How much are you willing to bet in pursuit of your dreams? What are you willing to do to achieve your goals? Will you merely try and hope for the best, or are you going to give it your all?
Double or Nothing [One Piece Kuina SI][Commission]
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Chapter 1
- Location
- A Tropical Island in the Pacific
It All Started With a Dream
Shimotsuki Koushirou had always considered himself a just and fair man. As the master of a humble dojo in a peaceful little corner of East Blue, such traits were something that one developed when dealing with children. Too harsh and he'd built resentment. Too soft and he'd make them indolent.
Gentle in guidance, but firm in teaching. It was a fine act, one which required a balance of not only one's action but one's self as well. Sometimes, however, he questioned himself if he was being too gentle when dealing with his daughter.
Taking a sip from his cup, he savored its delicate and subtle flavor while he breathed in its lovely scent. Jasmine had such a lovely flavor, both relaxing and soothing for one's self. Sitting by the Veranda, watching the willow tree sway with the gentle wind and the soothing noise of water flowing in the pond below it, he found himself at peace.
With thick fluffy clouds rolling above the vast blue sky, the weather was just right. Neither too hot, nor too cold. Everything was just perfect, enough so that he almost forgot that his daughter was stalking him, ready to pounce at a moment's notice.
"Kuina…" He whispered, frowning as he heard the floor board behind him creak ever so slightly, "You can't keep doing this," He scolded her as he set aside his cup before picking up the shinai he had made a habit of always being by his side.
"I can and I will!" Screamed his daughter as she dashed forward and let out a war cry, "Not until you promise to let me go!"
With a sigh, he turned around and raised his shinai, blocking the overhead strike his daughter made. He felt his lips twitch upwards as he felt his block gave way ever so slightly. Gritting her teeth in frustration, his daughter pulled back before charging in once more, delivering a cut from below. It was almost disappointing how telegraphed her strikes were.
He swung down hard to parry her strike and knock her weapon aside, that was what he thought would happen, at least, until he felt nothing beneath the edge of his sword. Eyes widening, he had to lean back as Kuina delivered another withering strike from above; She faint followed by another overhead strike.
Seeing the sparkle in her eyes at her feat made it all the more painful that he had to take it away. Gaining distance, he then used his superior reach to deliver a quick and painful strike to her stomach. She folded over, the breath knocked out of her lungs before she dropped down on the floor, coughing and gasping for air.
"Damn it," She gasped, clutching her stomach as she curled up onto herself, "I was this close!" She cursed, making him shake his head.
"No, no you were not," He replied. With instinct borne from a thousand strikes, he sheathed his sword as he stared down at his beautiful, rebellious daughter, "You've grown in leaps and stride since then," He told her, pausing as the bitter memory of almost losing her passed over him, "But you know that you'll soon hit your limit, you can't keep this up."
"Just… watch me," His daughter breathed out, glaring at him with hate in her eyes. Through gritted teeth, she picked herself up, limping away as she promised him, "I'll get off this island, whether you like it or not."
He watched as she slunk away, probably to her room to recover from it. It stung to see those eyes on her but this was for her own good. Eventually, she'd see reason. She had seen reason once, she'd see it once more. This was just another bout of rebellion, a phase that she'd grow out of. After all, the accident wasn't so long ago.
She was shaken by her near death experience, that was all. Gazing down, he found his white knuckled fist gripping on his shinai. He let go in surprise as he stared at his shaking hands. Shaking his head, he breathed in to calm himself. It seemed both of them were still shaken.
Hearing a floorboard squeak, he quickly reached for his shinai only to pause as he saw a familiar mossy mop of hair peeking out from the corner. "Ah, Roronoa-kun, it's just you," he sighed in relief as the once delinquent pupil peeked out with concern all over his face, "It seems that you have something in mind."
Retrieving another pillow, he set it down beside his seat as he beckoned him forward, "Come, join me," giving him a reassuring smile, he then told him, "I find that conversations are best had when you have something hot to drink."
"I'm sorry for snooping around!" He apologized, bowing stiffly before he looked up cautiously. As he chuckled at the boy's antics, his young student turned bright red as he shuffled forward before joining him in his afternoon tea.
Serving him some tea, the young man thanked him as both of them enjoyed the brew. It was quite funny seeing his companion make faces after taking a sip but it was a welcome reprieve for what had happened earlier. Setting his cup aside, he then asked, "So, what do you have in mind? Today's lessons have just finished and you're not one to stick around."
"Y-yeah," The young man admitted before he added, "But it's not like I don't like your lessons! It's just I need to get stronger to beat Kuina…" The boy then paused, going quiet as he stared down at his cup.
"You're worried about her," He whispered, feeling weariness settle upon his shoulder as he recalled, "She's doing better now, a far cry from how she was when she had that fall."
Closing his eyes, he found himself reminded of how he found her unresponsive in the steps, clutching on to their families treasure blade, her head cracked open from what he assumed was a fall. Feeling her warm blood in his hand and seeing inside her head, It was a wonder that she was still breathing when he'd held her and even more so that she held out long enough for a doctor to come look at her. It was a miracle, by all accounts.
"You're lucky that you found your daughter right after her fall," Doctor Kureha told him, "and luckier still that you raised a fighter. She's not going anywhere…" He recalled her words as well as how her face twisted to a scowl, "But she'll need help, especially after this. A blow on the head can change a person, more so a cracked one. Be there for her when she wakes up."
He let out a shuddering breath as he opened his eyes once more. A freak accident, one beyond anyone's control, almost took his Kuina. She's still so young, she has so much to live for. It was almost unfair, but that was life.
Turning to Zoro, he found the usually tough kid on the verge of tears. With his fist clenched and resting on his knees, the boy whispered, "It's all my fault." Sniffing and wiping at the tears threatening to spill down his cheeks, they cried, "If it wasn't for that stupid challenge, she wouldn't have been hurt," Despite his best efforts, it would all be for naught as tears flowed freely, the boy sobbing openly, "Maybe if I wasn't so stupid then-!" Koushirou cut him off.
Reaching out, he ruffled the boy's hair, as he smiled at him, "It's not your fault," He reassured the boy as Zorro looked back at him with teary eyes. Pulling away, Koushirou picked up his cup once more as he reminisced, "Even before the accident, she was always so willful and full of determination."
His daughter's relentless drive had always been there, from the first time she tottered towards him in her first step, to the time she took up the sword. "You know she trains relentlessly just to make sure you don't beat her," He then told him.
"She… she does?" Young Roronoa asked, wide-eyed in surprise.
"Indeed, especially since she knows she can't keep up with you physically," He replied, making the boy frown. It was one of the cruel realities of life. Despite her dream of becoming the best to ever wield a sword, it may have been out of reach for she would always be at a disadvantage, one that would only grow as she grew up to become a fine young woman.
"Despite that however… she never lost hope," He whispered, remembering the fire that lit up in her daughter's eyes as she recovered, that need to achieve her dream burning with the intensity of the sun itself.
Smiling sadly, he then said, "She's sees everything as a challenge," he chuckled, remembering the times Kuina declared she was going to master the most mundane of things, "And she's not going to give up so easily," and oftentimes, actually succeeding in being good at such things, "She's still the same Kuina but…" He then sighed fondly as he looked up at the masterfully made wind chime blowing by the wind, a project of a granddaughter and their grandfather.
"This is not the life for her, never should have been," He admitted. Of all the dreams she could have pursued, why did she have to pick the one that made him proud of her. Shaking his head, he finished his drink before setting his cup aside, "No matter, there's still time to correct things," he told young Roronoa as he got up, "She can be whatever she wants, just not this…"
He'd once dreamt of his children inheriting his dojo, but if the price was for him to lose his only child, his only daughter? Then it was a dream that was not worth anything at all. He'd do everything in his power to push his daughter away from that path… even if it meant to go against everything he and his wife stood for.
Gazing over to the boy, he found conflicting emotions painted across his face. Anger, confusion, worry and pain mixing together as he looked up to him. "But…" he called out before hesitating ever so briefly, "But that would hurt Kuina…" He told him.
Bitterness filled his chest at the truth in his words. "It will…" he admitted, knowing full well how it would not only make Kuina hate him even more, but it might also break her, leaving her with nothing, "But it's for her own good," He told himself as gazed up to find dark clouds gathering up in the sky. It seemed that there would be stormy times ahead.
A/N:
Survived Down D. Stairs, but she now has to butt heads with her father. Who would win in a contest of wills? A Kuina who's mind got scrambled with that of an SI, or her over protective father who almost lost her? Whatever the case is, their conflict will get rather explosive~
Anyways, I'd like to thank @vyor once more for making this possible. I shudder to think how unreadable my stuff would be. Now if you want to support me or want to read some fic chapters in advance, consider dropping by either Patreon or Ko-Fi. I couldn't have done this without the support. Also, a big thanks for Okita for making this possible! Honestly, without his prompting, I probably would have not made a Kuina SI.
Oh, before I go... interested in reading in reading a Warhammer 40k Rogue Trader Fic? If you're willing to give it a shot, here's the link. Like always, first chapters always free in my patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/116323734
Shimotsuki Koushirou had always considered himself a just and fair man. As the master of a humble dojo in a peaceful little corner of East Blue, such traits were something that one developed when dealing with children. Too harsh and he'd built resentment. Too soft and he'd make them indolent.
Gentle in guidance, but firm in teaching. It was a fine act, one which required a balance of not only one's action but one's self as well. Sometimes, however, he questioned himself if he was being too gentle when dealing with his daughter.
Taking a sip from his cup, he savored its delicate and subtle flavor while he breathed in its lovely scent. Jasmine had such a lovely flavor, both relaxing and soothing for one's self. Sitting by the Veranda, watching the willow tree sway with the gentle wind and the soothing noise of water flowing in the pond below it, he found himself at peace.
With thick fluffy clouds rolling above the vast blue sky, the weather was just right. Neither too hot, nor too cold. Everything was just perfect, enough so that he almost forgot that his daughter was stalking him, ready to pounce at a moment's notice.
"Kuina…" He whispered, frowning as he heard the floor board behind him creak ever so slightly, "You can't keep doing this," He scolded her as he set aside his cup before picking up the shinai he had made a habit of always being by his side.
"I can and I will!" Screamed his daughter as she dashed forward and let out a war cry, "Not until you promise to let me go!"
With a sigh, he turned around and raised his shinai, blocking the overhead strike his daughter made. He felt his lips twitch upwards as he felt his block gave way ever so slightly. Gritting her teeth in frustration, his daughter pulled back before charging in once more, delivering a cut from below. It was almost disappointing how telegraphed her strikes were.
He swung down hard to parry her strike and knock her weapon aside, that was what he thought would happen, at least, until he felt nothing beneath the edge of his sword. Eyes widening, he had to lean back as Kuina delivered another withering strike from above; She faint followed by another overhead strike.
Seeing the sparkle in her eyes at her feat made it all the more painful that he had to take it away. Gaining distance, he then used his superior reach to deliver a quick and painful strike to her stomach. She folded over, the breath knocked out of her lungs before she dropped down on the floor, coughing and gasping for air.
"Damn it," She gasped, clutching her stomach as she curled up onto herself, "I was this close!" She cursed, making him shake his head.
"No, no you were not," He replied. With instinct borne from a thousand strikes, he sheathed his sword as he stared down at his beautiful, rebellious daughter, "You've grown in leaps and stride since then," He told her, pausing as the bitter memory of almost losing her passed over him, "But you know that you'll soon hit your limit, you can't keep this up."
"Just… watch me," His daughter breathed out, glaring at him with hate in her eyes. Through gritted teeth, she picked herself up, limping away as she promised him, "I'll get off this island, whether you like it or not."
He watched as she slunk away, probably to her room to recover from it. It stung to see those eyes on her but this was for her own good. Eventually, she'd see reason. She had seen reason once, she'd see it once more. This was just another bout of rebellion, a phase that she'd grow out of. After all, the accident wasn't so long ago.
She was shaken by her near death experience, that was all. Gazing down, he found his white knuckled fist gripping on his shinai. He let go in surprise as he stared at his shaking hands. Shaking his head, he breathed in to calm himself. It seemed both of them were still shaken.
Hearing a floorboard squeak, he quickly reached for his shinai only to pause as he saw a familiar mossy mop of hair peeking out from the corner. "Ah, Roronoa-kun, it's just you," he sighed in relief as the once delinquent pupil peeked out with concern all over his face, "It seems that you have something in mind."
Retrieving another pillow, he set it down beside his seat as he beckoned him forward, "Come, join me," giving him a reassuring smile, he then told him, "I find that conversations are best had when you have something hot to drink."
"I'm sorry for snooping around!" He apologized, bowing stiffly before he looked up cautiously. As he chuckled at the boy's antics, his young student turned bright red as he shuffled forward before joining him in his afternoon tea.
Serving him some tea, the young man thanked him as both of them enjoyed the brew. It was quite funny seeing his companion make faces after taking a sip but it was a welcome reprieve for what had happened earlier. Setting his cup aside, he then asked, "So, what do you have in mind? Today's lessons have just finished and you're not one to stick around."
"Y-yeah," The young man admitted before he added, "But it's not like I don't like your lessons! It's just I need to get stronger to beat Kuina…" The boy then paused, going quiet as he stared down at his cup.
"You're worried about her," He whispered, feeling weariness settle upon his shoulder as he recalled, "She's doing better now, a far cry from how she was when she had that fall."
Closing his eyes, he found himself reminded of how he found her unresponsive in the steps, clutching on to their families treasure blade, her head cracked open from what he assumed was a fall. Feeling her warm blood in his hand and seeing inside her head, It was a wonder that she was still breathing when he'd held her and even more so that she held out long enough for a doctor to come look at her. It was a miracle, by all accounts.
"You're lucky that you found your daughter right after her fall," Doctor Kureha told him, "and luckier still that you raised a fighter. She's not going anywhere…" He recalled her words as well as how her face twisted to a scowl, "But she'll need help, especially after this. A blow on the head can change a person, more so a cracked one. Be there for her when she wakes up."
He let out a shuddering breath as he opened his eyes once more. A freak accident, one beyond anyone's control, almost took his Kuina. She's still so young, she has so much to live for. It was almost unfair, but that was life.
Turning to Zoro, he found the usually tough kid on the verge of tears. With his fist clenched and resting on his knees, the boy whispered, "It's all my fault." Sniffing and wiping at the tears threatening to spill down his cheeks, they cried, "If it wasn't for that stupid challenge, she wouldn't have been hurt," Despite his best efforts, it would all be for naught as tears flowed freely, the boy sobbing openly, "Maybe if I wasn't so stupid then-!" Koushirou cut him off.
Reaching out, he ruffled the boy's hair, as he smiled at him, "It's not your fault," He reassured the boy as Zorro looked back at him with teary eyes. Pulling away, Koushirou picked up his cup once more as he reminisced, "Even before the accident, she was always so willful and full of determination."
His daughter's relentless drive had always been there, from the first time she tottered towards him in her first step, to the time she took up the sword. "You know she trains relentlessly just to make sure you don't beat her," He then told him.
"She… she does?" Young Roronoa asked, wide-eyed in surprise.
"Indeed, especially since she knows she can't keep up with you physically," He replied, making the boy frown. It was one of the cruel realities of life. Despite her dream of becoming the best to ever wield a sword, it may have been out of reach for she would always be at a disadvantage, one that would only grow as she grew up to become a fine young woman.
"Despite that however… she never lost hope," He whispered, remembering the fire that lit up in her daughter's eyes as she recovered, that need to achieve her dream burning with the intensity of the sun itself.
Smiling sadly, he then said, "She's sees everything as a challenge," he chuckled, remembering the times Kuina declared she was going to master the most mundane of things, "And she's not going to give up so easily," and oftentimes, actually succeeding in being good at such things, "She's still the same Kuina but…" He then sighed fondly as he looked up at the masterfully made wind chime blowing by the wind, a project of a granddaughter and their grandfather.
"This is not the life for her, never should have been," He admitted. Of all the dreams she could have pursued, why did she have to pick the one that made him proud of her. Shaking his head, he finished his drink before setting his cup aside, "No matter, there's still time to correct things," he told young Roronoa as he got up, "She can be whatever she wants, just not this…"
He'd once dreamt of his children inheriting his dojo, but if the price was for him to lose his only child, his only daughter? Then it was a dream that was not worth anything at all. He'd do everything in his power to push his daughter away from that path… even if it meant to go against everything he and his wife stood for.
Gazing over to the boy, he found conflicting emotions painted across his face. Anger, confusion, worry and pain mixing together as he looked up to him. "But…" he called out before hesitating ever so briefly, "But that would hurt Kuina…" He told him.
Bitterness filled his chest at the truth in his words. "It will…" he admitted, knowing full well how it would not only make Kuina hate him even more, but it might also break her, leaving her with nothing, "But it's for her own good," He told himself as gazed up to find dark clouds gathering up in the sky. It seemed that there would be stormy times ahead.
A/N:
Survived Down D. Stairs, but she now has to butt heads with her father. Who would win in a contest of wills? A Kuina who's mind got scrambled with that of an SI, or her over protective father who almost lost her? Whatever the case is, their conflict will get rather explosive~
Anyways, I'd like to thank @vyor once more for making this possible. I shudder to think how unreadable my stuff would be. Now if you want to support me or want to read some fic chapters in advance, consider dropping by either Patreon or Ko-Fi. I couldn't have done this without the support. Also, a big thanks for Okita for making this possible! Honestly, without his prompting, I probably would have not made a Kuina SI.
Oh, before I go... interested in reading in reading a Warhammer 40k Rogue Trader Fic? If you're willing to give it a shot, here's the link. Like always, first chapters always free in my patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/116323734
Chapter 1
- Location
- A Tropical Island in the Pacific
A Dream Relentlessly Pursued
Summer turned to winter before giving way to spring. As the snow melted with the longer days, the land awakened, bringing new life into the world. Standing there by the coast, feeling the fresh ocean breeze as the sun rose up to greet the world, he couldn't help but reminisce on times gone by.
It'd been a year since Kuina had her accident, a full year having come and gone without so much as a warning. With time came change. Kuina just had her twelfth birthday and with it came the changes that every woman experienced. He wished that his wife was still here to help him with Kuina's growing pains but life was rarely, if ever, fair.
She was growing taller by the days, looking more and more like her mother as the days passed by. So strong and beautiful, and almost willful to a fault. A father couldn't be anymore proud to have a daughter like her. He was sure that his wife would be as well. Sometimes however, he wished she wasn't so much like her mother.
"Kuina," He called out, frowning as he heard the sound of gravel crunching behind him, "Kuina, this farce has been going on for too long," He told her as his hands rested upon the hilt of the Wado Ichimonji, it's white scabbard strapped to his side.
"Damn it," his daughter cursed, earning a frown from him, before she asked him, "So the answer is still no, huh?"
Koushirou breathed in sharply before sighing, pressing his palm against his forehead, "I tolerated your request to sail out to sea despite the many attempts to force it through your haphazard and ill thought out attacks. I tolerated them because they were harmless requests," He hissed out before he turned around, gesturing at the fishing boat anchored in the protected cove, "This, however?" he gritted out, eyes narrowed as he asked her, "Do you intend to sail out to sea all on your own?"
His daughter, a year older but none the wiser, stood there with a simple pack slung across her back along with a pair of bokken strapped to her waist. Kuina neither had a true sword nor a knife on her person yet she answered back, "If it means that I can be free to pursue my dreams?" Her eyes filled with the same dogged determination that had lit up the day she started asking him to let her sail the seas, "Then yes."
As a growl of frustration escaped his lips, he asked, "Are you even listening to yourself Kuina!?" Voice raised at how stupid and boneheaded her plans were. He couldn't bring himself to calm down, not when his daughter seemed intent to die by her own hands, "Ever since you recovered from your accident, all you've ever talked about is your dream! Is this how you wish to achieve it? By running away and sailing to your death?"
As frustration welled up inside him, he questioned her, "Do you even have the most basic of provisions, navigational equipment, or simple camping tools?" Seeing her avert his gaze, he couldn't help but run his hands across his graying hair. The boat was as bare as any vessel could be. All it had was the sail on its mast and the wood in its hull, nothing more and nothing less.
Glaring at the skiff that was just big enough for two, maybe three people, he then asked, "How did you even pay for all this?" Before raising his hand while he pinched the bridge of his nose, "You know what, don't answer that. I don't want to hear it!" he hissed as he turned to her daughter who blustered and fumed at his words.
With her face red with anger, she shouted back, "I paid for it all on my own!"
He was at a loss for words, shame welling up in his chest. Before he could gather his wits, she pressed on, marching forward, "While you were busy keeping me away from the dojo, away from the sword and away from my friends, I started to do odds and ends around the town!" She screamed, throwing her hands up in the air.
"Every day, for the last few months, I've been working my ass off not only with the sword but with earning the money to get off of this god forsaken rock!" She yelled out, her voice carrying across the empty cove.
With her fingers jabbing on his chest, she hissed out, "Unlike you, the town appreciates me!" Throwing her hands to the side, she then shouted, "They were happy to see me pursue my dreams while you did everything to stop me!" Before she fell silent, shaking and panting as she looked at him not only with anger and frustration, but with pleading eyes.
With tears welling up in her eyes, she begged him, "Please, just please let me have this," her voice so silent and weak as she rubbed her eyes, "Why can't you just let me go…"
There was silence between them as he stood there, watching her daughter as she silently cried. He couldn't take it anymore, "It's time for this stop," he whispered as his hands reached for his sword. Pulling it out, he turned to the boat and marched forward, "I'm putting an end to this madness."
"No!" His daughter wailed as she grabbed on to the hem of his shirt,pulling and tugging at him even as he continued onwards, "You can't do this! This is so unfair! I won't let you!" She cried out, her pain mirrored in his heart. It hurt, it truly hurt, yet he pressed on, unwilling to deal with this any longer.
Raising his sword, he swung down hard, only for his daughter to grab him by the arm. The air rippled as the tiniest of cuts nicked the sail. The accursed ship still stood and it was no thanks to his daughter. "Stop this!" His daughter begged him.
"No, you stop this!" Koushirou snapped as he threw her off him. Eyes wide, he watched her fly across the air before splashing down on the sea, rolling to a stop just before the shore.
Soaking wet from head to toe, she sat up, eyes hardened with hate. With a wordless cry, she pulled out her bokken and charged straight at him. Taken aback, he was forced on the defensive, blocking his daughter's strike.
Despite the mismatch in both size and weapon, he was made to step back. His daughter's twin swords swung in concert, striking without hesitation. One strike led to another, weaving their deadly dance as they lashed out. Eyes, neck, biceps, stomach, groin and thigh, if she were to wield anything aside from a wooden sword, the results would have been deadly. Still, she only wielded that, a wooden sword.
Catching both her swords on the edge of his blade, he held firm as both of them glared at each other. Baring her teeth, she stared back at him with teary eyes, her hands shaking as the edge of Wado Ichamonji slowly bit through the tough ironwood.
With a casual push, he threw her away, but this time, Kuina caught herself mid air. Stabbing her sword down on the soft sand, she skidded to a halt as the two of them stared off. With her weapon on the verge of breaking, it was clear who would come out on top. Despite this, despite everything that would tell her otherwise, Kuina charged again. This time however, he was prepared.
Breathing in, he raised his sword, holding it firm until he saw the whites of her eyes. With a single swipe, the match was over as his daughter's sword was cut in twine, the blades reduced to mere stumps no longer than mere knives. "It's over," Koushirou whispered as his sword passed by her harmlessly. As their eyes met however, he knew he had made a mistake; She wanted this.
"Never!" With a warcry, she threw her left sword at him, making him flinch as he reared back in surprise. Opening his eyes, he could scarcely believe it as his daughter was upon him, having leapt up to meet him; sword in hand.
He held up his blade but it was far too late. It was all over in a flash as searing hot pain flashed over his left eye. With a cry, he lashed out blindly, stumbled back clutching the wound his daughter gave him.
With shaky hands, he pulled his hand back down and stared at the blood staining his palm. She had just struck him, almost blinding him in the process. So overwhelmed was he that he almost missed the sound of his daughter gasping and coughing.
Eyes wide, he stared up, dropping his sword as he reached for his daughter, "Kuina!" he cried out, panic surging as he realized what he had just done. Thankfully, his daughter was unharmed, saved for getting soaked once more. Worry quickly gave way to anger as he shouted, "You ignorant, boneheaded, ungrateful, idiotic daughter of mine!"
Reaching down to retrieve his sword, he then waded through the shallow water. Ignoring the blood dripping down his brow, he reached out to grab his daughter before dragging her to shore. Tossing her down on the sandy beach, he then watched as his daughter coughed out seawater. With barely restrained anger, he shouted, "When will you realize that all I've done is for your own good!"
Wiping away at her lips, Kuina turned around towards him and shouted back, "Bullshit!" On unsteady legs, she picked herself up, glaring back at him as she accused him, "You're only doing this for yourself!
He gaped at her reply, sputtering, "For myself?" he asked as he jabbed his finger at his chest, "I have done everything for you! It's always been about you," Covering his face and walking away, he let out a muffled cry of frustration. Turning around, Koushirou let his frustration be known as he let it out, every scrap of grief and misgiving he had kept all this time, "I've done nothing but make sure that you are safe and well fed. Who clothed you? Who made sure that you are fed? Who took care of you when you got hurt!"
Sheathing his sword with a huff, he marched to shore before grabbing her by the scruff of her shirt and pulling her up to his feet, "This, this can't go on forever," He muttered darkly as he started dragging, intent of getting his unruly daughter back home, "You can't keep on dreaming about impossibilities and expect to achieve it through sheer will and effort alone,"
"No!" Yet his daughter fought on, pulling and tugging at his grip, "Let me go! Just let me go!" She begged, beating away at his hands until he got tired. Letting her go, he watched as she stumbled down on the ground.
Silence descended down on the hidden cove as she laid there panting. He let her catch her breath, letting her gather herself before he whispered, "This has to end. Stop chasing this impossible dream."
He could see it in Kuina's eyes, her mind already turning as she was about to argue once more but he cut her off, refusing to let her have a word, "I can't watch you throw away your life just for this? To be the strongest? And for what?"
"You can't, It's impossible," He whispered, shaking his head as he looked over his daughter, "No matter how hard you try, no matter how hard you wish, you can never achieve this dream, Kuina so please, just give up."
Of all the words he had thrown and of all the strikes he had made, none had hurt Kuina more than those three words. Seeing her hopes crushed in her eyes was almost too painful for him to bear but this needed to be done.
Her pain however would fuel the anger in her eyes as she slowly stood up. "You don't know what I can or can't do," She hissed out as she picked herself up, "or how far I can go!" She shouted before that anger melted away as it gave way to weariness, "Why can't you just believe in me?"
Frowning once more, he felt the all too familiar buzz of annoyance building in his chest, his anger returning in full force as he shouted, "I know what you can do because you are my daughter!"
"Then how about Vice Admiral Tsuru!" Kuina argued, "Hell, how about Big Mom! They're strong, so why can't I be like them?" she asked him.
"Because you're not them!" He screamed before the flame in his chest started to sputter and dim, leaving him but an empty husk as he looked up to his daughter, "You're just… you. My sweet, fragile daughter…" Breathing in to center himself once more, he sighed as his shoulder sagged, "It's time for you to face the real world Kuina, it's time for you to lower the sword and maybe take on sewing or gardening."
"Liar," His daughter replied, tears once more flowing down her cheeks as she spat out, "Come on, say it. Say what you truly mean, tell me I can't achieve my dreams because of what I was born as. Tell me I can't be the strongest because of what I am! Tell me!"
Shaking his head, he turned away, "There will be challenges you can't overcome," He told her as he stared up at the open sky, watching as the News Coo flew overhead, "There will be people that will be stronger, more fearsome and ruthless beyond measure." He recounted, remembering the faces and names of all the people that shook the four seas.
For his daughter to stand before them and fight them, he just simply can't, "You can never beat them, much less overpower them," Looking back at his daughter, he whispered, "There are monsters out there, monsters that will not hesitate to rip you apart. They will be waiting, waiting for anyone foolish enough to challenge them."
"Then let them wait," His daughter replied, gazing up to him, red eyed yet with a determination that burned brightly, "You say that I can never overpower them, then I'll outfight them," She declared, "If I can't out fight them, then I will out think them," Walking towards the water's edge, she picked up her two swords as she turned back to him, clutching them tightly in her fist, "If I can't out think them? I'll simply have to keep on fighting till they drop."
Sheathing her swords, she told him, "No one is ever truly invincible. So long as they breathe, so long as their heart beats, they can be defeated," staring into his eyes, she then promised, "I will overcome them. I will prove to everyone that ever doubted me that they were wrong about me. I will be the strongest."
As he stood there, staring into his daughter's eyes, he finally realized; she was never giving up. With a shuddering sigh, he asked her, "What are you willing to give up just to achieve your dream Kuina?"
Without a moment of hesitation, she replied, "Everything." Her mind was set and there was nothing he could do. The only person that could ever change her mind now was herself and that was something he could not accept but… what could he do?
Closing his eyes, he felt the weight of the world settle on his shoulders. He could keep on trying to reach out to her in the hopes that she'd see reason but it won't be enough. He never thought it'd come to this but one had to be ready to make hard decisions.
Reaching for his sword, he grabbed its hilt, holding on to it tightly as he made one such decision. His daughter might hate him in the end but this was a necessary evil. If she wanted it so badly, he'd atleast make her be equipped to handle the hardships ahead.
Gazing back at her daughter, he hardened his heart as he spoke out the words he never knew he'd one day say, "So long as you hold on to this dream of yours, you are no longer welcome in my house." Breathing out a shaky sigh, he stood before her ship, blocking her way, "And so long as I stay standing, you will never get off this island, do you understand?" He asked her. Still hoping that she'd change her mind but all he'd find in her eyes was a woman that was willing to die for what she believed in.
Nodding back at him, she bowed, gathering her things before walking away, heading for the forested hills that dominated the island. Watching her walk away, all he could do was ask a single question, "Where did it all go wrong…"
A/N:
Did I made Koushiro too much of a hard headed bastard? He honestly just wants to protect his daughter, but he could be quite smothering about it and he's just too stubborn to see how much Kuina chaffs against this treatment. She's not just his kid after all, she's her own person and Koushiro needs to get reminded of it.
Anyways, I'd like to thank @vyor once more for making this possible. He made sure this was readable so thank him! Now if you want to support me or want to read some fic chapters in advance, consider dropping by either Patreon or Ko-Fi. I couldn't have done this without the support. Also, a big thanks for Okita for making this possible! Honestly, without his prompting, I probably would have not made a Kuina SI.
Summer turned to winter before giving way to spring. As the snow melted with the longer days, the land awakened, bringing new life into the world. Standing there by the coast, feeling the fresh ocean breeze as the sun rose up to greet the world, he couldn't help but reminisce on times gone by.
It'd been a year since Kuina had her accident, a full year having come and gone without so much as a warning. With time came change. Kuina just had her twelfth birthday and with it came the changes that every woman experienced. He wished that his wife was still here to help him with Kuina's growing pains but life was rarely, if ever, fair.
She was growing taller by the days, looking more and more like her mother as the days passed by. So strong and beautiful, and almost willful to a fault. A father couldn't be anymore proud to have a daughter like her. He was sure that his wife would be as well. Sometimes however, he wished she wasn't so much like her mother.
"Kuina," He called out, frowning as he heard the sound of gravel crunching behind him, "Kuina, this farce has been going on for too long," He told her as his hands rested upon the hilt of the Wado Ichimonji, it's white scabbard strapped to his side.
"Damn it," his daughter cursed, earning a frown from him, before she asked him, "So the answer is still no, huh?"
Koushirou breathed in sharply before sighing, pressing his palm against his forehead, "I tolerated your request to sail out to sea despite the many attempts to force it through your haphazard and ill thought out attacks. I tolerated them because they were harmless requests," He hissed out before he turned around, gesturing at the fishing boat anchored in the protected cove, "This, however?" he gritted out, eyes narrowed as he asked her, "Do you intend to sail out to sea all on your own?"
His daughter, a year older but none the wiser, stood there with a simple pack slung across her back along with a pair of bokken strapped to her waist. Kuina neither had a true sword nor a knife on her person yet she answered back, "If it means that I can be free to pursue my dreams?" Her eyes filled with the same dogged determination that had lit up the day she started asking him to let her sail the seas, "Then yes."
As a growl of frustration escaped his lips, he asked, "Are you even listening to yourself Kuina!?" Voice raised at how stupid and boneheaded her plans were. He couldn't bring himself to calm down, not when his daughter seemed intent to die by her own hands, "Ever since you recovered from your accident, all you've ever talked about is your dream! Is this how you wish to achieve it? By running away and sailing to your death?"
As frustration welled up inside him, he questioned her, "Do you even have the most basic of provisions, navigational equipment, or simple camping tools?" Seeing her avert his gaze, he couldn't help but run his hands across his graying hair. The boat was as bare as any vessel could be. All it had was the sail on its mast and the wood in its hull, nothing more and nothing less.
Glaring at the skiff that was just big enough for two, maybe three people, he then asked, "How did you even pay for all this?" Before raising his hand while he pinched the bridge of his nose, "You know what, don't answer that. I don't want to hear it!" he hissed as he turned to her daughter who blustered and fumed at his words.
With her face red with anger, she shouted back, "I paid for it all on my own!"
He was at a loss for words, shame welling up in his chest. Before he could gather his wits, she pressed on, marching forward, "While you were busy keeping me away from the dojo, away from the sword and away from my friends, I started to do odds and ends around the town!" She screamed, throwing her hands up in the air.
"Every day, for the last few months, I've been working my ass off not only with the sword but with earning the money to get off of this god forsaken rock!" She yelled out, her voice carrying across the empty cove.
With her fingers jabbing on his chest, she hissed out, "Unlike you, the town appreciates me!" Throwing her hands to the side, she then shouted, "They were happy to see me pursue my dreams while you did everything to stop me!" Before she fell silent, shaking and panting as she looked at him not only with anger and frustration, but with pleading eyes.
With tears welling up in her eyes, she begged him, "Please, just please let me have this," her voice so silent and weak as she rubbed her eyes, "Why can't you just let me go…"
There was silence between them as he stood there, watching her daughter as she silently cried. He couldn't take it anymore, "It's time for this stop," he whispered as his hands reached for his sword. Pulling it out, he turned to the boat and marched forward, "I'm putting an end to this madness."
"No!" His daughter wailed as she grabbed on to the hem of his shirt,pulling and tugging at him even as he continued onwards, "You can't do this! This is so unfair! I won't let you!" She cried out, her pain mirrored in his heart. It hurt, it truly hurt, yet he pressed on, unwilling to deal with this any longer.
Raising his sword, he swung down hard, only for his daughter to grab him by the arm. The air rippled as the tiniest of cuts nicked the sail. The accursed ship still stood and it was no thanks to his daughter. "Stop this!" His daughter begged him.
"No, you stop this!" Koushirou snapped as he threw her off him. Eyes wide, he watched her fly across the air before splashing down on the sea, rolling to a stop just before the shore.
Soaking wet from head to toe, she sat up, eyes hardened with hate. With a wordless cry, she pulled out her bokken and charged straight at him. Taken aback, he was forced on the defensive, blocking his daughter's strike.
Despite the mismatch in both size and weapon, he was made to step back. His daughter's twin swords swung in concert, striking without hesitation. One strike led to another, weaving their deadly dance as they lashed out. Eyes, neck, biceps, stomach, groin and thigh, if she were to wield anything aside from a wooden sword, the results would have been deadly. Still, she only wielded that, a wooden sword.
Catching both her swords on the edge of his blade, he held firm as both of them glared at each other. Baring her teeth, she stared back at him with teary eyes, her hands shaking as the edge of Wado Ichamonji slowly bit through the tough ironwood.
With a casual push, he threw her away, but this time, Kuina caught herself mid air. Stabbing her sword down on the soft sand, she skidded to a halt as the two of them stared off. With her weapon on the verge of breaking, it was clear who would come out on top. Despite this, despite everything that would tell her otherwise, Kuina charged again. This time however, he was prepared.
Breathing in, he raised his sword, holding it firm until he saw the whites of her eyes. With a single swipe, the match was over as his daughter's sword was cut in twine, the blades reduced to mere stumps no longer than mere knives. "It's over," Koushirou whispered as his sword passed by her harmlessly. As their eyes met however, he knew he had made a mistake; She wanted this.
"Never!" With a warcry, she threw her left sword at him, making him flinch as he reared back in surprise. Opening his eyes, he could scarcely believe it as his daughter was upon him, having leapt up to meet him; sword in hand.
He held up his blade but it was far too late. It was all over in a flash as searing hot pain flashed over his left eye. With a cry, he lashed out blindly, stumbled back clutching the wound his daughter gave him.
With shaky hands, he pulled his hand back down and stared at the blood staining his palm. She had just struck him, almost blinding him in the process. So overwhelmed was he that he almost missed the sound of his daughter gasping and coughing.
Eyes wide, he stared up, dropping his sword as he reached for his daughter, "Kuina!" he cried out, panic surging as he realized what he had just done. Thankfully, his daughter was unharmed, saved for getting soaked once more. Worry quickly gave way to anger as he shouted, "You ignorant, boneheaded, ungrateful, idiotic daughter of mine!"
Reaching down to retrieve his sword, he then waded through the shallow water. Ignoring the blood dripping down his brow, he reached out to grab his daughter before dragging her to shore. Tossing her down on the sandy beach, he then watched as his daughter coughed out seawater. With barely restrained anger, he shouted, "When will you realize that all I've done is for your own good!"
Wiping away at her lips, Kuina turned around towards him and shouted back, "Bullshit!" On unsteady legs, she picked herself up, glaring back at him as she accused him, "You're only doing this for yourself!
He gaped at her reply, sputtering, "For myself?" he asked as he jabbed his finger at his chest, "I have done everything for you! It's always been about you," Covering his face and walking away, he let out a muffled cry of frustration. Turning around, Koushirou let his frustration be known as he let it out, every scrap of grief and misgiving he had kept all this time, "I've done nothing but make sure that you are safe and well fed. Who clothed you? Who made sure that you are fed? Who took care of you when you got hurt!"
Sheathing his sword with a huff, he marched to shore before grabbing her by the scruff of her shirt and pulling her up to his feet, "This, this can't go on forever," He muttered darkly as he started dragging, intent of getting his unruly daughter back home, "You can't keep on dreaming about impossibilities and expect to achieve it through sheer will and effort alone,"
"No!" Yet his daughter fought on, pulling and tugging at his grip, "Let me go! Just let me go!" She begged, beating away at his hands until he got tired. Letting her go, he watched as she stumbled down on the ground.
Silence descended down on the hidden cove as she laid there panting. He let her catch her breath, letting her gather herself before he whispered, "This has to end. Stop chasing this impossible dream."
He could see it in Kuina's eyes, her mind already turning as she was about to argue once more but he cut her off, refusing to let her have a word, "I can't watch you throw away your life just for this? To be the strongest? And for what?"
"You can't, It's impossible," He whispered, shaking his head as he looked over his daughter, "No matter how hard you try, no matter how hard you wish, you can never achieve this dream, Kuina so please, just give up."
Of all the words he had thrown and of all the strikes he had made, none had hurt Kuina more than those three words. Seeing her hopes crushed in her eyes was almost too painful for him to bear but this needed to be done.
Her pain however would fuel the anger in her eyes as she slowly stood up. "You don't know what I can or can't do," She hissed out as she picked herself up, "or how far I can go!" She shouted before that anger melted away as it gave way to weariness, "Why can't you just believe in me?"
Frowning once more, he felt the all too familiar buzz of annoyance building in his chest, his anger returning in full force as he shouted, "I know what you can do because you are my daughter!"
"Then how about Vice Admiral Tsuru!" Kuina argued, "Hell, how about Big Mom! They're strong, so why can't I be like them?" she asked him.
"Because you're not them!" He screamed before the flame in his chest started to sputter and dim, leaving him but an empty husk as he looked up to his daughter, "You're just… you. My sweet, fragile daughter…" Breathing in to center himself once more, he sighed as his shoulder sagged, "It's time for you to face the real world Kuina, it's time for you to lower the sword and maybe take on sewing or gardening."
"Liar," His daughter replied, tears once more flowing down her cheeks as she spat out, "Come on, say it. Say what you truly mean, tell me I can't achieve my dreams because of what I was born as. Tell me I can't be the strongest because of what I am! Tell me!"
Shaking his head, he turned away, "There will be challenges you can't overcome," He told her as he stared up at the open sky, watching as the News Coo flew overhead, "There will be people that will be stronger, more fearsome and ruthless beyond measure." He recounted, remembering the faces and names of all the people that shook the four seas.
For his daughter to stand before them and fight them, he just simply can't, "You can never beat them, much less overpower them," Looking back at his daughter, he whispered, "There are monsters out there, monsters that will not hesitate to rip you apart. They will be waiting, waiting for anyone foolish enough to challenge them."
"Then let them wait," His daughter replied, gazing up to him, red eyed yet with a determination that burned brightly, "You say that I can never overpower them, then I'll outfight them," She declared, "If I can't out fight them, then I will out think them," Walking towards the water's edge, she picked up her two swords as she turned back to him, clutching them tightly in her fist, "If I can't out think them? I'll simply have to keep on fighting till they drop."
Sheathing her swords, she told him, "No one is ever truly invincible. So long as they breathe, so long as their heart beats, they can be defeated," staring into his eyes, she then promised, "I will overcome them. I will prove to everyone that ever doubted me that they were wrong about me. I will be the strongest."
As he stood there, staring into his daughter's eyes, he finally realized; she was never giving up. With a shuddering sigh, he asked her, "What are you willing to give up just to achieve your dream Kuina?"
Without a moment of hesitation, she replied, "Everything." Her mind was set and there was nothing he could do. The only person that could ever change her mind now was herself and that was something he could not accept but… what could he do?
Closing his eyes, he felt the weight of the world settle on his shoulders. He could keep on trying to reach out to her in the hopes that she'd see reason but it won't be enough. He never thought it'd come to this but one had to be ready to make hard decisions.
Reaching for his sword, he grabbed its hilt, holding on to it tightly as he made one such decision. His daughter might hate him in the end but this was a necessary evil. If she wanted it so badly, he'd atleast make her be equipped to handle the hardships ahead.
Gazing back at her daughter, he hardened his heart as he spoke out the words he never knew he'd one day say, "So long as you hold on to this dream of yours, you are no longer welcome in my house." Breathing out a shaky sigh, he stood before her ship, blocking her way, "And so long as I stay standing, you will never get off this island, do you understand?" He asked her. Still hoping that she'd change her mind but all he'd find in her eyes was a woman that was willing to die for what she believed in.
Nodding back at him, she bowed, gathering her things before walking away, heading for the forested hills that dominated the island. Watching her walk away, all he could do was ask a single question, "Where did it all go wrong…"
A/N:
Did I made Koushiro too much of a hard headed bastard? He honestly just wants to protect his daughter, but he could be quite smothering about it and he's just too stubborn to see how much Kuina chaffs against this treatment. She's not just his kid after all, she's her own person and Koushiro needs to get reminded of it.
Anyways, I'd like to thank @vyor once more for making this possible. He made sure this was readable so thank him! Now if you want to support me or want to read some fic chapters in advance, consider dropping by either Patreon or Ko-Fi. I couldn't have done this without the support. Also, a big thanks for Okita for making this possible! Honestly, without his prompting, I probably would have not made a Kuina SI.
Chapter 2
- Location
- A Tropical Island in the Pacific
Through Trials and Tribulation
Seasons came and went, bringing with it changes to the sleepy village of Shimotsuki. New faces, new houses, farmlands where once were forest, the village grew before Zoro even knew it. Still, it was the same old village he grew up in. Same roads, same people running around, working the fields or practicing their craft, and same old Kuina challenging her old man without fail.
In the same old rolling field of grass and at the same time when the sun was at its highest, the two fought. Sitting by the wayside, he watched as the two Shimotsuki faced off, weapons drawn as they went at it. He had seen them clashed a thousand times yet the two never failed to keep him on his toes.
On one side, his master. The old Shimotsuki patriarch was as sharp as ever. His strikes, smooth, his movement, methodical and without waste. He was a master in all the meanings of the word, someone who had perfected the craft to a fine edge. Despite his peaceful appearance, he made for a striking figure wielding Wado Ichimonji.
Facing him was his childhood friend, Kuina. No longer was she the gangly, awkward looking girl he once knew, but a slender and deadly figure. With cat-like grace and the ferocity of a storm, she was a mirror to her father. While one was calm, she let her emotions run wild. His master's refined technique, meeting the rough and raw talent borne from a thousand fights.
Wielding twin bokkens, she faced her father, matching him strike per strike. Their swords sung as they cut through the blades of grass in this deadly dance of theirs. Some would say it was a mismatch with his master wielding a steel sword while Kuina only had her wooden swords to match, but in Zoro's eyes it was a testament to Kuina's skill and guile that she could keep up with her old man.
One strike weaved into the next, setting up those that came after. It was fast, almost too fast for him to pick up, her movements made to overwhelm and confuse. Her tempo erratic, her movement jerky, her strikes unorthodox. It should not have worked yet, together, they made a deadly melody. And like a maddened musician, she did not let up.
Against this storm, his master stood, like a mountain parting the very heavens themselves. He weathered the strikes, turning them aside and pushing her back. With almost practiced ease, he broke through her guard, striking out with deadly intent yet Kuina would not be deterred, she accepted it.
With reckless abandon, she threw herself at her father, weaving through his strikes as she struck back. She did not bother to block, choosing instead to dance around him, flowing like the wind. Back and forth they traded strikes and blows alike. Even mountains could be weathered down and his master was no different.
Finally, his guard broke as Kuina's sword met his fathers hands. He flinched, his grip loosened as he stepped back. Smelling blood in the water, Kuina rushed forward, her blades screaming as they raced through the air. Twin blades flew, the air rippling across their honed edges.
He gasped, rushing to his feet, his heart pounding as he saw it, the momentary flash as the world itself seemed to break. Time itself came to a crawl as Kuina moved, too fast for even his eyes as she lashed out. Two swords became four, their mirrored strikes converging upon the exposed neck of his master. It was almost too unreal, this momentary transcendence into the divine as Kuina struck like lightning.
His cries of celebration however soon turned to that of horror as his master, once seemingly frozen in time, moved. Reaching out, he tried to call out in warning yet his hands felt like it was moving through molasses, and his mouth was too slow to cry out. At that moment of glory, his master showed him just much more she had to grow. Dropping his blade, he lashed out, punching her flush in the face.
Rushing head first, she met his strike, crumpling down to the ground like a puppet whose strings were cut. "Kuina!" He cried out as time finally moved once more. Rushing over to check on her, he shouted as he cradled her in his lap, "Come on, talk to me!" Before reaching out to check for a pulse.
His racing heart would soon calm as he felt some sign of life on her. He sighed, relief washing over him. She was merely knocked out, that's all. Slinging her hand over his shoulder, he helped her up. Bowing to his master he apologized, "I'm sorry master, I don't think I'll be able to attend the afternoon lesson!" He had a friend to carry, he can't leave her out here.
Looking back up, he found his master looking at his shaking hands; the fingers bruised and swelling up. Clenching his fist, the elder Shimotsuki sheathed his sword, ignoring the damage that Kuina left as he nodded, sending him off, "I understand, take care."
Without so much as another word, he turned around, leaving him with an unconscious Kuina in hand. Shaking his head, he no longer questioned his master as he left with his friend in tow. Having him leave his daughter in his hands was a testament of just how strained the two's relationship had grown over the years.
He and Kuina were already fifteen, close to getting sixteen in the coming months, yet the two fought without end. The grudge that they held for each other was legendary and, unfortunately for him, he was stuck with both of them. "Why do you have to be so much alike," he grumbled as he dragged Kuina to the forest. If only the two weren't so stubborn, he lamented as he disappeared into the thicket.
She could feel the wind on her face, rushing past her form as she leapt up to her father. The very world itself seemed to narrow down before as all she saw ahead was his form, standing in the middle of a storm. With swords in hand she flew, screaming through the howls of the wind.
All this pain, all the countless hours poured into perfecting her movement, all the blood, sweat and tears finally coming to an end as she poured everything she had into her final strike. Her muscles strained, her right leg cramping up as she pushed herself too far, heart pounding like drums in her ear as she let her emotion run wild as she cried out.
This was her triumph, this was her victory, this was her absolution. As she closed her eyes, she felt a sudden jolt of pain before nothing. She felt nothing as the very earth itself seemed to fall beneath her, the air around her coming to a standstill as the sound of silence filled her senses.
There was silence as she opened her eyes, terror gripping her heart as she beheld nothing. No light, no darkness, nothing. There was nothing beyond everything and it scared her. Why was there nothing, why? She was alone, she was scared, not a sound coming out from her lungs as she floated there. She screamed into the abyss, time stretching for an eternity until there was light.
With a gasp, she bolted upright, screaming as she felt herself. She could feel her face, smooth and unmarked by scars, her hair almost silken as it flowed through her fingers. Clutching her head, she breathed in, staring at the darkness in front of her; seeing the world before her.
The damp mossy walls dripped with moisture, glistening at the flickering light of the campfire burning beside her. She could smell the scent of smoke drifting in the air along with the tantalizing scent of fish cooking over the fire. Looking down, she saw her shaky, callused hands as they gripped the worn and tattered blanket covering her feminine form, her all too large clothes hanging on her figure. There she was, all alone in a cave, with no recollection of how she got there.
Reaching up for her face, she flinched, letting out a hiss as she felt a large bruise on her face, throbbing with pain. She… she remembered. This was her home, the one place she found solace in the wild, she was-!
"Kuina!" A familiar voice cried out as the sound of rushing footsteps filled the tiny cave. Whirling around, she found herself face to face with a comforting sight.
No longer that tiny little shit who once annoyed her, but a teen at the cusp of manhood. Tall, Broad shouldered, and a deep voice to match, he was the dream of the farmgirls at the village. For her however, he was her closest friend.
"Zoro!" she greeted back, smiling before she winced, reaching for her face. Oh right, she was injured. "Wait, tell me!" She then said, scrambling to her feet on unsteady legs, "Did I win? Tell me I wiped the smile of that son of a bitches face!" she grinned, forcing herself to smile.
"Idiot!" Zoro roared out as he felt his fist on the top of her head, "Stop moving around!" He scolded her, his voice cracking as he forced her to sit back down, "You're hurt, damn it!" He reminded her as he held.
"Woah," She goggled, feeling the ground sway and move before her, "I take it that I lost," She asked, wishing for the world to stop moving so much; It made her want to puke. Fortunately, her stomach was empty, an all too apparent fact as it grumbled at its current state.
"No shit," Zoro grumbled as he helped her ease herself back to her bed, "Almost took your head off with that one, but I wouldn't blame him. You ran right into it," He told her as he flashed her a teasing grin.
"I almost had him this time," She pouted before sighing. She really fucked up this time huh? She might've been a bit concussed, but she knew something that could fix that! "So, what's for dinner?" She asked, smiling up to her friend.
Her friend paused, mouth agape as he stared back at her before asking, "You just woke up from getting knocked out and the first thing you ask for is food?" Seeing her nod, he slowly breathed in before sighed, "God fucking damn it all, why am I stuck with you?
She grinned back as she replied, "Because I'm adorable," her cheeky answer wasn't too appreciated as he cuffed her lightly on the back of the head, "It's true…" muttered.
Zoro snorted as he got up and patted her on the head, "Yeah, yeah, don't get your panties in a twist. I caught some fish with your line while you were off to la la land," He then told her as he gestured at the large juicy fish cooking over the fire. "So stay down while I get it ready for you, ok?"
Kuina held up her hands as she chuckled, letting him handle it. "Fine, have it your way. Oh yeah, I have some pickled cabbages in the back," She replied as she pointed at the pile of crates she called her storage. Nodding, he went off to get things ready for her.
As she sat there, she found it amusing how little he changed after all these years. Despite being taller and broader than she was now, he was still the same old softie she knew. She really was lucky to have him as her friend.
As darkness fell in the forest, they huddled close to the campfire by the cave's mouth. Sitting upon felled logs, they ate their fish and pickled vegetables. Stuffing her face with the finely salted fish, she let out a moan at how it melted into her mouth. "Oh god, this is the best!"
"Damn it, can you not?" Zoro grimaced as he stared at her, "You shouldn't moan out like that, it's unsightly," She scolded her.
"What, can't handle a bit of teasing?" She asked, batting her eyes at him, "Still chasing this after all these years?"
"Nah, I already know you don't swing that way," Zoro replied as he stared into the fire, an easy going smile soon finding its way into his lips. Shrugging, he then added, "Besides, you're too much of a man even for me!"
"Fucker," She chuckled as she picked up a tiny stone and pelted him with it.
Shielding his face, he then teased her, "You sounded ridiculous earlier. You sounded like this!" With a grin, he started mocking her as he mimicked her, exaggerating his moans to match hers.
Faced with such a ridiculous sight, she burst out laughing, tears forming in her eyes, "I do not sound like that!" She laughed, holding on to her side as he grinned at her.
"Then there's the matter of your hygiene, you're even worse than I am!" He continued, poking her on the side, "You only bath every three days"
"Every two," She quickly corrected, wiping the tears of her eyes.
"Which is one bath less than I take," He fired back.
"Oh give me a break, I live in the woods," She argued, crossing her arms across her chest. It was hard to live all on her own in the woods.
Still, Zoro was merciless as he pointed at the flowing river just beside her camp. "Of course, how can I forget your appetite? You eat like a pig. Your sense of fashion? Non-existent. Your home is a mess, your snoring can be heard from my home, and then there is that little thing where you'd punch someone if they get a bit too mouthy," He pointed out before gesturing to her arm.
She blinked as she gazed at her hand, cocked back and ready to punch. Shrugging, she threw it anyway, making the man flinch back, "See!?" He shouted, "Damn it Kuina, you really have to spend some time with the village girls."
"Don't want to," She pouted, "They kept messing with my hair and dressing me up in your clothes," Shrugging, she then added, "Not that I mind. They're comfortable."
"Wait, so that's why my clothes go missing whenever you come by?!" Zoro replied as he rested his chin on the palm of his hand, "I should do something about that."
"Besides, I'm fine the way I am," She the said before she stretched, having finally recovered from that nasty blow, "I have a place to live, good food, some company from time to time, and all the space I need to train," she told him as she gazed at her home. It might've just been a small cave with some crates but this was her life.
Zoro shook his head as he continued eating. Silence befalls them, only broken by the sound of crickets and cicadas in the distance. With the stars shining above the cloudless sky and the gentleness of a soft breeze, she couldn't have wished for a better day; Today was a peaceful night. She could rest easy tonight knowing there wasn't going to be any storm anytime soon.
Glancing over to her friend, she watched as the man stared into the fire deep in thought. Cocking her head, she asked, "Something on your mind?"
Zoro gazed up before he replied, "Have you ever…" before he paused hesitating for a bit until he continued, "Have you ever asked yourself if this is worth it? Is all this preparation, all this training, necessary? All this just to be the strongest," he gestured at her hovel of a home. Frowning, he looked down, "You've always talked about the monsters out there but have you ever considered just staying here?"
She frowned as she gazed into the flame, reflecting upon her words. "There isn't a day in my life that I've not considered just giving up and accepting what my father wishes for me to be. Just a normal girl living a normal life," She admitted, her hands shaking as she told him, "I'm scared Zoro, I'm terrified of what's out there and what they can do. I wished I could just hold my head down and ignore it but… but I can't."
"Sooner or later, they'll come for this part of the world in their thirst for more treasures and ever more power," She whispered bitterly as she clenched her fist, "I could bury my head in the sand and wait… but I can also become strong, strong enough to face even the meanest, scariest, monsters out there."
Letting out a shaky smile, she gazed up to the sky, "The world is a beautiful place, it's a wonderful world and I'd hate to one day find myself in a cage, looking up to the stars and wondering why I let those monsters control my life."
Memories of days long gone flashed across her mind's eye. The world government, the war to come, the pirates that ruled the seas, and the figure sitting upon the throne, all these people, all capable of ending her peaceful new life. Closing his eyes, she whispered, "I want to be free and to be free, I have to be strong enough to do whatever the hell I want."
Grinning, she then looked back at him, "Maybe that's why you want to become the strongest swordsman as well. So you can tell anyone that they're free to take your crown, no matter who they are or what they are."
Zoro stared at her, wide-eyed. She turned her gaze away, feeling a bit silly. Maybe she overdid it. "Freedom huh…" he whispered as a soft smile stretched across his face, "I like that."
Grabbing some booze, he tossed one over to Zoro as she cheered, "To freedom," raising her bottle high.
Catching the offered drink, he grinned as he raised his bottle up high, "To Freedom," he cheered as the two of them drank heartily.
A/N:
Zoro is the best god damn friend you could ever ask for. He's the type of guy that's ride or die. He might have some leftover feelings for Kuina, but he's just here to make sure she doesn't kill herself. As you can see, Kuina has the tenacity of a Wolverine and the survival instincts of a Lemming. She will throw herself against someone stronger than her again and again until she beats them.
Anyways, I'd like to thank @vyor once more for making this possible. Just like Zorro, I know I can rely on him. Now if you want to support me or want to read some fic chapters in advance, consider dropping by either Patreon or Ko-Fi. I couldn't have done this without the support. Also, a big thanks for Okita for making this possible! Honestly, without his prompting, I probably would have not made a Kuina SI.
Oh, before I go... interested in reading in reading a Warhammer 40k Rogue Trader Fic? If you're willing to give it a shot, here's the link. Like always, first chapters always free in my patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/116323734
Seasons came and went, bringing with it changes to the sleepy village of Shimotsuki. New faces, new houses, farmlands where once were forest, the village grew before Zoro even knew it. Still, it was the same old village he grew up in. Same roads, same people running around, working the fields or practicing their craft, and same old Kuina challenging her old man without fail.
In the same old rolling field of grass and at the same time when the sun was at its highest, the two fought. Sitting by the wayside, he watched as the two Shimotsuki faced off, weapons drawn as they went at it. He had seen them clashed a thousand times yet the two never failed to keep him on his toes.
On one side, his master. The old Shimotsuki patriarch was as sharp as ever. His strikes, smooth, his movement, methodical and without waste. He was a master in all the meanings of the word, someone who had perfected the craft to a fine edge. Despite his peaceful appearance, he made for a striking figure wielding Wado Ichimonji.
Facing him was his childhood friend, Kuina. No longer was she the gangly, awkward looking girl he once knew, but a slender and deadly figure. With cat-like grace and the ferocity of a storm, she was a mirror to her father. While one was calm, she let her emotions run wild. His master's refined technique, meeting the rough and raw talent borne from a thousand fights.
Wielding twin bokkens, she faced her father, matching him strike per strike. Their swords sung as they cut through the blades of grass in this deadly dance of theirs. Some would say it was a mismatch with his master wielding a steel sword while Kuina only had her wooden swords to match, but in Zoro's eyes it was a testament to Kuina's skill and guile that she could keep up with her old man.
One strike weaved into the next, setting up those that came after. It was fast, almost too fast for him to pick up, her movements made to overwhelm and confuse. Her tempo erratic, her movement jerky, her strikes unorthodox. It should not have worked yet, together, they made a deadly melody. And like a maddened musician, she did not let up.
Against this storm, his master stood, like a mountain parting the very heavens themselves. He weathered the strikes, turning them aside and pushing her back. With almost practiced ease, he broke through her guard, striking out with deadly intent yet Kuina would not be deterred, she accepted it.
With reckless abandon, she threw herself at her father, weaving through his strikes as she struck back. She did not bother to block, choosing instead to dance around him, flowing like the wind. Back and forth they traded strikes and blows alike. Even mountains could be weathered down and his master was no different.
Finally, his guard broke as Kuina's sword met his fathers hands. He flinched, his grip loosened as he stepped back. Smelling blood in the water, Kuina rushed forward, her blades screaming as they raced through the air. Twin blades flew, the air rippling across their honed edges.
He gasped, rushing to his feet, his heart pounding as he saw it, the momentary flash as the world itself seemed to break. Time itself came to a crawl as Kuina moved, too fast for even his eyes as she lashed out. Two swords became four, their mirrored strikes converging upon the exposed neck of his master. It was almost too unreal, this momentary transcendence into the divine as Kuina struck like lightning.
His cries of celebration however soon turned to that of horror as his master, once seemingly frozen in time, moved. Reaching out, he tried to call out in warning yet his hands felt like it was moving through molasses, and his mouth was too slow to cry out. At that moment of glory, his master showed him just much more she had to grow. Dropping his blade, he lashed out, punching her flush in the face.
Rushing head first, she met his strike, crumpling down to the ground like a puppet whose strings were cut. "Kuina!" He cried out as time finally moved once more. Rushing over to check on her, he shouted as he cradled her in his lap, "Come on, talk to me!" Before reaching out to check for a pulse.
His racing heart would soon calm as he felt some sign of life on her. He sighed, relief washing over him. She was merely knocked out, that's all. Slinging her hand over his shoulder, he helped her up. Bowing to his master he apologized, "I'm sorry master, I don't think I'll be able to attend the afternoon lesson!" He had a friend to carry, he can't leave her out here.
Looking back up, he found his master looking at his shaking hands; the fingers bruised and swelling up. Clenching his fist, the elder Shimotsuki sheathed his sword, ignoring the damage that Kuina left as he nodded, sending him off, "I understand, take care."
Without so much as another word, he turned around, leaving him with an unconscious Kuina in hand. Shaking his head, he no longer questioned his master as he left with his friend in tow. Having him leave his daughter in his hands was a testament of just how strained the two's relationship had grown over the years.
He and Kuina were already fifteen, close to getting sixteen in the coming months, yet the two fought without end. The grudge that they held for each other was legendary and, unfortunately for him, he was stuck with both of them. "Why do you have to be so much alike," he grumbled as he dragged Kuina to the forest. If only the two weren't so stubborn, he lamented as he disappeared into the thicket.
She could feel the wind on her face, rushing past her form as she leapt up to her father. The very world itself seemed to narrow down before as all she saw ahead was his form, standing in the middle of a storm. With swords in hand she flew, screaming through the howls of the wind.
All this pain, all the countless hours poured into perfecting her movement, all the blood, sweat and tears finally coming to an end as she poured everything she had into her final strike. Her muscles strained, her right leg cramping up as she pushed herself too far, heart pounding like drums in her ear as she let her emotion run wild as she cried out.
This was her triumph, this was her victory, this was her absolution. As she closed her eyes, she felt a sudden jolt of pain before nothing. She felt nothing as the very earth itself seemed to fall beneath her, the air around her coming to a standstill as the sound of silence filled her senses.
There was silence as she opened her eyes, terror gripping her heart as she beheld nothing. No light, no darkness, nothing. There was nothing beyond everything and it scared her. Why was there nothing, why? She was alone, she was scared, not a sound coming out from her lungs as she floated there. She screamed into the abyss, time stretching for an eternity until there was light.
With a gasp, she bolted upright, screaming as she felt herself. She could feel her face, smooth and unmarked by scars, her hair almost silken as it flowed through her fingers. Clutching her head, she breathed in, staring at the darkness in front of her; seeing the world before her.
The damp mossy walls dripped with moisture, glistening at the flickering light of the campfire burning beside her. She could smell the scent of smoke drifting in the air along with the tantalizing scent of fish cooking over the fire. Looking down, she saw her shaky, callused hands as they gripped the worn and tattered blanket covering her feminine form, her all too large clothes hanging on her figure. There she was, all alone in a cave, with no recollection of how she got there.
Reaching up for her face, she flinched, letting out a hiss as she felt a large bruise on her face, throbbing with pain. She… she remembered. This was her home, the one place she found solace in the wild, she was-!
"Kuina!" A familiar voice cried out as the sound of rushing footsteps filled the tiny cave. Whirling around, she found herself face to face with a comforting sight.
No longer that tiny little shit who once annoyed her, but a teen at the cusp of manhood. Tall, Broad shouldered, and a deep voice to match, he was the dream of the farmgirls at the village. For her however, he was her closest friend.
"Zoro!" she greeted back, smiling before she winced, reaching for her face. Oh right, she was injured. "Wait, tell me!" She then said, scrambling to her feet on unsteady legs, "Did I win? Tell me I wiped the smile of that son of a bitches face!" she grinned, forcing herself to smile.
"Idiot!" Zoro roared out as he felt his fist on the top of her head, "Stop moving around!" He scolded her, his voice cracking as he forced her to sit back down, "You're hurt, damn it!" He reminded her as he held.
"Woah," She goggled, feeling the ground sway and move before her, "I take it that I lost," She asked, wishing for the world to stop moving so much; It made her want to puke. Fortunately, her stomach was empty, an all too apparent fact as it grumbled at its current state.
"No shit," Zoro grumbled as he helped her ease herself back to her bed, "Almost took your head off with that one, but I wouldn't blame him. You ran right into it," He told her as he flashed her a teasing grin.
"I almost had him this time," She pouted before sighing. She really fucked up this time huh? She might've been a bit concussed, but she knew something that could fix that! "So, what's for dinner?" She asked, smiling up to her friend.
Her friend paused, mouth agape as he stared back at her before asking, "You just woke up from getting knocked out and the first thing you ask for is food?" Seeing her nod, he slowly breathed in before sighed, "God fucking damn it all, why am I stuck with you?
She grinned back as she replied, "Because I'm adorable," her cheeky answer wasn't too appreciated as he cuffed her lightly on the back of the head, "It's true…" muttered.
Zoro snorted as he got up and patted her on the head, "Yeah, yeah, don't get your panties in a twist. I caught some fish with your line while you were off to la la land," He then told her as he gestured at the large juicy fish cooking over the fire. "So stay down while I get it ready for you, ok?"
Kuina held up her hands as she chuckled, letting him handle it. "Fine, have it your way. Oh yeah, I have some pickled cabbages in the back," She replied as she pointed at the pile of crates she called her storage. Nodding, he went off to get things ready for her.
As she sat there, she found it amusing how little he changed after all these years. Despite being taller and broader than she was now, he was still the same old softie she knew. She really was lucky to have him as her friend.
As darkness fell in the forest, they huddled close to the campfire by the cave's mouth. Sitting upon felled logs, they ate their fish and pickled vegetables. Stuffing her face with the finely salted fish, she let out a moan at how it melted into her mouth. "Oh god, this is the best!"
"Damn it, can you not?" Zoro grimaced as he stared at her, "You shouldn't moan out like that, it's unsightly," She scolded her.
"What, can't handle a bit of teasing?" She asked, batting her eyes at him, "Still chasing this after all these years?"
"Nah, I already know you don't swing that way," Zoro replied as he stared into the fire, an easy going smile soon finding its way into his lips. Shrugging, he then added, "Besides, you're too much of a man even for me!"
"Fucker," She chuckled as she picked up a tiny stone and pelted him with it.
Shielding his face, he then teased her, "You sounded ridiculous earlier. You sounded like this!" With a grin, he started mocking her as he mimicked her, exaggerating his moans to match hers.
Faced with such a ridiculous sight, she burst out laughing, tears forming in her eyes, "I do not sound like that!" She laughed, holding on to her side as he grinned at her.
"Then there's the matter of your hygiene, you're even worse than I am!" He continued, poking her on the side, "You only bath every three days"
"Every two," She quickly corrected, wiping the tears of her eyes.
"Which is one bath less than I take," He fired back.
"Oh give me a break, I live in the woods," She argued, crossing her arms across her chest. It was hard to live all on her own in the woods.
Still, Zoro was merciless as he pointed at the flowing river just beside her camp. "Of course, how can I forget your appetite? You eat like a pig. Your sense of fashion? Non-existent. Your home is a mess, your snoring can be heard from my home, and then there is that little thing where you'd punch someone if they get a bit too mouthy," He pointed out before gesturing to her arm.
She blinked as she gazed at her hand, cocked back and ready to punch. Shrugging, she threw it anyway, making the man flinch back, "See!?" He shouted, "Damn it Kuina, you really have to spend some time with the village girls."
"Don't want to," She pouted, "They kept messing with my hair and dressing me up in your clothes," Shrugging, she then added, "Not that I mind. They're comfortable."
"Wait, so that's why my clothes go missing whenever you come by?!" Zoro replied as he rested his chin on the palm of his hand, "I should do something about that."
"Besides, I'm fine the way I am," She the said before she stretched, having finally recovered from that nasty blow, "I have a place to live, good food, some company from time to time, and all the space I need to train," she told him as she gazed at her home. It might've just been a small cave with some crates but this was her life.
Zoro shook his head as he continued eating. Silence befalls them, only broken by the sound of crickets and cicadas in the distance. With the stars shining above the cloudless sky and the gentleness of a soft breeze, she couldn't have wished for a better day; Today was a peaceful night. She could rest easy tonight knowing there wasn't going to be any storm anytime soon.
Glancing over to her friend, she watched as the man stared into the fire deep in thought. Cocking her head, she asked, "Something on your mind?"
Zoro gazed up before he replied, "Have you ever…" before he paused hesitating for a bit until he continued, "Have you ever asked yourself if this is worth it? Is all this preparation, all this training, necessary? All this just to be the strongest," he gestured at her hovel of a home. Frowning, he looked down, "You've always talked about the monsters out there but have you ever considered just staying here?"
She frowned as she gazed into the flame, reflecting upon her words. "There isn't a day in my life that I've not considered just giving up and accepting what my father wishes for me to be. Just a normal girl living a normal life," She admitted, her hands shaking as she told him, "I'm scared Zoro, I'm terrified of what's out there and what they can do. I wished I could just hold my head down and ignore it but… but I can't."
"Sooner or later, they'll come for this part of the world in their thirst for more treasures and ever more power," She whispered bitterly as she clenched her fist, "I could bury my head in the sand and wait… but I can also become strong, strong enough to face even the meanest, scariest, monsters out there."
Letting out a shaky smile, she gazed up to the sky, "The world is a beautiful place, it's a wonderful world and I'd hate to one day find myself in a cage, looking up to the stars and wondering why I let those monsters control my life."
Memories of days long gone flashed across her mind's eye. The world government, the war to come, the pirates that ruled the seas, and the figure sitting upon the throne, all these people, all capable of ending her peaceful new life. Closing his eyes, she whispered, "I want to be free and to be free, I have to be strong enough to do whatever the hell I want."
Grinning, she then looked back at him, "Maybe that's why you want to become the strongest swordsman as well. So you can tell anyone that they're free to take your crown, no matter who they are or what they are."
Zoro stared at her, wide-eyed. She turned her gaze away, feeling a bit silly. Maybe she overdid it. "Freedom huh…" he whispered as a soft smile stretched across his face, "I like that."
Grabbing some booze, he tossed one over to Zoro as she cheered, "To freedom," raising her bottle high.
Catching the offered drink, he grinned as he raised his bottle up high, "To Freedom," he cheered as the two of them drank heartily.
A/N:
Zoro is the best god damn friend you could ever ask for. He's the type of guy that's ride or die. He might have some leftover feelings for Kuina, but he's just here to make sure she doesn't kill herself. As you can see, Kuina has the tenacity of a Wolverine and the survival instincts of a Lemming. She will throw herself against someone stronger than her again and again until she beats them.
Anyways, I'd like to thank @vyor once more for making this possible. Just like Zorro, I know I can rely on him. Now if you want to support me or want to read some fic chapters in advance, consider dropping by either Patreon or Ko-Fi. I couldn't have done this without the support. Also, a big thanks for Okita for making this possible! Honestly, without his prompting, I probably would have not made a Kuina SI.
Oh, before I go... interested in reading in reading a Warhammer 40k Rogue Trader Fic? If you're willing to give it a shot, here's the link. Like always, first chapters always free in my patreon: https://www.patreon.com/posts/116323734
After binge reading the chapters, the SI Kuina story is great so far and things in the world of One Piece are definitely gonna be different as she lived after surviving Down D. Stairs. I can't wait to see her and Zoro leave to set sail where they would make a name for themselves as bounty hunters in the East Blue until they will encounter Monkey D. Luffy, the man who will become the King of the Pirates.
I will be watching this story with great interest.
