Zoro strode through the courtyard, his eyes catching the massive cherry blossom tree first.
Beyond the tree lay the back door, and outside it, an open field lined with a row of black barbell plates arranged from smallest to largest. The smallest was the size of a basin, while the largest towered three or four times Zoro's height.
Past this mountain of iron, Kuina was drenched in sweat, swinging an iron rod rhythmically, each motion punctuated by a grunt. "Hya! Hya! Hya!" A barbell plate as tall as Zoro hung from the rod's end, her arms bulging with visible veins under the strain.
Further in, Sora trained shirtless, performing handstand push-ups with steady precision. Above his feet, a barbell loaded with plates on both sides hovered, defying gravity.
"Hey! This is your training? Doesn't look like anything special," Zoro called out, striding forward with brash confidence.
What's this? Just regular workouts? If this is all it takes to get strong, I'll crush Kuina in no time.
But as he approached within five meters of Sora, it was like plunging into the deep sea. Pressure surged from all directions, crushing him. His back felt burdened by a thousand-pound weight, pushing him down inch by inch.
This little pressure won't stop me! Zoro roared inwardly, eyes wide and bloodshot, locking onto Kuina ahead. Gritting his teeth, his trembling legs inched forward step by agonizing step.
Those few meters took him a grueling ten minutes.
Kuina glanced at the approaching Zoro with cool indifference before resuming her sword swings.
She recalled Sora's words: In this world, women may be born physically weaker than men. But victory isn't always about strength. Skill and speed can be the key. Take down your enemy before your stamina runs out—that's what counts.
Her glance stung Zoro deeply. He lifted his head, glaring with fiery determination. I'll surpass her! He didn't know what was up with this place, but training in this environment would make him strong fast, right?
Taking a deep breath to steady himself, he crouched, hands braced on the ground, and began push-ups. If standing was this hard, he'd train on the ground.
Sora watched Zoro's face contort with effort, marveling at his sheer willpower. Not bad, Zoro. That's the spirit.
This space was Sora's domain, a five-meter radius of controlled spatial layers. The further the layers extended, the stronger his control, allowing him to compress space for crushing pressure or lighten it for flight-like effects.
Nine thousand nine hundred ninety-nine… ten thousand. Sora counted silently, halting his push-ups.
Thud!
He bent his knees slightly, tossing the barbell aside, kicking up a cloud of dust.
With a powerful push, he flipped upright, landing steadily beside the barbell.
Seeing Zoro passed out from exhaustion, Sora grabbed a towel from the barbell plates, wiping sweat from his face as he retracted his spatial domain.
Kuina, resting nearby with her eyes closed, felt the pressure lift, signaling Sora's training was done. She grabbed the bamboo sword from her lap, stood, and called out, "Sora, let's start today's sparring!"
"Hold on. Gotta wake Zoro first."
Noticing Zoro's breathing steady as the domain dissipated, Sora's interest piqued. He slung the towel around his neck, walked over, and grabbed Zoro by the collar, hoisting him like a sleeping green-haired cat.
Kuina jogged after Sora as he carried Zoro toward a nearby stream.
"Sora, he's definitely gonna challenge you when he wakes up."
"Nah, I'll just say you did it," Sora teased, glancing at her with a grin.
"Doesn't matter. He can't beat me anyway," Kuina said, brimming with confidence.
She had reason to be. In the village, her swordsmanship was unmatched by anyone except her father.
"Don't underestimate Zoro. His willpower and determination rival yours," Sora warned.
"After today, I can see his resolve. That beast-like willpower? It's undeniable," Kuina replied, her voice firm as she met Sora's gaze. "But I promised you I'd become the world's greatest female Swordmaster. Only then can I stay by your side—always."
Sora stopped by the stream, struck by Kuina's resolute eyes and unwavering heart. For years, Koshiro and Kuina had cared for him like family, easing his confusion, fear, and disorientation in this new world.
This bond, this trust—it felt so vivid in that moment.
This wasn't just an anime world. It was real, alive with flesh, blood, ideals, and dreams.
He'd tried to blend into this world, but something always felt off. Now he understood: it was connection. Bonds gave him a home, a place for his heart to belong.
In that moment, a surge of power broke through from deep within, shattering the barrier to a realm he'd long sought but couldn't reach.
He closed his eyes, his spirit radiating outward. The world came alive—stream, forest, birdsong, ocean, clouds, sunlight—everything vivid and vibrant.
Is this the Swordmaster's realm?
"Hahaha!" His laughter echoed through the hills, startling flocks of birds into flight.
Kuina, infected by his joy, smiled warmly. She didn't know why he laughed, but his unprecedented happiness shone through, unlike anything she'd seen before.
In the dojo's front courtyard, Koshiro, meditating on a platform, heard the laughter. His half-closed eyes widened slightly. The boy's finally untied his heart's knot. Nodding, he smiled faintly.
After a moment's thought, he stood and walked out. He'll head to sea in a few years. Time to prepare a gift for him.
Sora's laughter subsided. Standing by the stream, he swung his right arm back, then hurled Zoro forward.
"Off you go!"
Splash! Zoro arced gracelessly through the air, landing in the water with a plop.
He woke instantly, flailing and coughing. "Who—who threw me in?! Cough, cough!"
Sora turned to Guina, grinning. "Look at him—total drowned dog vibes."
He doubled over, laughing.
Kuina rested her hands on Sora's shoulder, silent but betraying her amusement with squinting eyes and trembling shoulders.
"Damn you both!" Zoro glared from the water, furious.
Sora straightened, exchanging a glance with Kuina before turning back to Zoro with a smile. "Alright, get up. Training's not over!"
He and Kuina headed back to the field.
Zoro slapped the water, splashing wildly to vent his frustration, then trudged to shore. "Hey! Wait for me!"
His voice carried far into the distance.
(End of Chapter)