Chiba resumed his forging work.
Meanwhile, the two old forging masters, Shimotsuki Kozaburo and Tenguyama Hitetsu, became intrigued and decided to visit him.
Shimotsuki Kozaburo tapped his long pipe, eyeing the two-meter-long claw in Chiba's hand with longing. He'd honed his forging skills over many years and had learned much from his exchanges with Tenguyama. He felt ready to forge a supreme-grade blade, but he'd never had materials of this quality.
Tenguyama Hitetsu, on the other hand, was equally captivated. His hand trembled slightly as he caressed the claw, feeling the fire phoenix's powerful spiritual energy within. His eyes lit up with joy.
"Such extraordinary material," he muttered. "Chiba, how about this—I'll forge this for you, and once it's complete, I'll give you the finished blade. How does that sound?"
Shimotsuki Kozaburo quickly interrupted, "Hold on! Chiba, let me forge this material instead. I'll craft a supreme-grade blade, and I don't even need to keep the finished product—you can do as you please with it."
Hitetsu bristled. "Shimotsuki, what's that supposed to mean? I asked Chiba first!"
Shimotsuki scoffed, "It doesn't matter who asked first. Materials of this quality shouldn't be wasted. If we leave it to you, you'll just turn it into an ordinary blade."
The crew nearby watched, somewhat exasperated.
Joz whispered, "These old men sure like to brag. If they can forge a top-grade sword, I'll be impressed."
Ace added, "Don't underestimate them. These two are true masters. Shimotsuki Kozaburo forged Koby's sword, Lobai, and Hitetsu made Helmeppo's Black Dragon. Both weapons are nearly at the level of supreme-grade swords. If you flatter them, maybe they'll make you a fine blade."
Joz shrugged, "Not interested in swords, but I'm sure Vista would be thrilled."
Looking around, he realized Vista was already by Hitetsu's side, helping him and chiming in, "Shimotsuki, Master Hitetsu is a true master. Only he can bring out the full potential of this phoenix claw's fire energy. Giving it to you would be a waste."
Vista stood firmly by Hitetsu's side.
"He's right," Hitetsu said smugly. "Shimotsuki, this material was meant for me to work on. You have no business with it."
"Nonsense."
Cavendish stepped forward to defend Shimotsuki. "Master Shimotsuki's skill is unmatched. His recent breakthroughs in forging would let him bring out the material's energy perfectly. Uncle Vista, why don't you step aside and stop meddling?"
Shimotsuki grinned, taking a puff from his pipe. "Face it, Hitetsu. My forging skills now surpass yours. I've even perfected the techniques you taught me."
Hitetsu sneered, "The student never surpasses the master. Besides, I never taught you everything. While you only learned the basics, I've mastered all your techniques and then some."
"You cheat! You broke the spirit of forging. I'm ashamed of you," Shimotsuki growled, though his face soon broke into a sly grin. "But I didn't share all my secrets either. You've barely scratched the surface of my skills."
"You're the traitor! You're the one hiding techniques!"
Nearby, Hina and Hancock couldn't help but laugh at the old men's bickering.
Koby and Helmeppo also chuckled, finding the scene amusing.
"Quit laughing, brat!" Shimotsuki snapped at Koby. "Why don't you back me up here?"
Koby quickly straightened up. "Ahem, with all due respect, Master Hitetsu is probably the right person for this task."
Annoyed, Shimotsuki smacked Koby and muttered, "Useless. Cavendish, keep arguing on my behalf. Get me that material, and I'll forge you a blade at least on par with a grade-one sword."
Cavendish's eyes sparkled with excitement, and he continued debating fiercely.
Meanwhile, Helmeppo stepped up to support Hitetsu, creating a spirited back-and-forth between the two groups. Chiba, watching, couldn't help but laugh. "There's only enough material for one blade. Deciding who gets it is tricky."
Hearing this, both groups argued even louder, their faces flushed with intensity. If it weren't for Chiba's presence, they might have come to blows.
Finally, Chiba stepped forward with a smile. "Enough. I have here detailed forging instructions. The two of you can study it, and in three days, return here at dawn. Whoever feels confident in following these instructions can work on the material."
With that, Chiba handed both Shimotsuki Kozaburo and Tenguyama Hitetsu the plans for forging the supreme-grade sword, Phoenix.
The two masters immediately retired to their quarters to study the instructions with intense focus.
Three days later, Shimotsuki Kozaburo emerged. Chiba had been waiting and greeted him with a smile. "Master Shimotsuki, how confident are you in forging this blade?"
[•———•——•———•]
𝙥𝗮𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙤𝙣(.)𝙘𝙤𝙢/𝙂𝙤𝙙𝙊𝙛𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧
✨ • 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝙂𝙚𝙩 𝟲𝟬+ 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚.