Chapter 239: Chapter 239: The Daimyo of Ringo, Shimotsuki Taro
"The sky... was split!"
"Unbelievable. Is this something a human can actually achieve?"
"With just a light swing, such terrifying power..."
As they stared at the torn sky, sunlight pierced through the once-gloomy clouds, shining directly on El. The sight made him appear divine, like a true god descending, inspiring shock and reverence in all who witnessed it.
Even Streusen, Shimotsuki Furiko, and Shimotsuki Kouzaburou couldn't hide their astonishment.
"Wow, Sister, is El-sama really that strong?"
On Atlantis, a boy of about fourteen or fifteen, his hair tied in a topknot, stared in awe, eyes sparkling with admiration. Looking at El, he declared with determination, "One day, I'll become a great swordsman as strong as him!"
This boy was Shimotsuki Ushimaru, Furiko's younger brother and the heir to the daimyo of Ringo. Some time ago, suspicious of his sister's unusual behavior, he had secretly followed her. When he encountered El, he mistook him for an enemy trying to abduct his sister. The misunderstanding was quickly resolved after El effortlessly subdued him with one hand.
Now, seeing the wonders of Atlantis and witnessing El's strength, this hot-blooded youth, much like his sister, yearned to see the outside world.
Recognizing Ushimaru's impressive swordsmanship talent and his lineage as a direct descendant of the legendary swordsman Ryuma, El saw great potential in him. Even at such a young age, Ushimaru demonstrated considerable skill. With exposure to the wider world—where he could challenge powerful opponents and undergo rigorous training—his abilities would grow exponentially. Though becoming the world's greatest swordsman, like Mihawk, was unlikely, surpassing someone like the defeated Gale Swordmaster seemed well within reach.
El didn't mind taking the young man under his wing.
"Ushimaru, I know El-sama is incredibly strong, but even I've never seen him unleash his true power before," Furiko remarked, her voice full of awe and admiration as she gazed at El.
"Mamamama! This isn't even El Oniichan's full strength!" Linlin puffed out her chest proudly. "If he went all out, his power would be far greater than this!"
"What you just saw was the sword drawing in and unleashing his Haki on its own!"
As a fellow swordsman, Linlin could sense the extraordinary nature of the blade from a distance. Its aura was menacing, and the power it released sent chills down her spine.
"Even stronger than this?"
"And that sword—does it have the same ability as Enma, to release its wielder's Haki?"
Upon hearing Linlin's explanation, both Furiko and Ushimaru were utterly dumbfounded.
…
At the forge below, El descended from the sky, holding the massive, ornate sword in his hand. His towering form radiated an overwhelming presence, with flames blazing behind his head like a divine halo.
"To think I'd have the fortune to witness the birth of a true Supreme Grade Blade in my lifetime!" Shimotsuki Kouzaburou, who had spent the past few days assisting El, looked utterly exhausted, yet his eyes glowed with excitement as he stared at the colossal, gleaming weapon in El's hands.
"This sword's quality undoubtedly places it among the ranks of the Supreme Grade Blades," he murmured, voice tinged with awe. "If one day El-sama reforges it into a true black blade, its power will become even more terrifying."
"When I delivered Enma to the shogun's palace, I had the chance to see Ame no Habakiri, a blade reportedly forged by Shogun Kozuki Sukiyaki himself. Indestructible, it rivals Enma in quality."
Kouzaburou continued, tone filled with admiration: "This double-edged broadsword you've forged, El-sama, feels like a fusion of Ame no Habakiri and Enma—but even stronger! Only a warrior of your caliber could truly wield it."
He understood the dangers well. Without overwhelming strength and willpower, any swordsman attempting to wield this blade would be drained dry by its insatiable demand for Haki, leading to their death. It was not just a weapon of unparalleled power, but also a king's sword—a blade worthy only of the mightiest warriors.
Curious, Kouzaburou asked, "El-sama, what name do you plan to give this sword?"
El examined the massive blade in his hand, satisfied with its weight and craftsmanship. "Its ability to cleave mountains and seas with a mere swing... I'm pleased," he said with a slight smile. "Though it's no longer an axe, I've grown fond of the name. I'll still call it 'Barbaric Dragon.' However, the sword still needs some finishing touches. I'll refine its appearance and craft a matching scabbard to complement its grandeur."
With that, El got to work. Having prepared in advance, he ordered rare and precious materials from Atlantis's treasury to be brought to the forge.
As Linlin, Gerd, Furiko, and the others descended from Atlantis aboard Zeus, El nodded at them. It was time to complete his masterpiece.
Time passed.
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Shimotsuki Kouzaburou, having realized El's lack of malicious intent, began discussing forging techniques with him. As they delved deeper into their craft, Kouzaburou's initial skepticism turned into astonishment and eventually admiration. El's mastery far surpassed his own, leaving even Furiko speechless as she watched with wide eyes.
Now fully immersed in his work, El meticulously refined and adorned the colossal sword. He embedded large, multicolored gemstones into the intricately patterned blade. Its wide body was encrusted on both sides with nine differently colored, priceless gems, while the massive hilt featured an array of smaller, vibrant jewels.
Even the scabbard was lavishly decorated with scattered gemstones arranged to resemble soaring angels. The sheer value of these gems alone would drive countless people mad with greed.
Watching the masterpiece come together, Shimotsuki Ushimaru, Furiko, and Kouzaburou were left utterly speechless. From its scabbard to its blade, it was an extravagant yet ominous masterpiece—a weapon of unparalleled splendor.
Finally, El stepped back and exhaled deeply. "At last, it's finished!"
Exhausted yet satisfied after days of near-sleepless work, he admired his creation with a weary smile.
"El Oniichan, let me see!" Linlin's eyes sparkled with excitement as she rushed forward to take the sword. Though still oversized for her towering frame of over ten meters, her natural strength allowed her to lift it effortlessly.
"It's smaller than the Dragon Halberd, but at least several times heavier!" Linlin exclaimed, thoroughly captivated as she examined the giant sword.
"Careful. This blade tends to release Haki on its own. You're not strong enough to tame it yet," El warned, preventing her from drawing the sword.
Heeding his caution, Linlin and the others—including Gerd and the Shimotsuki siblings—continued marveling at the magnificent weapon.
"No need to hold back," El remarked, gesturing toward the remaining mountains of rare and valuable resources. "We still have plenty of materials left. I might as well upgrade your Napoleon, Linlin, and even your Scythe, Gerd!"
Thanks to the Hell Trading Company, El had an abundant supply of premium materials, enough to forge several Supreme Grade Blades with ease.
"Really?"
"That's amazing!"
Linlin and Gerd couldn't contain their joy. They beamed with excitement, eagerly anticipating their own upgraded weapons. El smiled indulgently, patting Linlin on the head. Then his expression sharpened as he glanced into the distance.
"By the way, those of you hiding over there... isn't it time to show yourselves?"
From the shadows emerged several figures in traditional samurai attire. Leading them was an elderly man with white-streaked hair, wearing luxurious robes.
"To think I'd witness the birth of a Supreme Grade Blade..." the man said in awe as he stepped forward.
"Taro-sama!?" Kouzaburou's pupils contracted in surprise.
The newcomer was none other than Shimotsuki Taro, the daimyo of Ringo and head of the Shimotsuki family.
"Father?!" Furiko and Ushimaru exclaimed, equally startled by their father's unexpected appearance.
"Ahem, I received reports this morning about foreign visitors in the area..." Shimotsuki Taro, his complexion pale and slightly sickly, looked up at the towering and intimidating El. He managed a polite smile. "Since you seem to mean no harm, we won't drive you away."
In truth, Taro, now in his sixties, had become frail in recent years. Though traditional and strict, he cherished his children deeply, having fathered them late in life. While he had long been aware of Furiko's secret sword training, love for his daughter had kept him from reprimanding her harshly. Instead, he had turned a reluctant blind eye.
Recently, reports of a massive flying fortress and colossal individuals had reached his ears. Concerned, Taro gathered his retainers to investigate, suspecting his children might be involved. What he found left him utterly stunned: a foreigner who could forge a Supreme Grade Blade and split the sky.
"Uninvited and disruptive," El remarked, smiling faintly, his tone indifferent.
He knew Taro's courteous attitude stemmed solely from the overwhelming power he had displayed. Still, the man posed no immediate threat, so El chose not to escalate matters.
As he considered taking Furiko and Ushimaru under his wing, El chuckled inwardly. Perhaps, in time, Taro might even come to view him as an ally—or perhaps something more, like a son-in-law.
~~~
Patreon(.)com/Bleam
— Currently You can Read 70 Chapters Ahead of Others!