Can't Do it Without You

✨ Chapter 4 ✨

Quick disclaimer I'm gonna try and write in first person this chapter to see how it plays out ❗

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*Toji POV*

"I couldn't have heard that right. Did he say three weeks?! I could've sworn that it didn't take that long last time"

"I'm sorry, I thought for a second that you said 3 weeks. I almost had a heart attack"

Hiroshi crossed his arms and nodded "No you heard that right, 3 weeks at the minimum. Might take a tad longer if I have other projects to do along with yours".

I put my head in my hands and sighed deeply "But isn't that like twice as long as the typical sword forging process?"

"What do you expect? You and Tengen-san obviously don't use the typical nichirin katana, not to mention there's obviously two of them I have to make!" Hiroshi stated with a hint of annoyance present in his voice.

"I guess you have a point but I swear you didn't take that long the first time you made my swords" I said, sitting in a chair to collect my thoughts.

"I've already been out of commission for two weeks since I got injured, I don't know if I can handle another three" I continued as I leaned back in the chair and stared at the ceiling.

"For your information, I had some assistance the last time I was tasked with forging swords for you. My assistants have since left me for other swordsmiths, for whatever reason that may have been" Hiroshi explained.

He had said the last part a little quieter than usual and looked down after finishing his sentence. I could tell that even somebody as flamboyant and energetic as him could feel betrayed or sad.

"Let's move on, I don't like to dwell on the past. Let's keep our heads in the present! Ahem, like I said it's going to take me at least 3 weeks to complete your blades and have them ready for you, in the meantime I can offer you a standard nichirin katana so you're not wandering around like a defenseless baby" Hiroshi told me as he walked over to a wall that displayed several katanas.

"I assume you still know how to use one of these right?" He asked, handing one of the blades to me.

I scoffed and unsheathed the katana and held it out in front of me. The blade slowly began changing to a shade of dark blue.

"Quite flamboyant if you ask me! I've always loved the color of your nichirin blade young Yamoto-san!" Hiroshi complimented as he held his hands together and stared in awe.

I put the katana back into its sheath and strapped it to my belt.

"Man this feels so weird. I don't think I've had my sword placed at my side since I first began training with Tengen-sama all those years ago"

"It's gonna take some getting used to again but I think I can manage for three weeks" I said as I mimicked my battle ready stance.

It felt off because I wouldn't be starting off my forms with my blades on my back but it wasn't  anything a little practice couldn't fix.

"Wonderful, I'll get started on your swords today and I'll send you a letter via crow once I am finished. Pleasure doing business with you once again, Yamoto-san" Hiroshi said with a bow.

I smiled and returned the bow "Likewise, Hiroshi-san. I expect your best work".

"You should expect nothing less" Hiroshi replied, putting his hands on his hips and puffing out his chest.

*Two hours later....*

I made my way out of the front door of a ramen shop with a full belly and big smile on my face.