"Silence in the hall! Pay your respects to the Swordsman, Ryuma!"
"Do not disturb the peace of the shrine. Everyone, be mindful of your demeanor and words—no loud talking is allowed."
"Mr. Ryuma is Wano's Legendary Swordsman. He single handedly stopped countless ambitious evildoers, showcasing the power of Wano's samurai to the world!"
"In his presence, no matter who you are, you must maintain respect and reverence."
Standing solemnly at the front of the shrine, the shrine keeper spoke with a calm yet commanding voice. After addressing all the samurai gathered to pay homage, the keeper turned his gaze toward a young man clad in a kimono, a katana at his waist. For a moment, a rare smile appeared on his serious face.
"Lord Takeda of the Shimotsuki family, it's your turn to pay your respects."
Lord Takeda was a young prodigy widely known in recent years. Though only fourteen or fifteen years old, his swordsmanship had already reached an extraordinary level. He had even achieved the remarkable feat of defeating all the samurai in the Ringo region without a single loss. In terms of both lineage and skill, Takeda was exceptional.
Hearing that it was his turn, Takeda nodded, his expression solemn as he stepped forward. He took three sticks of incense handed to him by the shrine keeper, then deeply bowed before the shrine.
The memorial tablet before him belonged to the legendary swordsman Shimotsuki Ryuma, a famed figure from centuries ago. Known for his undefeated record and the legend of slaying a dragon, Ryuma was posthumously revered as the Swordsman. His famed blade, Shusui, regarded as a national treasure of Wano, was displayed before Takeda.
Takeda had traveled all the way from Ringo to participate in this rare annual ceremony. His goal was clear: to inherit the swordsmanship legacy of Ryuma.
The atmosphere was solemn. All attendees watched in awe and reverence, and not a sound could be heard.
The shrine keeper, too, watched Takeda bow deeply with unwavering focus. Suddenly, his expression changed, shock and disbelief washing over him.
"Shusui! The famed blade Shusui is moving!"
The shrine keeper's startled exclamation broke the silence of the shrine. All eyes immediately turned toward Shusui.
The sword, once wielded by Ryuma and a national treasure of Wano, was now vibrating and emitting a resonant hum. It seemed to be both excited and expressing a longing as though recognizing its rightful master.
"It's Lord Takeda!"
The shrine keeper's astonished voice filled the air.
It was Takeda's bow that had elicited such a dramatic reaction from Shusui.
The onlookers, now staring at Takeda, were visibly shaken. The young man, clad in a black robe embroidered with golden patterns, stood tall and graceful. His handsome features, the sword at his waist, and his eyes, exuding both calmness and an indomitable spirit, bore an uncanny resemblance to the legendary swordsman Ryuma.
"Could he be Ryuma's reincarnation?" someone murmured.
Meanwhile, a stream of messages echoed in Takeda's mind:
"Congratulations, host, on activating the Legacy System."
"The host is paying homage to the legendary swordsman Ryuma."
"The host is receiving Ryuma's legacy."
"Congratulations, host, on comprehending the Swift Draw Slash.
"
"Congratulations, host, on mastering the Dragon Slayer Strike."
"Congratulations, host, on inheriting Ryuma's Swordsmanship Imprint."
At the same time, Takeda rapidly began to understand swordsmanship concepts that had previously eluded him or seemed shrouded by a barrier.
"To cut through paper with a blade: if I will it to be cut, it will; if I will it not to, no force can sever it."
"This is the ultimate art of blending the sword with one's will."
Techniques, stances, and the mechanics of wielding a sword seamlessly fused with his understanding, elevating him into an almost transcendent state.
Moments later, Takeda returned to his usual self. Gazing at the trembling Shusui before him, he suddenly smiled.
He noted the stunned expressions of those around him but understood Shusui's current state.
Taking a step forward, Takeda grasped the hilt of the revered blade—a national treasure of Wano that no one else dared to approach.
As his hand closed around the hilt, a wave of familiarity surged through him. It felt as though he had become Ryuma, once again holding his trusted blade.
"Famed Blade Shusui," he murmured softly as he unsheathed the sword.
The blade, dark and adorned with intricate patterns, exuded a striking visual impact. It was undeniably a masterpiece.
As a black blade, Shusui had been meticulously refined during Ryuma's lifetime and was among the world's finest swords. Every swordsman and samurai in the world would long to possess and revere it.
After admiring it for a moment, Takeda sheathed the sword and gently placed it back on the stand. Finally, he bowed deeply to Ryuma's tablet and quietly stepped away.
Shusui was an exceptional sword, but it was not meant for him.
A true swordsman, especially one as skilled in crafting blades as Takeda, understood the paramount importance of a blade that resonated with its wielder.
Now, having inherited Ryuma's swordsmanship, he understood this principle even more profoundly. A great sword should be honed and attuned by its master over time.
"Lord Takeda, you awakened Shusui and earned its recognition."
"Perhaps you should take it with you!"
A voice suddenly called out behind him.
Takeda paused, then bowed with a smile.
"Thank you for the offer, Lord Kanki. But this sword is not suited for me."
With that, he quickened his pace and left swiftly.
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