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CHAPTER 297: THE STATE OF SHIRANUEMARU

 

「…To put it plainly. If you keep using this blade as it is—it’s dangerous.」

The weight behind Magoroku’s single sentence was enough to change the air in the room in an instant.

I lowered my gaze to Shiranuemaru.

At a glance, nothing seemed wrong.

There were no chips in the edge, and the blade still held its sheen.

And yet, that hard-to-name sense of discomfort I’d been feeling ever since we set out for Bukyo drifted across my mind again.

「It’s not like it’s about to snap, right? Or is it… that I’m just not skilled enough as a wielder?」

When I asked, Magoroku shook his head.

「No—if anything, it’s the opposite. From what I can see, this sword is still in fine condition. And it likely suits you well, Aun-dono. …However, I feel it’s nearing its limit as a ‘vessel.’」

「A vessel?」

「Yes. Your strength has begun to exceed what the blade was designed to handle. If I speak without softening it… Aun-dono, you are becoming an existence that is already ‘too heavy’ for this sword.」

Zen’s eyes widened slightly.

「…You’re saying the wielder’s power is overtaking the blade’s performance?」

「Exactly.」

「This sword isn’t weakening. Rather, it’s trying to bring out everything it has—right up to the absolute limit of its capabilities. …Truly, it’s a fine blade.」

Strangely, that made perfect sense.

That subtle heaviness when I gripped Shiranue-maru.

The creaking, straining sensation at the instant I drew it.

—That wasn’t rejection. It was a desperate cry, trying to keep up.

「But if you continue using it like this… eventually—」

He didn’t need to finish the sentence. I understood.

「…So what do I do?」

At my question, Magoroku lowered his eyes as if searching for the right words—then finally spoke, quiet and steady.

「There is only one option: have the smith who forged this sword examine it.」

「…the Second Generation Kunimitsu, huh.」

At the name I uttered, Zen reacted faintly.

The air tightened, taut as a drawn string.

「The maker of that Blade is Kunimitsu the Swordsmith, huh…」

In Zen’s voice was understanding—and also a careful wariness.

「Swordsmith…?」

At my reflexive question, Magoroku answered.

「A swordsmith is a craftsman among us smiths who forges only blades. Especially with ‘magic swords,’ the process is unique—requiring an exceptional eye, and techniques far beyond the ordinary.」

「So even calling it ‘smithing’ doesn’t really cover it, huh… Wait, Magoroku, you’re not a swordsmith?」

「In my case, my specialty is swords. Of course I have knowledge of tachi, and with ordinary blades I can forge or repair them as well, but… when it comes to a magic sword like Shiranuemaru, only its maker should lay hands on it.」

「Got it. So where is this swordsmith now?」

「He should be in Jinri Town.」

「Jinri?」

When I tilted my head at the place name, Magoroku nodded.

「Simply put, it is ‘a town where smiths gather.’ In Bukyo, it is the destination those who seek to master arms eventually reach. It is also called the ‘Town of Fire and Ash.’」

That alone was enough to tell it wasn’t an ordinary place.

「However, he is a very difficult man. These days, he rarely accepts requests.」

「Is he retired?」

「No. …He simply chooses.」

A faint note of reverence entered Magoroku’s eyes.

「Whether someone is worthy of his hammer, whether their blade is worth taking into his hands… he judges that thoroughly.」

Meaning there was no guarantee he’d even take Shiranuemaru.

Worse—if he decided you weren’t worth his time, you might never even get to see his face.

Zen looked at me quietly.

「Aun… this doesn’t sound like an easy road.」

「I know.」

Even so, I didn’t hesitate.

「I’m not planning to use it until it breaks. Shiranuemaru is… not just a weapon to me.」

At that, Magoroku nodded deeply.

「…As I thought. This blade almost seems to choose its person. That a blade Kunimitsu-dono forged long ago would, through twists of fate, end up in your hands… I can’t believe that’s mere coincidence.」

Then, after a brief glance at Shiranuemaru, he continued softly.

「This is a smith’s intuition, but… I don’t believe Kunimitsu-dono will look upon this blade and feel nothing. And I’m not entirely a stranger to him, either. I may be able to put in a word on your behalf.」

That single line felt like a firm hand pressing against my back, pushing me forward.

「Jinri Town, huh… I wanna head there as soon as we can.」

The moment I murmured that, I could’ve sworn Shiranuemaru trembled—just slightly.

—As if it recognized the place it was born.