Chapter 5 - 5: The Blade of Legends and a girls resolve
Youyu's HomeYouyu stirred awake, lips dry and parched. "Ugh... I'm a little thirsty."
A slender hand extended a glass of water toward him. "Here, Youyu-kun, drink." Without thinking, he took it and downed it in one gulp. The cool water rushed down his throat, instantly clearing his mind. Blinking, he finally registered the two figures in front of him. "Huh? Kurenai? Rin? Why are you two here?" He glanced around. Yep, this was his house.
"You were really drunk, so Rin and I brought you home," Kurenai said, her face slightly flushed. "Ah, I see. Sorry to trouble you both," Youyu replied, rubbing the back of his head. Rin glanced at the window—it was already pitch black outside. "It's late. Since you're awake, we should head home."
"I'll walk you back," Youyu offered, but before he could even stand, both girls shook their heads quickly. "No need! You should rest." Hastily putting on their shoes, they practically sprinted out of his house. The door slammed shut behind them.
Youyu sat there, staring after them. "Huh? What was that about?" He thought for a moment before shaking his head. "Tch. Trying to figure out girls is pointless. Better to just have another drink." Just as he was about to relax, something nagged at him. "Wait... wasn't there something I forgot?"
His eyes scanned the room until they landed on it—his expression brightened. "Oh. There it is." A katana rested against the wall, standing tall and proud. He stepped forward, gripping the hilt.
Shing—
A suffocating, cold light flashed across the room as he unsheathed the blade. The dark purple-black steel gleamed under the dim lantern glow, its edge lined with a jagged red pattern. "Heavy." He gave it a few experimental swings, surprised by its unexpected weight. With each movement, the air trembled, the blade humming as if alive.
"Black Blade—Shusui."
A smirk played on his lips as memories surfaced. This was the weapon he had received as a reward—for terrifying Asuma so badly in class that the boy collapsed in fear. Shusui, one of the 21 Great Grade Blades
from another world, the national treasure of Wano, a sword so durable even a dragon couldn't bend it. The legendary swordsman Ryuma the Dragon Slayer had once used it to cleave a giant dragon in half, making it world-renowned. Later, it had been passed down to Roronoa Zoro, becoming the strongest of his three blades.
Among the known Black Blades, the only other was Yoru, wielded by the world's strongest swordsman, Dracule Mihawk. But a true black blade wasn't just forged—it was earned, its steel tempered by countless battles and infused with the power of its wielder. Some even believed Shusui, in its blackened state, could rival the Supreme Grade Blades. It was a peerless weapon, the kind every swordsman dreamed of wielding.
Youyu ran a hand along the smooth steel, admiring its craftsmanship. "A damn fine sword." Pulling out a cloth, he carefully polished it, appreciating every inch of its lethal beauty.
Meanwhile... On the Streets of KonohaKurenai and Rin walked side by side in silence, the streets unusually quiet at this hour. Kurenai finally stopped, turning to Rin, hesitation in her crimson eyes. "...Rin, do you...?" She trailed off, unsure of how to ask.
Rin met her gaze, paused for only a second, then answered without hesitation. "Yes. I like Youyu."