Chapter 011
"Hmph!"
Kuina let out a cute little huff through her delicate nose. She had always been fiercely competitive—never willing to lose to anyone. "Today, I'm definitely going to beat you!"
Even though she failed every time, Kuina never became discouraged. Each defeat only fueled her determination to challenge Kai again. Her mental resilience was incredible—and it was precisely this unyielding spirit that Kai admired and liked so much about her!
"Hah!"
With that, Kuina let out a sharp cry and charged forward across the sand. Her Wado Ichimonji flashed in rapid succession, sending a storm of sword shadows straight toward Kai. The sharp whistle of blade cutting air rang out repeatedly—her attack fierce and imposing. Kai's expression immediately turned serious.
Clang~
Kai swung his own sword in response—meeting her strikes head-on. His blade was also a real katana, one he had bought himself—not a famous named sword, but razor-sharp nonetheless!
Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!
The sound of steel clashing echoed across the beach. In an instant, the two were locked in fierce combat. Kuina unleashed wave after wave of sword shadows, while Kai countered with single, precise slashes—yet he blocked every attack effortlessly and even threw in occasional counters. He looked completely at ease!
After a full half-hour of intense fighting, neither had gained a clear advantage. But Kuina was clearly starting to tire—her breathing came in heavy, rhythmic gasps. Beneath her low-cut short-sleeved top, the tender white skin at her collarbone rose and fell with each breath, occasionally catching Kai's eye during the clash.
"Sigh… I didn't expect Kuina to develop so much already. Too bad I still can't 'eat' her yet…"
Kai thought with a quiet sigh. Over the three years, with the subtle (and sometimes intentional) use of his Emotion Fruit, Kuina had already fallen deeply in love with him. Kai had also realized he liked her—truly liked her. But for the sake of her swordsmanship and her dream of becoming a great swordmaster, he had decided not to take things further until she was at least eighteen. Anything sooner could harm her still-developing body and hinder her growth.
With a thought, Kai clearly sensed it in his consciousness universe: a glowing pink orb orbited his heart-shaped planet, constantly absorbing and strengthening Kuina's feelings of love toward him. That orb represented her complete devotion—once she loved him, no one else could ever take her heart unless he died!
Of course, Kuina's love wasn't solely because of the Emotion Fruit. The fruit could only amplify or suppress existing emotions—it couldn't create love from nothing. If it were that powerful, Kai could have forced anyone to submit instantly and skipped all training.
Kuina had always harbored goodwill toward Kai from the beginning. The Emotion Fruit simply intensified that feeling until it blossomed into undeniable love.
So if Kai wanted to pursue beauties in the One Piece world—especially the stunning ones—the Emotion Fruit alone wasn't enough. There had to be some genuine foundation of affection first!
Bam!
While Kai was lost in thought, the two figures clashed once more and sprang apart!
"Hehe! Kai, you're finished today! Take this—my sword energy attack!"
Kuina laughed confidently after creating distance. She swung her sword again—this time, faint but sharp strands of sword energy shimmered along the blade!
Kai's eyes widened in genuine surprise. Kuina had already learned to project sword energy! No wonder she was so confident today. Releasing sword energy meant she had officially stepped into the realm of a true swordmaster! A fourteen-year-old female swordmaster—news of that would shock the world!
The corner of Kai's mouth curved upward. Facing Kuina's incoming attack infused with sword energy, he felt surprise but no panic.
"Heh heh! Sword energy? Is that your trump card, Kuina? Unfortunately, with just the sword energy you've barely grasped, you still can't beat me!"
Kai chuckled lightly. With a casual swing of his blade, sharp, refined sword energy instantly condensed along the edge—clearly stronger and more controlled than Kuina's!
"Ah… Kai, when did you learn that?!"
Kuina cried out in shock upon seeing his sword energy—far more refined than hers!
Clang!
Their blades collided again. Sparks flew in a dazzling burst of light and fire. Kuina's sword energy shattered instantly against Kai's—completely dispersed!
Bam!
Kuina's delicate hand trembled. She couldn't hold onto Wado Ichimonji—Kai's strike sent it flying from her grip. The famous sword spun through the air and embedded itself in the golden sand with a thunk!
In the clash of sword energy, Kuina lost even more decisively!
Thud!
Kuina collapsed onto the beautiful beach with a soft cry.
"Tell me! When did you learn sword energy? You didn't even tell me!"
Far from being upset by the loss, Kuina quickly stood up—ignoring the sand clinging to her clothes—and questioned Kai excitedly, almost pouting like she was acting spoiled!
"Heh heh! I only managed it recently!"
Kai laughed lightly, then reached out and gently pulled Kuina closer by her small hand. He brushed the sand off her clothes with care.
"Hmph! Liar!"
Kuina's pretty face flushed with happiness as she enjoyed his attention. Her heart felt sweet and warm. Though she huffed playfully, she knew he hadn't told her to avoid discouraging her. She didn't press further—she was just happy knowing he was getting stronger.
"Heh heh! You're so beautiful, Kuina—how could I ever bear to lie to you?"
Kai smiled softly, gazing at her blushing little face. Every time, she made his heart race like this!
"Really?"
Hearing his compliment, Kuina's big, beautiful eyes sparkled. She looked up at him happily.
"Mm! Really! Kuina is the most beautiful!"
Kai laughed warmly.
"Kai…"
A sweet smile bloomed across Kuina's face. She tilted her head slightly and murmured softly:
"Kiss me."
Kiss me? Hearing Kuina's voice filled with anticipation, seeing her adorable, flushed face and slightly puckered lips leaning toward him—Kai's heart skipped a beat.
He had thought about taking Kuina's first kiss before. But he had always held back. They were still too young, and he feared losing control—doing something that could harm her developing body and hinder her path to becoming a great swordmaster!
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