Chapter 162
"Stop!"
Hitetsu Tenguyama and Shimotsuki Kozaburo couldn't take it anymore. They both shouted at the same time.
The two masters exchanged glances, then looked at Chiba, who was smiling as he withdrew his true energy from the stone. "What's wrong, seniors? Didn't you both insist on forging this material alone?"
Shimotsuki Kozaburo huffed, "You little rascal, you just wanted to push us into forging together, didn't you? Well, you win. I'd rather work with this guy than let him outshine me. Even if we forge together, I'll make sure we're equals."
Hitetsu also grumbled, "You're sneaky, Chiba, but you're right. Even if I can't become the sole master, I won't let this stubborn Shimotsuki overshadow me. I'd rather work with him than let him pull ahead."
Everyone around breathed a sigh of relief, smiles breaking out as the tension dissolved.
Vista chuckled in admiration, "The captain sure knows how to get his way. He actually managed to push these two old men into cooperating."
Ace added, laughing, "That's Chiba for you. He always has some trick up his sleeve. Lucky for us he's our captain."
Hina took the opportunity to step forward, saying, "Seniors, by forging this supreme-grade sword together, you'll create one of the finest blades in history. Your names will be immortalized as the legendary twin forgers of the world."
Chiba joined in, "Hina's right. A sword forged by both of you will be legendary, and each of you will gain insight into the other's techniques. I'm sure this experience will elevate both of your skills."
"Seniors, when forging this blade, neither of you will hold back, will you?"
Hitetsu scoffed, "Materials like this come once in a lifetime. Of course I won't hold back, though I doubt that old Shimotsuki will be able to learn anything from me."
Chiba looked to Shimotsuki, who blew a puff of smoke, saying, "Of course, I won't hold back either. As for your technique, Hitetsu, I've got no interest in it. My secret techniques are more than enough."
Despite their words, both of them were inwardly determined to learn from each other.
Over the following month, both masters prepared intensely. They practiced with the rare materials they had brought, refining their skills to perfection. Hitetsu forged three sword embryos, pushing his craft to its highest level, while Shimotsuki tempered his own sword embryos, making three impressive blades.
Though limited by material, these three swords still reached the level of a great-grade blade. Chiba stored these completed blades, planning to reward them to crew members who demonstrated enough merit.
After a month of preparation, both blacksmiths were ready. Their physical strength was replenished by Chiba's elixirs, bringing them back to peak condition. The forging of the supreme blade was about to begin.
Hitetsu took up the Phoenix Claw without hesitation, striking it with his hammer wrapped in Armament Haki. The hammer blows, infused with Haki, were carefully controlled to draw out the phoenix's fiery essence without causing any damage.
Time passed as Hitetsu worked steadily. Occasionally, he would have Rebecca assist with her flame abilities, a skill they had perfected together over the last month. Rebecca had become adept at controlling the temperature, allowing Hitetsu to forge the blade with precision.
Under the relentless rhythm of Hitetsu's hammer, the Phoenix Claw began to take shape, its essence gradually condensing at the blade's core. The shape of the blade followed the design Hitetsu and Shimotsuki had agreed upon.
Watching closely, Shimotsuki nodded in silent admiration. Hitetsu's control was impeccable; his Armament Haki was so finely tuned that he could mold the shape without needing to cut away excess material.
Shimotsuki realized that this technique was something unique to Hitetsu. It couldn't be learned because his own Haki was already fully developed in a different way. Changing his approach now would only disrupt his own mastery.
As the days went by, Hitetsu's hammering continued, his rhythm never faltering. Two weeks passed with him striking the blade tirelessly, demonstrating his endurance and dedication. Those watching felt a deep respect for the master forger.
Finally, with a final blow, the blade began to glow a soft red, radiating intense heat. The energy within the blade pulsed, lifting it from the anvil as if alive.
"It's your turn, Shimotsuki," Hitetsu said, stepping back.
Shimotsuki swiftly moved forward, grabbing the glowing blade, and continued the forging process, taking it to completion.