Woah... Out of the iron from a meteorite, Kashizudoto had forged a truly unique blade - the Tentetsutou. This blade was bound to have hidden properties beyond just a simple katana. The actual process of creating this weapon from a pile of space rock that he had hurriedly collected while trying to avoid the attention of criminals was very hard and arduous, but the Blacksmith's guidance proved to be extremely useful.

It was now complete, and the Blacksmith requested one last duel with Kashizudoto before he would see him off, to see his progress and test how good this blade was. This time, the Blacksmith would continue to use a C-rank katana while Kashizudoto would use his Tentetsutou, which was more powerful than the average katana that the Blacksmith was using - no doubt.

"Begin!" announced the swordsmaster. With that, they both charged at each other, Kashizudoto determined to make up for his previous loss. Blade met blade as the two saw eye to eye for a moment. The began a series of complicated moves and maneuvers that could only be described as a dance of swords, each one moving to the rhythm so as not to be hit by a blade.

WC: 202

They charged at each other, their blades locking. Steel hitting steel. They began a series of complex moves and maneuvers, strikes and parries, each trying to secure an advantage. Clearly, Kashizudoto's new katana, the Tentetsutou, was superior to the secondhand C-rank blade that the Blacksmith was using. Still, the retired ninja was much more skilled in the art of swordsmanship than Kashizudoto; as such, this would be an extremely tough battle to win. Still, he had ninjutsu on his side, while the Blacksmith was limited to only his blade, at least from what he'd seen.

Katon: Gokakyu no Jutsu! While their blades were locked together, he formed a tiger seal with his left hand, gathered katon chakra in his throat, and released it into a great fireball that would cause major first degree burns to unexposed skin and minor second degree burns to exposed skin on impact. Predictably, the swordsmaster leaped backwards to dodge the fireball, giving Kashizudoto a window to use one of his trademark moves: a far range flamethrower offense that would capitalize on the swordsmaster's imbalance once landing. Upon impact, it would cause minor first degree burns. He planned to charge straight at his enemy after the offense, to hopefully land some hits on him in the confusion. Time would tell if the Blacksmith would dodge the attack though.

Kashizudoto Chakra:

WC: 428

The Blacksmith, knowing that he didn't have the time to get out of the way of the new attack, shielded his face and most of his upper body with his arms as he incurred minor first degree burns there - although it could've easily been worse. This was the opening he needed. Kashizudoto rushed in, with the Tentetsutou in his right hand. YAAAAAA!!!

The swordsmaster, however, would not yield. Just because he had burns on his arms didn't mean that he couldn't still wield his blade, after all. The two blades met as usual, and they continued fighting; however, the movements of the Blacksmith were noticeably slower than before, probably because of all the attacks from Kashizudoto.

Kashizudoto learned something from fighting those criminals over at the meteorite earlier. When the swordsmaster was about to strike him at the top, Kashizudoto conducted a low sweep, causing the Blacksmith to dodge, the haste making him not so artful when he landed. That gave another window for Kashizudoto. He charged.

WC: 599

While running straight for the swordsmaster, Kashizudoto formed six fireballs and launched them at his opponent, who spent his time and effort blocking all six of the basketball-sized projectiles. In the meantime, Kashizudoto prepared a stabbing attack with his Tentetsutou to the side of the Blacksmith. Come on... Come on...

Hit. Hit. Hit. It actually hit the Blacksmith. Right in his left hip. He actually landed one on the swordsmaster! Alright, he did it! However, he couldn't celebrate just yet. He wasn't even close to winning. The older man was still waaay more skilled than the young boy.

"Excellent form," said the Blacksmith as he slid to the side with his katana in hand, "You've certainly improved." It was great that such an amazing swordsmaster had recognized him, but he had to stay focused on the task: defeating him. They both charged at each other, inevitably for a final dance in this ritual. This was going to be the fight to end the duel; he could just feel it.

Kashizudoto Chakra:

WC: 772

Once again, their blades met; however, this time was different. The swordsmaster had more vigor in his strike. They exchanged some quick blows, until Kashizudoto was knocked back by the very force of the swordsmaster's lesser blade against his own.

"Truly a valiant effort, said the Blacksmith, "However, I think it's time to end this. With that, he drew his blade and sidestepped at a speed almost untraceable by Kashizudoto's eye.

OUCH! He slashed at Kashizudoto's right shoulder before he even noticed he was there.

OUCH! He slashed five times at his back. Kashizudoto coughed a little blood and fell on his knees.

OUCH! OUCH! OUCH! He'd lost, there was no denying it. So that swordsmaster really had such speed? Such strength? So this whole time, he could have beaten Kashizudoto in just a few seconds? So he really was playing nice this whole time. Regardless, all this meant was that Kashizudoto needed to improve.

"Woah," said Kashizudoto, "I never realized you were that good." The swordsmaster helped him get back on his feet.

"You've performed remarkably well, said the swordsmaster, "You're at least twice as good as I was at your age for sure. You will easily surpass me. That sort of praise was nothing new for Kashizudoto.

"Take this," the Blacksmith said as he handed Kashizudoto a black robe, embroidered with gold patterns around the edges, that matched his own robe, "Any good swordsman needs a little style if I say so myself." It was good. Not only was it light, but it was bound to protect Kashizudoto at least a little while providing the maneuverability that a swordsman would need. Bye bye, green jacket. Hello, black robe! With that, he was off to the village, with a brand new style.

WC: 1072

[Exit]

C-rank Mission: 1000/1000