Chapter 15: He Is Still Just a Child

Because Tang Shen had previously used a nickname and didn't know Zoro's real name, Kuina simply used that moniker as well.

“Haha! That silly boy—he clearly got lost but stubbornly refuses to admit it. He’s rather amusing,” Tang Shen chuckled warmly. “But Kuina, that boy will become your rival one day. His talent in swordsmanship might be no less than yours.”

“What?!” Kuina exclaimed, then scoffed with a face full of disdain. “That silly little guy, who looks so clueless and can’t even find his way—he only knows how to charge around blindly. What kind of talent could he possibly have in swordsmanship? I could defeat him with one hand right now.”

Kuina certainly had reason for her pride—her foundation in swordsmanship was solid indeed.

Tang Shen affectionately ruffled Kuina’s hair and instructed, “You can’t judge a person by their appearance, nor compare the sea by the measure of a bucket. Little one, you still have much to learn! Remember this in the future: never underestimate anyone, no matter how weak or unremarkable they may seem. Every person has flaws, but you mustn’t look only at their shortcomings—see their strengths as well. All of this requires you to observe with your own eyes.”

Kuina only half-understood; these words were still too profound for her young mind. Yet she obediently memorized them.

“I understand, Master. I will remember.”

Tang Shen was fond of Kuina’s docility. She didn’t ask unnecessary questions; even if she didn’t fully comprehend, she still listened and remembered his teachings.

***

At the edge of the forest, a small figure crept out from the grass, glancing around furtively as if searching for something.

Finding nothing, his little face broke into a smile. He swaggered out boldly, chin held high.

Just then, a familiar voice rang out beside him.

“Green-head, who are you looking for?”

Startled, Zoro—who’d been stealthily following—jumped as if shocked by lightning. He spun around to see Tang Shen standing not far behind, watching him with mischief in his eyes. By his side stood a curious little girl, studying him intently.

“I... I... I...” Roronoa Zoro stammered, unable to form a complete sentence, his face flushed and drenched in sweat, nearly trembling with embarrassment and anger.

“Oh? Were you out here training?” Tang Shen asked with feigned surprise.

“Yes, yes! I’m out here training,” Zoro hurriedly agreed, seizing the excuse and quickly turning to flee. “I need to continue my training!”

Watching Zoro’s hasty retreat, Tang Shen called after him with a laugh, “Hey! You’re going the wrong way. Isshin Dojo is in the other direction.”

Kuina, standing by, covered her mouth and burst into uncontrollable laughter.

Her master truly had a mischievous streak—he could see everything clearly, yet played along as if clueless.

Soon after—

Tang Shen and Kuina walked ahead, while Zoro, wearing a fierce expression, trailed several meters behind, glaring daggers at Tang Shen’s back, grinding his teeth in frustration.

“Green-head, actually, there’s nothing shameful about having no sense of direction—a lot of people are like that,” Tang Shen said kindly.

“I am NOT directionless! I’m not—I’m not!” Zoro shouted, his face red, but then muttered meekly, “Am I... really?”

Tang Shen nodded with perfect sincerity, making it hard not to believe him.

Zoro’s scowl softened somewhat. So it wasn’t just him—many people got lost. Maybe it wasn’t such a big deal after all. His resentment toward Tang Shen lessened a little, even replaced by a touch of gratitude.

Just then, Tang Shen added lightly, “It’s just a bit embarrassing.”

Bang!

The resentment that had faded a moment ago instantly flared up even more than before. Zoro’s eyes burned with indignation as he glared at Tang Shen, grinding his teeth as if he wanted to bite him.

Damn bastard, give me back my gratitude!

But Tang Shen acted as though he noticed nothing and went on, “Not only is it embarrassing, but it makes you look rather foolish. Green-head, you know, I’ve never met anyone with a worse sense of direction than you. Truly mortifying! Hahahaha—”

His hearty, carefree laughter pushed Zoro’s shame and anger to the limit.

“Aaah! I’ll kill you!” Roronoa Zoro erupted. After all, he was still just a child, his pride fierce and unyielding. To be provoked so far was already remarkable. Like an angry little boar, his face flushed, eyes reddened, he charged at Tang Shen with wild abandon. The raw, beastly energy around him seemed to double in an instant.

“Holy—!” Even Tang Shen was startled. He hadn’t expected to provoke Zoro to such a degree, with his rage nearly maxed out.

Kuina pivoted, stepping in front of Tang Shen. Her eyes, which had been full of sympathy, now turned sharp.

She knew her master was just teasing this boy, but that didn’t mean she’d let anyone harm Tang Shen.

Her left foot slid forward, right hand resting on her sword hilt. A formidable aura radiated from her. To her, Zoro’s wild, uncoordinated charge was riddled with openings.

As she was about to act, a blade flashed even faster than she could move, striking toward Zoro with lightning speed.

Yes—striking.

After an afternoon of hunting, Tang Shen had gained some insights into the Draw and Slash technique. He couldn’t yet control it with precision, but he could manage small adjustments.

Of course, he wouldn’t use his steel sword to strike Zoro over such a trifle.

Instead, he drew a novice wooden sword from his system inventory, swung it in a Draw and Slash, and then spun it to smack Zoro squarely on the forehead with the flat of the blade.

Smack!

The sound was crisp and clear, ringing out with satisfying sharpness.

Like a charging little boar, Zoro stopped dead in his tracks.

“Ow—ow! That hurts!” he yelped, squatting with both hands clutching his forehead in agony.

A vivid imprint from the novice wooden sword marked his brow, the grain of the wood clearly visible as it quickly turned red, then purple.

“Kuina, he’s still just a child. You can’t simply draw your sword on him,” Tang Shen said cheerfully as he put away the wooden sword, turning to her with a look of earnest concern.

Kuina: “...”

So you know he’s a child, yet you bully him so relentlessly.

Still, she was gradually getting used to Tang Shen’s sly humor. She sheathed her sword and stood aside, her eyes full of sympathy, hoping this boy wouldn’t be tormented beyond repair.