Is Akisame a great sword? Of course!
However, Takeda is confident that he can forge a legendary blade that rivals it in every way.
Having traveled to Wano Country as the young master of the Shimotsuki Family , his background could only be described as noble. This family, after all, is renowned for its exceptional swordsmithing heritage. Even the famous Enma wielded by Kozuki Oden , the daimyo of Kuri, was forged by Shimotsuki Kozaburo.
Born into the Shimotsuki Family , Takeda developed a deep passion for swordsmithing from a young age, mastering the craft over the years. At the same time, under the strict tutelage of his family, he trained diligently in swordsmanship. His remarkable talent spread throughout the Ringo region, earning him a reputation as a prodigious swordsman.
After leaving the ancestral hall, Takeda strolled through the bustling streets. The lively voices and vibrant atmosphere were a stark contrast to the desolation depicted in the original story. Samurai with swords at their waists and women in elegant kimonos filled the streets.
Living here wasn't bad at all. As a noble of Wano Country , Takeda often received heartfelt respect from others. Yet, there was one thing he found unpleasant—the country's policy of isolationism.
"This restless heart really wants to see the world out there!" he sighed inwardly.
It was the year 1490 of the Sea Circle Calendar. A time of grand upheaval: the Rocks Pirates had just fallen, and the great pirates of the future were recruiting their crews. Gol D. Roger had not yet become the Pirate King and was fishing leisurely along the Grand Line.
The famous three admirals might still be in their youth, yet to make their names known.
Being born in such an era filled Takeda with great expectations for his future. However, Wano Country's closed borders hindered his desire to explore the world beyond.
"I've heard that Kozuki Oden , the daimyo of Kuri, has attempted to escape the country numerous times, only to be caught and brought back repeatedly."
"To be fair, the swordsmen of this country are truly formidable!" Takeda mused.
Since childhood, he had trained in swordsmanship under the family elders. With his exceptional talent, he defeated all the famous swordsmen in Ringo , earning the title of the undefeated sword master of the region. Just recently, he had activated the Inheritance System, gaining the skills of the legendary swordsman Ryuma .
As Ryuma's swordsmanship merged with his own over time, Takeda strength was bound to grow significantly. How strong he would eventually become, no one could predict.
"My swordsmanship still needs honing."
"And my blade requires refinement as well."
With his right hand resting on the hilt of the sword at his waist, the cool touch of the blade seemed to clear his mind, sharpening his focus. This sword was one he had forged himself, using renowned materials from Wano Country after mastering the art of swordsmithing.
Its blade was pitch black, with patterns resembling withered leaves etched into it, evoking the melancholy of autumn. He named it Aki-Zero, a black blade he had crafted with his own hands.
"One day, my Aki-Zero will undoubtedly become a blade renowned across the world."
This was Hakumai , a prosperous region under the governance of Shimotsuki Yasuie the same man who, in the story, became known as "Yasu the Hedgehog " and sacrificed himself to help the people, laughing defiantly to the end.
At this moment, however, Shimotsuki Yasuie was an elegant and highly respected figure. During the recent ancestral hall ceremony, he had even promised to gift Takeda the legendary sword Akisame .
Hakumai was a bustling area filled with food stalls, a samurai duel arena, a sumo arena, and the famous Kabukicho , a district of drinking and entertainment.
Naturally, Takeda headed for Kabukicho.
The district was brimming with beautiful women and lively performances. As soon as he stepped in, elaborately dressed ladies with heavy makeup and intoxicating fragrances warmly welcomed him, leading him inside with the utmost hospitality.
"A pot of fine sake and a young lady," Takeda said with a light smile as he was seated in a room near the street.
"Of course!" came the cheerful response.
Before long, a young woman dressed in a pink kimono, her makeup light and elegant, entered with a soft fragrance wafting around her. She poured him a few cups of sake before picking up an instrument to play a melody, occasionally singing softly along.
Kabukicho offered both refined and lively experiences, and Takeda had chosen the more elegant option. He picked up his cup and sipped the sake as he listened to the gentle song, momentarily lost in its allure.
At the same time, a figure moved within his mind.
The sword moved like lightning, swift as the wind, its wielder's movements fluid and powerful, like a dragon in flight. Each strike left twisting patterns in the air, appearing and vanishing in an instant.
It was Ryuma's swordsmanship—capable of slaying dragons and wielding immense destructive power with a single strike.
Suddenly, the melody in his ears grew intense, mirroring the killing intent now vivid in his mind.
Takeda envisioned an undulating ocean before him, a terrifying presence filling the air. The figure in his mind shifted stance, sheathing the long sword, while a dragon-like shadow coiled behind it.
"Hum!"
With a single slash, a dragon's roar echoed, and the sea raged. A massive chasm appeared before him as Takeda opened his eyes.
The sea had been split by that one strike.
"A sword that can slay dragons and cleave the sea?" he murmured.
Looking at the woman who had paused her performance, he asked, "You're very perceptive—did you sense my emotions? What's your name?
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