Note: I'm sure you read "Help" where I reported something important. It would be the inclusion of Ciel to the relationship, so in the end it would be, Muramasa x Rimuru x Ciel. I also thank whoever helped me to polish this idea, because I had only Muramasa x Rimuru in mind. I had completely forgotten about Ciel and her constant teasing of Rimuru, so she would end up getting into the relationship to keep teasing Rimuru. I hope no one gets mad at this decision.
Thanks for giving this story a chance, I'm happy to see that you gave this story at least one read!
Disclaimer: I'm looking at Tensura's wikifandom, so there may be a chronology error. And also there always seems to be a problem with the pronoun "she" when translating the document with the same word and it ends up using another pronoun, sorry for the problems with this and for sure it will cause confusion when reading, but I already said for sure that Rimuru is a woman, as you already know that Ciel is a woman. Continue reading the story.
And I'm also sorry if you feel it's forced with Rimuru, for now it's just a small spark of infatuation that will gradually grow, and with the inclusion of Ciel annoying Rimuru it will grow explosively.
Chapter 1
From the moment Rimuru set foot in Senji Muramasa's forge, Ciel had begun her work. For her, any new individual who interacted with Rimuru required immediate analysis, especially when Rimuru showed interest in them.
(Starting analysis... Human (?)... 10%... 40%... 80%... 100%... Human (?) with half the spirit...)
Inside Rimuru's mind, Ciel relayed every detail of her assessment as he watched Muramasa work at the forge.
"Rimuru-sama, this individual is peculiar. Although his appearance is human, he also possesses significant spiritual characteristics. He is in an in-between state, neither fully human nor fully spirit."
"And what does that mean?" asked Rimuru mentally, while pretending to watch the forge with disinterest.
"It means his nature is unusual. It does not pose an immediate threat, but it seems to be confused about its purpose here. My calculations suggest that he doesn't know how long he can stay here and may consider moving to another environment in the future."
"Huh? That's a bit sad, isn't it? Looks like he's good at what he does," Rimuru replied, watching Muramasa prepare the fire with efficient movements.
"He is efficient, but his emotionality is limited. There are traces of resignation mixed with determination in his demeanor," Ciel continued, in her usual analytical tone.
Rimuru mentally sighed. "You're too cold, Ciel. Just enjoy the moment, will you? You don't need to analyze everyone like they're an enemy."
"My main function is to ensure your safety, Rimuru-sama. Analyzing new individuals is essential to prevent threats."
"Yes, yes, whatever you say," Rimuru replied in a nonchalant tone. However, although she often complained about Ciel's comments, she couldn't help but be intrigued by the information he provided.
While Muramasa worked on the katana order, Ciel continued to collect data.
(Analyzing skills... Mastery in forging: exceptional level. Estimated time to complete a custom weapon: less than a day. Chances of integration in Tempest: high).
"Rimuru-sama, this individual could be a valuable asset to the Tempest Kingdom. His skill as a blacksmith surpasses that of Kurobe in certain specific aspects. I suggest evaluating the possibility of integrating him into our ranks."
"Integrate it? I hardly know him. Besides, he seems rather reserved. I doubt he wants to come to the kingdom," Rimuru replied, watching as Muramasa began to shape the katana blade with firm, precise strokes.
"If there is no initial interest in moving, it would be prudent to maintain an ongoing business relationship. Their skill level could significantly benefit our military and civilian operations," Ciel explained, as if she were proposing a military strategy.
Rimuru rolled her eyes mentally. "Ciel, I'm only here because I wanted something new. I'm not trying to recruit you. Relax a little."
"Relaxing is not a function included in my current capabilities," Ciel replied earnestly.
"That explains everything," Rimuru thought with a sigh.
As the day progressed and Rimuru watched Muramasa work, Ciel remained silent, seemingly focused on gathering more data. However, just as Rimuru began to bid farewell to the blacksmith, Ciel threw out a comment that took her by surprise.
"Rimuru-sama, his physical and facial proportions are noticeably above the average human. This might explain your interest in him."
Rimuru almost stumbled when she heard that in her mind. "What the hell are you saying, Ciel, that has nothing to do with it!"
"It's an objective analysis," Ciel replied calmly. "Your heart rate accelerates slightly when you interact with him. I suggest this phenomenon be monitored."
"Don't say weird things! He's just a good blacksmith, okay? Nothing more," Rimuru protested mentally, though her tone betrayed some discomfort.
"As you wish, Rimuru-sama. I will continue to observe."
Despite Rimuru's resistance, Ciel continued to analyze Muramasa and his interactions with Rimuru. Unbeknownst to Rimuru, Ciel had begun to consider interacting with Muramasa on her own. Although her initial purpose was to protect Rimuru, something about the blacksmith's efficiency and calmness aroused a curiosity she could not ignore.
(Why does this individual act with such dedication despite his apparent confusion about his purpose? Is this emotion what humans call "determination"?)
Ciel kept these reflections to herself, deciding that it would be more effective to observe Muramasa directly rather than relying solely on Rimuru's eyes.
(Activating "body double"... Preparing physical manifestation).
So, with a plan in mind, Ciel began to prepare her first appearance in front of Muramasa, ready to delve deeper into the enigma represented by the blacksmith.
❈•≫────≪•◦ ❈ ◦•≫────≪•❈
Muramasa was completely focused on his work. With firm, precise strokes, he was shaping the edge of a new sword, destined for a warrior who had come the week before with her group of adventurers. The forge glowed brightly in the heat of the furnace, and the sound of the hammer echoed like a rhythmic melody in the air.
The blacksmith was aware that, lately, many of his clients were women. Adventurers, mercenaries or simple explorers who, although they initially came for the quality of their work, seemed to enjoy more what he considered "unnecessary flattery". Whenever he finished an assignment, some adventuresses would throw out casual comments, mixed with laughter or overly prolonged stares.
"Muramasa-san, your work is impeccable. Maybe I should come more often just to watch you work!" a female warrior was saying, her flirtatious tone too obvious to go unnoticed.
"Do you really do everything by yourself? No wonder you're so... strong," another adventurer had added days before, lightly touching his arm before laughing.
Muramasa, of course, ignored these comments, returning only a grunt or a dry word before returning to his forge. To him, all this was irrelevant. Personal relationships were not part of his life; his only interest was in perfecting his craft. However, the words kept coming, and even if he wouldn't admit it, he was beginning to notice the repetition of these attitudes.
The sound of the door opening interrupted the steady rhythm of hammer against metal. Muramasa turned slightly, expecting to see another customer. But what he found puzzled him.
Standing in the doorway was Rimuru... or at least, someone who looked a lot like her. She had the same small frame and shiny light blue hair, but her eyes were not Rimuru's signature golden ones. Instead, they glowed a deep red, almost like gems lit from within.
Muramasa frowned, setting the hammer down on the table. "Rimuru, what happened to your eyes?"
The figure tilted her head slightly, as if assessing her question. Then, in a calm, cool tone, she replied, "I am not Rimuru. I am Ciel, the supreme manas residing in Rimuru-sama."
Muramasa remained silent for a moment, evaluating her words. It was clear that she was not lying. Although her appearance was identical to Rimuru's, something about her bearing and manner of speech was completely different. There was an almost mechanical precision in her movements, an air of constant analysis that Rimuru had never displayed.
"So... Are you his twin or something?" he finally asked, raising an eyebrow.
Ciel blinked slowly, as if processing the idea. "No. I am a physical manifestation created from the 'body double' ability. My purpose here is to observe you more closely and gather information."
Muramasa folded his arms, distrustful. "Observe me? Why?"
Ciel took a step forward, her gaze fixed on him. "Since our first interaction, I have been analyzing your behavior. Although you pose no immediate threat to Rimuru-sama, your interactions with other individuals, especially women, are... intriguing."
Muramasa arched an eyebrow. "What do my interactions have to do with your analysis?"
Ciel, undeterred, responded frankly, "I have noticed a pattern in your interactions. The women who visit this forge show an interest that goes beyond the professional nature. They seem interested in you as an individual, not just as a blacksmith. My goal is to understand if this has any impact on your decisions or your relationship with Rimuru-sama."
Muramasa sighed, returning to his work. "And why should that matter to you? I have no interest in such things."
"That goes without saying," Ciel replied in her cold tone. "However, my priority is to ensure Rimuru-sama's well-being. And given that she's been spending a lot of time with you lately, it's prudent to assess how your interactions might influence her."
.
.
.
Ciel didn't move from her spot as Muramasa worked, her gaze fixed on the blacksmith's every move. Even when a couple of adventurers entered the workshop, looking to pick up their orders, she didn't look away.
"Ah, Muramasa-san! We came back for our swords. Are they ready yet?" asked a female warrior excitedly.
Muramasa, without looking up, pointed to the table where two perfectly forged swords rested. "They are there. You can check them out."
The two adventurers approached excitedly, inspecting the swords carefully. "They're perfect, as always! Your work is amazing!"
One of them smiled, turning to him. "You know, Muramasa-san? You really should come with us on an adventure sometime. We need someone to take care of our swords... and maybe us too."
Muramasa let out a snort, ignoring the comment. "Just make sure you take care of those swords. I don't have time to repair them if you destroy them in a week."
As the women laughed and paid for their order, Ciel stood motionless, watching silently. Once they left, she spoke for the first time since they arrived.
"Interesting. Your emotions were evident. An attraction based on your ability and your appearance."
Muramasa raised an eyebrow, irritated. "Now you're analyzing my clients' emotions too?"
"Of course," Ciel replied without hesitation. "It is important to understand how others perceive you in order to assess any possible impact on Rimuru-sama. And, I must admit, these remarks are... confusing. Human emotions are more difficult to understand than I thought."
Muramasa sighed, shaking his head as he went back to his work. "Do whatever you want, as long as you don't get in my way."
❈•≫────≪•◦ ❈ ◦•≫────≪•❈
Days later...
From her position in a corner of the forge, Ciel silently observed Muramasa's every move, but she also turned her attention to the individuals who visited him. Most were women, and although their comments and behaviors escaped her complete understanding, their accurate analyses gave her a clear picture of the emotions present.
(Detecting patterns: romantic interest, admiration. Probability of social or emotional intentions: high).
Her cold tone echoed in Rimuru's mind, who was fully aware of Ciel's constant analysis.
"Are you seriously analyzing the girls who go to the forge? That's already going a bit overboard, don't you think?" asked Rimuru mentally, with a touch of amusement.
"It's essential," Ciel replied without hesitation. "They exhibit recurring behavior that I consider relevant. Furthermore, these interactions could influence Muramasa's actions, which could affect you directly or indirectly."
"That's over the top! Muramasa doesn't seem like the type to be distracted by such things. He barely speaks a word to them," Rimuru replied, remembering the blacksmith's dry and direct attitude.
"That's true. His responses are brief and without any indication of emotional reciprocation," Ciel stated. However, there was something that puzzled her deeply. "Despite this, the women continue to show interest. Their insistence seems illogical from my perspective. I fail to understand their motivation."
Rimuru let out a mental sigh. "That's called attraction, Ciel. Not everything has to have logic. Sometimes, people just... feel something for another person. It's not something you can analyze with numbers or percentages."
Ciel processed Rimuru's words with her usual precision, but was unable to fully assimilate them. "I understand the concept, but I can't replicate it. I can detect emotions, but not experience them. This limitation is... strange."
"Maybe someday you'll understand," Rimuru replied with a smile. "In the meantime, stop analyzing everything like you're a mad scientist. Just relax and enjoy the show."
"Relaxing is not a function I possess, Rimuru-sama," replied Ciel, in such a serious tone that it made Rimuru laugh out loud.
Ciel continued her analysis for the next few days. Every time a woman came to the forge, she would watch their movements, their words and the way they tried to approach Muramasa.
For example, a short-haired, light-armored adventurer had come to pick up a spear that Muramasa had repaired. As she checked the weapon, she did not miss the opportunity to praise his work.
"It's perfect, as always," she said with a beaming smile. Then, leaning slightly toward him, she added, "Do you ever take breaks, Muramasa-san? Maybe we could go for a drink together, what do you say?"
Muramasa raised an eyebrow, clearly disinterested. "I don't have time for such things. If you're done checking your weapon, pay up and let me work."
The adventurer let out an awkward laugh before paying and leaving, but not before throwing one last glance at the blacksmith.
From her position, Ciel watched silently, gathering data.
(Complete interaction. Result: lack of interest on the part of the observed subject. Persistence of the other party: high. Interpretation: unrequited attraction).
Day after day, similar patterns repeated themselves. Women who came to pick up swords or armor would try to initiate conversations with Muramasa, and he would rebuff them with his usual coldness. To Ciel, this insistence was an enigma.
"Rimuru-sama, I still don't understand," Ciel commented one night, while Rimuru was resting in her mansion. "If Muramasa shows no reciprocity, why do the women keep trying? Logic would dictate that they should cease their attempts."
Rimuru, who was reading a book, laughed softly. "Because emotions aren't logical, Ciel. And some people just enjoy the challenge."
"Do they enjoy being rejected?" asked Ciel, with obvious confusion.
"No, they enjoy the possibility that someday I will change my mind," Rimuru explained. "It's like a game for some people. If they manage to break that barrier, they feel triumphant. It's complicated, I know."
Ciel was silent for a moment, processing the information. "I still don't understand it, but I'll continue to watch."
One day, while Muramasa was working on a new sword, a particularly persistent female adventurer tried to approach him. This time, her approach was a bit more direct.
"Muramasa-san," she said, leaning her elbows on the work table as he sharpened the blade. "You're too serious all the time. Wouldn't it be nice to relax a little? You could come to the tavern tonight. I'm sure you'd have fun."
Muramasa barely looked up. "I don't drink. If that's all, I have work to do."
The woman looked frustrated, but before leaving, she added, "You're impossible, Muramasa-san. But that doesn't mean I'll give up so easily!"
When the woman came out, Ciel, who had been watching from a corner, spoke for the first time in hours. "It's fascinating."
Muramasa raised an eyebrow, glancing over to where she stood. "What thing?"
Ciel tilted her head slightly, as if analyzing her own words. "Human persistence. It seems to know no bounds, even when the outcome is clearly unfavorable. It's... peculiar."
Muramasa snorted, returning to his work. "People are strange, that's all."
Ciel remained silent, but continued to observe. Although she could not understand the emotions driving these interactions, something about them kept her intrigued.
(Maybe someday I'll be able to understand what motivates them.)
❈•≫────≪•◦ ❈ ◦•≫────≪•❈
Rimuru arrived at Muramasa's forge at noon, her gait light and carefree as she entered the workshop. The sound of hammering echoed in the air, with Muramasa concentrating on the finishing touches of a sword he had been working on during the morning.
"Hello, Muramasa! I come with a big errand today," Rimuru said with a smile, leaning against the door frame.
Muramasa looked up briefly, nodding before setting the hammer aside. "What is it this time, another sculpture?"
Rimuru shook her head quickly. "No, no. I need to replace various tools as well as kitchen tools. Nothing too complicated, but the order is large."
Muramasa crossed his arms, watching her with his usual critical gaze. "Why don't you ask that of the blacksmiths in your kingdom? You have good craftsmen there, from what I hear."
Rimuru sighed, bringing a hand to the back of her neck. "I know, and don't get me wrong, Kurobe is an amazing blacksmith. But I don't want to force him to work too hard or treat him like he's a slave. He's got enough on his plate with the regular orders he gets from our people."
Muramasa nodded slowly. Although he was not one given to praising others, he had heard of Kurobe as an exceptional blacksmith. "I understand. Let me see what I can do."
Before Rimuru could respond, the door to the forge opened again, letting in a tall woman of imposing bearing. Her light armor exposed her well-defined curves, and her long dark hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders. She was a voluptuous-looking warrior, and the confidence in her gaze made her stand out even more.
"Muramasa-san, I have come for the sword I ordered," she said, the woman in a soft but firm voice, completely ignoring Rimuru's presence.
Muramasa nodded, pointing to a nearby table where the finished sword rested. "There it is. Check it out before you take it with you."
The warrior approached, taking the sword and holding it with ease. She examined it under the light, a satisfied smile lighting up her face. "It is perfect, as always. Your work never disappoints."
Rimuru watched the scene in silence, folding her arms. Even if she wouldn't admit it, there was something about the woman's attitude that she found slightly irritating. But before she could say anything, Ciel's voice echoed in her mind, and not only there.
"It's fascinating," Ciel commented, in her usual analytical tone. "This woman's body possesses proportions that could easily win over multiple men. In comparison, Rimuru-sama, your odds of competing with her are significantly low."
Rimuru's smile froze. "What the hell are you saying, Ciel!" she thought, almost screaming in her mind.
"I'm just stating facts based on observation," Ciel replied, completely serious. "This woman's physical characteristics are statistically more attractive by general human standards."
For the first time, Rimuru felt embarrassed. "Stop saying weird things, Ciel! That has nothing to do with anything," she mumbled through her teeth, trying not to attract Muramasa's or the customer's attention.
However, Ciel did not hold back. "It's relevant if you plan to compete for Muramasa's attention. Based on the behavior of the women who visit the forge, it seems that many have a romantic interest in him."
Rimuru felt her face heat up, though she tried to maintain a neutral expression. "I'm not competing for anything! This is strictly professional," she mentally replied, though her tone betrayed some discomfort.
"Professional? Then there's no problem admitting that this woman has a distinct advantage in this environment," Ciel concluded, her logic cold and direct.
Rimuru gritted her teeth, trying to ignore Ciel as the warrior finished checking the sword.
"It's perfect," the warrior said with a smile, turning to Muramasa. "Thank you, Muramasa-san. You always know how to make swords worth every coin. If you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask me."
Muramasa nodded, as always, with a neutral expression. "Take care of that sword. And don't use it for something stupid."
The woman let out a light laugh before leaving, casting one last glance toward the blacksmith before disappearing out the door.
As soon as the forge fell silent, Rimuru let out a heavy sigh, crossing her arms as she looked at Muramasa.
"Do you always have such...pushy clients?" she asked, trying to sound casual.
Muramasa, oblivious to the emotions behind the question, simply shrugged. "They are customers. What they say or do doesn't matter to me as long as they pay."
"Rimuru-sama, are you feeling alright? Your heart rate increased during the interaction," Ciel commented in her mind, in a voice that seemed more mocking than usual, though without conscious intent.
"I'm perfectly fine! Just... stop talking for a while," Rimuru replied, holding a hand to her forehead.
"Understood. Though I would recommend that you analyze your reactions. They could be indicators of a specific emotion you haven't fully recognized yet," Ciel concluded before falling silent, leaving Rimuru alone with her thoughts.
After the warrior left, the forge fell momentarily silent, broken only by the sound of Muramasa working on his next assignment. However, something in the atmosphere had changed. Muramasa, though focused on his work, could not help but notice that Rimuru was acting differently.
Normally, Rimuru was cheerful, carefree, almost always with a smile or a comment showing her amusement. But now, her arms were crossed and her expression showed a slight irritation, as if something was bothering her. Muramasa watched her from the corner of his eye, but could not understand what had caused this sudden change in her behavior.
He sighed lightly and, without looking away from his work, decided to break the silence. "Is something wrong with you, Rimuru? You seem... different."
Rimuru looked at him quickly, trying to regain his composure, but the gleam in her eyes gave away that something was not right. "It's nothing, Muramasa. I'm just a little tired."
But Muramasa was not convinced. There was something in her tone, a hardness that she didn't usually have, that puzzled her. This change in Rimuru was not something he had seen before, and, although he did not fully understand what caused it, his intuition told him that there was something else behind her behavior.
Ciel, who had been quietly observing everything, did not miss the transformation in Rimuru's emotional state. From her cool, logical perspective, everything fit into a clear pattern.
"Rimuru-sama, your emotional indicators show a drastic change compared to your usual behavior," Ciel commented in Rimuru's mind, without any politeness. "Your heart rate has increased and your posture is stiffer. Something has altered your emotional state."
Rimuru tensed as she heard Ciel's voice in her mind. "Ciel, it's nothing! I'm just... I'm a little irritated, that's all. It's not important."
"It's not important, but it seems the change has not gone unnoticed," Ciel continued in her usual cool, logical tone. "Muramasa has also noticed it. The fellow is puzzled by your sudden alteration. What he finds most strange is that you, Rimuru-sama, rarely show this kind of emotion in the presence of strangers."
Rimuru gritted her teeth, frustrated at the lack of privacy she felt. "I'm not upset or anything! I was just getting distracted, that's all," she replied, though her words lacked the usual confidence.
Meanwhile, Muramasa went about his work, oblivious to the emotions going on around him. He was a blacksmith, not an expert in human relations. However, the small signs of change in Rimuru did not escape his observation. Although he did not know what caused it, he could not help but feel that something was out of place.
Finally, Muramasa decided to put the issue aside. "Whatever it is, it's none of my business. If you want to relax, go rest. I have work to do."
Rimuru, though still uncomfortable, nodded and headed for the door. "Yeah, I guess I need to clear my head a bit. See you later, Muramasa."
❈•≫────≪•◦ ❈ ◦•≫────≪•❈
(Ciel)
Rimuru walked back towards Tempest City, the sound of her footsteps muffled by the terrain and the faint whisper of the wind. Though she didn't show it, her thoughts were still agitated, hovering over and over again about what had happened at Muramasa's forge. Something in her chest kept bothering her, a feeling she could not fully identify.
In his mind, Ciel did not stop processing the information. Although Ciel did not experience emotions like Rimuru, her capacity for analysis was absolute, and everything that had happened in the forge was in her database, ready to be reviewed.
(Rimuru-sama, observing the patterns of her behavior... increased heart rate. Her tone and posture indicated significant discomfort. Cause: the interaction with the warrior?)
Ciel reviewed the sequence of events: the warrior entering, her direct flirtation towards Muramasa, and then the awkwardness Rimuru had tried to hide. Although Rimuru had been quick to downplay it, Ciel had noticed the discordance between what Rimuru was saying and what she really felt.
(Evaluation: Rimuru-sama has shown an emotional disturbance that is not characteristic of her usual behavior. Her ability to conceal it was low, indicating that she is not as calm as she tries to show).
Ciel continued to analyze, though she did not fully understand the emotions involved. She knew that the situation had been trivial, that the warrior had simply made a perfunctory compliment and an implied invitation towards Muramasa, but the impact on Rimuru had been real. This puzzled her.
(Human emotions: jealousy? discomfort? The change is subtle, but evident. I don't have the capacity to experience these kinds of reactions, but their analysis I cannot ignore).
Ciel processed the emotions that Rimuru seemed unwilling to acknowledge. (Why is this bothering her so much?) thought Ciel. Though her logic guided her, she couldn't find a simple answer. Human emotions, especially jealousy, were complex and incomplete from Ciel's logical perspective.
As Rimuru walked, Ciel continued to review the data. Human emotions could not be explained by numbers or percentages, and it intrigued her more and more. Rimuru had experienced an entirely new emotional sensation, something Ciel had not anticipated. And though she couldn't feel it, there was a faint spark of curiosity within her.
(Rimuru-sama, I still don't fully understand. Is this jealousy? If so, the nature of this emotion is... contradictory to me. The ability to experience this emotion is something I have not yet been able to process properly).
Ciel had analyzed Rimuru's physical responses, the variations in her emotional indicators, but still failed to comprehend what Rimuru was experiencing. What puzzled her most was the impact that something so seemingly small had had on its bearer.
(Is it possible that Rimuru-sama cares more than she admit? Or perhaps the nature of this feeling is more complex than it appears?)
Rimuru being close to reaching her destination, unaware that every step was being analyzed by Ciel in her mind. While Rimuru's emotions remained unresolved, Ciel, for her part, pondered deeply over what had happened. Although human emotions were uncharted territory for her, she felt strangely drawn to understand them. She found this vulnerability in Rimuru fascinating.
(This human behavior... Although I can't fully understand it, I find it interesting. Emotions can influence the actions of individuals, and although I don't experience them directly, they seem to have a great impact on the decisions they make).
Ciel concluded that she still did not fully understand Rimuru's emotions, but something inside her was changing, something that was pushing her to better understand what her carrier was feeling.
(Maybe, someday, I will be able to fully understand what Rimuru-sama feels. Maybe someday I can help her understand her emotions as well.)
❈•≫────≪•◦ ❈ ◦•≫────≪•❈
The sun shone high over Senji Muramasa's forge, where the heat of the furnace and the steady rhythm of hammer against metal created a melody that echoed through the forest. It was just another day in the life of the legendary blacksmith, who, though he found satisfaction in every work he completed, rarely experienced anything that truly challenged his skills. But this day would not be like any other.
In the distance, firm footsteps were heard. Muramasa, with his ear tuned, put the hammer aside and looked up at the entrance to his forge. There he stood: a middle-aged man of simple but imposing bearing. His white horns, small and perfectly symmetrical, protruded barely from his forehead, a clear sign of his oni ancestry. His hands, thick and tanned, spoke of years of hard work, and his expression mixed curiosity and defiance. This was no ordinary customer.
"So, you're the famous blacksmith everyone's talking about," the man said, crossing his arms as he watched the forge with a critical eye.
Muramasa studied him calmly, his golden eyes glinting with mild interest. "And who are you?"
The man stepped forward, with a smile that conveyed confidence. "Kurobe, head blacksmith of the Jura-Tempest Federation. I came because I heard rumors of a worthy rival."
Muramasa let out a slight snort, though a spark of enthusiasm ignited within him. It was rare to find someone who spoke so confidently about blacksmithing. "Rival, eh? That remains to be seen."
Kurobe chuckled, leaning slightly towards Muramasa. "So what do you say, shall we put ourselves to the test? A competition between blacksmiths, here and now."
Muramasa arched an eyebrow, his lips curving into a subtle smile. "I accept. But if we're going to compete, let it be something worthy of our skills."
After a brief exchange, they decided that the competition would be the creation of a sword. Not just any sword, but a blade that represented the maximum potential of each blacksmith. The task: to forge a sword capable of withstanding a direct blow from their opponent without losing its edge. The test would not only evaluate technical prowess, but also the ability to imbue magic and durability into the weapon.
The clearing near the river bustled with activity. Kurobe and Muramasa worked side by side, each bringing his own style and approach to the process.
Kurobe, with his blacksmithing expertise, began to imbue a black steel ingot with a dense, vibrant magical energy. His technique was methodical, almost ritualistic. As he hammered, his horns glowed faintly, channeling mana into the metal. His sword began to take shape as a sleek, dark blade, seeming to vibrate with power.
For his part, Muramasa worked with an almost ferocious intensity. His approach was more visceral, as if each blow of his hammer transmitted his soul to the steel. Instead of using direct magic, he let the sword absorb mana from the environment, allowing the metal to resonate with natural energy. The result was a silver-edged sword with a faint blue glow, like moonlight.
When both swords were ready, the two smiths placed them on a makeshift table in the center of the clearing. The tension was palpable, each heavy breath mingling with the heat of the day and the gentle murmur of the nearby river.
Both took turns striking one sword against the other with full force. The first impact resounded like thunder, sending flashes of magical sparks into the air. Both blades held without a single crack in the metal, demonstrating the mastery of the smiths. Kurobe smiled, as Muramasa bowed his head slightly in respect.
"Not bad," Muramasa commented, with a faint spark of enthusiasm in his eyes.
"You don't disappoint either," Kurobe replied, looking closely at the leaves.
They continued, increasing in force with each strike. The third clash filled the clearing with light; a silver-blue flash from Muramasa's blade mingled with the dark, vibrating energy of Kurobe's sword. Neither gave way. Instead, the final impact seemed to merge the radiance of both, leaving a lingering echo that vibrated in the air.
Both men stood silently for a moment, examining the swords. They were intact, without even a scratch to compromise their perfection.
"Looks like we're on par," Kurobe admitted, crossing his arms as an excited smile crept across his face.
Muramasa let out a slight snort, a rare smile curving his lips. "That just means we can still do better."
The two looked at each other with a mixture of respect and determination, as if each was challenging the other to new heights. The draw was not a defeat; it was the beginning of something greater. A spark had been born between them, not just of rivalry, but of a mutual desire to excel.
After the competition, Kurobe and Muramasa sat near the river, with the sound of the water flowing gently around them. Between them rested a bottle of sake taken from Muramasa's house, his favorite liquor for special occasions. They poured the sake into small cups, the aroma of the liquor mingling with the cool air of the clearing.
Kurobe raised his glass, observing the reflection of the sun on the surface of the sake. "I must admit, you are not only a worthy opponent, but also a partner I can learn from. It is rare to find someone who understands this art so well."
Muramasa, with his usual calm, nodded as he took a slow sip. He let the liquor run down his throat before speaking. "Same here. Having a rival like you reminds me why I keep forging. It's not just the metal I want to perfect; it's myself."
Kurobe smiled broadly, gently tapping his cup against Muramasa's. "Then let this not be the last time. A good rival always finds new ways to better himself, doesn't he?"
"I hope so," Muramasa replied, with a slight curve to his lips that betrayed his approval.
From that day on, the relationship between Muramasa and Kurobe was forged with the same care they devoted to metal. Although their competition had ended in a draw, both knew it would not be the last. Occasionally, they would meet to exchange techniques, share ideas or simply challenge each other, with a rivalry fueled by respect and a deep love for blacksmithing.
And so, by the river where the echo of the hammer and the heat of the fire had been present, a friendship forged in sake, steel and the spark of an unbreakable competitive spirit was born.
The sky was tinged with a soft orange as the sun dipped behind the treetops, marking the end of another day in the clearing. Muramasa, sitting on the makeshift bench outside his forge, contemplated the river that meandered quietly near his home. The sake bottle rested beside him, nearly empty, as he held its small cup between his fingers, twirling it absently.
A month had passed since he arrived in this world, a strange place full of magic, fantastic creatures and energies that seemed to defy the laws of reality. However, Muramasa had not spent much time reflecting on it. Trying to understand "how" or "why" had brought him there seemed to him an unnecessary effort. If he had learned anything in his past life, it was that the more one sought to unravel the mysteries of the universe, the further one got away from the simple things that really mattered.
"Magic, invocations, cosmic mysteries..." he muttered, letting out a sigh. "That has nothing to do with me."
Muramasa raised the cup and took the last sip of sake, letting the warmth of the liquor run through his body. In the distance, the crickets began their nightly chirping, filling the air with a soothing murmur. This new world had its own music, its own calm, and he had learned to accept it.
Forging was the only thing he really understood. For as long as he could remember, his life had revolved around metal, fire and hammer. In the Sengoku era, every blow he struck on the anvil had a clear purpose: to create swords for war, tools that others would use to conquer, defend or die. There was no room for existential questions or dreams of grandeur. He was a simple blacksmith, a master of his craft, nothing more.
And now, in this peaceful world, his routine had not changed much. He continued to rise early, preparing the furnace, selecting the best metal and dedicating each day to forging. The swords he produced were no longer for war, but for adventurers, merchants and others who appreciated his work. Perhaps the purpose had changed, but the process remained the same. And that, he thought, was enough.
"What's the point of thinking about how I got here?" he muttered to himself, looking at his distorted reflection on the surface of the remaining sake in the bottle. "If this world has allowed me to have a quiet place and continue to practice what I love... I don't need any more."
He stood up, leaving the cup next to the bottle, and walked slowly toward the forge. The tools were arranged as always, gleaming in the moonlight filtering through the windows. His gaze stopped on a hammer resting on the table, his constant companion for so many years. He ran his hand over the handle, feeling the familiarity of the touch, and a small smile formed on his lips.
"I am neither a magician nor a hero. I am not a spirit seeking answers nor a warrior seeking glory." His voice echoed softly in the solitude of the forge. "I'm just a blacksmith. And that is enough."
The fire in the furnace still glowed dimly, like a flame that never quite went out. Muramasa sat across from it, watching the glowing embers as his thoughts faded into the silence of the night. This world did not demand great things of him, it only invited him to live and forge, to create something that would last beyond him.
And for Muramasa, that was all that mattered, choosing to simply flow with the circumstances around him.