Chapter 10: Red Moon
"Standard specifications work? Wait here—I have one in my room. Let me show you."
Without waiting for Suoh's response, the carpenter turned and hurried back into the house.
Suoh stood in place, listening to the sounds of rummaging and objects shifting inside.
Moments later, the carpenter emerged carrying a long object wrapped in cotton cloth. He untied the bindings and slowly unwrapped the layers.
As the cloth peeled away layer by layer, a reddish-brown wooden sword was revealed, its blade gracefully curved like a crescent moon.
Delicate cloud patterns were carved into the guard. The entire sword displayed a warm, deep color—the wood showing a distinctive luster that came from years of careful maintenance. The passage of time had merged into the grain itself.
"Please."
The carpenter was utterly straightforward, holding the blade horizontally with both hands and presenting it to Suoh, showing off his most prized work.
"Thank you."
Suoh expressed sincere gratitude and accepted it with both hands.
His right hand gripped the handle while his left fingertips traced lightly along the blade, feeling the tough yet resilient texture transmitted through his touch.
Then his right wrist dropped slightly, and he executed a clean horizontal slash with the wooden sword.
Whoosh—
A sharp cutting sound suddenly rang out. The blade's trajectory through the air was straight and stable, demonstrating a perfect balance of power and beauty with remarkable grace.
"Whoa!"
Witnessing this, the carpenter couldn't help exclaiming. Though he knew nothing about swordsmanship himself, that strike had been both fast and steady—clearly not just for show.
"Big brother that was amazing!"
The four little ones' eyes lit up. They clapped and cheered excitedly in unison. Though they understood no more than their father, that display of skill was enough to thrill them.
"Excellent blade."
Suoh's wrist rotated as he returned the sword to ready position, his praise heartfelt.
He'd owned more than a dozen swords in his previous life—both wooden and steel, including some expensive pieces. None had felt as good as this one.
Combined with its exceptional appearance, this was practically a work of art.
"What do you think?"
"The blade is named 'Red Moon.' Though it has some years on it, I've maintained it carefully. It won't affect performance at all."
A good blade deserved a worthy master. From the moment Suoh had taken the sword in hand, the smile hadn't left the carpenter's face. He stepped forward and asked.
Though phrased as a question, his tone carried certainty. He had complete confidence in Red Moon.
"Truly exceptional."
For such a fine blade, Suoh wouldn't withhold praise.
"It's yours!"
Hearing his affirmation of Red Moon, the carpenter swept his hand through the air grandly, his voice resonant and firm as he laughed heartily.
"No. I'd still prefer you make me a new one."
However, Suoh didn't accept. Instead, he shook his head in refusal.
"Eh? Why? Don't you like it?"
The smile froze on the carpenter's face, confusion flashing through his eyes. He thought he'd misheard.
Red Moon's excellence was obvious. As a fellow sword enthusiast, he could clearly sense Suoh's appreciation for the blade. Why would he refuse this gift?
"Red Moon is wonderful. But it doesn't belong to me."
"I believe you can craft an equally outstanding new blade."
Suoh explained softly, returning the sword. How could he not like such an excellent weapon?
But he'd once had treasured possessions of his own. Understanding that feeling, he couldn't accept this.
The wooden sword was merely temporary for him. But to the carpenter, it was his lifeblood.
In the Soul Society—this world of empty spiritual existence—countless souls gradually lost themselves across the long passage of time.
This Red Moon represented the carpenter's pride as a craftsman, his connection to his past, proof of his identity. Its significance had long transcended the category of weapon—it was his spiritual anchor.
"Very well. I'll give it everything I have."
Touched deeply by those words, the carpenter showed a relieved smile. His fingers trembled slightly as he accepted Red Moon back, making a solemn promise.
"This is all the money I have on me. See if it's enough."
"If not, I can only pay a deposit now. The rest will have to wait until I get paid next month."
Pulling out his coin purse and displaying its contents, Suoh spoke with a smile, his tone open and unbothered by any potential embarrassment.
"Haha, that's more than enough! It's not as expensive as you think. This is plenty."
"Where do you live? I'll deliver the sword when it's finished. Don't worry—I won't make you wait long."
The carpenter glanced at the copper coins and silver fragments in the purse, laughed heartily, and took only a small portion of the cut silver before pushing Suoh's hand back.
The cost of wooden swords lay mainly in materials and labor. Having accepted Suoh as a friend, he naturally wouldn't charge too much.
"Terada-ya. My name is Suoh Tsukasa. Looking forward to working with you."
"Matsuzaki Yoshito. Likewise."
After leaving his address, the two clasped hands, exchanged names, and shared a smile. They'd officially become friends.
After saying goodbye to Matsuzaki Yoshito and the children, Suoh whistled a cheerful tune as he walked the return path in high spirits.
A white ash wood sword now hung at his waist, swaying gently with his light steps. Matsuzaki had given it to him as a parting gift to use temporarily until the new blade was complete.
Reaching a quiet corner where morning light slanted between low earthen and wooden houses, dividing the dirt road into alternating patterns of light and shadow.
Five figures slowly emerged from behind a wall's shadow, positioning themselves squarely in the middle of the road and blocking Suoh's path completely.
"Oh?"
Suoh's steps halted abruptly, his whistling cutting off. His gaze calmly swept across the five people who'd suddenly appeared before him, his face showing not a trace of panic.
West District 3's security was good—but only relatively speaking. In Rukongai, which was far from any civilized society, there was never a shortage of people looking for easy gains.
He'd anticipated something like this might happen.
The leader was a burly man with a scar across his face, his thick fingers tapping rhythmically against the short blade tucked in his waist.
Two lean men stood on either side behind him—five pairs of eyes roaming predatorily between Suoh's new clothes and the bundle over his shoulder, their gazes full of naked greed.
"Hey kid. Nice clothes. How about lending us some money to spend?"
The scarred man grinned, revealing a mouthful of crooked yellow teeth.
Fair-skinned youth plus new clothes plus bulging bundle—even with that wooden sword at his waist, he posed zero threat.
In these thugs' eyes, Suoh was undoubtedly a perfect fat sheep—prey delivered right to their mouths.
As the leader spoke, his four companions slowly closed in with an encircling formation, trying to seal off any escape route completely.
Rough straw sandals scraped against the gravel on the dirt road with rustling sounds.
Facing the approaching enemies, Suoh remained unhurried. Calmly, he drew the wooden sword from his waist and watched their movements.
"Haha, what's this pretty boy doing? A toy sword won't help you."
Seeing Suoh hadn't turned to flee but instead stood ready with drawn sword, the scarred man pulled the short blade from his waist and waved it threateningly, his face full of disdain as he laughed wildly. His four accomplices joined in with mocking laughter.
The scarred man surveyed Suoh with satisfaction as the circle tightened, then hefted the cold gleaming short blade in his hand.
Five against one. Real blade versus wooden sword. The situation was completely in his favor. This was in the bag!
He could already picture the black-haired youth on his knees, begging pathetically. This absolute advantage, this crushing superiority—it excited him beyond measure.
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