Chapter 202: ‘Cursed Blade: Second Generation Kitetsu’

Following Kozuki Sukiyaki, Adrian entered the house.

He quietly observed the interior and found it different from what he expected—no "otaku wall" filled with posters.

Adrian couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed, grumbling internally.

This Kozuki Sukiyaki guy is really stingy, hiding his wife so well!

It's not like I'm going to steal her.

I just want to see what she looks like…

Once they were seated, Kozuki Sukiyaki brewed a pot of tea and handed Adrian a steaming cup.

"Lord Yasuie mentioned in his letter that you wanted to exchange for a famous sword?"

"Indeed."

Adrian took the tea, raised his arm, and grabbed at the air. With a faint ripple, the pure white Shuxue appeared in his hand.

"Sorcery!"

Kozuki Sukiyaki's eyes widened in surprise.

Adrian's mouth twitched. Such a cool move, and it was mistaken for a magic trick.

Wano Country had been isolated for years, and their terminology differed from the outside world, like how they called Haki 'Ryūō.'

And Devil Fruit powers were referred to as "sorcery" in Wano Country.

Adrian understood Kozuki Sukiyaki's ignorance about the Castle Fruit's powers but still tried to explain.

"This is Devil Fruit power! Not sorcery!"

As he spoke, Adrian handed Shuxue to Kozuki Sukiyaki.

Out of his professional respect as a swordsmith, Kozuki Sukiyaki quickly dismissed the term "sorcery."

He extended his hands, took Shuxue's pure white sheath, and solemnly drew the sword, a look of admiration flashing in his eyes.

"What a beautiful sword!"

Even a swordsmith of Kozuki Sukiyaki's caliber was captivated by Shuxue's pure and splendid appearance.

"This sword is called—"

"Shuxue! I know!"

Kozuki Sukiyaki, engrossed in examining Shuxue's craftsmanship, impatiently interrupted Adrian.

"Although Shuxue wasn't forged by Wano Country craftsmen, being a legendary Great Grade Sword, I'm naturally familiar with it!"

After a while, Kozuki Sukiyaki finally snapped out of his admiration for Shuxue.

"It's a rare and excellent sword, well-maintained, and its unique forging technique, different from Wano Country's, is very intriguing… Mr. Momoya, where did you obtain this Great Grade Sword?"

"I obtained it by chance while on the sea.."

Adrian dodged the question, thinking he couldn't exactly say, 'I extorted it from the World Government using a Celestial Dragon's life!'

"You want to exchange this Shuxue for another Great Grade Sword?"

Kozuki Sukiyaki pondered for a few seconds before speaking seriously.

"Though I once forged a Great Grade Sword, that one, [Ame-no-Habakiri], has already been given to Lord Kozuki Oden."

"Yes, I know."

Adrian nodded.

"Kozuki Oden's two swords, [Ame-no-Habakiri], forged by you, and [Enma], forged by master swordsmith Shimotsuki Kozaburo."

"Master Kozaburo also forged [Wado Ichimonji], but he took it to the East Blue… It's an excellent Great Grade Sword."

Kozuki Sukiyaki was surprised, "Mr. Momoya, you met 'Shimotsuki Kozaburo' before coming to Wano Country?"

"Didn't Lord Yasuie mention it in his letter?"

Adrian was taken aback.

"I came to Wano Country at the request of Shimotsuki Kozaburo's son to check on the Shimotsuki family."

"So Kozaburo had managed to escape outside and even left descendants…"

Kozuki Sukiyaki sighed softly.

As one of Wano Country's most renowned swordsmiths over the past two generations, Kozuki Sukiyaki naturally knew of the Great Grade Sword forger, Shimotsuki Kozaburo.

Though they had never met, they shared mutual respect.

Kozuki Sukiyaki asked, "Since you met Kozaburo's descendants, why didn't you ask them to exchange [Wado Ichimonji]?"

Adrian explained, "At that time, I didn't have Shuxue yet. I was using another Skillful Grade Blades, Yubashiri."

He drew the elegant Yubashiri and handed it to Kozuki Sukiyaki.

"It seems Mr. Momoya has a deep connection with famous swords…"

Adrian said, "Of course, as a qualified swordsman, it's best to have two—no, three swords."

"One for collection, one for display, and one for use."

Similar to some enthusiasts who buy limited-edition dolls, they often do the same.

Most people only buy one.

But a few will buy three.

One to keep, one to display, and one to use.

Though their interests differ, this idea resonated with the swordsmith.

Adrian and Kozuki Sukiyaki exchanged knowing smiles.

Men's friendships often grow closer due to small shared interests.

Kozuki Sukiyaki spoke lightly, "Momoya, I do have two swords comparable to Great Grade Swords, but one is a family heirloom…"

Adrian felt a familiar vibe, like when he bought Yubashiri in Loguetown, the shopkeeper said something similar.

He almost asked, "Are you going to charge extra?"

Kozuki Sukiyaki continued.

"So, I only have one sword left to exchange with you."

"By the way, I once imitated a Great Grade Sword and forged a long sword, but it turned out to be a [Cursed Blade]."

Kozuki Sukiyaki paused, then left the room.

Adrian sat alone, thinking.

"The third generation Kitetsu was also made by Kozuki Sukiyaki…"

{One Piece Manga and Anime — Vol. 95 Chapter 955 (p. 15) and Episode 956, Tenuyama(Kozuki Sukiyaki) informs Zoro that he created Sandai Kitetsu}

"The swordsmith profession is fascinating. If you're skilled enough, you can keep forging great swords…"

After a moment, Kozuki Sukiyaki returned, holding a sword with a purple sheath and hilt.

"This sword is also a Cursed Blade, named [Second Generation Kitetsu], and it ranks alongside your [Shuxue] among the Great Grade Swords."

Adrian had already noticed the Second Generation Kitetsu.

Not through some mystical sense between a powerful swordsman and a legendary blade.

But because Adrian felt the ominous aura emanating from the Second Generation Kitetsu!