Ten minutes earlier.
Outside Kanamori's No. 2 forge in the Swordsmith Village.
The sunlight overhead had grown dim. Before anyone realized it, night was almost upon them.
Inside the forge, Kanamori bustled about, searching for something.
Outside, a short, slender figure stood quietly by the door, seemingly waiting for him.
Muichiro Tokito looked up at the sky, his eyes vacant and lifeless. "It's getting dark."
He lowered his gaze toward Kanamori inside the forge. "Master Kanamori, it's getting dark. Have you still not found my blade?"
"Almost!"
Kanamori's anxious voice rang out.
He was unbearably embarrassed.
Earlier, he had spent too long in his main forge exchanging insights with Su Chen and studying the weapon Su Chen had forged.
As a result, he had forgotten that today was the day he was supposed to give Muichiro Tokito a replacement blade.
Then, upon returning, Kanamori had discovered Tokito already waiting there.
Since the No. 2 forge was Kanamori's actual home, while the No. 1 forge was merely his workshop, he would go soak in the hot springs for half an hour after finishing his work each day.
Only then would he return home to sleep.
That was right. After studying Su Chen's weapon in the No. 1 forge, he had even gone for a half-hour soak before coming back...
When Kanamori saw Tokito standing there, looking so fresh-faced.
He could not help asking, "How long have you been here?"
Tokito answered, "I've been here since morning."
Kanamori: "..."
I really deserve to die!
Somewhat uncomfortable, Kanamori asked, "Why didn't you come a little later?"
Without so much as blinking, Tokito said, "You told me to come early."
Kanamori: "..."
I really deserve to die!
That just went to show that a person should not be too literal.
But Kanamori had brought