They didn't know that it wasn't Morgans who was smart, but the Firebird. The Firebird had cleverly understood Kōta's deeper meaning, which led to the news of a draw.
Even though it was a draw, this news was undoubtedly the biggest in recent years.
It was as if a nuclear bomb had been dropped into the murky waters of the world, shaking the entire globe.
Shimotsuki Village, Isshin Dojo.
*Bang—!*
Several round-headed, chubby kids in loose training clothes burst through the door of the backyard.
They ran through the corridor and stopped under a large, leafy tree.
They looked at the middle-aged man with squinted eyes sitting under the tree, sipping tea, waving a newspaper, and shouted, "Master, Master, Senior Brother Kōta and Senior Sister Kuina are in the newspaper again!"
These kids were the new generation of students at the Isshin Dojo. Kōta's generation had all graduated after Zoro left.
Most of these kids were from this island. They had grown up listening to the legends of Kōta and the others. Many had seen them training on the beach and practicing swordsmanship in the back mountains before Kōta and the others set sail.
Therefore, they were naturally excited and full of admiration for the news in the newspaper.
Kōshirō put down his teacup, took the newspaper from one of the kids, unfolded it, and began to read.
When he saw the mention of a Celestial Dragon's death at the beginning, his brows creased noticeably. But when he saw the reports of Kōta fighting Garp and Kuina fighting Kizaru, his brows immediately relaxed, his lips curved upwards, and a smile spread across his face.
"Heh heh! It's come to this!"
Garp, the Hero Garp, was a figure whose legends he had grown up hearing. He was a true titan at the pinnacle of the world.
For Kōta to fight him to a draw was truly remarkable.
And Kuina, the last time he saw her in the newspaper, it was reporting on Alabasta. It hadn't been long, and she was already able to fight an Admiral.
It seemed Kuina had grown a lot by sailing with Kōta!
She had now completely surpassed him, surpassing the father who had once placed immense pressure on her.
Thinking of this, his eyes held pain and pity, but more than anything, relief and pride.
His daughter and disciple, who could also be considered half a son, were both so powerful. How could he, as a father and master, not be proud?
It was like a father who wished his son to become a dragon. When the son truly became one, the pride and satisfaction would be palpable to anyone.
The kids couldn't feel Kōshirō's pride. Seeing Kōshirō put down the newspaper, they immediately chirped and asked loudly.
"Master, Master, the newspaper says Senior Brother Kōta and Senior Sister Kuina are pirates. Can you tell us what pirates are?"
Living in the peaceful Shimotsuki Village, they had never left the island. It was serene and quiet, like a utopia. Thus, these kids didn't even know what pirates were.
They did know about the Marines, as naval patrols were frequent in the area, and they had seen the huge blue and white Marine warships.
Their original dream might have been to become Marines when they grew up, but now, with Kōta and Kuina as examples, they had developed a desire to become pirates.
This was the influence of the great pirates on the world.
Children didn't understand grand principles. They only knew that the great figures in the newspaper were free, uninhibited, and famous throughout the world.
Having not experienced the wickedness of pirates, their first thought upon seeing such a newspaper was admiration. This would lead more people to the sea.
Some might not commit evil at first, but human nature is the most easily tested thing. After sailing for a long time and experiencing much, the dark side of human nature would be ignited. Without anyone guiding them, they would drift towards darkness.
As for others, they would naturally hold onto their original intentions. However, such people were ultimately a minority.
After all, the sky was vast, the sea was wide, and the world was full of temptations. To persevere was to be a true hero.
Kōshirō looked down at the excited kids, as if seeing a younger Kōta.
He also seemed very eager to set sail back then. But unlike these kids, Kōta was precocious. He knew what he should do and when he should set sail.
He extended his index finger and adjusted his glasses. Kōshirō said gently, "Alright, pirates are not a good word, nor a good profession. You should stop thinking about it."
It was fine for them to admire Kōta, but for these kids to become pirates was out of the question. He had taught many disciples in his life.
However, in terms of true talent, only three truly caught his eye.
The first was undoubtedly Kōta. This child, whom he had taken in out of kindness, displayed astonishing talent as soon as he arrived at the dojo. His talent was so strong that it even terrified him.
The second was Zoro. This child's physical conditioning was not as strong as Kōta's, but he was also a monster. And his beast-like tenacious willpower also made him tremble.
As for the third, it was undoubtedly Kuina. Although he always said Kuina couldn't reach the realm of a swordmaster, no father wouldn't want his children to achieve great things.
His initial intention was not to let Kuina work too hard. After all, Kuina had lost her mother at a young age, which always made him feel a sense of guilt when facing her. He hoped Kuina would live a peaceful life, without the need to train swordsmanship arduously to inherit his dojo.
But sometimes, things don't go as planned. Sometimes, his unintentional words would provoke Kuina's rebellious spirit. Whatever he said, Kuina would do the opposite. If he didn't let Kuina train swords, she would insist on it.
Her stubbornness was such that even he couldn't sway her.
When did this situation change?
It was when Kōta arrived.
With Kōta, Kuina seemed to have a spiritual anchor. Moreover, Kōta had better ways to train Kuina, preventing her from being so extreme.
Fortunately, there was Kōta. He was grateful more than once for picking up Kōta, not only gaining a good disciple but also leading Kuina to a level he could never have imagined.
Because with Kuina's original personality, when she reached the age of proper growth, he didn't know what extreme things might happen.
These three had become his greatest pride.
Well... and Awa and the other two.
Although he knew from the newspaper that only A Tao was still using a sword, these three were still his disciples. He was very pleased to see them grow to their current level.
"Why not?"
"Aren't Senior Brother Kōta and Senior Sister Kuina both pirates?"
"That's right, that's right."
"If they can be pirates, why can't we?"
"..."
The clamor of the kids pulled Kōshirō out of his thoughts.
He squinted his eyes, smiled at the kids, and after they finished speaking, he said, "You'll understand these things when you grow up."
With that, his expression turned serious. "Alright, it's this late. Go practice swordsmanship!"
"If you don't train properly, how will you set sail!"
"Yes, Master."
The kids bowed to Kōshirō and then turned, quickly running towards the dojo.
Full of energy.
Soon, the dojo was filled with the familiar daily sounds.
"Hah!"
"Hah!"
"Hah!"
...