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“So that’s why you wanted Masamune’s journal?” Oni said

Han nodded “It was rumored to contain the secrets of Masamune’s craft His endless quest to create the perfect weapon We’d hoped it would tell us where he obtained the ore he used to forge the blade”

“And does it?”

“Unfortunately, no,” Han said “Most of his journal is filled with philosophical nonsense about creating a weapon that would punish evil and not harm the innocent”

Oni laughed “A fool’s conscience”

“Perhaps,” Han said “But he believed he had achieved just that with the weapon you’re holding now”

Oni narrowed his gaze and then glanced at the shi sword

Han explained “By chance, or because you have a fine eye for craftsmanship, you’ve chosen the most valuable sword of all for your memento That’s no simple antique you possess; it’s the Honjo Masamune itself”

Oni grinned He knew Or suspected

Han picked up another of the swords; it had a darker, thicker blade than the one Oni held The steel appeared to have a reddish tint to it Not rust, but closer to the color of dead roses or dried blood “This is the weapon for you It’s known as the Crimson Blade It was created not by Masamune but by another swordsmith, known as Muramasa”

Oni held his ground for the moment “Muramasa?”

Han nodded “Murah there is some debate about that At any rate, it’s well accepted that Murae a better weapon—a more powerful, ory, he undoubtedly succeeded This weapon, this Crihout Japanese history, it has been renowned for its ability to take life and build wealth It has brought power, faend—meant to discredit Muramasa—tells the true story of its superiority”

“What legend would that be?” Oni asked with a suspicious glint in his eye

“Mura considered an apprentice to the Master,” Han said “He challenged Masa thereed and both ed by the reat swords and, under the watchful eye of the monks fro strea water

“As thethat ca the force of the streaht to it was sliced cleanly in two Across the stream, the Masamune, perhaps the very sword you hold now, divided the waters without a ripple, but it cut nothing that was living Only leaves and other inanimate debris that floated past”