"How about it? This is a treasured sword forged during the Meiji era, named Murata. From now on, it's yours."
Takashiro Soichiro pushed the sword at his waist toward Busujima Saeko.
Even Busujima Saeko was visibly moved.
With her attainments in swordsmanship, she could naturally recognize a fine blade. The one before her was precisely that!
Takashiro Soichiro had once studied under Busujima Saeko's father. They had some connection, so giving her a sword was only natural.
In the original story, he had given her this same sword as well.
But this time, after drawing it and admiring it for a while, Busujima Saeko sheathed it again and pushed it back toward Takashiro Soichiro.
"Thank you for your gift, sir, but the sword I carry now is quite good too. I shouldn't take something you cherish."
Busujima Saeko's current sword was forged from spring steel. Aside from its somewhat poor rust resistance, it was outstanding in every respect.
Under normal circumstances, there would have been nothing wrong with accepting his gift.
But what she had experienced upon entering this place had made Busujima Saeko understand that they ultimately were not on the same path.
In that case, it would not be appropriate for her to accept such a valuable gift from him.
Between her father's nominal disciple and her current team, she naturally chose her current companions without hesitation.
"Oh? Your team is that cohesive?"
Takashiro Soichiro did not insist on giving it to her, merely speaking in an even tone.
Among the group, three people whom they had rescued midway had directly abandoned their team. Of those remaining were his own daughter and Komuro Takashi, the child he had watched grow up.
Besides them, there was Busujima Saeko, whose swordsmanship was exceptional and who had some connection to him.