Reid observed everything with amusent welling up inside, though he kept his expression calm. He even sighed, "Ah, what a sha…"
The Master Hamr Smith instinctively asked, "A sha? About what?"
When he had first declared that the Black Tide greatsword was his final work, it was partly because he felt he could never surpass it and partly because he truly wanted to rest. But now, a perfect prodigy perhaps even capable of surpassing Reid stood right before his eyes. His blacksmithing heart itched with desire.
Agree? He had spoken with such certainty. How could he, an old man, ever cover up his pride?
Refuse? Watch a masterpiece go to waste? That would be more painful than being killed!
The old man's face flushed bright red, his mind wracked with inner turmoil. He grabbed the wine bottle and downed a long gulp to suppress the agitation in his chest. But his eyes kept drifting toward Ann.
Reid nearly laughed out loud, though he maintained a solemn expression, sighing as he continued. "Ah, never mind, never mind. Since you're retired, I can't force you. It's just… what a pity. Such a brilliant talent. If she can't find a sword worthy of her, she'll have to be careful while training, afraid of breaking another one."
His words landed like a heavy blow to the old man's heart.
The Master Hamr Smith's mouth twitched. Finally, unable to restrain himself any longer, he ground out a reply, lifting his head casually but through gritted teeth. "…Cough… even though I'm retired… I suppose… I can offer so guidance on materials… The island's stockpile seems to have so good 'Black Iron'…"
Reid, oblivious to the subtle hint, bead with gratitude. "Oh! Thank you so much! You're so generous! Even guiding on materials! But I won't trouble you with the forging itself. How could I possibly ask you to break your own rules?"
The old man thought: I didn't an that at all!
Reid continued his "concerned" speech. "If that doesn't work… I'll just have to take Ann to Sword Island and try our luck. That 'One-Ard' old man over there has a strange temper, a sharp tongue, and loves to show off. But his skills… should be decent, right? Maybe he'd reluctantly agree because of Ann's talent…"
The words "One-Ard" and "show off" imdiately conjured a vivid image in the Hamr Master's mind:
That damned one-ard old ghost, leaning on his cane, strutting proudly while patting a sword he had forged for Ann. With that mocking tone, he would parade before him, chest puffed out.
"Well, well, if it isn't Little Hamr. Rusting in just a few days? Look at this old man's new work! Tsk tsk tsk, a glimpse of Conqueror's Haki! Materials one in ten thousand! These smooth lines! Perfect balance! So people… thank goodness they retired, or else they'd just waste good materials."
Turning to the air: "What? You ask why I'm forging for her and not him? Because this little girl has good taste. She knows who the real master is. So people's Black Tide? Heh. That's old history."
Turning back to him: "Oh, right, I should thank you for retiring. Otherwise, how would these good materials fall into my hands? Heh heh heh heh…"
Just imagining that old rival's smug expression and sinister "hehehe" laughter made the Master Hamr's blood boil. Veins popped on his forehead. The wine bottle in his hand nearly shattered.
"No! Absolutely not!"
This was worse than being killed.
It felt like only ten days ago he had returned from Sword Island.
Though his Black Tide greatsword later faced the terrible Blood Dragon catastrophe, it didn't matter. He was the first blacksmith to forge it. Even if his mood wasn't as high as before, he still felt a sense of pride.
He slamd the table and sprang to his feet, making bowls and plates clatter. Ann jumped in surprise.
The old man's face was bright red, his neck thick and strained, as though he had just fought an invisible opponent. He shook his head violently, trying to erase that detestable image from his mind.
"No one can let that old man waste materials! Absolutely not! Does he even understand the beauty of true power? He only makes flashy decorations! Giving him materials would be a cri against nature! It's an insult to blacksmithing!"
Finally convinced by his own reasoning, he turned, eyes wide as copper coins, glaring at Reid and nearly roaring:
"You brat! Keep this girl with ! I… I will make an exception, just this once! I'll show you what a real greatsword is! Let that one-ard old fool use his tricks and cry!"
Reid chuckled lightly. "But didn't you say the Black Tide greatsword was your final work?"
The old man grunted. "This… is my 'gatekeeping' job."
Reid gave a thumbs-up. Excellent!
No sooner had the words left his mouth than the old man settled down, sitting back with arms crossed, chin raised high, looking proud yet stubborn, as if to say: "Kid, I won't be swayed. I'm just reluctantly acting to defeat my rival."
Reid watched the old man's ridiculous behavior and fought hard to remain serious, suppressing a laugh.
Mission accomplished.
The old man cleared his throat, trying to make his voice sound casual. "Well… um… little girl…"
Ann looked up at him without a trace of fear, only pure curiosity.
Reid thought: My children are all brave.
The old man snapped: Nobody asked you!
"You…" The Master Hamr chose his words carefully, moving his fingers to gesture. "What kind of sword do you like? I an… what do you usually want it to feel like?"
Ann tilted her head, thinking seriously. Then she stretched out her small hand, gesturing with force, trying to express herself with limited words and plenty of sound effects.
"Um… it's… that kind… BANG BANG! That kind!" She pushed her hand forward suddenly, mimicking the feel of a massive sword chopping with overwhelming force, smashing everything in sight.
The Master Hamr's eyes brightened. He stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Bang bang? Huh… strong and heavy, able to defeat an enemy in one strike? Interesting."
Seeing that the old man seed to understand, Ann grew even more excited. Her little hands flew again, swinging rapidly. "And! And! It must also be… SWISH SWISH!"
"Oh?" The Hamr Master's interest piqued. "Heavy and fast? That's a tall order for a little girl."
Ann nodded vigorously. Finally, with a serious expression, she concluded: "Yes! It must be… Heh heh ha ha! Truly amazing!"
She waved her small fists as if she could already see herself wielding her new sword, sweeping all before her.
The old man and the young girl chatted happily, using sounds and words that no one else could understand bang bang hey ho! yet they communicated perfectly. The atmosphere was extraordinarily harmonious.
Reid thought: I now have all the proof I need. You're isolating .
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