35 Chapter – 35 Reforging the Blade
[Author's Note: In chapter 15, it was stated that the original length of the Majin no Gekko is 5 meters, while the length that would fit Ryuma perfectly with a height of 7 feet (as an adult) would be 3.5 meters, yeah, no that's wrong, the blade would still be too long. Back then I had no clear idea, I just wrote what seemed right, but now that I have confirmed from a reliable source (Chat GPT I must retcon this detail. The retconned original length of the Odachi is 3.5 meters which is 350 cm, meanwhile, the length that Ryuma would need for a height of 7 feet 5 inches (the height is also being changed) after he becomes an adult is going to be 1.7 meters, which is 170 cm.]
.
.
.
Five Weeks Later
"488… 489… 490… 491…"
Shaa! Shaa! Shaa! Shaa!
The air echoed with the swift sound of Kuina's katana slicing through it. The blade, a hefty 300 KG iron katana, was her training companion. Despite the weight causing her hands to shake and her face to be drenched in sweat, Kuina pressed on. Her eyes glinted with passion and determination, pushing her through fatigue.
This rigorous training routine began four months ago with iron swords crafted by Ryuma. Back then she had started with a Katana that weighed 30 KG, and now Kuina effortlessly handled the 300 KG katana, executing around 500 slashes in each session. Each powerful slash sent ripples through the blades of grass at her feet, a testament to the wind pressure generated by her skilled swordplay.
"499... 500!" With the completion of her 500 slashes, Kuina let the heavy katana fall, causing the ground to yield slightly. Exhausted, she collapsed onto the grass, her body coated in sweat.
Lying there, she patiently waited for her breath to return to normal, gazing at the expansive sky. Eventually, she closed her eyes, savoring the sensation of the cool wind against her fatigued body. A serene calm settled over her.
After a while, the rhythmic sound of water droplets hitting the ground reached her ears. Opening her eyes, Kuina observed a figure emerging from the nearby river. She addressed the person, "Aniki... are you ready?"
Ryuma ran his fingers through his hair, shaking off the water, and then nodded. "Yes, I've adjusted my mental and physical state. I think I'm ready for what's about to come."
"That's good," Kuina responded. She questioned, "Shall we go? Otou-sama and Ojii-sama are waiting for you."
Ryuma affirmed with a nod. "Yes." He picked up his Odachi and headed towards the Dōjō, with Kuina accompanying him.
On their way, Ryuma inquired, "Has the Dōjō been evacuated?"
Kuina nodded in confirmation. "Yes, the Dōjō was evacuated long ago. Nobody would be allowed in its vicinity for the next week, as per Otou-sama's instructions."
"I see," Ryuma nodded, his expression solemn. "It's time to make that Odachi mine."
Less than a year ago, Ryuma had issued a warning to Red Hair Shanks about the Legend of Elegia and its connection with the Uta Uta no Mi, the Devil Fruit that his daughter Uta had consumed.
Without Ryuma's caution, a tragedy might have unfolded at the Island of Music during the Red Hair Pirates' visit, potentially leading to harm for his daughter. Thanks to Ryuma's prior warning, Shanks exercised caution and averted the impending disaster, ensuring the safety of all involved.
In gratitude for Ryuma's timely warning, Shanks gifted him a Supreme Grade Sword, fulfilling Ryuma's request. However, there was a complication with the blade – its size was too large, requiring adjustments for Ryuma to wield it comfortably.
Handling a Supreme Grade Sword demanded the expertise of exceptionally talented swordsmiths, and Ryuma knew only one person within his reach who could address the issue. At the age of twelve, Ryuma set sail from the Kingdom of Goa, embarking on a journey to Shimotsuki Village in search of the legendary swordsmith who had taken residence in East Blue several decades ago.
However, Shimotsuki Kozaburo found himself too old to work on the Supreme Grade Sword. Faced with no other exceptionally talented swordsmiths available, Ryuma realized that if he wanted to wield the Odachi gifted by Shanks, he had to take matters into his own hands.
Ryuma approached Kozaburo, requesting to be taught the art of crafting blades. Despite initial skepticism about Ryuma's potential in Swordsmithing, Kozaburo accepted him as a disciple and imparted all of his knowledge. The old master doubted whether Ryuma could persevere through the training, but the young apprentice exceeded expectations.
Ryuma not only preserved through the teachings but also astonished Kozaburo with the speed at which he absorbed the knowledge. The boy displayed an exceptional work ethic, sweating day and night as he tirelessly hammered the metal, determined to master the art of crafting blades.
Impressed by Ryuma's unwavering dedication, Kozaburo intensified his training, becoming progressively stricter as he shared every bit of knowledge he possessed about crafting blades.
Over eight months passed with Ryuma immersed in this rigorous training. Kozaburo, recognizing that he had imparted all he could to the young apprentice, understood that Ryuma had not yet reached his level. However, the seasoned swordsmith believed that Ryuma had become capable enough to begin working on the Supreme Grade Blade he possessed.
With Kozaburo's permission granted, Ryuma devoted an entire day to attuning his mind, body, and soul, fully preparing himself for the task ahead. Submerging himself deep in the ocean, he emerged with a sense of readiness that permeated every fiber of his being.
Feeling adequately prepared, Ryuma made his way to the workshop. The moment had arrived for him to commence the work on 'Majin no Gekko,' aiming to reforge the blade to suit his height.
.
.
Smithy, Isshin Dōjō.
Shirtless and covered in sweat, Ryuma sat in the workshop with a determined expression. His eyes were focused as they examined the blade of his Odachi, 'Majin no Gekko.' Ryuma had removed its hilt and guard, recognizing that these components couldn't withstand the forge's heat without getting damaged.
In the smithy, Ryuma was not alone. Kozaburo and Koushirou accompanied him. Kozaburo's presence was to offer guidance if needed, while Koushirou was there to manage the fire.
After a deep breath, Ryuma turned to Kozaburo and spoke with unwavering gazer, "Sensei, I am ready... let's start."
Kozaburo nodded, "Okay, let's begin." He turned to his son and instructed, "Koushirou, go ahead and light the fire."
"Sure thing," Koushirou agreed. He approached the forge where the coal was already arranged. Using a lighter, he easily ignited the coal. With the fire ready, Koushirou then went to operate the bellows.
To maintain a consistent and controlled heat for crafting the Supreme Grade Blade, a steady supply of air is essential. This is achieved through the use of bellows, typically operated manually. While Ryuma usually handles the bellows himself, this time, he's focusing all his attention on 'Majin no Gekko,' the Supreme Grade Blade he's working on. To ensure precision and avoid any mishaps, Koushirou is assisting him.
As the forge reached the desired temperature, Ryuma carefully placed the blade inside and commenced the meticulous process of recrafting the sword.
.
.
In the blink of an eye, seven days swiftly passed. Throughout this week, the Dōjō remained closed, with only Ryuma, Kozaburo, and Koushirou present. Notably absent was Kuina, who had spent the last five days at Tsuna-baa-Chan's house in the village. She would return periodically to deliver essential supplies, ensuring that the trio could continue their work uninterrupted.
Curiosity and speculation spread among the Dōjō's members as to why it was closed, but no one, not even the instructors or senior disciples, had any answers. The reason for this unexpected closure remained a mystery to all.
.
.
Within the smithy, Ryuma, drenched in sweat, gripped the hilt of the Odachi, lifting it high with a satisfied smile. The meticulous process of reforging had concluded triumphantly. Despite its initial size, the Odachi was now noticeably smaller.
The blade's length measured 130 cm, while the combined length of the hilt and guard was 40 cm. The reworked Odachi now boasted a total length of 170 cm.
The blade retained its distinctive grey hue, shimmering like moonlight, while the hilt took on a sleek black color. Ryuma had crafted a new hilt and guard to suit the resized blade, as the previous ones no longer fit. A matching black sheath completed the ensemble, perfectly complementing the new look of the Odachi.
The reforged Odachi emerged as a true masterpiece, seamlessly marrying artistry and functionality. Its exterior was adorned with a captivating quenching pattern, resembling the undulating waves of a wild and untamed ocean. This distinctive design gracefully cascaded along the entire length of the blade, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle.
The blade itself featured a resolute yet graceful curvature, accentuated by a hollow pattern knife. This intricate detailing not only added a layer of sophistication to the formidable weapon but also played a functional role. The hollow pattern contributed to the overall balance of the Odachi, ensuring a harmonious fusion of both form and function.
In essence, the reforged Odachi stood as a testament to Ryuma's craftsmanship, a stunning blend of artistic expression and practicality.
The meticulous craftsmanship of the reforged Odachi left not only Ryuma but also Koushirou and Kozaburo utterly captivated. The result was a weapon that seamlessly combined elegance with lethal prowess, a testament to the Ryuma's dedication and skill.
"Thankfully, everything went well," Koushirou remarked, tearing his gaze away from the Odachi and releasing a sigh of relief.
Kozaburo nodded in agreement, "Although he was on the verge of overturning the pot entirely, he managed to pull through and flawlessly reforge the blade," Kozaburo stated acknowledging the potential challenges Ryuma faced during the process. He then gestured towards another sword resting on one of the tables and added, "And there's also this thing..."
The Katana measures 115 cm in total, with an 85 cm blade and a hilt of 30 cm. In contrast to the uniquely grey-colored blade of the reforged Majin no Gekko, this Katana has a distinct violet tint, complemented by a violet hilt and a matching sheath.
This particular Katana was crafted using the leftover metal from adjusting the length of the Odachi. Ryuma, not wanting to waste any material, decided to create a Katana with it, utilizing the appropriate materials at hand.
Having admired the Odachi for a considerable time, Ryuma sheathed it and carefully placed it on the table. He then turned towards Koushirou and Kozaburo, bowing deeply. "Koushirou-san, Kozaburo-Sensei, thank you for all the assistance during the reforging process."
Both men had been steadfast companions throughout the intricate reforging journey. Ryuma acknowledged that without their invaluable help, achieving such flawless results would have been a challenging feat.
In response to Ryuma's gratitude, the two men smiled and shook their heads in a humble manner. Koushirou expressed, "Actually, I should be thanking you, Ryuma-kun. Because of you, I had the opportunity to witness such an amazing feat right before my eyes. As a Swordmaster, I am truly grateful."
Kozaburo added, "Well, I could lay my eyes on a Supreme Grade Blade and work on it before my death, that's all I needed, so there is no need to worry. Moreover, I was also able to pass my knowledge and skills to someone, which makes me satisfied."
Ryuma nodded thoughtfully, "I see." He then picked up the Katana resting on the table and presented it to Kozaburo. "Sensei, here. This Katana is an offering to you for providing me with your knowledge and wisdom."
"There was no need for this," Kozaburo refused, wearing a troubled expression. "What am I even going to do with it? It's not like I can wield it at this age." He hesitated, clearly reluctant to accept the Katana. Given that both Kuina and Koushirou had their personalized blades, Kozaburo saw no practical use for the Katana Ryuma was giving him as an offering.
Despite Kozaburo's reluctance, Ryuma insisted, "Whatever you do with it is totally up to you. You can keep it in the treasury of the Shimotsuki Family, or you can pass it on to someone you find worthy enough to wield this, Katana. Please, Sensei, this is an offering from your disciple; you cannot refuse it!"
With a helpless expression, Kozaburo conceded and accepted the Katana. "Since this is an offering, I suppose I really can't refuse, huh?" He held it for a moment, observing and admiring its beauty before inquiring, "What is this one's name?"
"Ama-no-Ohabari!" Ryuma promptly answered.
"Ama-no-Ohabari? Which means the Sword of the Gods, huh? That's a good name," muttered Kozaburo and Koushirou, both wearing thoughtful expressions as they appreciated the significance of the Katana's name.
Since the Katana was crafted by him, Ryuma asserted his right to name it, deciding on the name 'Ama-no-Ohabari.' This particular sword shared its name with the one wielded by Izanagi to slay his offspring, Kagu-tsuchi, in Shinto legend. It belonged to the category of 'Totsuka-no-Tsurugi,' a type of sword in the mythology.
Considering that 'Ame-no-Habakiri,' another 'Totsuka-no-Tsurugi,' already existed in this world, Ryuma saw no issue with the coexistence of another 'Totsuka-no-Tsurugi.' After all, it was a name rooted in Shinto legend and held significance in the crafting of such legendary blades.
Certainly, just like 'Majin-no-Gekko,' 'Ama-no-Ohabari' is also regarded as a malevolent sword, posing a considerable challenge to master. In Ryuma's perspective, this sword holds the potential to rank among the prestigious 21 Great Grade Blades, standing alongside renowned blades like Wado Ichimonji, Nidai Kitetsu, Shisui, Ame-no-Habakiri, and Enma. The complexity and power of 'Ama-no-Ohabari' make it a fitting offering to Kozaburo, expressing gratitude for the invaluable teachings received over the past eight months.
.
.
Later that day, the resonant clink of three sake cups filled the air as Kozaburo, Koushirou, and Ryuma raised their cups and cheered, "Kanpai..."
The trio found themselves seated in the tokonoma room, relishing each other's company around a low chabudai, sipping sake. Night had fallen, and the celebration centered around Ryuma's triumphant success in reforging his blade had started.
The room exuded a festive ambiance, adorned with various calligraphy artworks, flower decorations, and other pieces of art strategically placed throughout the space. The celebratory atmosphere encapsulated the joy and achievement of the moment.
In addition to Ryuma, Kozaburo, and Koushirou, Kuina graced the tokonoma room with her presence, skillfully playing the 'Koto' and serving Sake to the three individuals in the room. The atmosphere was lively, and even Ryuma was partaking in the Sake, buoyed by his cheerful and contented mood following the success of reforging his blade.
After finishing another Sake cup, Kozaburo turned to Kuina and warmly said, "Kuina-chan, leave that thing and come here." The invitation indicated a desire to have her join the festivities and share in the celebratory spirit of the evening.
"Ehh?" Kuina expressed her confusion but nodded, complying with Kozaburo's request. "Alright, Ojii-sama." She ceased playing the 'koto' and took a seat at the fourth spot around the square table. As Kuina settled, Kozaburo placed a Sake cup in front of her, filling it. "Here, come drink Sake with your Ojii-sama."
"Huh?" Kuina was genuinely taken aback. "Ojii-sama, this is..."
Even Koushirou couldn't hide his surprise. "Otou-sama, I don't think it's fine for Kuina to drink Sake. She is still too young." The concern for Kuina's young age reflected Koushirou's reservations about her partaking in the Sake-drinking festivities.
Kozaburo dismissively waved his hand toward Koushirou. "Oh, shut up for once, will you?" he exclaimed. He continued, "Honestly, this son of mine speaks too much. Can't he notice that today is a joyous occasion?" Finally, he turned to Kuina and encouraged, "Go on, Kuina-chan. Have Sake. This is your Ojii-sama's specially brewed Sake—something you won't find anywhere else in the world."
Observing that her father had fallen silent and considering the encouraging expressions from Ryuma, Kuina looked at Koushirou and Ryuma and decided to give it a try. After a moment of hesitation, she said, "Al-alright..." Kuina picked up the Sake cup and took a sip. It marked her first experience with the unique brew her Ojii-sama had crafted for the special occasion.
As she took her first sip, Kozaburo inquired, "What do you think?"
"It... it's good," Kuina nodded with reddened cheeks. The act of drinking sake made her slightly embarrassed as if she was doing something wrong. However, she enjoyed the taste and promptly emptied the entire sake cup in one shot. The sake had a clean and crisp flavor, with a subtle sweetness, umami, and a well-balanced profile that Kuina found delightful.
"She likes it... come on, then, drink more," encouraged Kozaburo with a wide toothy grin as he poured her another cup.
While Kuina indulged in more sake, much to the helplessness of Koushirou, Kozaburo turned to Ryuma. "Boy, now that the sword is forged, I take it that you will soon leave the village and go out, right?" The question shifted the conversation toward Ryuma's future plans after achieving success with the reforging process.
Ryuma nodded, "Indeed, Sensei. There's that promise I made to Belo Betty of the Revolutionary Army, and then I also have to look for talented people to recruit into my crew."
"Haa... pirating and adventuring days, huh?" muttered Kozaburo with a reminiscent smile.
Kuina, intrigued, asked, "Ojii-sama, can you tell us something about the Land of Wano and your pirating days?"
"You are interested, eh, Kuina-chan?" said Kozaburo with a grin. "Of course, you would be. That's our homeland, huh? And come to think of it, I haven't really told anything about my pirating days to anyone, either. Well, this seems like a good time to tell you two children the story of my pirating days... Koushirou, you too shall listen to me." The mention of sharing the tales of his pirating adventures added an air of anticipation to the gathering.
"Very well, Otou-sama," nodded Koushirou, displaying his readiness to listen.
Kuina and Ryuma also turned their full attention to him.
"Listen well... this is the tale of Shimotsuki Kozaburo, who became famous through the sea as one of the greatest Sword Smiths and a great pirate, renowned as the 'Blade Artisan Kozaburo.' It all started when..." Kozaburo began, setting the stage for the unfolding tale of his remarkable journey as a swordsmith and a pirate.
.
.
.
.
As always, drop your power stones, comments as well as reviews, and also if you like the story so far, then make sure to add the book to your library for constant updates of new Chapters,
