Chapter 17: Respect Level Increased Again [Please Support]

If Tang Shen were the head of Isshin Dojo, then if he went to challenge the strongest, wouldn’t that just mean he failed in his attempt to “kick the dojo”? His face flushed red—this really was embarrassing. Running into the dojo master before the official challenge, how humiliating!

“I’m not from Isshin Dojo, go ahead and challenge them,” Tang Shen shook his head gently, glanced at Kuina, patted her little head, and then said seriously, “Besides, as a man of honor, you must keep your word. If you say you’ll challenge, then you must continue, even if I were from that dojo. Only by persisting in your challenges will you become stronger. A true warrior grows through constant battles with worthy opponents. Only with a fearless heart can you possess the heart of a true champion. Isn’t that right, Greenie?”

“Big brother, you’re absolutely right.” Zoro let out a sigh of relief, but upon hearing Tang Shen’s words, his eyes immediately blazed with fire, his fighting spirit surging. He felt as if he could charge into Isshin Dojo and challenge them right that instant.

Well, even if he didn’t quite understand all of it, he was sure that continuing to challenge was the right thing to do.

Standing to the side, Kuina’s expression grew a little strange, wanting to laugh but holding it back. She could see Zoro’s level at a glance—completely untrained, without any trace of formal discipline. Even a beginner student could easily defeat him. Yet he still wanted to challenge the strongest in Isshin Dojo—her own father.

She didn’t understand why Tang Shen still encouraged Zoro to go ahead with the challenge. Was he just standing by to watch the show?

But when she heard the latter part of his words, she was taken aback. She understood far more than Zoro. Her current goal was nothing like Zoro’s vague ambition; hers was clear and precise: to become the world’s greatest swordsman.

Only with a fearless heart can you possess the heart of a true champion. A true warrior grows through constant battles with worthy opponents.

Such simple words, yet they contained profound truths.

Her heart filled with respect. Indeed, her teacher never spoke without reason; even his casual remarks contained the wisdom of a true swordsman’s heart.

In her eyes, Tang Shen wasn’t only speaking to that green-haired boy, but also to her. Her teacher truly put great thought into guiding her.

[Kuina’s respect for you +10]
[Roronoa Zoro’s respect for you +5]

Tang Shen was momentarily stunned. He could understand Zoro’s respect increasing, but why did Kuina’s rise even more?

When he glanced at Kuina and patted her on the head, it was merely to calm her. As for Zoro, Tang Shen hadn’t intended to alter his course in life; he would let him go ahead and challenge Isshin Dojo, then study swordsmanship there—that was the right way for him to grow.

If he interfered, it would do Zoro more harm than good. After all, Koushirou’s methods didn’t suit Kuina, but they were perfect for Zoro.

Soon, Isshin Dojo came into view—a traditional wooden structure. Built in a remote location due to its considerable grounds, it needed space for training. Every day, the sounds of students practicing swordsmanship could be heard, so as not to disturb the villagers, the dojo was established here.

As they approached, the unified shouts of the students rang out from within, accompanied by the whistling of bamboo swords slicing through the air.

Zoro’s spirit was instantly roused. His small eyes sharpened; he bit down on a blade of grass and, arms raised, struck his most imposing pose, swaggering toward the dojo with a bold, exaggerated gait.

There was no fear, no hesitation—everything felt natural and right.

Then he shouted, “Anyone here? Anyone? I’m here to challenge the dojo! The strongest, come out and face me one-on-one!”

“Pfft!” Kuina couldn’t hold back her laughter at the sight. It was just too funny—he really did come to challenge, and he truly had the nerve.

But Tang Shen didn’t laugh. He watched quietly, his expression even a little solemn. Inwardly, he couldn’t help but sigh. That fearless spirit was indeed the cornerstone of Zoro’s future strength—an indispensable trait for any true warrior.

Many people understand these principles, but when actually faced with such circumstances, few dare to act as Zoro did.

It may look foolish, may seem embarrassing… For various reasons, most people never take that first step. Something holds them back. But how could anyone become truly strong like that?

When Kuina noticed Tang Shen’s calm, serious gaze fixed on Zoro’s small, almost comical figure, she hesitated. The smile slowly faded from her face. She couldn’t understand—Tang Shen had been laughing and teasing Zoro earlier, so why now, when Zoro looked even more ridiculous, did Tang Shen not laugh?

She began to observe as Tang Shen did, studying the scene seriously, her mind whirring with thoughts.

Why was Tang Shen, who had always teased Zoro, now so earnest?
Why, when Zoro seemed even more laughable than before, did Tang Shen not smile, despite having just been so amused?
Why… why?

One question after another reappeared in her mind. She felt as if she was close to grasping something, but couldn’t quite reach it.

Isshin Dojo’s head, Koushirou, stepped out in a gray kendo uniform, a gentle smile on his face. Seeing Zoro standing fiercely at the door, he felt a bit surprised.

So, someone actually came to challenge the dojo—this was a first, and it was a child no less.

Yet he showed no impatience, and spoke gently, “So you’ve come to challenge the dojo? That’s a rare thing indeed.”

“Hmph!” Zoro lifted his head and glared at Koushirou, barking, “Don’t look down on me just because I’m a kid! In the neighboring village, there’s no one who can beat me!”

He repeated to Koushirou what he’d said to Tang Shen.

“Very well, I accept your challenge,” Koushirou replied calmly.

“If I win, I’ll take your dojo’s signboard!” Zoro declared, full of bravado.

“And if you lose?” Koushirou countered.

“Uh?!” Zoro froze, stumped by the question—he’d obviously never thought about that.

Tang Shen, standing aside, couldn’t help but cover his face. That was classic Zoro. He interjected, “Zoro, if you lose, just join Isshin Dojo.”

“Yes, that’s right! If I lose, I’ll become your student!” Zoro quickly agreed, as if doing Koushirou a favor.

Koushirou gave Tang Shen and the girl beside him a curious look. Something flickered in his eyes, then he smiled and accepted, “Hahaha—then it’s settled.”

He didn’t brush Zoro off because he was a child, nor was he angered by the boy’s bold words, not even by Zoro’s rather cheeky terms for defeat. He treated it as if it were a formal challenge, following all the proper steps.