"So, you want to borrow that demon blade from me?" Muramasa looked at the two visitors and, after confirming, let out a long sigh. "No."
"That blade entered a demonic state by chance. It's not a sword that an ordinary swordsman can handle." Ignoring the disappointment in their eyes, Muramasa even hoped to dissuade them from their suicidal path. "And, even if you win, the situation won't change. There are limits to what a ronin can do. The so-called duel before the throne is just an excuse. In the end, whether the situation can be changed depends only on the thoughts of the person 'in the palace'."
If it were just a personal conflict, perhaps a duel before the throne could resolve it—by eliminating the source of the conflict. But in the current situation in Inazuma, the opponents were the three commissions and that ultimate producer, the god of Inazuma. He didn't think that just by defeating the enforcers of the Vision Hunt Decree, the problem would be solved.
"For such a thing to even be allowed is absurd…"
"Yes, but it has been allowed," the man seeking the sword said. "Seven days from now, before the Tenshukaku, I will engage in a duel before the throne with the enforcers of the Vision Hunt Decree—the members of the Tenryou Commission."
…
A few days ago
"Someone dares to challenge the Shogun to a duel before the throne?" Seeing the solemn yet somewhat comical writing, Kujou Takayuki laughed from the bottom of his heart. "Because he knows the Shogun will not act, he naively thinks he can defeat our Tenryou Commission?" The man shook his head at the application before him, but then he thought it might be an opportunity. "Then, should we refuse?" the doushin who had delivered the news asked.
"No." Kujou Takayuki immediately drafted a proposal and stamped it with his own seal. "Since he wants to die, I don't mind using this to show the might of the Tenryou Commission."
…
"The notice says that this duel should not have been allowed—but the Tenryou Commission appreciates his courage, so they have specially arranged this battle," the boy called Kazuha explained for his friend. "As long as he can defeat ten Tenryou Commission elites in a row, he will be given a chance to petition the Shogun. The Tenryou Commission also noted at the end of the notice that this is only to appreciate his courage, and that all future related duel applications will not be accepted. And, he can give up at any time before the duel begins."
They've even thought of a way out for him… By declaring no future applications would be accepted, they maintained their lofty attitude. But they also portrayed themselves as listening to the people's voices.
"In other words, these guys actually want to make an example of him, right?" Ten consecutive battles. This was undoubtedly a trap. Whether he fought or fled, it would serve their purpose of increasing their prestige.
"But I'm afraid this is my only chance to speak," the chestnut-haired man said, his gaze fixed on a distant, unseen place, imagining a scene he had never witnessed. The banner with the Electro tomoe raised before the Tenshukaku, the Raiden Shogun seated on a high platform, witnessing the ronin and the Commission samurai ascend the stage.
"...Hah."
"I understand."
Knowing his decision was final and that there was no turning back, Muramasa finally relented. He returned to his hut and took the demon blade called 'Yaegaki' from its stand.
"Listen well. This sword is probably unlike any you have ever wielded. And, to be honest, it is not suited for battle."
Kazuha watched as his friend reached out and gripped the demon blade. The moment his hand touched the hilt, a numbing sensation spread from his palm to his shoulder.
What—
The Vision at his waist lit up in sync, and elemental energy began to pour into the demon blade. He couldn't control it. Just by holding it for a moment, beads of sweat had formed on his forehead. "The elemental energy... is out of control!" His tense nerves made him forget to breathe for a moment, as he tried to control the elemental power that should have been under his command. The sword was draining his energy, drawing in the external elements, as if it had been awakened by his touch.
"Stop—"
It was unclear whether the demon blade itself had finished 'feeding' or if his control had overcome its will. Having absorbed a large amount of elemental energy, it fell silent again. Finally calm, he let out a sigh of relief. Though the numbing sensation had not completely faded, he was now able to wield the sword.
"Such a tyrannical power... no wonder it is called a demon blade." Seeing his friend had recovered enough to make such a comment, Kazuha also relaxed and examined the sword. It wasn't his first time seeing a demon blade, but compared to others, this one seemed exceptionally restrained. There was no wild, violent aura, only a demonic presence that had been revealed when it was forged. Now, all that remained was a sharp edge that constantly honed itself.
"This sword is indeed different from ordinary swords, and even other demon blades... With it, perhaps you really can bring about a turning point."
Perhaps? Muramasa raised an eyebrow slightly, but he didn't show it.
"Not perhaps." His friend's face broke into a carefree and dashing smile. "It is certain."
Hearing this, a certain smith's lips finally relaxed into a smile. And the one who had spoken to his heart spoke again. "Sir Muramasa, you said it is not suited for battle... what did you mean?"
Since he had brought it up, Muramasa didn't hide it. "This sword was originally forged to the specifications of an 'offering blade', to please the gods and to house wishes. After all, an 'offering blade' is a tool for prayer, not fundamentally for cutting or fighting. This fellow is too sharp. It may seem like a good thing, but if the angle of the cut is even slightly off, its performance will be affected."
A blade that was too sharp would chip after a few clashes, making it difficult to use on a battlefield where steel meets steel. In other words, this battle would be the same—it might be fine for one or two exchanges, but if he relied on this sword, he would not be able to last until the end.
Hearing him, both men's expressions turned serious. After he finished, Muramasa added, "Of course, it also depends on the skill of the user." But whether this was a compliment to them or a boast about himself was a question.
"Understood." The chestnut-haired young man stood up and bowed respectfully to Muramasa. "Your generosity and kindness, I will not forget."
Seeing that he was about to leave, Muramasa also stood up. "Don't be in such a hurry to go. You two can stay in my hut for these few days. Hailing has gone to Inazuma City, so her room is empty. Let me teach you a little about how to use that sword."
-------
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