Meanwhile, at the Amenoma Smithy in Inazuma City, an exceptionally distinguished guest arrived.
Amenoma Tougo never would have imagined that he would have the opportunity to meet Inazuma's Archon in his lifetime.
"Lord Shogun, may I ask what instructions you have for visiting my humble shop?"
Ei also went straight to the main point, pulling out a Northlander Billet from the Plane of Euthymia.
"I need you to forge a sword blank for me."
!
Amenoma Tougo's pupils contracted. In his lifetime, he had forged three blades using Northlander Billet. One of them even reproduced a Kagemitsu of the famous sword [Hakuen: Full Light Amenoma] forged by his ancestor.
The Shinsaku, however, was in the hands of Iwakura Michiaki, Founder of the Iwakura Art. Since it was a product from centuries ago, Amenoma Tougo only found notes concerning the Kagemitsu.
In his youth and vigor, he thought that as long as he had the notes, forging the Shinsaku would be easy. But as time passed, he realized: why would his ancestor have notes when forging that famous blade?
There was ultimately a gulf between him and his ancestor.
But now, Northlander Billets are extremely rare, and countless skilled craftsmen want to use them to leave their mark on the great continent of Teyvat.
Yet, such a precious item was to be forged into a mere sword blank.
It was imaginable that when the sword was completed, it would surely rival those legendary weapons.
"Lord Shogun, do you truly intend to entrust such an important task to this old man?" Amenoma Tougo looked gravely at the purple-haired beauty before him.
Serving the Raiden Shogun was his inescapable duty, but did he truly possess the qualifications?
"Of the former Five Kazari, only your Amenoma line remains. Do I have any other choice?" Ei said.
Amenoma Tougo sighed heavily upon hearing this. Although the incident back then was related to the Fatui, the root cause was still the corruption of human desire.
To end up like this was self-inflicted. The only reason he survived was because he was old.
His ambition was gone, and as time passed, he became increasingly calm.
However, the Raiden Shogun's words made his long-dormant heart surge once more.
You say you have no choice? Then I will prove that I am the best choice!
Amenoma Tougo felt as if he had returned to his youth. Although it was only a sword blank, this time he was determined to make his work famous across the entire continent of Teyvat!
"Since it is Lord Shogun's request, this old man shall dedicate all his skill."
"Hmm, impressive aura." Ei nodded imperceptibly. It seemed there was a reason the Tenmoku style had survived.
Then, Ei retrieved a bundle of scrolls from the Isshin Pure Land. After gaining permission, Amenoma Tougo slowly unrolled the scrolls, revealing a long, slender katana meticulously drawn to scale.
"Including the tang, the total length is four feet two inches (140cm). Before this, have you had any experience forging similar blades?"
"This… I really haven't. While ordinary nodachi can be similar in length, this is the first time this old man has seen such a long and narrow katana."
Due to the properties of steel, a longer blade is more prone to bending. Therefore, nodachi, while maintaining their length, also increase their width to ensure they don't deform during powerful swings.
However, this katana did the opposite; its length was comparable to a nodachi, but its width was no different from a standard uchigatana.
"Is that so?"
Hearing this, Ei showed no surprise. For thousands of years, the only people capable of wielding such a long and narrow katana were Mikoshi Chiyo Five hundred years ago and Shiki now.
Mikoshi Chiyo, through her self-created sword dance, could ensure the blade wouldn't bend when she swung the katana, and its long, narrow form allowed her to precisely hit her targets.
Such complex techniques were not easily learned by humans.
Thus, after Mikoshi Chiyo's death, they were completely lost. And after they were lost, no one would possess such an unusual blade, so naturally, no craftsman would forge such a katana.
But Ei had great confidence in Shiki. Since she could perform a sword dance almost identical to Mikoshi Chiyo's, she would also be able to wield this katana.
"No matter. You only need to follow the normal sword blank forging method of the Tenmoku style. I will be watching the entire time, and I will correct any mistakes."
"Hahaha, then I'll trouble Your Excellency the Shogun!"
Being watched while performing his unique craft, Amenoma Tougo was not only not displeased but also quite happy, because this meant he would surely learn something new.
Both Inazuma's sword arts and forging techniques originated from Ei alone, which is why her style is called the Origin style.
The Raiden Five from several hundred years ago were the five styles that branched out and became the most skilled.
Forging methods vary from person to person, but they all follow the same principle. As the source of all styles, Ei had her own unique insights into the techniques.
It was precisely for this reason that Amenoma Tougo appeared so happy. However, little did he know that the forging methods between a god and a mortal were completely different.
The reason mortals swing a hammer is because a hammer is the only tool they can use for forging.
But as a god, Ei naturally wouldn't use an inefficient tool like a hammer.
However, here, she would only observe from the perspective of swinging a hammer, aiming for this sword blank to reach the limit of what mortals could forge.
"Then let's begin. We'll close for business these next few days. You can go to the Tenshukaku and ask the Okuzume to reimburse you for any lost Mora."
Although Ei didn't use Mora, she knew its importance to mortals, and as a qualified god, she naturally wouldn't let people work for free.
"No problem, Your Excellency the Shogun! This old man will go change the sign now!"
Amenoma Tougo did not refuse the god's kindness. In his opinion, a god certainly wouldn't lack external possessions like Mora, so refusing would be disrespectful.
However, the truth was that the three gods couldn't even scrounge up one Mora, but Amenoma Tougo didn't know this absurd fact.
Amenoma Tougo's aging body burst forth with the speed of his youth. After hanging the 'Closed for Business' sign, he woke up Hajime, who was still sound asleep.
"Huh? What is it?"
"Stop sleeping! Quickly put on your clothes and come with me to forge a sword. This time, our client is Your Excellency the Shogun!"
"Ah???"
Hajime was completely bewildered. Why was he hearing such an outrageous thing first thing in the morning?
But then again, as the origin of all developing styles, did the Raiden Shogun also need mortals to forge swords for her?
Hajime didn't understand, but he didn't need to. No matter what, being able to serve Your Excellency the Shogun was ultimately a good thing.
---------------------------------
If you'd like to read the next 70 chapters in advance, you can support me on Patreon.
I regularly post chapter previews there, so you'll always be up-to-date and won't have to wait too long.
patreon.com/SolyuraMT
And if you enjoy the story, don't forget to give me a Power Stone. Your support really motivates me to continue translating!