"How bizarre... the Seven-Starred Sword was dyed black, you say...?"
"Mister, what did you do?"
Izaya and Maya stared in disbelief at the Seven-Starred Sword, which had been stained obsidian by Krieg's Observation Haki.
The trick was simple: Armament Hardening. By channeling his Haki into the weapon, Krieg had effectively "overwritten" the cursed essence of the magic blade with his own willpower.
Technically, Krieg had always struggled with imbuing equipment with Haki.
However, after several mock battles against the Three Admirals—Sakazuki, Kuzan, and Borsalino—he had realized that for a fighter of his style, mastering Haki-imbued equipment was an absolute necessity when facing Logia-type users.
The Marines didn't have a monopoly on Logia powers, after all.
Through relentless practice, his efforts had finally borne fruit. He was now capable of applying Armament Hardening to any "melee weapon" he held.
He was still completely unable to imbue long-range weapons like bullets or arrows. While melee hardening felt like an extension of his own body, the concept of "launching" Haki away from himself was an image he just couldn't grasp yet.
"I simply suppressed the cursed spirit of the sword with the strength of my will. It's only a temporary fix, though," Krieg explained.
As he thrust the sword into the ground and released the hilt, the obsidian coating receded, and the Seven-Starred Sword returned to its original, deceptively elegant white-and-gold form.
"Goodness... even at my age, it seems there is much I have yet to learn of the world," Izaya mused.
"So you just painted it your color for a little bit?" Maya asked.
"That's one way to put it. Now, Elder, what do you think? Will you allow the Navy to take custody of the Seven-Starred Sword?"
"Well... it is true that you have shown us there are ways to handle it other than our rituals, but..."
"As long as it isn't touched with bare skin, it's just a high-quality sword. And if my method works, it proves the curse can be suppressed. The Navy's Science and Engineering divisions are world-class; they might be able to uncover the sword's secrets and secure it permanently."
"I cannot make such a monumental decision on my own," Izaya said firmly. "I must return to the village and consult with everyone."
"Grandma..."
"Understood. Then let us bring the sword back to the village for now."
Krieg put his leather glove and armored gauntlet back on. He pulled a large, sturdy cloth from his pack, laid the naked blade upon it, and wrapped it carefully. He then took a leather cord, bound the bundle tightly, and tucked it into his belt.
"Hmph. We should return immediately. Regardless of how fine you feel, we must have our apothecary examine you for any lingering ill effects."
The group returned to the village. While Krieg was poked and prodded by the local medic (who found him in peak physical condition), Izaya gathered the villagers to debate the sword's fate.
After Krieg performed a public demonstration—proving he could handle and suppress the blade's malice—the village finally gave its blessing. The Navy would take the sword.
In exchange, Krieg officially granted the village a permanent exemption from the Assembly Ordinance, allowing them to continue their ancestral rituals as a "fail-safe." With this bridge of trust built, the villagers finally withdrew their opposition to the "Marine Dojo."
"Elder, Maya-chan, and everyone of the village... the Navy accepts full responsibility for the Seven-Starred Sword. Please continue your rituals just as you always have, for safety's sake."
"You have our thanks," Izaya said, bowing deeply. "Upon reflection, it is perhaps better that it leaves this island. If it remained here, there is always the chance it would fall into the hands of someone far less disciplined than yourself."
"Thank you, Marine-san! I'll do my best to be a great Shrine Maiden!" Maya added, bowing her head as well.
"I've simply done my duty. Other Marine officials will arrive in a few days to finalize the paperwork; I'll make sure they know the situation.
Shortly after, the Dojo in the mountains will begin operations. It might get a bit noisy around here, but I hope you can bear with us."
With a final respectful bow, Krieg shouldered his heavy rucksack and the cloth-wrapped cursed blade, departing Asuka Village with his mission accomplished.
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