Big brother, I want to become the strongest pirate in the world!

"Hmm... I think the best proof is that I haven't done anything up to this point."

Kazan frowned, then pulled out his postcard—a bounty poster—from his pocket and handed it to Kuina, the meaning of which was simple and clear.

Although this approach is impolite, Kazan was genuinely too lazy to try and prove anything.

Even if Kuina doesn't lead the way, they can definitely find Isshin Dojo on their own if they spend some time, after all, Shimotsuki Village is so small.

"I really didn't mean any harm, believe me, little girl."

Kazan flashed to Kuina's side and patted her head, subtly demonstrating his strength.

Kuina was stunned for a moment, and then, looking a little slow, she took two steps back with Zoro. Even after retreating, she still couldn't come to her senses immediately.

"elder brother……"

Just as Kazan was about to say something, seeing Kuina's stunned expression, Perona's voice came from behind him.

As soon as Kazan turned around, Perona, who was floating in mid-air, jumped directly into his arms.

"What's wrong, Peipei?"

"Ugh... I want to sleep, sob sob ┭┮﹏┭┮."

"Ah...it's time to go to sleep."

Kazan was suddenly startled, grabbed Perona tightly, and gently patted her back with his large hand.

Perona has always had the habit of taking a nap. She spent the whole day with them today and kept bothering Sugar along the way, so she's probably very sleepy. And when she's sleepy but can't fall asleep, she tends to cry.

Kazan felt a little guilty, realizing he hadn't noticed this at all and had only been thinking about finding Shimotsuki Koshiro today.

It wasn't just Kazan; even those like Tiga who weren't familiar with Perona's habits were fine. The others also felt guilty, as everyone had actually forgotten about it.

No, rather than forgetting, it's more accurate to say that Perona was quite energetic all afternoon, so everyone assumed she didn't need a nap today.

Unexpectedly, the little girl had started to feel sleepy at some point, but she kept fighting off her drowsiness and kept moving forward with everyone. She probably couldn't hold back any longer and that's when she finally said it.

"Go to sleep, go to sleep. You'll have to get up for dinner soon... then go back to sleep."

"Okay, Peipei understands..."

Kazan held Perona in his arms, gently stroking her back to lull her to sleep, and couldn't help but glance at Sugar, who was chasing a goose nearby.

They're all little girls, and they've been making a ruckus for about the same amount of time, so why is this brat still so energetic?!

"Woo woo ...

Ah... I was made to cry by a goose.

"Idiot, keep your voice down! Can't you see your sister is sleeping?"

Kazan first gently tapped Sugar's little head with a finger, then picked her up and held her in his arms like he did with Perona: "You go to sleep too! I'll wake you up later!"

"Oh (；へ：)"

Kazan was busy putting the two little girls to sleep, completely ignoring Kuina and Zoro behind him.

At this moment, the two little devils were staring blankly at Perona and Sugar in Kazan's arms... both of them were a little envious.

"You... come with me."

Kuina believed that the man's gentleness towards the two little girls was genuine, and that a pirate of that caliber really didn't need to waste his breath on two brats.

So she chose to believe Kazan.

"..."

Hearing Kuina's words, Kazan smiled and nodded, mouthing a silent "thank you." Kuina hesitated for a moment after seeing Kazan nod, then went to pick up the vegetables she had just thrown on the ground.

As Kuina approached the fallen vegetables, hands suddenly sprouted from the ground and picked them all up for her.

"...It's all dirty, I'm sorry."

Robin crossed her arms in front of her chest, took the vegetables and fruits she had collected using her Devil Fruit powers, examined them carefully, and then said something to Kuina with a hint of apology.

Kuina was startled by the fruit's power, but after thinking carefully about what her mother had told her about 'Devil Fruits' when she read the newspaper, she had a slight guess in her mind.

Zoro, upon seeing this, stood there dumbfounded with his mouth agape, truly a clueless fool.

"It's okay... it can be eaten after washing."

Chapter 119 Shigetsuki Koushiro

What a beautiful woman! Is she that man's lover?

Kuina glanced at Robin, who already possessed a mature and elegant air, and felt a slight longing in her heart. Perhaps only a strong yet gentle man could be worthy of such a woman.

"Those have already fallen to the ground, so I'll go and buy some more."

Just then, Feng Kelei and Bellamy, who had quietly left the group earlier, returned carrying two large bags of newly bought food, enough for about twenty people.

"Uh...this...there are too many."

Guina stared blankly at each of the bags, each one larger than herself.

"It's okay, take as much as you can, the rest is for our dinner."

"Ah... thank you."

Kuina thanked him somewhat shyly, and then silently led the way for Kazan and his group.

Zoro then walked over to Kazan and gestured to him with the twin swords at his waist.

Kazan glanced down at the two little girls who were falling asleep in his arms. They weren't quite asleep yet, so Kazan shook his head at Zoro.

Zoro didn't understand what Kazan meant, but he keenly sensed something else in Kazan's eyes. It seemed that Kazan didn't want him to see his twin swords, so he remained silent and decided to ask him later.

Led by Kuina, they soon arrived at a small dojo. Although it looked simple, it was clean and had a very nice atmosphere.

There was no one in the courtyard; it didn't seem to be training time.

creak.

Kuina opened the wooden door of the dojo, and led Zoro in after he took off his shoes. The members of the monster family followed suit, taking off their shoes and entering as well.

A clean wooden board makes a crisp sound when you step on it, which can be quite comforting.

It wasn't until they followed Kuina to the door of a room that Kazan and his group saw the people inside the dojo.

Several adults and a dozen children were gathered in this rather large room, as if they were about to start some kind of activity.

"Father, a guest has arrived; they're looking for you."

Kuina spoke to a middle-aged man with squinty eyes who was sitting in the center of the group of adults, and then left with Zoro carrying their ingredients.

Kazan turned his head and gestured for Bon Clay and Bellamy to follow the two children to put away the ingredients, then walked up to Shimotsuki Koshiro, who had already stood up, and cupped his hands in greeting.

"Hello, Mr. Shimotsuki Koshiro, there is something I would like to ask you."

"...This way please. I'll be back in a bit. Wu, this is your responsibility."

"it is good."

Koushirou almost never mentioned the name 'Shimotsuki' to anyone. Even when naming Kuina, he simply used Kuina instead of Shimotsuki Kuina.

Since Kazan could recite his surname so readily, he must know something. It was for this reason that Shimotsuki Koshiro decided to have a chat with Kazan.

Of course, his naturally peaceful nature and tendency not to refuse others may also have played a role.

"Mr. Koushirou, may I use your kitchen?"

"Don't be shy, please use it."

"Monet, you go and cook first. Have Xiao Feng and Xiao Bei help you out. Robin, take these two girls to a quiet place to sleep for a while, and wake them up when it's time for lunch. Akin and Tiga, you two stay here and study."

Monet nodded and walked directly in the direction where Bon Clay and Bellamy had left. Robin gently took Perona and Sugar from Kazan's arms, then looked at Kazan with a worried expression. Only after Kazan nodded did Robin leave with a slightly uneasy expression.

Ajin: (▼ヘ▼#), I've been sent to the kids' place again.

Tiga: (。—＿—。)

After his younger siblings left, Kazan followed Shimotsuki Koshiro to another room.

“My name is Kazan, and the reason I know you are from the Shimotsuki family… is because of this.”

Kazan bent down and drew the useless weapon from his waist, handing it to Shimotsuki Koshiro.

The latter gently lifted the demon sword, Useless, with both hands. A streak of bloody light flickered within the blade, and Shimotsuki Koushirou couldn't help but widen his eyes to stare at the sword before him.

(￣—￣)

"Is there something wrong with this knife?"

Although Shimotsuki Koushirou could see the special features of this cursed sword, he did not recognize its true identity.

"This is the sword of your ancestor Shimotsuki Ryoma's nemesis—the world's second greatest swordsman, Sirano. You should have heard of it, right?"

Kazan wasn't sure if Shimotsuki Kosaburo had ever heard of the sword, but if it was a master swordsmith and forge expert like Shimotsuki Kosaburo, he would most likely know about it.

Shimotsuki Koshiro paused for a moment after hearing Kazan's words, handed the useless item back to Kazan, and nodded after a brief pause: "I understand."

"...?"

What do you understand? I haven't thought of what to say yet.

Kazan paused, looking into Shimotsuki Koshiro's eyes, trying to discern something so he could cooperate, but he failed; he couldn't see into Shimotsuki Koshiro's eyes.

"So... is there anything I can help you with?"

Shimotsuki Koshiro either misunderstood something or connected it to something he knew, but in any case, after learning that Kazan's sword was a cursed sword and useless, he went straight to the point and asked Kazan what kind of help he needed.

Kazan swallowed hard, straightened his posture, and then voiced his doubts: "Lately, I've been feeling increasingly uncomfortable when I'm wielding a sword. It's like my swordsmanship is slipping out of my control. I only have a guess as to why, but I can't figure out the specific reason. So I came here to see if I could get any help."

"...Give it a try."

After hearing about Kazan's situation, Shimotsuki Koshiro frowned and thought for a moment. He hesitated for a moment, then decided to see Kazan for himself before making any decisions. He stood up and invited Kazan to the rather large room they had just been in.

Kazan followed Shimotsuki Koshiro into the room. The children's matches had just ended, and the last match was between Kuina and Zoro. The two fought for only three minutes before Zoro was completely overwhelmed by Kuina.

Kazan shifted his gaze slightly. Akin was fast asleep in the corner, snot bubbles even forming on his nose, completely unaware of Kazan's arrival. As for Tiga, he frowned slightly, staring intently at Kuina, seemingly captivated by the swordsmanship she was displaying.

Indeed, Kuina is only ten years old, about four years younger than Tiga. Putting aside her physical abilities, this little girl's swordsmanship is extraordinary. Even the masters in this dojo with considerable swordsmanship skills are not as good as her.

But Kazan didn't care about that now. He gave Shimotsuki Koshiro an embarrassed look, then walked straight to Akin's side and punched him.

After a while.