Kanata leveled up during the Kidnap Operation, and it seems he’s also getting a new weapon.
I finally have a friend.
It’s Shuri, the meddlesome, inflexible, and overly serious glasses-wearer.
Turns out, the problem child and the model student chairman get along surprisingly well.
I can say it now.
I’m not a loner anymore.
After Shuri gave me a lesson on how to sharpen a blade, I decided to head to the Weapon Shop.
The Weapon Shop, “Kenju Komachi,” was bustling with thugs.
Some were scrutinizing knives with serious expressions, while others were checking the rifling of guns.
These were tools they’d stake their lives on in deadly battles, and for once, even the unserious thugs were completely focused.
I called out to Omachi, the shop owner.
“Uh, I’m looking for a sword…”
“Oh, isn’t that Kanata-chan, the newcomer? I heard you got promoted. Congratulations.”
“You know me?”
“Of course, I know the nephew of the Ice Wolf, a rookie with a Nenshin Strength of one million n.”
I later learned that Omachi was a super shop owner who could recite the faces, names, Nenshin Strengths, penetration rates, and preferred combat styles of every member of the Asura Unit.
“Shuri told me the standard-issue sword, Danvilar II, doesn’t suit my Nenshin Strength. I want to switch to a sword made of high-purity Magnum Steel.”
Omachi nodded, crossing her arms over her ample chest.
“Yes, yes, that’s a good idea. Shuri-chan is such a helpful and good person. I’m impressed, dearie.”
“That’s why I came here, Shuri said you’d pick out the right one for me.”
“Kanata-chan, I may be a professional when it comes to weapons, but that’s all I am. Do you understand what I mean?”
“Yes, you’re a weapon professional, not a soldier. You can give advice, but the outcome is up to the soldier. Is that what you’re saying?”
“That’s right, Kanata-chan. For a rookie, you seem to understand this world quite well. I’m impressed, dearie.”
“I’m impressed, dearie” was Omachi’s catchphrase.
“Then here’s my advice, Kanata-chan. Not only do you have high Nenshin Strength, but you also have power despite being in the middle to light weight class. I think a thick-bladed sword would be good for you. Especially since you’re still a new soldier with little experience. Soldiers at this stage, where they supplement technique with strength, need a sword that won’t break easily.”
“Yeah. In the Kidnap Operation, I basically got through it with brute force anyway.”
“Brute force is also a technique, you know. This isn’t like sports where you need to win gracefully. By having the option of brute force, you’re at an advantage.”
“Brute force is a technique, huh? That’s all I have right now. Considering that, what do you recommend, Omachi?”
Omachi took a sword from the display case behind her and placed it on the counter.
“This one. It’s the Onikiri Assault Model, made of high-purity Magnum Steel with a thick blade. Its curvature is slightly greater than the Danvilar, so you’ll need to get used to that.”
Onikiri next, after Danvilar? Are all their names like this? They should hire a copywriter.
Doesn’t anyone question any of this? Are the higher-ups not just corrupt in spirit but also in brains?
“Understood. How much is it?”
“The regular price is 1.1 million Credits, but with the Asura Unit discount, it’s 20% off, making it 880,000 Credits.”
“Asura Unit discount!? There’s such a thing!”
“Our Commander is such a tough negotiator, she could give professional merchants a run for their money. She could have been a top-class merchant if she wasn’t a soldier. What a talent. I’m impressed, dearie.”
That sounds about right for the Commander.
“I’ll knock off another 80,000 Credits for you as a promotion celebration, Kanata-chan. Also, we’re having a special campaign on swords this month, so you’ll get a wakizashi-type Mini Onikiri as well. You’re lucky, Kanata-chan.”
“Uh, uh, I guess I am lucky.”
I paid with my card and chatted with Omachi.
“Oh, and Marika-san’s Crimson Ichimonji must be an amazing sword, right?”
“Of course. Craftsman Fifth Generation Tessai, the greatest sword smith of this century, forged it specifically for Marika-san. It’s not something that circulates in shops, and frankly, it’s priceless.”
Like a custom-made unit, I guess. I’m envious. Especially its cool name.
“Shuri also has an amazing sword. The famous sword Marika used before the Crimson Ichimonji, it’s called Guren Masamune.”
“She gave it to Shuri after she got the Crimson Ichimonji, right?”
“Apparently, Shuri stood perfectly still in awe for an hour that day.”
“That sounds like Shuri. But if she switched to the Crimson Ichimonji, does that mean the Guren Masamune is inferior to the Crimson Ichimonji, even though they’re both famous swords?”
“Not exactly. Their quality as swords is the same. If the Crimson Ichimonji is like sharpness, the Guren Masamune is like hardness. Marika-san must have decided that the Crimson Ichimonji suited her better.”
“Compatibility with oneself, huh?”
“A sword and a soldier are like a married couple, Kanata-chan. The secret to a long-lasting relationship is marrying someone compatible.”
“Omachi, I’m single, so that analogy doesn’t quite click.”
“Oh, is that so?”
“…And I also don’t have a girlfriend.”
“Oh dear, don’t worry about it.”
My spirits sinking, I left the Weapon Shop with my Onikiri.
I escaped being a loner, but I didn’t get a girlfriend.
The path to becoming someone who has it all is truly arduous.
I went to the training room with my Onikiri and practiced my swings.
I need to get used to it quickly. A sword is an extension of my body.
After about an hour of practice swings, Marika arrived.
“You changed swords, a good decision.”
“Yes, I decided to start by strengthening my main armament. Do you need something from me?”
I hope it’s not an invitation to a date.
Did God hear my wish to have it all? Please let it be so.
“Ah, I have something to talk to you about, Kanata. It’s good news.”
My expectations surged.
“I’m thinking of introducing you to a sword master.”
…Yeah, I knew it. I knew it.
“A master? You are my only master, Marika-san.”
“I won’t do. We fought together, didn’t we? My combat style is about half sword and half martial arts. You should aim for a style that emphasizes the sword more. Agito and I have different styles.”
Marika is right. Agito fought almost entirely with swordsmanship.
It’s unreasonable for me to imitate Marika’s combat style.
“Understood. What kind of person is this sword master?”
“She’ll be back in the Garden tomorrow. Rejoice, your master is a female swordswoman!”
“Yippee! If I’m gonna get beaten up, I’d rather it be by a woman! You know what I mean, Marika-san.”
“She’s my best friend, so if you get fresh, I’ll gouge your eyes out. You understand, right?”
“Aye aye, boss!”
“Asura Unit’s Second Squad Captain, Mibu Shigure. She’s known as ‘Raiting Shigure.’ That’s who your sword master will be.”
Shigure. Her name popped up briefly when I joined.
I think at that time… yes, she was involved in something with Agito.
Oh boy, is she okay?
“You seem glum. Are you dissatisfied?”
“…If the master you chose is you, Marika-san, then I’ll just trust and follow her.”
“I know what Kanata is worried about. But there’s no need to worry. I’ve already spoken with Shigure.”
“Yes, so what kind of person is the Second Squad Captain?”
“She’s the only sensible person in the Garden, which is full of thugs, and a master of swordsmanship who has perfected the Kyosui Jigen Ryu.”
“She sounds formidable.”
“No, she’s not formidable at all.”
“Huh? Isn’t she the Second Squad Captain of the Asura Unit?”
“Kanata, not being formidable and not being strong are different. You’ll understand once you face her. Shigure’s strength is something else.”
“…Can’t you describe it in words?”
“If I had to force myself to describe it, I’d say something like ‘supernatural ordinary person’.”
“She’ll return tomorrow evening. When the Land Battleship returns, go out to meet her. I’ll introduce you to Shigure.”
“Understood.”
“Well then, since we have time, why don’t I spar with you a bit? You haven’t eaten dinner yet, have you?”
Marika is clearly planning on putting me through the wringer.
Of course, during my sparring session with Marika, I tasted my own stomach acid numerous times.
The curry for dinner tasted sour, thanks to the stomach acid in my mouth.
I also injured my left arm significantly, so I decided to go to bed early to rest.
Raiting Shigure. My sword master, huh? I wonder what she’ll be like?
I love the Rambo series and own all the Blu-rays, but Rambo: First Blood is still the best.
I particularly love Colonel Trautman’s scene where he screams about the returning soldier’s sorrow and suffering.
The ending music is also superb. I wonder if there’s a CD available?
