Chapter 61: Legendary Weapon

 

" First, You already know that in medieval times Swords and Bows and other simple weapons were prevalent," Kenneth said.

" What? Grandpa, stop teasing. Samuel sits in Library, spending his free time. He has already written a book inspired by medieval times." said David.

" You think I know that? Can't an old man spend some quality time with his Grandson? I barely see him these days. Always busy earning money. Don't we have enough already? " Kenneth said, complaining.

" My friend, you have already gone through this whole phase. You have to accept that Samuel is different from other kids his age. You always complain about it every time we drink together. Move on, for god's sake. " some harsh words were said by Arthur to shut up the old man. David controlled his laughter while Samuel felt bad for his grandfather. 

" I will make more time, I promise. But today is my first day at the Academy, so I don't have much time," Samuel said, which somewhat cheered Kenneth.

" Ok, ok. You said it, not me. Now, let me tell you about the Katana, " Kenneth reflected on his narration. 

"Gorō Nyūdō Masamune was a medieval Japanese blacksmith widely acclaimed Japan's greatest swordsmith. He created swords and daggers, known in Japanese as tachi and tantō, in the Sōshū school. However, many of his forged Tachi were made into Katana by cutting the tang; a tang or shank is the back portion of the blade component in later times.

For this reason, his only current works are Katana and tantō.

Masamune is believed to be active during the later part of the 13th century, so what you see here is a katana that is more than five hundred years old. Isn't that amazing? " said Kenneth with a smug face, clearly enjoying himself.

" Now, I know why my father said to be careful of Granpa Kenneth and the whole family in general. Every single one of them has obsessive tendencies. Hope Samuel grows up normal. " thought David.

" Amazing!" Samuel said in an exciting voice. He was always interested in Swords and Magic in his previous world, but this world is more focused on hot weapons, which is a little disappointing for someone who grew up listening to daggers and throwing knives.

" Yes, yes. The swords of Masamune possess a reputation for superior beauty and quality, remarkable in a period where the steel necessary for swords was often impure.

A very well-known story is attributed to Masamune and his pupil, Muramasa. No one knows what really happened, as there are countless versions of this story told every day, mostly among Japanese people. " Kenneth said, looking at everyone from left to right.

" Story? what does it have to do with this sword? " David asked while others also contemplated inside of their minds.

" It is not about this sword particularly, but it perfectly encapsulates the work of SwordMaster Muramasa," said Kenneth as he received others' approval to continue.

" The legend tells of a test where Muramasa challenged his master, Masamune, to see who could make a finer sword. They both worked tirelessly, and when both swords were finished, they decided to test the results.

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The contest was for each to suspend the blades in a small creek with the cutting edge facing against the current. Muramasa's sword, the Juuchi Yosamu (10,000 Cold Nights), cut everything that passed its way; fish, leaves floating down the river, the very air which blew on it.

Highly impressed with his pupil's work, Masamune lowered his sword, the Yawarakai-Te ( Tender Hands), into the current and waited patiently. Only leaves were cut. However, the fish swam right up to it, and the air hissed as it gently blew by the blade. After a while, Muramasa began to scoff at his master for his apparent lack of skill in making his sword.

Smiling to himself, Masamune pulled up his sword, dried it, and sheathed it. All the while, Muramasa was heckling him for his sword's inability to cut anything. A monk, who had been watching the whole ordeal, walked over and bowed low to the two sword masters. He then began to explain what he had seen.

          " The first of the swords was by all accounts a fine sword. However, it is a blood-thirsty, evil blade, as it does not discriminate as to who or what it will cut. It may just as well be cutting down butterflies as severing heads. The second was the finer of the two, as it does not                           needlessly cut that which is innocent and undeserving. "

This blade is not the one from the story, but this is " Honjo Masamune "; you can see the engravings at the hilt if you look closely, which is probably the most famous of his works. It was made a Japanese National Treasure in 1939, " Kenneth, anticipating other's responses.

" National Treasure? Are you sure? " Arthur asked in bewilderment. Why are they sending national treasures as a gift?

" I am surprised that it is not stored in some fancy museum. The imperial family was too generous this time. " David said with amazement.

" Why did they do it? I haven't done anything that important," asked Samuel.

" I also didn't expect it to be this Legendary sword. It is truly a mystery. As far as I know, In 1992, an American sold 1100 swords from his collection for a total of $8 million in just one day. The most precious one was a Kamakura from the 13th century. He sold it to an anonymous collector for the impressive sum of half a million dollars, making it the most expensive Katana ever sold.

I also wanted to participate, but the other party was faster and scooped the sword. Now, we know who it was sold to. They are one of the few people who knew the true value of such artefacts. " said Kenneth observing the sword. He is truly fascinated by it; he is an avid reader and collector.

" Half a million seems to be a lot for this, right? It's just a decoration now. " David said. He was never a fan of the swords and preferred firearms over it any day of the week.

" That may be true, but we will never know it. It is said to be the best Katana ever created and can easily cut through anything. Let me tell you the history of this sword, so in the 1600s----" Kenneth was about to go on another tangent when a loud voice interrupted his monologue.

" Samuel, What are you doing here? Oscar is waiting for you downstairs. Do you want to be late on your first day? " Margaret said.

" I almost forgot about it. Grandpa, I will listen to it later. Now, I have to go. " Samuel said and left hurriedly.

" I will also send some people. I learned a lot today. Thank you again for your guidance. " David said and left along with Samuel.

Kenneth is left standing in the middle with his mouth open. Margaret came to his side and started asking about the gift, again filling him with spirit. At least someone interested is better than no one, seeing which Arthur shook his head and left too.
Thus began another history lesson.

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