POV Old Man:
"This kid... What's got him so interested in the swordsmith? Maybe his blade is giving him trouble?" thought the old man to himself as he gathered what he needed for the journey.
"HEY! OLD MAN! YOU GONNA TAKE LONG?" a familiar voice shouted at him from the street.
"This youth, always in a rush..." the old man grumbled.
"I'M COMING!" he shouted back.
"Aaaaaah... Alright... I'm waiting..." said Muichiro, standing on the porch.
End POV.
"How much longer is he going to take? The journey will be about 3 hours, why is he so slow?" Muichiro asked himself.
"I'm ready," said the old man, standing behind Muichiro.
"Ah... Good, let's go. What did you bring?" asked Muichiro.
"Oh, this and that... I brought some rice crackers just in case, and water. Did you at least prepare?" asked the old man.
"No... I didn't think the journey would take that long," replied Muichiro.
"The way there will take about 5 hours, since you're walking with me... I can't walk fast, so you'll have to bear with me," said the old man.
"Don't worry, it's fine. Just show me the way to that swordsmith. Does he have any relatives?" asked Muichiro.
"I don't know," answered the old man.
"Okay... Don't worry, I won't stay long... I just need some information... I heard there's a blade here that can even wound a god... Is that true?" asked Muichiro.
"You'll find out when we get to him... As for me, I haven't heard of such powerful things; I'm just a simple craftsman," said the old man.
"Ahh... right... exactly... Sorry, I forgot," replied Muichiro.
They set out on a path winding through ancient cryptomeria trees. The air was cool and damp, smelling of wet earth and pine needles. Muichiro walked slightly ahead, his steps silent even on the layer of last year's needles, while the old man hobbled behind, leaning on his staff, his breath becoming faintly audible in the morning silence after just half an hour.
As they walked, the old man asked questions about Muichiro's past, to which he answered, but reservedly. For instance, there was this conversation:
"Have you lived here long? I just don't remember any of the local boys looking so much like you," asked the old man, catching his breath on a small incline.
"I travel more than I live in one place. I've only been here for 2 months," replied Muichiro, not turning around and not slowing his pace, which, however, was deliberately slow, as if to match the old man.
"And how is it? Life outside of Wano? Is it okay?" asked the old man, having caught up to him on a flatter section.
"It varies... But I don't like it... It's too strange... I've forgotten more than half my life, because I'm constantly in battle and don't really notice the life where people can feel joy..." replied Muichiro, his gaze fixed on the far end of the path as if he saw something there inaccessible to others.
"Why is that? Are you constantly fighting and can't enjoy the other side of life? Have you ever even had a woman? How is that possible? You should get some air in the city, it's full of beautiful Oiran. Even when I was younger, I..." said the old man.
"There's no need for that, old man. I require neither affection nor the like. It even makes me sick to talk about it," said Muichiro, and for the first time, something sharp and icy rang in his voice.
"Sorry, sorry... It's just, how is it possible? You look 21, but still without a girl... Just an old man's concern, nothing special. You've done a lot for me in these 2 months. Even saved my life. I could even give you advice if something happens. Just look at it from another angle. You're still young, I think you'll understand," said the old man.
The path led them to a rocky slope overlooking a valley shrouded in morning mist. Muichiro stopped, letting the old man rest, and leaned his hand against the trunk of a pine tree.
"I'm not even 16, and you're talking about 'love.' That word alone makes me sick. I think I'm better off alone," replied Muichiro, looking into the distance, not at his companion.
"What? Not even 16???? Then how old?" asked the old man, leaning against the same pine.
"15.." replied Muichiro.
"Wow... I thought you'd be older, though in some villages here they marry even earlier. Well, that was before, I don't know exactly how it is now, haven't wandered outside the village in a long time. Thank goodness you showed up. I'll show you the city where the big shots live," said the old man, setting off again.
"What? You're leading me into the enemy's den????" asked Muichiro, finally turning his head towards him, a flash of instant, predatory readiness igniting in his gray eyes.
"No, no... It is that place, but your appearance will be insignificant since they don't know your face. Sure, they've heard a couple of rumors, but haven't seen you in person... And then we'll leave for that psychopath," answered the old man, waving his hand.
"Damn you, but fine... Lead the way..." Muichiro said to the old man.
"Hehehehehe. You're a foul-mouthed boy, who taught you that?" asked the old man, hobbling further down the now descending path.
"Doesn't matter... You wouldn't know them anyway," said Muichiro, remembering the Shinazugawa and Obanai brothers.
They walked in silence for several minutes, only the sound of a stream below filling the quiet. Then the old man spoke again, and his voice no longer sounded so light-hearted.
"What do you think about life?" asked the old man.
"It seems fine, but it constantly leads you into the unknown," replied Muichiro, watching where the old man placed his feet.
"And if you had the power to change the world, what would you do?" asked the old man.
"What? Why is this old man bringing this up? He's asking what I would do with that power... I need to answer in a way that'll make him think for at least half an hour or an hour... Fine... I accept your challenge..." Muichiro thought to himself and answered: "I wouldn't do anything."
"Just like that? Do nothing?" asked the old man.
"Yeah... And what would you do?" asked Muichiro.
"I'd go on a journey, help people who needed me..." said the old man.
"Power is meaningless if you crave glory, old man; it only leads to a dead end. As long as there aren't people who think like you, there won't be peace for a very long time, and you won't always be able to help everyone. You simply won't have enough hands for it," replied Muichiro.
"I suppose you're right. You know why you were born so strong? It's because you're meant to protect the weak. That's the law," the old man said to Muichiro.
Muichiro slowed his pace almost to a complete stop. He didn't turn around, but his back tensed.
"Alright, old man... Kill one — another will come. People don't change by the will of a sword. Their will is like a wolf: can't be tamed, can't be broken. A rope only fuels their rage. Man seeks hatred like air. Ego is his prison. You can't rewrite the world with force. If people learn to understand each other, that will be the beginning of a bridge. Don't worry. I won't stand aside, because I understand the people who live here. When I'm ready, I'll make sure your old age is more peaceful, if I have the strength."
"HAhahahahaha, come on now. I've got about two Mondays left, but you're so concerned about my old age. No need. Take care of yourself. Find a girl, find a peaceful life, like you dreamed of," the old man continued talking nonsense.
"Tsk." Muichiro only clicked his tongue, as if he knew this old man would steer the conversation elsewhere.
They fell silent again, and this time the silence lasted longer. The forest thinned, giving way to rocky scree and stunted bushes. The sun rose higher, and the shadows grew shorter.
After a while, they stopped near a large rock.
"It's been about an hour and a half, for God's sake, old man, what are you doing?" asked Muichiro.
"I suggest you change clothes too. I actually tried to embroider some clothes for you yesterday, so just put them on," said the old man.
"Ah... Okay... Thanks..." said Muichiro, understanding why they were changing.
"Forgot to ask, what do you do in your free time?" asked the old man.
"Various nonsense," replied Muichiro, wrapping his katana in cloth.
"My young friend, remember what I say: For now, you will be my grandson. Your name is Yaboku. We'll walk through the taverns and buy some sweets, alright? Let's see what's happening in the capital. Hahahahaha," said the old man.
"Why all this?" asked Muichiro.
"A false name for the guards, and the sweets... you'll find out later," said the old man.
"Senile madness harms like never before, spares no one," Muichiro thought to himself.
"I can just knock them out with my willpower, just cover yourself with a bamboo hat. Don't overcomplicate it, old man. When there's fog before the city gate, just follow me. Once we're in the city, we'll take them off and no one will know us. They might look for the culprits, but we'll make sure not to draw attention," said Muichiro.