Ayane picked up her father's clothes, shaking each piece out gently. She spoke softly to Matsurize, "Little Ze, come here. I'll teach you how to put on clothes, okay?"
Matsurize replied, "Okay."
Ayane even helped him with his underwear, without a hint of hesitation or embarrassment. She wasn't bothered by the typical gender boundaries between men and women, nor did she mind Matsurize's somewhat childlike intelligence at the moment.
Piece by piece, Ayane dressed Matsurize, explaining each step with kind, patient words.
Once Matsurize was fully dressed, Ayane stepped back to admire her work. He looked quite elegant, and upon closer inspection, even a little handsome. Matsurize was now wearing light blue jeans, a navy blue checkered shirt, and brown leather shoes with hard soles.
Looking at Matsurize dressed in her father's clothes, Ayane couldn't help but think of her father, though Matsurize didn't physically resemble him. Nonetheless, the image stirred memories.
Ayane took Matsurize by the hand and led him out into the courtyard. As they passed through the living room, she grabbed the katana she had placed on the dining table and tucked it into the belt at her waist.
Out in the courtyard, Matsurize's gaze was drawn to the sword at Ayane's side. The katana didn't have a name—it was simply one of Ayane's own creations.
Ayane didn't care much for the prestige of swords or their names, unlike many people in the world who were obsessed with famous swords. In fact, people had ranked swords into different grades, but Ayane had always dismissed such classifications.
She believed that no sword was inherently better or worse than another. Every blade had its own unique value, and each one was one of a kind.
Still, Ayane knew about the ranking system. There were 83 famous swords, categorized into three levels. At the bottom were 50 swords known as "Good Grade Swords" (良業物五十工). Then, there were 21 swords called "Great Grade Swords". At the top were the 12 "Supreme Grade Swords".
The method people used to evaluate these swords was what Ayane despised the most. In fact, many swordsmiths like Ayane looked down on this practice.
The method for ranking swords had been used for centuries and had originated long ago, as Ayane had read in her ancestors' records.
According to the stories, long ago, sword wielders began comparing the quality of their swords out of vanity. Initially, the comparisons were civil—both parties would present their finest swords, and a neutral third party would act as the judge. But at some point, a dangerous and cruel method of comparison emerged.
This method, though seemingly fair, was brutal. It didn't require a judge, as the result was obvious to both participants. However, Ayane found it to be incredibly unjust.
The method involved testing the swords' hardness by striking them against each other. The sword that broke was deemed inferior, and the unbroken one was declared the winner.
This method only tested the sword's hardness, ignoring all other qualities that made a blade valuable. Ayane found it barbaric, and she didn't understand who could have come up with such a reckless idea.
Yet, the world embraced this method, and it became the standard for ranking swords. The 83 famous swords were chosen through this cruel process, and countless masterpieces from swordsmiths like Ayane were needlessly destroyed.
To this day, if someone wanted to elevate their nameless sword into the ranks of the 83 famous blades, they would have to break one of the existing swords in a trial by combat. If they succeeded, their sword would take the place of the broken one.
This method applied to all levels: the lowest rank of 50 "Good Grade Swords," the 21 "Great Grade Swords," and the 12 "Supreme Grade Swords."
And so, this violent practice had become widely accepted, revered as an unquestionable law. It was, in Ayane's eyes, a tragedy.
As Ayane spoke, her story turned into a personal reflection on the state of swordsmanship and the art of crafting swords. If anyone else had been listening, they might have thought she had gone off on a tangent.
But Matsurize listened intently. He wasn't particularly concerned with the details of the story—he just enjoyed hearing Ayane talk to him. He was the perfect audience for her thoughts.
Feeling that she hadn't finished, Ayane continued, "As a swordsmith, I don't sell expensive swords. I only sell the right ones. If a buyer doesn't truly appreciate the katana I've crafted, I won't sell it to them, even if they offer me a million Beli."
"Good for you, Little Ayane!" Matsurize cheered, fully engaged in her words and giving his support when needed.
Ayane smiled and patted Matsurize on the head, feeling happier than she had in a long time. The last time she had felt this kind of joy was when her mother was still alive.
Ayane then spoke more seriously, "Little Ze, do you like this sword?"
She gestured to the katana at her waist as she asked the question.
Matsurize, as always, gave a brief and clear answer. "Yes."
Ayane patted him on the head again and said, "Alright then. I practice swordsmanship every day at dawn. Today is already halfway through, but starting tomorrow, I'll teach you how to wield a sword. Does that sound good?"