Shimotsuki Kousaburo wasn't unaware that Himura Kenshin had left Wano Country. He had assumed a strong swordsman like him would be traveling the Grand Line.
He was unaware of the internal strife in Wano Country, but he had heard of Himura Kenshin's role in that war. Even if the Wano Country officials were exaggerating, a person needed to have real skill to be praised.
Later, he heard that Himura Kenshin had become discouraged and given up everything to leave, but he hadn't paid it much mind. However, seeing him today, he realized it was true.
Though he didn't know what had happened, the Himura Kenshin before him was indeed a very disheartened man. It was then he realized the rumors were probably true.
Himura Kenshin...
He's been hit hard.
"Isn't it a shame to give up such excellent swordsmanship, Kenshin-kun?" Shimotsuki Kousaburo asked with a chuckle.
"Is it?" Kenshin suddenly yanked the fishing line hard. He had a bite.
With a strong pull, he landed a large fish. He placed it in the nearby basket and said, "A sword is a deadly weapon, and swordsmanship is a killing technique. Giving up the sword is like giving up killing. Isn't that like returning to a normal life?"
"In normal times, your words would be correct. But sadly, with the world in this state, how can there be a normal life?" Shimotsuki Kousaburo seemed to have caught a fish too. He spoke as he pulled hard, his focus divided, making him look rather fierce.
"My son happens to be running a swordsmanship school in the village. Kenshin-kun, would you be interested in staying here for a while? After all... Mr. Hiko only has you as his disciple. If you continue to think this way, won't the Flying Dragon Sword Style be lost?"
Shimotsuki Kousaburo had left Wano Country decades ago, but he seemed to know a lot about what had happened there. Kenshin having a master and being of the Flying Dragon Sword Style was not something just anyone would know.
It seemed that no matter how much reforms or changes occurred, the Shimotsuki family still held some influence in Wano Country.
Generally, loyalists often met their demise with the old dynasty. Those who remained were the ones who had brought down the old dynasty. Ironically, the founders of new dynasties often believed they could control these individuals, who then regained power in the new regime.
This might not apply to Wano Country, but it was generally true for other nations.
With so many countries in the world, dynasties changed almost daily. Yet, no matter who held power, the world hadn't improved one bit.
Upon hearing Kousaburo's words, Kenshin neither agreed nor disagreed. He simply said softly, "My master probably never intended to teach me swordsmanship. Come to think of it, I understand his words now better than before."
His eyes held a hint of remembrance. He slowly reeled in his fishing rod, stood up, and adjusted the straw hat on his head. "I will consider Mr. Shimotsuki's offer. I was also planning to rest in this village for a while."
"The children in the village are full of energy. You should learn from them. It's not good to be so downcast at your age," Kousaburo said, still fishing, not even looking at Kenshin, who had turned around and was about to leave. He just sat there, talking to himself.
Kenshin let out a chuckle. "Downcast? Not quite. I'm not that fragile."
With that, he left.
He reappeared the next day, this time at Shimotsuki Koushiro's swordsmanship school.
Shimotsuki Koushiro was Shimotsuki Kousaburo's son. Therefore, upon seeing Kenshin, he understood. He had already heard from his father about Kenshin's arrival.
However, he was still somewhat surprised. He hadn't expected Kenshin to arrive so quickly. When he heard that Kenshin seemed very dejected, he thought he wouldn't have much motivation.
Koushiro quickly walked over and said, "I didn't expect Mr. Kenshin to arrive so soon."
Kenshin replied, "How could I refuse the invitation of the elder Mr. Shimotsuki? After all, no swordsman can refuse an invitation from a grand craftsman, though... I am no longer a swordsman."
He walked to the counter and looked at the stack of wooden swords, a hint of nostalgia in his expression. He picked one up and swung it. "However... I might not come here often, Mr. Shimotsuki."
Koushiro was somewhat overwhelmed. "No, sir, your presence alone is an honor to everyone at this swordsmanship school."
"That's too much..." Kenshin gave a wry smile. "By the way, who is this kid?"
He pointed to a little boy with green hair in the crowd.
Koushiro followed his gaze and saw the boy looking at Kenshin with intense determination, as if he were about to challenge him at any moment.
Recalling the rumors about the legendary "Executioner Battōsai," Koushiro quickly said, "This is Roro Noah Zoro. Zoro, it's very rude to look at guests like that!"
Zoro, holding his two swords, looked at Kenshin spiritedly and said loudly, "Isn't it because the headmaster said your arrival alone is an honor for all of us? I want to challenge him!"
He had challenged everyone at the swordsmanship school. Not only children his age, but even adults were no match for him. Only the headmaster's daughter, Kuina, was his equal. So, when he saw the headmaster welcoming a newcomer, Zoro felt indignant and wanted to challenge him.
"Headmaster-sensei praises you so highly, you must be very strong. But in the future, I will be the strongest swordsman!" Zoro said to Kenshin.
"The strongest... swordsman..." Kenshin looked at Zoro with some absentmindedness, then smiled. "That's not an easy thing to achieve."
"No matter how difficult, I will do it. Fight me!"
With that, Zoro charged at Kenshin, swords in hand.
"Stop, Zoro!"
Crack!
Along with Koushiro's voice came the sound of a wooden sword. No, the sword was ten times faster than the sound!
Almost instantly, Zoro was hit in the chest by Kenshin's wooden sword. He was sent flying like a cannonball!
Kenshin remained in his spot, seemingly exuding a killing intent like a surging sea. The killing intent enveloped him, making him look like a demon.
"A sword's edge that's too sharp is not a good thing, Zoro."
But in the next moment, all the killing intent vanished without a trace. Kenshin gave a gentle smile as he looked at Zoro, who had been knocked unconscious. He then turned to the somewhat anxious Shimotsuki Koushiro and said, "I'm sorry, Mr. Shimotsuki. This child just reminded me of some past events. But Zoro is fine. He'll wake up soon."
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