“Probably, to live freely in this world.”
A very straightforward voice echoed in the room.
Clearly, Dunn’s answer surprised Koshiro Shimotsuki, and it showed on his face.
“Living freely in this world is not a simple matter.”
Koshiro Shimotsuki seemed to understand the meaning of Dunn’s words and said with some emotion.
“Therefore, I must learn Swordsmanship, become stronger, and possess the power to protect myself.”
Dunn continued calmly, “So, Dojo Master, are you satisfied with my answer?”
“Satisfied. Actually, no matter what answer you give, I will teach you. After all, when swinging a sword, you must have your own belief.
Only such a sword can possess greater power.”
Koshiro Shimotsuki said with a gentle smile on his face.
Dunn naturally didn't take Koshiro Shimotsuki's words as a lecture.
After all, he knew little about swords, while Koshiro Shimotsuki in front of him was a top Swordsman. At least in terms of understanding the sword, the other party far surpassed him.
Moreover, to become a true Swordsman, it seems that some kind of belief is indeed needed.
This also includes Haki.
“Since you’re here to learn Swordsmanship, let’s talk about the cost.”
As Dunn was thinking, Koshiro Shimotsuki, who was kneeling opposite, spoke again.
“Okay!” Dunn nodded. Although in his memory, Zoro came to learn Swordsmanship without paying any fees and was even provided with free food and lodging at the Dojo.
However, Zoro, or rather everyone in Shimotsuki Village, should be related by blood.
And, this is also good.
“Five hundred thousand belly, one year.”
Seeing Dunn nod, Koshiro Shimotsuki thought for a moment and gave a price.
Dunn shook his head directly upon hearing this.
Seeing his action, Koshiro Shimotsuki thought Dunn wanted to bargain, so he waited for Dunn to speak again.
“One million belly, one year!” Dunn then stated his price, which stunned Koshiro Shimotsuki.
He thought he had guessed wrong.
“One million belly, I want you to teach me without reservation.”
Dunn stated his request.
“Okay, but I will only teach you more when your Swordsmanship reaches a certain level.”
Koshiro Shimotsuki looked into Dunn's eyes that were staring straight at him, was silent for a moment, and then nodded directly.
Seeing Koshiro Shimotsuki agree, Dunn also breathed a sigh of relief and was about to smile and speak when two children poked their heads in from outside the door.
“Kuina, go get...” Koshiro Shimotsuki was about to speak, and then remembered that he hadn't asked for Dunn's name.
“Dunn.”
“Okay, Kuina, go arrange a place for Dunn to stay. He will be learning Swordsmanship at the Dojo from now on.”
“Oh!”
Kuina looked at Dunn curiously and nodded.
On the other side of the door, Zoro, whose face was even more bruised and swollen than before, stared at the rising Dunn with both eyes.
“You come over too, I need you to move things later.”
Kuina said directly to Zoro, then led the way.
Dunn cupped his hands towards Koshiro Shimotsuki, and then followed behind Kuina.
After the three left, Koshiro Shimotsuki didn't get up, his expression somewhat puzzled.
He could tell what Dunn's action meant just now, but this action seemed standard, like some kind of etiquette.
“Could my guess be true?”
Koshiro Shimotsuki murmured to himself.
Although they had just met and it hadn't been long, Koshiro Shimotsuki saw arrogance, or rather pride, in Dunn.
Incorrect!
Koshiro Shimotsuki frowned and shook his head.
Although it seemed like arrogance and pride, it should actually be some kind of condescending attitude.
Although he seemed very polite, he just had this feeling.
Is he a noble?
Koshiro Shimotsuki felt that there were many contradictions in Dunn.
As for Dunn, he didn't think that much.
At this moment, he was holding Zoro by the back of his neck, carrying this kid and walking forward with Kuina.
“So, even in a place as big as the Dojo, he can get lost?”
Dunn’s voice was full of curiosity.
He knew that Zoro was an ultimate road idiot, but the Dojo wasn't that big, and this guy Zoro should have been here for a long time, and he still gets lost?
“Yes!” Kuina answered without turning back, in a crisp and clear manner.
“Impossible, how could I get lost.”
Zoro struggled desperately, but the hand holding the back of his neck was very steady, not even shaking.
“If I hadn’t pulled you, you would have turned around and gone somewhere else just now.”
Dunn’s words made Zoro, who was struggling desperately, freeze.
Then he slumped his body dejectedly, looking a bit down.
“Speaking of which, you lost again.”
Seeing Zoro give up struggling, Dunn suddenly provoked him.
Zoro, who had just given up struggling, instantly snapped back to his senses and struggled again.
“Ahhhhh, what are you talking about?”
Zoro had an angry look on his face.
“So, you won?” Seeing the angry Zoro, Dunn asked with a strange expression.
As soon as these words came out, Zoro's face stiffened.
“I didn’t win, but I will win in the future!”
Zoro mumbled with his head down.
“Tch!” Kuina didn't even turn back.
“This is your room. I’ll have Zoro get the things you need... never mind, I’ll bring them to you later.”
Kuina pushed open a room in the Dojo, and she stepped back and said.
Dunn threw Zoro on the ground, stepped into the room, looked around, and nodded.
“To join the Dojo and learn Swordsmanship, you have to follow me first. My father will only teach you more when you are proficient in the basic sword techniques.”
After Kuina finished speaking, she looked at Dunn, who was much taller than her, and turned to look at Zoro.
“Come with me to get the things.”
Zoro followed Kuina with his head down and a dejected look, clearly still not recovered from Dunn's provocation just now.
After watching the two leave, Dunn turned back and looked at the small room in front of him.
He didn't have many demands on the living environment. Although it wasn't big, it was quite clean.
Walking to the small table in the middle of the room, Dunn sat down cross-legged.
“Step one is complete. Now it’s time to see how much I can learn.”
Dunn rested his arm on his face, thinking to himself.
Dunn was quite looking forward to the upcoming learning.
Although he had already eaten the Devil Fruit, the next step was truly the beginning of him coming into contact with the power of this world.
Kuina and Zoro came back quickly.
Zoro carried a large bag of various simple daily necessities.
“Here!”
Seeing Zoro put down the large bag of things, Dunn placed a small bag on the table in front of him.
Kuina and Zoro both looked at him with puzzled eyes.
“What is this?”
Kuina was a little curious.
“Tuition fees and living expenses from now on.”
As soon as Dunn spoke, Kuina became even more confused. She walked over, opened the bag, and her eyes widened.
“So much money!”
Zoro was stunned, walked over, and also peeked inside. He immediately swallowed.
“Do I have to pay so much money to learn Swordsmanship at the Dojo?”
Zoro was dumbfounded.
He didn't pay any money!