Chapter 46: Just Aim for the Face

At the stone pillar stakes, as the sun rose above the horizon, two long shouts echoed through the air, signaling the end of their training.

Unsurprisingly, it was Kuina who fell from the wooden stake first, relaxing her muscles and massaging her pressure points.

She then ran to the kitchen and brought back two bowls of salted water. Each took a bowl and drank happily.

By then, Zoro had already disappeared, and neither of them bothered to look for him.

With the sun’s ascent, the dojo students began to appear one after another.

It wasn’t the usual time for morning practice—today they had come much earlier. Recently, Koshiro had been changing up the morning routine unpredictably, causing many students to miss breakfast. Going through a whole day’s training on an empty stomach was agony, so most tried to finish morning practice on time by waking up earlier.

Clearly, the students all had the same idea.

At that moment, Zoro reappeared from who-knows-where. Though he had been sprawled out exhausted moments ago, now he was full of energy, striding straight up to Kuina with a cocky air. “Kuina, I’m challenging you! This time I’m definitely going to beat you.”

A month of training had made Zoro feel much stronger, ready for a second challenge at last.

Kuina rolled her eyes and replied, “And who gave you that courage? Was it Liang Jingru?”

She’d heard Tang Shen use this line before and thought it sounded quite powerful. She’d even asked who Liang Jingru was, and in the end, Tang Shen had to sing her the song “Courage.” The girl loved that song.

She’d seen all of Zoro’s training. He’d improved, certainly, but it had only been a month. For him to challenge her so confidently—she truly wondered where he found such nerve.

He wasn’t the only one improving; she was making leaps and bounds herself. Compared to a month ago, her strength had utterly transformed. Since the start of training, she hadn’t even touched her real sword—only using the iron bamboo sword Tang Shen made for her.

But the feeling was completely different.

The Kuina of a month ago—she wouldn’t stand a chance now, even if there were three of her. And Zoro now was still much weaker than she’d been a month ago.

Zoro stared blankly. “Who’s Liang Jingru?”

Tang Shen couldn’t hold back a laugh. Hearing that joke from Kuina’s lips was unexpectedly funny, making her seem both cute and amusing.

Kuina couldn’t help but laugh either, her smile sweet as honey. Honestly, saying it felt pretty satisfying, especially seeing Zoro’s utterly confused face.

Zoro looked bewildered, glancing between master and disciple, feeling a little exasperated.

“Anyway, I’m challenging you! Don’t tell me you’re scared, coward!” Zoro began running his mouth.

Taunting was his specialty; as a kid in the village, he’d always used it when fighting others.

Kuina’s face instantly turned cold, her brow arching. Her, afraid? What a joke—he must have a death wish.

But she glanced at Tang Shen, seeking his opinion. After all, Zoro was her master’s new protégé; it was better to ask, mainly to check how hard she was allowed to hit.

Tang Shen raised his brows as well. He knew Zoro’s stubbornness—once he said something, he’d never back down. If Kuina didn’t accept, Zoro would just keep pestering her. It was better to let him experience the gap once more; that way, he’d train even harder.

These thoughts flashed through his mind in an instant. Tang Shen nodded and said, “Go easy on him. Just aim for the face.”

Kuina: “…”
Zoro: “…”
All the students: “…”

Hearing Zoro challenge Kuina again, the students abandoned their morning practice and gathered around to watch the spectacle.

At first, Kuina thought Tang Shen was telling her to be gentle, but his next words—just the face—now that was more like her master.

Zoro’s face darkened. What an unreliable mentor! Didn’t he know you’re not supposed to hit people in the face? He still remembered the sting from last time.

The students looked at Tang Shen in disbelief. They didn’t know who he was—he’d just appeared at the dojo a month ago, often doing strange training with Kuina.

For example, squatting on the wooden stakes every day, later lifting stone weights, sometimes swiftly moving atop the stakes with Kuina, or stirring thick mud in a giant vat with a heavy wooden pole. To the students, it all seemed bizarre.

But they’d gotten used to Tang Shen’s presence. He’d never spoken to them.

Now, though, it was all about the show.

There was rarely anything this entertaining at the dojo. Apart from Zoro’s earlier attempt to challenge the school, things had been dull. These kids, even the older ones, were only in their early teens; they loved to play, were brimming with energy and curiosity.

No one dared challenge Kuina themselves—that would be asking for a beating—but watching someone else do it was another matter.

“Who do you think will win?”

“That’s obvious—Kuina, of course.”

“Even though Zoro’s improved a lot this month, beating Kuina is impossible.”

“He hasn’t trained long enough, and Kuina’s a genius!”

The whispers and excited chatter flew around. If someone were selling popcorn or sunflower seeds, the kids would’ve gladly bought some.

Tang Shen spotted this business opportunity, but unfortunately, he didn’t have any either. He would have liked some seeds to munch on while watching. Without snacks, it felt like something was missing.

In the center, Kuina and Zoro faced each other.

Kuina stood calm and composed, her right hand holding a bamboo sword, letting it hang loosely.

Zoro, eyes locked on her, gripped a bamboo sword in each hand. His stance was much more proper and imposing than a month before.

“Here I come!” Zoro shouted, stomping his foot. He shot forward like a wild boar.

His momentum, speed, and sword attack were all greatly improved.

But a novice is still a novice. A month ago he’d never studied swordsmanship; now he’d barely scratched the surface.

Kuina’s expression remained serene, far more composed than a month before.

Tang Shen’s training had become more varied over time—not just the basics, but also wrist strength, core strength, footwork, and even visual acuity.

Yes, eyesight.

For a martial artist, sharp vision is essential. No matter how strong your sword skills, if your eyes can’t read your opponent’s moves or spot their openings, how can you strike?

What if you meet someone with greater strength, skill, and technique? Then what?