Duan Feng?
It was indeed a fine, resonant name.
The swordsmith, knowing that Natsunishi had once trained under the Style of Wind, nodded to himself in approval. Choosing to name the Nichirin Sword immediately showed that the young man was someone who cherished his weapons.
"Since this is a completely new type of weapon," Tamamaru continued his explanation, "the forging and quenching processes, as well as many of the load-bearing structures and the center of balance, are entirely original."
"Even with repeated calculations and trial forgings, I cannot guarantee that the first generation is perfect."
At this point, he couldn't help but recall the strange requests he had received in the past. Soft whips, spiked maces, steel wires, syringes... Compared to those bizarre Nichirin weapons, a flail, an axe, or even these katar-style punch daggers were considered relatively easy to manufacture.
"Therefore, please be sure to feel its grip and its inertia when swinging during actual use..."
"Any slight discomfort or abnormality must be recorded in detail."
He offered a smile, though no one could see it through the mask. The grotesque mask turned toward Natsunishi, its gaze appearing even more fervent.
"This is merely a 'prototype.'"
"The true finished product requires the user's personal participation in adjustments and feedback."
"Lord Natsunishi, if you ever have the chance to visit the Swordsmith Village and speak face-to-face with the Chief and the smiths about your realizations in actual combat, we will surely be able to forge a unique 'Duan Feng' for you—one that truly feels like an extension of your own arm!"
Natsunishi nodded, his mind drifting slightly. "I will record everything carefully. If I can visit the village one day, I look forward to learning from you all."
Eh?
As expected, picking up a different type of weapon triggered new prompts on the system interface.
[New weapon type switched]
[Current Category: Punch Daggers (Standard)]
[Mastery of Breathing Style sword forms has significantly dropped: 100% → 13%]
[Can be gradually increased through combat and cultivation]
Just as Natsunishi had anticipated, switching weapon types meant he wouldn't be able to effectively use the Breathing Style's sword techniques in the short term. Compared to punch daggers, the forms used with a katana were fundamentally different in terms of power delivery and movement.
Natsunishi set down the new Nichirin daggers and drew the [Third Generation Master Kang] from his waist, making a few slashes through the air.
Sure enough:
[New weapon type switched]
[Current Category: Katana (Standard)]
[Mastery of Breathing Style sword forms has significantly risen: 13% → 100%]
[Weapon mastery has reached maximum value]
It seemed that proficiency for different weapons was calculated independently.
Seeing this, the smith assumed Natsunishi was comparing the feel and material quality of the old and new weapons. He bowed deeply to Natsunishi.
"In that case, I shall take my leave. I will not disturb your training any longer."
After the salute, he departed the quiet room as silently as he had arrived, disappearing into the night.
Observing Natsunishi gesturing about like a child who had just received a new toy, the Storm Hashira, Igarashi, spoke up: "Is this the path you wish to attempt next?"
"Gauntlets that can cut? Or perhaps exotic short blades with cutting capability."
"I do not mean to question your choice. But... is it not a bit reckless to swap a katana for short-range weapons?"
"It's not exactly a replacement," Natsunishi nodded. "Think of it as a sidearm. To be honest, I never felt the katana was quite right for me."
"The blade is sharp, but it's fragile and breaks easily. Moreover, in terms of armor penetration, attack speed, and the fluidity of transitions between moves, it lags far behind short weapons."
Igarashi reminded him, "But you must understand that in battle, the side with the longer reach always holds an innate advantage. In that regard, punch daggers cannot compete with a katana."
Natsunishi nodded. "I get it. 'An inch longer, an inch stronger,' right?"
It was like basketball—someone with greater height and reach would always touch the rim sooner. Longer weapons could strike an opponent before they got close, and the tip of the weapon generated faster, more powerful impact force when swung. They generally allowed for a higher margin of error.
But...
"Back in my hometown, that proverb has another half."
"An inch longer, an inch stronger; an inch shorter, an inch more versatile."
Length naturally had its advantages in open battlefield combat or frontal charges. However, in complex all-terrain environments, the advantages of short weapons could not be ignored.
It was like fighting in a narrow alleyway or a dense forest. Short weapons allowed the user to move flexibly in cramped spaces, whereas long spears or halberds would find it difficult to even move. Daggers, knives, and even Butterfly Swords—these agile and portable weapons—were born for combat outside of traditional battle formations.
They were easy to pick up, fast to strike with, and capable of both offense and defense. Simultaneously, the stamina drain and the requirements for the user were much lower. Just look at the assassins in that "Creed" game; they all used hidden blades tucked in their sleeves. In reality, many combatants carried tactical knives to deal with complex situations.
"Most importantly, I've long since grown accustomed to a fighting style that involves knocking down opponents with my own two fists."
In the year 2099, what weapon did action-fighting game players trust the most? Of course, it was the Peerless Iron Fist forged through long careers playing martial artists, monks, and street-fighting brawlers.
Aside from that, it was the Magnum-style "American Iai." Besides, he wasn't some stubborn traditionalist—he still had three "Supreme Grade" blades on his back.
Igarashi fell into thought upon hearing this.
"An inch shorter, an inch more versatile?"
To him, this was a new line of thinking he had never considered. However, he had never heard Natsunishi's proverb in the Far East. Perhaps it originated from the Ryukyu Islands or Ainu heritage?
He didn't pry further. The young swordsman wearing glasses issued an invitation.
He said, "Natsunishi, would you like to spar a bit?"
Hearing this, Natsunishi flashed a confident and excited smile. "That would be perfect, Senior Brother Aizen."
Compared to the boredom of hitting a wooden post, the experience points and training effects gained from practicing with a real person were significantly higher. Furthermore, since his opponent was Igarashi Uzen of the [Nine Hashira], Natsunishi didn't even have to worry about accidentally injuring him by using too much force.
"It's Uzen, Natsunishi," the young man corrected him helplessly.
...
In the courtyard, the maple leaves had not yet turned red, but the air felt as dense as a physical substance.
Natsunishi lightly gripped the handles of [Duan Feng], alternately loosening and tightening his hold as he adapted to the feel of the new weapon.
"Brother, I won't be holding back later. Be careful not to get hurt."
Opposite him, Igarashi pushed up his glasses and nodded. "It matters not. Just do your best."
In that moment, the young swordsman merely took a simple starting stance. He stood like an ancient tree rooted in the courtyard, his eyes behind the lenses as calm as still water.
"Begin, Natsunishi. Let me see how these short weapons of yours compare to a katana."
The instant the words fell, Natsunishi moved.
He didn't use any Breathing Style. Relying solely on his robust physical attributes and the specialized footwork he had mastered from other games, he seemed to glide across the ground.
In a flash, he crossed nearly ten meters, crouching low to cut into the openings of Igarashi's lower body.
He threw a punch. It was like a cannonball primed to fire.
An ordinary person might have chosen to intercept with a sword or dodge to the side. But Igarashi did not. Through his "Sen no Sen" (preemptive insight), he saw clearly that Natsunishi's punch was merely a feint.
Sure enough. Natsunishi's left fist was a distraction; the true killing blow was the right. It was a short, sharp thrust from below at a tricky angle!
An uppercut!
Igarashi took a half-step back with leisurely grace, letting the sharp wind of the punch brush past the hair on his forehead. He took the opportunity to raise his sword for a lateral parry, the blade-light flowing like water.
However, Natsunishi countered this parry by lunging into Igarashi's personal space, precisely using an elbow strike to intercept the wrist and neutralize the move.
Most slashes and techniques required space and distance to be fully executed. If one could break into the "comfort zone" of a technique before it took shape, even the most exquisite move would crumble.
The Storm Hashira stepped back once more, light as a feather, breaking away from Natsunishi's relentless, shadow-like follow-up combo.
He couldn't help but think to himself: This junior brother of mine seems to possess skill and experience that far exceed his age.
That combination of feints and realities, along with the technique and timing used to neutralize his draw... that couldn't be refined without hundreds of real-life battles. No, perhaps the required combat experience went far beyond that. For an ordinary person to reach such a realm, they would likely need a thousand—or even several thousand—life-and-death struggles.
He marveled silently. This junior brother of mine is a thoroughbred monster...
Naturally, Igarashi had no idea how many games Nishi had "ground" through during those compressed hours of gameplay. In a sense, he truly was a battle-hardened ancestor of a hundred lifetimes.