"—So, you're the blacksmith girl from the Sand Village that Kakashi mentioned?"
Sitting at a table in a yakiniku restaurant in the Hidden Leaf Village, I turned my face toward the voice.
The man speaking had a cigarette in his mouth and a neatly trimmed beard, exuding a refined, dashing air.
After my exhausting discussion with Kakashi, I had been left in a state resembling a soulless husk, as if my spirit had been snatched by the grim reaper behind a Hannya mask. Sensing my fragile mental state, Kakashi kindly introduced me to a special jonin of the Leaf Village, a man named Asuma, who wielded unique ninja tools.
To think that Kakashi would go out of his way to be so considerate to someone from another village—he truly must have a broad and generous heart. Though, I still couldn't entirely forgive him for breaking the White Chakra Blade, no matter how much I rationalized that weapons breaking in battle was inevitable and blaming him was unreasonable.
But that's beside the point. For now, I had to focus on the person in front of me.
Given my poor conversational skills, I wanted to avoid making a bad first impression at all costs.
"Yes, I'm Murasame from the Sand Village—"
When I looked at Asuma again, I noticed two boys and a girl standing behind him. They were likely his students, much like Kakashi's own students.
"Oh, these are my students," Asuma said. "Since we were meeting at a yakiniku place, I figured I'd bring them along. Hope that's not a problem?"
"No, it's fine," I replied.
"Good. Glad to hear that. Alright, you three, 'pace yourselves' while eating."
Asuma's gaze fixed particularly on one boy—rounder than the others—and his stern expression suggested he had some unpleasant memories involving him. If he was so worried, perhaps he should've left his students behind. Yet, the fact that he still brought them along spoke to his kindness, which rivaled Kakashi's.
And judging from the faint scent of steel emanating from his pouch, Asuma carried bladed weapons.
Though I couldn't tell exactly what kind, it was enough to confirm that he was a user of bladed tools.
With that in mind, I decided to approach this situation with appropriate respect to hear him out.
"I'll cover the bill… After all, I'm the one who called for this meeting, and I make a decent living," I offered.
"No, no, I can't let you do that," Asuma replied with a serious expression. "Not in front of my students. Let me save face here. Besides, this bill's not going to be cheap."
Judging from the expressions of his students—except the rounder boy, who continued eating—I decided to let the matter drop. My recent experience with Kakashi, where I inadvertently damaged our trust, also taught me the importance of knowing when to step back.
Still, I felt it would be rude to sit idly, so I volunteered to handle grilling the meat. Compared to the heat and splattering oil of a forge, this was nothing.
While I grilled, the boy sitting next to me seemed reluctant to serve himself, so I placed the cooked meat onto his plate now and then. Meanwhile, I explained my circumstances to Asuma, who sat across from me.
"—And that's why Kakashi introduced me to you," I concluded.
"I see. I understand the situation," Asuma said. "That said, I can't just casually hand over information about my tools to someone from another village."
"…I fully understand," I replied.
"Well then—how about this? I'll make you a deal. Pick one of your best blades, one that you think would suit my students. I'll buy it at half price. How does that sound?"
Before I could respond, Asuma's students paused their eating, startled by his proposal. Well, all except for the rounder boy, who continued eating while at least turning his gaze toward his teacher.
"What are you talking about, Asuma-sensei?" one of them asked.
"Yeah! Weren't we supposed to focus on honing our jutsu and teamwork for now?" the girl added.
"Well, things have changed a bit," Asuma replied vaguely, waving a hand dismissively.
But Asuma wasn't making this proposal on a whim. He had his reasons.
The chunin exams—where genin from various villages gather to compete—were approaching.
Asuma's team, composed of members from prestigious clans with inherited jutsu, had an advantage in teamwork due to their family techniques. However, there were still concerns about their individual capabilities. Furthermore, while teamwork is critical, the final stages of the exam often test individual skills. And as a competition between shinobi, unexpected situations are bound to arise.
To prepare his students for such scenarios, Asuma wanted to equip them with quality tools. So, when Kakashi asked him to meet with a blacksmith from the Sand Village, he saw an opportunity.
As I nodded to accept Asuma's proposal, he retrieved a tool from his pouch and placed it on the table.
"This is my chakra blade," he said.
I stared at the unique tool he laid before me. Its design was reminiscent of a hybrid between a knuckle duster and a short blade. While its range was far shorter than that of a regular sword, its compactness made it ideal for use in confined spaces—an invaluable trait for a shinobi who must adapt to any mission environment.
"The craftsmanship on this blade is impeccable—no rust, no nicks, simply flawless. But what really catches my attention is…"
---
"This blade… it's forged from a special metal. Most likely, it reacts to the wielder's chakra."
"Wait, what? You can tell just by looking at it?!"
"I've forged weapons that react to chakra multiple times before, so I can recognize it when I see it. However, this particular blade is not only of exceptional quality, but I also sense something… different about it."
"Well, well. You've got a sharp eye."
---
Asuma, clearly impressed, murmured with a pleased expression before taking the chakra blade off the table. Gripping it firmly, he infused it with his chakra.
The energy flowed through the weapon, spreading across the blade like a thin, sharp aura, extending its edge into a nearly intangible form—thin, sharp, and lethal.
"This chakra blade is made from a unique metal that absorbs the wielder's 'chakra nature.' For example, when I use it, the blade refines itself into a weapon with unparalleled sharpness."
"...This is incredible."
"Wait a second! Incredible? Is it that different from the chakra-reactive weapons you mentioned earlier?"
---
Ino tilted her head in confusion, unable to grasp the distinction between the chakra blade before her and the examples that had been mentioned earlier.
"For instance, the 'Lightning Blades' used by ninja from the Hidden Cloud Village require the wielder to coat the blade in lightning-style chakra, enhancing its sharpness and adding an electric charge. This chakra blade, on the other hand, doesn't merely react to chakra—it resonates with the wielder's nature and fully synchronizes with it. This eliminates inefficiencies and allows the user to maximize the power of their elemental chakra. Furthermore, unlike the former type, this blade doesn't require ninjutsu to maintain its abilities, making it far more energy-efficient for prolonged missions—a vital trait for shinobi."
"Oh, I… see…"
---
The sudden, fluent explanation caused Ino to slightly recoil, her eyes widening at the sheer amount of detail. However, the girl named Murasame was too absorbed in her analysis to notice and instead shifted her focus to another pressing curiosity.
---
"Still, Asuma-san, you mentioned that this blade absorbs 'chakra nature' rather than just responding to elemental manipulation. Is that really the case?"
"Ah… so you noticed that too."
---
Smiling wryly, Asuma placed the blade back on the table, gesturing toward it as he spoke.
"As you guessed, this blade doesn't just respond to the basic elemental natures like fire or water. It can also resonate with more specialized chakra natures, including those tied to unique bloodline techniques. Of course, mastering it takes significant training, but the potential is immense."
"I see… Truly remarkable. A blade smaller than a short sword, compact enough to function as a hidden weapon, yet capable of achieving the same level of lethality as a long blade. As a weapon for shinobi, this could very well be considered a masterpiece."
"Ha! It's great to see someone appreciate my trusty weapon to that degree. …Would you like to hold it?"
"I-I couldn't possibly! That would be far too presumptuous—I'm honored just to have seen it!"
---
Caught off guard by the unexpected offer, Murasame turned red and frantically waved her hands in refusal. Asuma's generosity was undoubtedly sincere, but perhaps he was a little too magnanimous. She couldn't help but worry that such a kind man might someday break someone's heart, should he be married or in a relationship.
Besides, if she were to touch that chakra blade and accidentally reveal her water-natured chakra traits, it could spell trouble. In the Hidden Sand Village, shinobi with water-style chakra are exceedingly rare; if anyone suspected her origins were tied to the Hidden Mist Village, things could become complicated.
---
("As much as I'd love to get my hands on that blade… I'll have to restrain myself.")
---
Suppressing her urge, she simply stared at the chakra blade on the table, trying to burn its details into her memory. It was impossible to not compare it to legendary blades like the *Lightning Fang* from her grandfather's collection—tools that filled gaps in combat potential, compensating for weaknesses such as water-style users' vulnerability to earth-style techniques.
In contrast, this chakra blade didn't fill gaps but amplified the user's strengths, elevating their elemental nature to new heights. It was, in a way, the purest expression of what a weapon for shinobi should be.
---
"Well, that's all I have to show you for now. Let's move on to what *you* have to offer, shall we?"
"Oh, come on, Asuma-sensei. You're really gonna make us use swords? What a drag…"
"Don't complain, Shikamaru. Right now, your entire team's combat strategy relies on Chōji. Until your coordination is perfected, you'll need a fallback plan."
---
It was true that with their current skills, most of their strategies relied heavily on Chōji's attacks. Without improving their individual capabilities, it would be difficult to ensure their success in an unpredictable situation. Asuma knew this all too well.
---
"Well, if I have to…"
"No need to worry! It's my job to craft blades that even the most reluctant users will find appealing."
"Hah, I like your confidence."
---
Asuma chuckled at Murasame's bold declaration. With his approval and the attention of the rest of the team, she unrolled a scroll from her belongings. Unlike the weapons she'd sold in the Hidden Leaf, these were a selection of the blades she'd crafted for her time in the Hidden Sand and Hidden Mist—tools of her finest craftsmanship.
What she chose, however, wasn't one of her flashiest works, but instead a "beginner's blade." A weapon designed purely for cutting, forged with unmatched precision and quality—a sword meant to showcase the essence of the craft.
---
It was a traditional long blade, free from the unique shapes of her grandfather's masterpieces. Still, the moment Asuma saw it, his expression froze in shock.
---
"Wha… Is this one of the legendary *Kusanagi Blades*?!"
"Kusanagi? What's that?"
"In simple terms, it's one of the greatest swords ever forged. The name 'Kusanagi Blade' refers to a group of legendary swords, each with incredible cutting power. One of the legendary Sannin was known for wielding such a blade."
"'Legendary'?!"
---
The three students gasped at their teacher's explanation, but Murasame quickly clarified, shaking her head with a slight bow.
---
"Strictly speaking, this isn't a *Kusanagi Blade.* It's a replica I forged based on one of them."
"Oh… You really surprised me there."
"My apologies. This blade is called the *Murakumo Blade: Shiun,* part of a series I created inspired by the Kusanagi Blades. Its cutting power rivals that of the original it was modeled after, even to the point of damaging the authentic Kusanagi during a sparring test. It's… a bit of a troublesome creation, but one I'm very proud of and highly recommend—"
"Wait, wait, *wait!* Are you serious?!"
---
Shikamaru interrupted, panic rising in his voice. There was no way a complete novice like him should wield such a weapon. Even if he couldn't fully comprehend its value, the mere fact that it rivaled one of the legendary Kusanagi Blades was too much for him to handle. A weapon that powerful was bound to attract the attention of dangerous individuals.
Desperately, he glanced at Asuma, silently begging his sensei to not go through with this purchase.### Meticulous Maintenance and the Intriguing Mystery
"The craftsmanship on this blade is impeccable—no rust, no nicks, simply flawless. But what really catches my attention is…"
---
"This blade… it's forged from a special metal. Most likely, it reacts to the wielder's chakra."
"Wait, what? You can tell just by looking at it?!"
"I've forged weapons that react to chakra multiple times before, so I can recognize it when I see it. However, this particular blade is not only of exceptional quality, but I also sense something… different about it."
"Well, well. You've got a sharp eye."
---
Asuma, clearly impressed, murmured with a pleased expression before taking the chakra blade off the table. Gripping it firmly, he infused it with his chakra.
The energy flowed through the weapon, spreading across the blade like a thin, sharp aura, extending its edge into a nearly intangible form—thin, sharp, and lethal.
"This chakra blade is made from a unique metal that absorbs the wielder's 'chakra nature.' For example, when I use it, the blade refines itself into a weapon with unparalleled sharpness."
"...This is incredible."
"Wait a second! Incredible? Is it that different from the chakra-reactive weapons you mentioned earlier?"
---
Ino tilted her head in confusion, unable to grasp the distinction between the chakra blade before her and the examples that had been mentioned earlier.
"For instance, the 'Lightning Blades' used by ninja from the Hidden Cloud Village require the wielder to coat the blade in lightning-style chakra, enhancing its sharpness and adding an electric charge. This chakra blade, on the other hand, doesn't merely react to chakra—it resonates with the wielder's nature and fully synchronizes with it. This eliminates inefficiencies and allows the user to maximize the power of their elemental chakra. Furthermore, unlike the former type, this blade doesn't require ninjutsu to maintain its abilities, making it far more energy-efficient for prolonged missions—a vital trait for shinobi."
"Oh, I… see…"
---
The sudden, fluent explanation caused Ino to slightly recoil, her eyes widening at the sheer amount of detail. However, the girl named Murasame was too absorbed in her analysis to notice and instead shifted her focus to another pressing curiosity.
---
"Still, Asuma-san, you mentioned that this blade absorbs 'chakra nature' rather than just responding to elemental manipulation. Is that really the case?"
"Ah… so you noticed that too."
---
Smiling wryly, Asuma placed the blade back on the table, gesturing toward it as he spoke.
"As you guessed, this blade doesn't just respond to the basic elemental natures like fire or water. It can also resonate with more specialized chakra natures, including those tied to unique bloodline techniques. Of course, mastering it takes significant training, but the potential is immense."
"I see… Truly remarkable. A blade smaller than a short sword, compact enough to function as a hidden weapon, yet capable of achieving the same level of lethality as a long blade. As a weapon for shinobi, this could very well be considered a masterpiece."
"Ha! It's great to see someone appreciate my trusty weapon to that degree. …Would you like to hold it?"
"I-I couldn't possibly! That would be far too presumptuous—I'm honored just to have seen it!"
---
Caught off guard by the unexpected offer, Murasame turned red and frantically waved her hands in refusal. Asuma's generosity was undoubtedly sincere, but perhaps he was a little too magnanimous. She couldn't help but worry that such a kind man might someday break someone's heart, should he be married or in a relationship.
Besides, if she were to touch that chakra blade and accidentally reveal her water-natured chakra traits, it could spell trouble. In the Hidden Sand Village, shinobi with water-style chakra are exceedingly rare; if anyone suspected her origins were tied to the Hidden Mist Village, things could become complicated.
---
("As much as I'd love to get my hands on that blade… I'll have to restrain myself.")
---
Suppressing her urge, she simply stared at the chakra blade on the table, trying to burn its details into her memory. It was impossible to not compare it to legendary blades like the *Lightning Fang* from her grandfather's collection—tools that filled gaps in combat potential, compensating for weaknesses such as water-style users' vulnerability to earth-style techniques.
In contrast, this chakra blade didn't fill gaps but amplified the user's strengths, elevating their elemental nature to new heights. It was, in a way, the purest expression of what a weapon for shinobi should be.
---
"Well, that's all I have to show you for now. Let's move on to what *you* have to offer, shall we?"
"Oh, come on, Asuma-sensei. You're really gonna make us use swords? What a drag…"
"Don't complain, Shikamaru. Right now, your entire team's combat strategy relies on Chōji. Until your coordination is perfected, you'll need a fallback plan."
---
It was true that with their current skills, most of their strategies relied heavily on Chōji's attacks. Without improving their individual capabilities, it would be difficult to ensure their success in an unpredictable situation. Asuma knew this all too well.
---
"Well, if I have to…"
"No need to worry! It's my job to craft blades that even the most reluctant users will find appealing."
"Hah, I like your confidence."
---
Asuma chuckled at Murasame's bold declaration. With his approval and the attention of the rest of the team, she unrolled a scroll from her belongings. Unlike the weapons she'd sold in the Hidden Leaf, these were a selection of the blades she'd crafted for her time in the Hidden Sand and Hidden Mist—tools of her finest craftsmanship.
What she chose, however, wasn't one of her flashiest works, but instead a "beginner's blade." A weapon designed purely for cutting, forged with unmatched precision and quality—a sword meant to showcase the essence of the craft.
---
It was a traditional long blade, free from the unique shapes of her grandfather's masterpieces. Still, the moment Asuma saw it, his expression froze in shock.
---
"Wha… Is this one of the legendary *Kusanagi Blades*?!"
"Kusanagi? What's that?"
"In simple terms, it's one of the greatest swords ever forged. The name 'Kusanagi Blade' refers to a group of legendary swords, each with incredible cutting power. One of the legendary Sannin was known for wielding such a blade."
"'Legendary'?!"
---
The three students gasped at their teacher's explanation, but Murasame quickly clarified, shaking her head with a slight bow.
---
"Strictly speaking, this isn't a *Kusanagi Blade.* It's a replica I forged based on one of them."
"Oh… You really surprised me there."
"My apologies. This blade is called the *Murakumo Blade: Shiun,* part of a series I created inspired by the Kusanagi Blades. Its cutting power rivals that of the original it was modeled after, even to the point of damaging the authentic Kusanagi during a sparring test. It's… a bit of a troublesome creation, but one I'm very proud of and highly recommend—"
"Wait, wait, *wait!* Are you serious?!"
---
Shikamaru interrupted, panic rising in his voice. There was no way a complete novice like him should wield such a weapon. Even if he couldn't fully comprehend its value, the mere fact that it rivaled one of the legendary Kusanagi Blades was too much for him to handle. A weapon that powerful was bound to attract the attention of dangerous individuals.
Desperately, he glanced at Asuma, silently begging his sensei to not go through with this purchase.
Asuma, their teacher, was at a loss for words.
It was true he had asked for something extraordinary, but he never imagined something like this would appear. The shock he felt now surpassed even the time one of his students emptied his wallet during a celebratory yakiniku dinner for Team 10's first successful mission.
As he tried to calm himself and cool his head, he recalled Kakashi's words when he had been entrusted with the girl before him.
---
*"I'm sorry, but could you take care of a blacksmith girl for me? She claims she's from the Sand Village, but she's most likely from Kirigakure, and not just any blacksmith—she's likely a master swordsmith."*
---
With that, Kakashi had added that the final decision was up to Asuma before walking off to the training field where his students were waiting. Now, remembering that, Asuma couldn't help but regret being saddled with such an unusual responsibility.
---
*"That damn Kakashi. He sure tricked me good this time."*
---
In any case, the girl in front of him was far from ordinary. The fact that she could craft a sword using the legendary *Sword of Kusanagi* as reference made that clear enough. If so, he decided to use the friendly atmosphere to dig for more information.
---
"Hey, hey, isn't this a little too much for a kid to handle? Honestly, I wouldn't mind having it myself. How much is it?"
"Well, it's usually priced at 30 million ryō, but I'll offer it at half price—15 million ryō!"
"That's expensive! Wait, no… considering it surpasses the *Sword of Kusanagi*, it's fair. Actually, it's probably cheap at half price…"
"Wait, is it okay to just casually knock off over 10 million ryō like that?!"
---
Ino, who came from a family that ran a flower shop, couldn't help but voice her concerns about Muramasa's reckless pricing.
---
"Don't worry. Thanks to Asuma-san, I feel like I'll be able to create something even better next time. Besides—"
"Besides?"
"...Although everyone praised the sharpness, no one actually bought it because it was too expensive…"
"Ah… yeah, I can see that…"
---
No matter how good something was, people couldn't buy what they couldn't afford. Moreover, Muramasa's usual blades, even the cheaper ones sold at ninja tool shops, were exceptional quality for their price. As such, there was no need for anyone to purchase a sword like this, which didn't provide a noticeable advantage in real combat.
---
As a result, the *Sword of Murakumo: Shiun* ended up as nothing more than a showpiece for visitors to admire in her shop. It was frustrating, but understandable.
---
"So, how about I knock off another 5 million and sell it for 10 million ryō? It's very beginner-friendly, as it's a sword that can cut through almost anything."
"**That's not beginner-friendly at all!**"
---
The simultaneous shouts of Asuma and his students echoed through the store.
In the end, the *Sword of Murakumo: Shiun* was marked as "reserved," and the deal concluded with the sale of custom kunai, shuriken, and three standard swords she had brought from the Sand Village for practice purposes.
---
**▼▼▼**
---
When they left the shop, it was already dark, with night fully settled over the village.
It seemed to be an unspoken rule to leave the bill to Asuma, as his students had all thanked him with a quick "thanks for the meal" before scattering into the night.
While waiting outside the shop, Muramasa deeply bowed her head to Asuma, who had emerged after settling the rather substantial bill for the mountain of plates they had accumulated while discussing swords.
---
"Thank you very much for today. Our conversation was very enlightening."
"I'm glad to hear that. So, Muramasa, are you heading back to the Sand Village now?"
---
When Asuma asked, Muramasa paused to think.
When she had impulsively started selling her swords, she had considered staying away from the Sand Village—perhaps moving to another village or staying in Konoha a little longer. After all, she no longer had a pressing reason to return now that she had gained some proficiency in puppet techniques.
But in the end, all she had sold were some kunai and shuriken. That could easily be explained away. Returning to her home village didn't seem like it would be an issue, especially since her shop back there was stable.
---
"I plan to return," she replied, nodding at Asuma's question, deciding she would have one last meal at Ichiraku tomorrow before heading home.
---
"I see. That's a shame. You know, I haven't told my students yet, but the Chūnin Exams are coming up soon. During that time, genin from all the villages and their supervising jōnin will gather here. You might come across a few sword-users among them…"
---
"I'll start looking for a place to stay long-term! Thank you!"
"Wait, wait! That's too fast!!"
"Ah! I-I'm sorry… I got carried away."
---
Hearing the word "swords" had clouded her judgment.
It was already late at night. Searching for a place to stay now would be impractical. Returning to her inn for tonight and searching tomorrow would be more realistic.
---
"You really love swords, don't you? People from the Sand Village tend to focus on puppets, so I didn't think they'd be this into swords…"
"That's… not entirely true…"
"Hmm. Well, if you need a place to stay, I could pull some strings for you. I'm fairly well-connected here in Konoha."
"Really? You'd do that for me?"
---
Muramasa was taken aback by Asuma's unexpected offer.
To be treated so kindly by someone she had only met a few minutes ago—just how kind were the people of Konoha? Compared to the stories her father had told her about their village in the past, the difference was astounding.
Surely, this village must be a wonderful place where even those with unique traits like kekkei genkai weren't discriminated against or persecuted.
---
"Of course, it won't be free. Let's say… throw in something extra with the sword I'm buying."
"…Understood! I'll include the remaining two swords from the *Murakumo Series* I still have!"
"No, no! That's too much!!"
---
And so, Muramasa decided to stay in Konoha until the Chūnin Exams.
---
*(At least I managed to keep her in the village for now… I'd better talk to my old man and have him look into her background. I have a feeling her history might be even more unbelievable than I imagined.)*
---
Though baffled by how easily the girl had been swayed, Asuma remained cautious as he mulled over his next steps.
---
**The Sword of Murakumo**
A series of ten swords crafted by Muramasa, inspired by the *Sword of Kusanagi*.
While in Kirigakure, she sold three of them. Of the remaining seven, she left four with her father, keeping only three for herself.
The greatest masterpiece in the series, the *Sword of Murakumo: Shiun*, surpasses even the original *Sword of Kusanagi* in sharpness. However, it possesses no special abilities and is purely a sword of unparalleled cutting power. Priced at a staggering 30 million ryō (the equivalent of Dairoku's entire net worth).