The∆≈§Ω¥π first∆≈§Ω¥π thing∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π saw∆≈§Ω¥π when∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π woke∆≈§Ω¥π up∆≈§Ω¥π was∆≈§Ω¥π Grandpa∆≈§Ω¥π Bunta∆≈§Ω¥π sitting∆≈§Ω¥π in∆≈§Ω¥π seiza∆≈§Ω¥π position,∆≈§Ω¥π head∆≈§Ω¥π hanging∆≈§Ω¥π low∆≈§Ω¥π with∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π light∆≈§Ω¥π completely∆≈§Ω¥π gone∆≈§Ω¥π from∆≈§Ω¥π his∆≈§Ω¥π eyes.∆≈§Ω¥π

“I’m∆≈§Ω¥π sorry∆≈§Ω¥π for∆≈§Ω¥π being∆≈§Ω¥π born…”∆≈§Ω¥π he∆≈§Ω¥π muttered.∆≈§Ω¥π

What∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π hell∆≈§Ω¥π happened∆≈§Ω¥π while∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π was∆≈§Ω¥π unconscious?∆≈§Ω¥π

“Good∆≈§Ω¥π morning,∆≈§Ω¥π Shu.”∆≈§Ω¥π

Grandma∆≈§Ω¥π Shiori∆≈§Ω¥π called∆≈§Ω¥π out∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π me∆≈§Ω¥π as∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π stared∆≈§Ω¥π at∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π pitiful∆≈§Ω¥π sight∆≈§Ω¥π of∆≈§Ω¥π Grandpa∆≈§Ω¥π Bunta.∆≈§Ω¥π

“Just∆≈§Ω¥π ignore∆≈§Ω¥π him,”∆≈§Ω¥π she∆≈§Ω¥π said∆≈§Ω¥π with∆≈§Ω¥π a∆≈§Ω¥π bright∆≈§Ω¥π smile.∆≈§Ω¥π

I∆≈§Ω¥π nodded∆≈§Ω¥π at∆≈§Ω¥π her∆≈§Ω¥π words.∆≈§Ω¥π Yeah,∆≈§Ω¥π best∆≈§Ω¥π not∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π get∆≈§Ω¥π involved.∆≈§Ω¥π

My∆≈§Ω¥π instincts∆≈§Ω¥π screamed∆≈§Ω¥π this∆≈§Ω¥π was∆≈§Ω¥π dangerous∆≈§Ω¥π territory,∆≈§Ω¥π so∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π focused∆≈§Ω¥π on∆≈§Ω¥π talking∆≈§Ω¥π with∆≈§Ω¥π Grandma∆≈§Ω¥π Shiori∆≈§Ω¥π about∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π sparring∆≈§Ω¥π match∆≈§Ω¥π before∆≈§Ω¥π I’d∆≈§Ω¥π passed∆≈§Ω¥π out.∆≈§Ω¥π

Sorry∆≈§Ω¥π for∆≈§Ω¥π abandoning∆≈§Ω¥π you,∆≈§Ω¥π Grandpa∆≈§Ω¥π Bunta…∆≈§Ω¥π

“Your∆≈§Ω¥π mindset∆≈§Ω¥π wasn’t∆≈§Ω¥π bad,∆≈§Ω¥π Shu.∆≈§Ω¥π But∆≈§Ω¥π you∆≈§Ω¥π lacked∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π strength,∆≈§Ω¥π which∆≈§Ω¥π led∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π that∆≈§Ω¥π result.∆≈§Ω¥π Let’s∆≈§Ω¥π build∆≈§Ω¥π up∆≈§Ω¥π your∆≈§Ω¥π confidence∆≈§Ω¥π so∆≈§Ω¥π you∆≈§Ω¥π won’t∆≈§Ω¥π be∆≈§Ω¥π overwhelmed.”∆≈§Ω¥π

“Yes.”∆≈§Ω¥π

I∆≈§Ω¥π rested∆≈§Ω¥π that∆≈§Ω¥π day∆≈§Ω¥π and∆≈§Ω¥π resumed∆≈§Ω¥π training∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π next∆≈§Ω¥π morning.∆≈§Ω¥π

The∆≈§Ω¥π sparring∆≈§Ω¥π sessions∆≈§Ω¥π added∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π my∆≈§Ω¥π training∆≈§Ω¥π were∆≈§Ω¥π pathetically∆≈§Ω¥π one-sided.∆≈§Ω¥π

I∆≈§Ω¥π couldn’t∆≈§Ω¥π bring∆≈§Ω¥π myself∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π strike∆≈§Ω¥π at∆≈§Ω¥π Grandpa∆≈§Ω¥π Bunta∆≈§Ω¥π when∆≈§Ω¥π he∆≈§Ω¥π took∆≈§Ω¥π his∆≈§Ω¥π stance.∆≈§Ω¥π

It∆≈§Ω¥π wasn’t∆≈§Ω¥π that∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π was∆≈§Ω¥π holding∆≈§Ω¥π back.∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π knew∆≈§Ω¥π damn∆≈§Ω¥π well∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π was∆≈§Ω¥π no∆≈§Ω¥π match∆≈§Ω¥π for∆≈§Ω¥π him,∆≈§Ω¥π so∆≈§Ω¥π going∆≈§Ω¥π all∆≈§Ω¥π out∆≈§Ω¥π shouldn’t∆≈§Ω¥π be∆≈§Ω¥π a∆≈§Ω¥π problem.∆≈§Ω¥π

But∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π still∆≈§Ω¥π couldn’t∆≈§Ω¥π do∆≈§Ω¥π it.∆≈§Ω¥π Grandma∆≈§Ω¥π Shiori∆≈§Ω¥π explained∆≈§Ω¥π that∆≈§Ω¥π I’d∆≈§Ω¥π grown∆≈§Ω¥π somewhat∆≈§Ω¥π accustomed∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π sword.∆≈§Ω¥π

“Even∆≈§Ω¥π without∆≈§Ω¥π using∆≈§Ω¥π Conqueror’s∆≈§Ω¥π Haki,∆≈§Ω¥π when∆≈§Ω¥π you∆≈§Ω¥π sense∆≈§Ω¥π a∆≈§Ω¥π massive∆≈§Ω¥π difference∆≈§Ω¥π in∆≈§Ω¥π power,∆≈§Ω¥π biological∆≈§Ω¥π instinct∆≈§Ω¥π can∆≈§Ω¥π make∆≈§Ω¥π your∆≈§Ω¥π body∆≈§Ω¥π freeze∆≈§Ω¥π up.∆≈§Ω¥π To∆≈§Ω¥π overcome∆≈§Ω¥π that,∆≈§Ω¥π you∆≈§Ω¥π need∆≈§Ω¥π confidence∆≈§Ω¥π built∆≈§Ω¥π from∆≈§Ω¥π accumulated∆≈§Ω¥π effort∆≈§Ω¥π and∆≈§Ω¥π experience,∆≈§Ω¥π or∆≈§Ω¥π resolve.”∆≈§Ω¥π

I∆≈§Ω¥π thought∆≈§Ω¥π I’d∆≈§Ω¥π built∆≈§Ω¥π up∆≈§Ω¥π plenty∆≈§Ω¥π of∆≈§Ω¥π effort∆≈§Ω¥π and∆≈§Ω¥π experience.∆≈§Ω¥π

And∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π figured∆≈§Ω¥π I’d∆≈§Ω¥π found∆≈§Ω¥π my∆≈§Ω¥π resolve∆≈§Ω¥π when∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π faced∆≈§Ω¥π Arlong…∆≈§Ω¥π

“Shu,∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π resolve∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π die,∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π resolve∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π live,∆≈§Ω¥π and∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π resolve∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π fight∆≈§Ω¥π are∆≈§Ω¥π all∆≈§Ω¥π different∆≈§Ω¥π things.”∆≈§Ω¥π

According∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π Grandma∆≈§Ω¥π Shiori,∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π still∆≈§Ω¥π lacked∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π resolve∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π fight.∆≈§Ω¥π

“You’re∆≈§Ω¥π probably∆≈§Ω¥π unconsciously∆≈§Ω¥π doubting∆≈§Ω¥π yourself∆≈§Ω¥π because∆≈§Ω¥π of∆≈§Ω¥π what∆≈§Ω¥π happened∆≈§Ω¥π with∆≈§Ω¥π Arlong.”∆≈§Ω¥π

Is∆≈§Ω¥π this∆≈§Ω¥π what∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π doctor∆≈§Ω¥π at∆≈§Ω¥π Taiji∆≈§Ω¥π meant∆≈§Ω¥π about∆≈§Ω¥π something∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π had∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π overcome∆≈§Ω¥π myself?∆≈§Ω¥π

“Both∆≈§Ω¥π swordsmanship∆≈§Ω¥π and∆≈§Ω¥π Haki∆≈§Ω¥π are∆≈§Ω¥π deeply∆≈§Ω¥π connected∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π willpower.∆≈§Ω¥π This∆≈§Ω¥π is∆≈§Ω¥π something∆≈§Ω¥π you’ll∆≈§Ω¥π have∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π overcome∆≈§Ω¥π if∆≈§Ω¥π you∆≈§Ω¥π want∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π keep∆≈§Ω¥π growing.”∆≈§Ω¥π

Grandma∆≈§Ω¥π Shiori∆≈§Ω¥π spoke∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π me∆≈§Ω¥π like∆≈§Ω¥π she∆≈§Ω¥π was∆≈§Ω¥π trying∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π guide∆≈§Ω¥π me∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π understanding.∆≈§Ω¥π

“At∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π very∆≈§Ω¥π least,∆≈§Ω¥π we∆≈§Ω¥π can’t∆≈§Ω¥π end∆≈§Ω¥π your∆≈§Ω¥π training∆≈§Ω¥π until∆≈§Ω¥π you∆≈§Ω¥π can∆≈§Ω¥π strike∆≈§Ω¥π at∆≈§Ω¥π Bunta…”∆≈§Ω¥π

She∆≈§Ω¥π put∆≈§Ω¥π her∆≈§Ω¥π hand∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π her∆≈§Ω¥π cheek,∆≈§Ω¥π looking∆≈§Ω¥π troubled.∆≈§Ω¥π

Sorry∆≈§Ω¥π for∆≈§Ω¥π being∆≈§Ω¥π such∆≈§Ω¥π a∆≈§Ω¥π handful…∆≈§Ω¥π

“Don’t∆≈§Ω¥π worry∆≈§Ω¥π about∆≈§Ω¥π it.∆≈§Ω¥π Take∆≈§Ω¥π your∆≈§Ω¥π time∆≈§Ω¥π and∆≈§Ω¥π do∆≈§Ω¥π your∆≈§Ω¥π best,∆≈§Ω¥π Shu.”∆≈§Ω¥π

Training∆≈§Ω¥π continued.∆≈§Ω¥π

I∆≈§Ω¥π stepped∆≈§Ω¥π forward,∆≈§Ω¥π swung∆≈§Ω¥π my∆≈§Ω¥π sword,∆≈§Ω¥π and∆≈§Ω¥π forged∆≈§Ω¥π myself.∆≈§Ω¥π

After∆≈§Ω¥π another∆≈§Ω¥π year∆≈§Ω¥π and∆≈§Ω¥π a∆≈§Ω¥π half∆≈§Ω¥π in∆≈§Ω¥π Wano,∆≈§Ω¥π about∆≈§Ω¥π three∆≈§Ω¥π years∆≈§Ω¥π total,∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π finally∆≈§Ω¥π managed∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π strike∆≈§Ω¥π at∆≈§Ω¥π Grandpa∆≈§Ω¥π Bunta.∆≈§Ω¥π

---

I∆≈§Ω¥π faced∆≈§Ω¥π off∆≈§Ω¥π against∆≈§Ω¥π Grandpa∆≈§Ω¥π Bunta∆≈§Ω¥π in∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π center∆≈§Ω¥π of∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π dojo∆≈§Ω¥π as∆≈§Ω¥π always.∆≈§Ω¥π

The∆≈§Ω¥π air∆≈§Ω¥π around∆≈§Ω¥π us∆≈§Ω¥π grew∆≈§Ω¥π heavy,∆≈§Ω¥π clinging∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π my∆≈§Ω¥π body.∆≈§Ω¥π

But∆≈§Ω¥π it∆≈§Ω¥π felt∆≈§Ω¥π somewhat∆≈§Ω¥π lighter∆≈§Ω¥π compared∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π before.∆≈§Ω¥π

Grandpa∆≈§Ω¥π Bunta’s∆≈§Ω¥π sword∆≈§Ω¥π still∆≈§Ω¥π looked∆≈§Ω¥π massive,∆≈§Ω¥π but∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π was∆≈§Ω¥π certain∆≈§Ω¥π now.∆≈§Ω¥π

I∆≈§Ω¥π can∆≈§Ω¥π do∆≈§Ω¥π this!∆≈§Ω¥π

I∆≈§Ω¥π stepped∆≈§Ω¥π forward∆≈§Ω¥π and∆≈§Ω¥π struck∆≈§Ω¥π diagonally∆≈§Ω¥π downward.∆≈§Ω¥π

Crack!∆≈§Ω¥π

The∆≈§Ω¥π dry∆≈§Ω¥π sound∆≈§Ω¥π of∆≈§Ω¥π wood∆≈§Ω¥π echoed∆≈§Ω¥π through∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π dojo.∆≈§Ω¥π

“Magnificent!”∆≈§Ω¥π

Grandpa∆≈§Ω¥π Bunta∆≈§Ω¥π blocked∆≈§Ω¥π my∆≈§Ω¥π strike∆≈§Ω¥π with∆≈§Ω¥π his∆≈§Ω¥π wooden∆≈§Ω¥π sword,∆≈§Ω¥π praising∆≈§Ω¥π me∆≈§Ω¥π with∆≈§Ω¥π a∆≈§Ω¥π beaming∆≈§Ω¥π smile.∆≈§Ω¥π

“You∆≈§Ω¥π looked∆≈§Ω¥π cool,∆≈§Ω¥π Shu.”∆≈§Ω¥π

“You∆≈§Ω¥π did∆≈§Ω¥π great,∆≈§Ω¥π Shu.”∆≈§Ω¥π

Grandma∆≈§Ω¥π Shiori∆≈§Ω¥π and∆≈§Ω¥π Papa∆≈§Ω¥π Rayleigh∆≈§Ω¥π praised∆≈§Ω¥π me∆≈§Ω¥π too.∆≈§Ω¥π

I∆≈§Ω¥π felt∆≈§Ω¥π like∆≈§Ω¥π I’d∆≈§Ω¥π overcome∆≈§Ω¥π a∆≈§Ω¥π major∆≈§Ω¥π hurdle.∆≈§Ω¥π

“This∆≈§Ω¥π ends∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π sparring∆≈§Ω¥π sessions,∆≈§Ω¥π Shu.”∆≈§Ω¥π

“It’s∆≈§Ω¥π over?”∆≈§Ω¥π

I∆≈§Ω¥π felt∆≈§Ω¥π like∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π was∆≈§Ω¥π growing,∆≈§Ω¥π but∆≈§Ω¥π thought∆≈§Ω¥π there∆≈§Ω¥π was∆≈§Ω¥π still∆≈§Ω¥π so∆≈§Ω¥π much∆≈§Ω¥π more∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π learn…∆≈§Ω¥π

“From∆≈§Ω¥π here∆≈§Ω¥π on,∆≈§Ω¥π you’ll∆≈§Ω¥π learn∆≈§Ω¥π through∆≈§Ω¥π real∆≈§Ω¥π combat.”∆≈§Ω¥π

“Why?”∆≈§Ω¥π

“Our∆≈§Ω¥π swords∆≈§Ω¥π have∆≈§Ω¥π grown∆≈§Ω¥π accustomed∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π fighting∆≈§Ω¥π other∆≈§Ω¥π swords.∆≈§Ω¥π That∆≈§Ω¥π won’t∆≈§Ω¥π be∆≈§Ω¥π enough∆≈§Ω¥π if∆≈§Ω¥π you’re∆≈§Ω¥π going∆≈§Ω¥π out∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π sea,∆≈§Ω¥π will∆≈§Ω¥π it?”∆≈§Ω¥π

True.∆≈§Ω¥π Arlong∆≈§Ω¥π had∆≈§Ω¥π fought∆≈§Ω¥π barehanded,∆≈§Ω¥π and∆≈§Ω¥π Bellemere∆≈§Ω¥π used∆≈§Ω¥π a∆≈§Ω¥π rifle.∆≈§Ω¥π

“Over∆≈§Ω¥π these∆≈§Ω¥π three∆≈§Ω¥π years,∆≈§Ω¥π you’ve∆≈§Ω¥π mastered∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π Shirakawa∆≈§Ω¥π sword∆≈§Ω¥π style.∆≈§Ω¥π Now∆≈§Ω¥π you∆≈§Ω¥π need∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π find∆≈§Ω¥π your∆≈§Ω¥π own∆≈§Ω¥π way∆≈§Ω¥π of∆≈§Ω¥π fighting∆≈§Ω¥π through∆≈§Ω¥π real∆≈§Ω¥π combat.”∆≈§Ω¥π

My∆≈§Ω¥π own∆≈§Ω¥π way∆≈§Ω¥π of∆≈§Ω¥π fighting…∆≈§Ω¥π

“Not∆≈§Ω¥π just∆≈§Ω¥π swords∆≈§Ω¥π –∆≈§Ω¥π a∆≈§Ω¥π fighting∆≈§Ω¥π style∆≈§Ω¥π that’s∆≈§Ω¥π uniquely∆≈§Ω¥π yours,∆≈§Ω¥π using∆≈§Ω¥π Haki∆≈§Ω¥π and∆≈§Ω¥π your∆≈§Ω¥π abilities∆≈§Ω¥π too!”∆≈§Ω¥π

I∆≈§Ω¥π nodded∆≈§Ω¥π at∆≈§Ω¥π Grandma∆≈§Ω¥π Shiori’s∆≈§Ω¥π words.∆≈§Ω¥π

“Well∆≈§Ω¥π then,∆≈§Ω¥π I’d∆≈§Ω¥π better∆≈§Ω¥π make∆≈§Ω¥π a∆≈§Ω¥π feast∆≈§Ω¥π today.∆≈§Ω¥π I’ll∆≈§Ω¥π cook∆≈§Ω¥π all∆≈§Ω¥π of∆≈§Ω¥π Akari’s∆≈§Ω¥π favorite∆≈§Ω¥π dishes.”∆≈§Ω¥π

That∆≈§Ω¥π night’s∆≈§Ω¥π dinner∆≈§Ω¥π was∆≈§Ω¥π as∆≈§Ω¥π lavish∆≈§Ω¥π as∆≈§Ω¥π Grandma∆≈§Ω¥π Shiori∆≈§Ω¥π promised.∆≈§Ω¥π

Thinking∆≈§Ω¥π that∆≈§Ω¥π my∆≈§Ω¥π training∆≈§Ω¥π in∆≈§Ω¥π Wano∆≈§Ω¥π was∆≈§Ω¥π ending∆≈§Ω¥π made∆≈§Ω¥π me∆≈§Ω¥π feel∆≈§Ω¥π lonely.∆≈§Ω¥π

At∆≈§Ω¥π fifteen,∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π had∆≈§Ω¥π my∆≈§Ω¥π first∆≈§Ω¥π drink∆≈§Ω¥π in∆≈§Ω¥π this∆≈§Ω¥π life.∆≈§Ω¥π

The∆≈§Ω¥π age∆≈§Ω¥π of∆≈§Ω¥π adulthood∆≈§Ω¥π became∆≈§Ω¥π seventeen∆≈§Ω¥π due∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π era∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π Pirate∆≈§Ω¥π King∆≈§Ω¥π created,∆≈§Ω¥π but∆≈§Ω¥π you∆≈§Ω¥π could∆≈§Ω¥π still∆≈§Ω¥π drink∆≈§Ω¥π at∆≈§Ω¥π fifteen∆≈§Ω¥π like∆≈§Ω¥π before.∆≈§Ω¥π

I∆≈§Ω¥π shared∆≈§Ω¥π my∆≈§Ω¥π first∆≈§Ω¥π sake∆≈§Ω¥π with∆≈§Ω¥π my∆≈§Ω¥π grandparents.∆≈§Ω¥π

It∆≈§Ω¥π was∆≈§Ω¥π bitter,∆≈§Ω¥π and∆≈§Ω¥π delicious.∆≈§Ω¥π

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“Good∆≈§Ω¥π luck,∆≈§Ω¥π Shu.”∆≈§Ω¥π

“Lord∆≈§Ω¥π Rayleigh,∆≈§Ω¥π please∆≈§Ω¥π take∆≈§Ω¥π care∆≈§Ω¥π of∆≈§Ω¥π Shu.”∆≈§Ω¥π

The∆≈§Ω¥π next∆≈§Ω¥π day,∆≈§Ω¥π Papa∆≈§Ω¥π Rayleigh∆≈§Ω¥π and∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π were∆≈§Ω¥π leaving∆≈§Ω¥π Wano,∆≈§Ω¥π and∆≈§Ω¥π my∆≈§Ω¥π grandparents∆≈§Ω¥π had∆≈§Ω¥π come∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π see∆≈§Ω¥π us∆≈§Ω¥π off.∆≈§Ω¥π

“I’m∆≈§Ω¥π off,∆≈§Ω¥π Grandma∆≈§Ω¥π Shiori,∆≈§Ω¥π Grandpa∆≈§Ω¥π Bunta.”∆≈§Ω¥π

“Come∆≈§Ω¥π back∆≈§Ω¥π anytime,∆≈§Ω¥π Shu.”∆≈§Ω¥π

“Indeed.∆≈§Ω¥π Shu,∆≈§Ω¥π take∆≈§Ω¥π this.”∆≈§Ω¥π

Grandpa∆≈§Ω¥π Bunta∆≈§Ω¥π handed∆≈§Ω¥π me∆≈§Ω¥π something∆≈§Ω¥π wrapped∆≈§Ω¥π in∆≈§Ω¥π cloth.∆≈§Ω¥π

“May∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π open∆≈§Ω¥π it?”∆≈§Ω¥π

“Go∆≈§Ω¥π ahead.”∆≈§Ω¥π

With∆≈§Ω¥π his∆≈§Ω¥π permission,∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π unwrapped∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π cloth.∆≈§Ω¥π

Inside∆≈§Ω¥π was∆≈§Ω¥π a∆≈§Ω¥π straight∆≈§Ω¥π sword.∆≈§Ω¥π

“It’s∆≈§Ω¥π an∆≈§Ω¥π unnamed∆≈§Ω¥π mass-produced∆≈§Ω¥π blade,∆≈§Ω¥π but∆≈§Ω¥π straight∆≈§Ω¥π swords∆≈§Ω¥π are∆≈§Ω¥π hard∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π find∆≈§Ω¥π elsewhere.∆≈§Ω¥π So∆≈§Ω¥π I’m∆≈§Ω¥π giving∆≈§Ω¥π you∆≈§Ω¥π this.”∆≈§Ω¥π

“Thank∆≈§Ω¥π you,∆≈§Ω¥π Grandpa∆≈§Ω¥π Bunta.”∆≈§Ω¥π

It∆≈§Ω¥π was∆≈§Ω¥π a∆≈§Ω¥π plain,∆≈§Ω¥π practical∆≈§Ω¥π sword∆≈§Ω¥π with∆≈§Ω¥π no∆≈§Ω¥π decorations,∆≈§Ω¥π but∆≈§Ω¥π holding∆≈§Ω¥π my∆≈§Ω¥π first∆≈§Ω¥π real∆≈§Ω¥π blade∆≈§Ω¥π felt∆≈§Ω¥π heavy.∆≈§Ω¥π

“And∆≈§Ω¥π this∆≈§Ω¥π is∆≈§Ω¥π from∆≈§Ω¥π me,∆≈§Ω¥π Shu.”∆≈§Ω¥π

“A∆≈§Ω¥π coat?”∆≈§Ω¥π

When∆≈§Ω¥π I’d∆≈§Ω¥π been∆≈§Ω¥π told∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π dress∆≈§Ω¥π properly∆≈§Ω¥π for∆≈§Ω¥π announcing∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π miracle∆≈§Ω¥π cure,∆≈§Ω¥π I’d∆≈§Ω¥π started∆≈§Ω¥π wearing∆≈§Ω¥π a∆≈§Ω¥π white∆≈§Ω¥π coat∆≈§Ω¥π similar∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π doctor∆≈§Ω¥π I’d∆≈§Ω¥π met∆≈§Ω¥π at∆≈§Ω¥π Taiji.∆≈§Ω¥π

“You’ve∆≈§Ω¥π grown∆≈§Ω¥π so∆≈§Ω¥π much∆≈§Ω¥π these∆≈§Ω¥π three∆≈§Ω¥π years.∆≈§Ω¥π So∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π had∆≈§Ω¥π this∆≈§Ω¥π tailored∆≈§Ω¥π for∆≈§Ω¥π you.”∆≈§Ω¥π

I∆≈§Ω¥π was∆≈§Ω¥π still∆≈§Ω¥π fifteen∆≈§Ω¥π but∆≈§Ω¥π had∆≈§Ω¥π grown∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π about∆≈§Ω¥π 170cm∆≈§Ω¥π tall.∆≈§Ω¥π

“Bunta∆≈§Ω¥π was∆≈§Ω¥π about∆≈§Ω¥π your∆≈§Ω¥π height∆≈§Ω¥π when∆≈§Ω¥π he∆≈§Ω¥π was∆≈§Ω¥π your∆≈§Ω¥π age.∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π left∆≈§Ω¥π some∆≈§Ω¥π room∆≈§Ω¥π in∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π fabric∆≈§Ω¥π for∆≈§Ω¥π growth,∆≈§Ω¥π so∆≈§Ω¥π bring∆≈§Ω¥π it∆≈§Ω¥π back∆≈§Ω¥π when∆≈§Ω¥π you∆≈§Ω¥π get∆≈§Ω¥π taller∆≈§Ω¥π and∆≈§Ω¥π I’ll∆≈§Ω¥π alter∆≈§Ω¥π it∆≈§Ω¥π for∆≈§Ω¥π you.”∆≈§Ω¥π

Grandpa∆≈§Ω¥π Bunta∆≈§Ω¥π was∆≈§Ω¥π over∆≈§Ω¥π 180cm∆≈§Ω¥π tall…∆≈§Ω¥π Could∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π reach∆≈§Ω¥π that∆≈§Ω¥π dream∆≈§Ω¥π height∆≈§Ω¥π too?∆≈§Ω¥π

I∆≈§Ω¥π silently∆≈§Ω¥π vowed∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π eat∆≈§Ω¥π well∆≈§Ω¥π and∆≈§Ω¥π sleep∆≈§Ω¥π properly.∆≈§Ω¥π

Grandma∆≈§Ω¥π Shiori∆≈§Ω¥π helped∆≈§Ω¥π me∆≈§Ω¥π into∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π new∆≈§Ω¥π coat.∆≈§Ω¥π

Unlike∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π old∆≈§Ω¥π one,∆≈§Ω¥π this∆≈§Ω¥π fit∆≈§Ω¥π me∆≈§Ω¥π perfectly.∆≈§Ω¥π

“It∆≈§Ω¥π suits∆≈§Ω¥π you∆≈§Ω¥π well,∆≈§Ω¥π Shu.”∆≈§Ω¥π

“Thank∆≈§Ω¥π you,∆≈§Ω¥π Grandma∆≈§Ω¥π Shiori.”∆≈§Ω¥π

Their∆≈§Ω¥π warm∆≈§Ω¥π farewell∆≈§Ω¥π gifts∆≈§Ω¥π made∆≈§Ω¥π me∆≈§Ω¥π reluctant∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π leave.∆≈§Ω¥π

I∆≈§Ω¥π slapped∆≈§Ω¥π both∆≈§Ω¥π cheeks∆≈§Ω¥π with∆≈§Ω¥π my∆≈§Ω¥π hands∆≈§Ω¥π and∆≈§Ω¥π refocused∆≈§Ω¥π myself.∆≈§Ω¥π

“Papa∆≈§Ω¥π Rayleigh,∆≈§Ω¥π where∆≈§Ω¥π are∆≈§Ω¥π we∆≈§Ω¥π headed?”∆≈§Ω¥π

“Let’s∆≈§Ω¥π return∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π Sabaody∆≈§Ω¥π Archipelago∆≈§Ω¥π first.∆≈§Ω¥π We’ll∆≈§Ω¥π discuss∆≈§Ω¥π the∆≈§Ω¥π rest∆≈§Ω¥π once∆≈§Ω¥π we’re∆≈§Ω¥π there.”∆≈§Ω¥π

I∆≈§Ω¥π nodded∆≈§Ω¥π at∆≈§Ω¥π Papa∆≈§Ω¥π Rayleigh’s∆≈§Ω¥π words∆≈§Ω¥π and∆≈§Ω¥π turned∆≈§Ω¥π back∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π my∆≈§Ω¥π grandparents.∆≈§Ω¥π

“I’m∆≈§Ω¥π off,∆≈§Ω¥π Grandma∆≈§Ω¥π Shiori,∆≈§Ω¥π Grandpa∆≈§Ω¥π Bunta.”∆≈§Ω¥π

I∆≈§Ω¥π opened∆≈§Ω¥π a∆≈§Ω¥π wormhole∆≈§Ω¥π with∆≈§Ω¥π my∆≈§Ω¥π ability,∆≈§Ω¥π and∆≈§Ω¥π Papa∆≈§Ω¥π Rayleigh∆≈§Ω¥π and∆≈§Ω¥π I∆≈§Ω¥π transferred∆≈§Ω¥π to∆≈§Ω¥π Sabaody∆≈§Ω¥π Archipelago.∆≈§Ω¥π