was barely lit.

Lin Mo rose from bed early.

Stepping out of his room,

a shadow charged at him, exuding a lethal intent.

Without a word, Lin Mo sidestepped, already aware of the ambush waiting outside.

With a swift hand strike, he floored the presumptuous assailant.

"Ah!" Zoro hit the ground.

Lin Mo didn't spare him a glance, simply walking by.

Zoro scrambled up, clutching two shinai, and followed. Far from being upset over his defeat, he was actually thrilled. "Lin Mo, I've committed your words from yesterday to memory. Though I've pondered all night and still can't fathom much, I won't give up. One day, I'll fully understand your teachings, surpass you, and defeat you!"

Lin Mo responded noncommittally, "Oh."

Zoro pressed on earnestly, "I mean it! You might not take me seriously now, but that's okay. I'll prove myself to you with my actions and redouble my efforts to show you I can achieve it!"

Lin Mo thought, "What a nuisance this kid is..."

He continued on his way, silently.

As he passed the tea room, Koshiro's voice emerged, "Zoro, it's time for your morning practice."

Zoro halted his pursuit of Lin Mo and bowed deeply to Koshiro, "Yes, Teacher!"

He then dashed off to the dojo, full of determination.

Lin Mo glanced at Koshiro, seated and sipping tea in the tea room, nodded in acknowledgment, and said, "Thanks."

Koshiro offered a smile and said, "No need to thank me. Heading out?"

"Yes."

Lin Mo didn't linger. He left the Isshin Dojo and made his way to the hills surrounding Frost Moon Village to begin his daily hunt.

It was a routine for him, battling against formidable animals to hone his combat skills, build his strength, and improve his mastery of Haki. Moreover, the game he hunted could be traded for Berries, which he used to purchase wine and meals.

Two hours later, Lin Mo returned, his haul in tow.

He shared some of the meat with the Isshin Dojo before making his way to the local tavern in Frost Moon Village, a scene reminiscent of his first visit to Makino's tavern in Windmill Village.

His entrance sparked a wave of laughter among the patrons.

"Do my eyes deceive me? Looks like a little ghost wandered into the tavern."

"Hey, kid, this is a tavern. If you're looking for juice, you're in the wrong place. Hahaha."

"Check it out, he's got two swords. Must be a student from Isshin Dojo. Shouldn't you be practicing your swordplay instead of putting on a show for us here? Ahahaha."

"Kid, this isn't where you belong. Run along back to the Dojo for your sword-slashing practice. Ahahaha."

Unfazed by the comments, Lin Mo approached the bar.

He hopped onto a high stool with ease and tossed a handful of Berries onto the counter, saying nonchalantly, "Give me the best wine you've got."

"Coming right up," the bartender replied with a smile, polishing a glass. Recognizing Lin Mo, he said, "Hey, aren't you the kid from last night? Knew you'd come back. Where's your guardian? Didn't come with you?"

Lin Mo wasn't in the mood for small talk.

He tapped the counter impatiently.

The bartender glanced down, chuckled, and collected the Berries. "Drinking at such a young age, huh? That's quite impressive."

With that, he swiftly served Lin Mo a glass of the tavern's signature sorghum wine.

Lin Mo lifted his wine glass and savored a sip.

A rich, mellow aroma lingered on his palate.

Though not quite on par with the wine gifted by Koshiro, the flavor was still quite pleasing.

Satisfied, Lin Mo unhooked his wine gourd from his waist and set it on the bar, then pulled out some Berries and said, "Fill it up."

The bartender nodded, took the money and the gourd, and after topping it off, returned it to Lin Mo.

In just a short time, Lin Mo had polished off the cup of sorghum wine.

Observing that Lin Mo was neither flushed nor out of breath, the bartender gave him an impressed thumbs up. "I wouldn't have guessed—such a young guy with a strong head for liquor."

Just then, a figure burst through the tavern's entrance.

The newcomer made a beeline for the busiest table and sat down, brimming with excitement as if clutching the latest hot scoop. "Did you all hear? Guina of the undefeated Isshin Dojo was beaten by an outsider yesterday!"