Scenario:Azusa - She Left It to Me

She Left It to Me

The time for Azusa and Narmaya to visit the beach arrives, and the two of them enjoy their day. As usual, they have a long spar on the beach, which abruptly ends when Narmaya's katana breaks. Feeling responsible for breaking Narmaya's blade, Azusa takes it upon herself to find her friend's next sword. Narmaya agrees and says she will leave it to Azusa.

---

A few days later, Azusa finally visits the beach with Narmaya.

Having gained a little bit of experience from her time with (Captain), Azusa is able to relax and enjoy their time together.

Halfway through the day, the two take a break under a pair of umbrellas that (Captain) had gifted them.

Narmaya: Azusa, today you seem somewhat...

Azusa: What's the matter? Did I do something wrong?

Narmaya: Not at all! The contrary, actually. You seem really confident, and it's been a very fun day.

Narmaya: Hehe. I expected myself to take the lead today...

Narmaya: But thanks to you, there was no need for me to. Thank you, Azusa. I'm having a lovely time.

Azusa: Hehe, I'm glad to hear that. I'm really happy that we can spend today together...

Azusa: Just the two of us.

Narmaya: I'm surprised though. You seem rather used to this... It's almost as if you've come here with someone else before.

Azusa: Oh, yes. I came here with (Captain) the other day.

Narmaya: The two of you? Alone?

Azusa: Um... yes. It was just... the two of us...

Narmaya: Oho...

Azusa: W-wait! It's not what you think. It's not that I was trying to keep (Captain) all to myself...

Azusa: I wanted today to be perfect, you see! So I asked (Captain) to go with me... as practice...

Narmaya pouts and looks over at the flustered Azusa, who desperately tries to explain.

But the frown soon turns into a smile, and Narmaya reaches over to give Azusa's cheek a playful poke.

Azusa: Eh?

Narmaya: Hehe. It's all right, I'm not angry with you.

Narmaya: I'm happy that you're getting along well with (Captain).

Narmaya: But, I am a teensy bit jealous. Of both you and (Captain).

Azusa: Ngh... I'm sorry, Narmaya...

Narmaya: I'm not mad at all!
Hmm, but... how about this—I'll forgive you if you spar with me.

Azusa: If that is what you want, then I'll be happy to oblige.

Narmaya: I know I said today was a fun day, but...

Azusa: Of course. Neither of us should go easy on the other.

The two smile bashfully at each other.

And in the next moment, a flurry of blades flash and clash.

The two happily cross swords with bright smiles on their faces. The extensive time they spend sparring passes by in an instant.

They release attack after attack at one another, too fast for the normal eye to see. Their eyes sparkle with anticipation.

Narmaya: Hehe, it seems you've become stronger yet again. The way you drew your sword earlier!

Narmaya: To think you tricked me into thinking you'd reached me, when you didn't even move a single step...

Azusa: I conceived the idea after observing a shark walking with its tail. Everything can be applied to battle, after all.

Azusa: Still, I'm no match for you. Not even close.

Azusa: I've invented new ways of utilizing my blade and created new tactics. But you still parry my slashes with ease!

Narmaya: Azusa... I'm putting my full power into my strikes. Do they feel light to you?

Azusa: An absurd question. My hands have lost all feeling! Your strikes are far from light!

Narmaya: It's the same for me! Your techniques and the way you handle your blade... Overcoming them is anything but easy!

Azusa: Right...

Narmaya: Hehe.

Both: (This is so nice...)
(This is nice...)

Their hearts pounding and eyes wide with excitement, Azusa and Narmaya enjoy their time crossing blades, almost as if they were on a shopping trip in town.

However, the time passes by like a dream and soon comes to an end.

Both: Oh!
Wha!

Narmaya's blade reaches its limit before the two swordswomen do.

Azusa: I don't believe it..

Narmaya: Hmm... It could be that I've been pushing it too hard recently. Unfortunate, but I suppose that will be all for today.

Azusa: I'm sorry I damaged your precious blade! How can I atone for it...

Narmaya: A-atone? I am a little sad to see it like this, but every blade is bound to break someday.

Narmaya: Besides, the fact that my blade broke is proof that I still have room to improve.

Azusa: No... It's because I kept aiming for the weak spots too many times...

Azusa: My techniques must not have been suitable for a blade to receive.

Azusa: Just look at your katana... It can't even be used anymore. What have I done...

Azusa: Teacher Gamshira will most certainly reprimand me... How could I have damaged his precious daughter's blade like this...

Narmaya: R-really, it's all right. You know I'm not fixed on any particular blade.

Azusa: But...

Narmaya: The essence of my sword is the magic power behind it. I use magic to transform the weapon—as long as the blade can channel my magic, anything works.

Narmaya: I'm the one who pushed my blade too far—I don't use it in a way it's intended for. I'll look for a new blade, so it's not a problem at all!

Azusa: Then...

Azusa: How about you grant me the honor of finding a new blade for you!

Narmaya: You'd find one for me?

Azusa: Yes! After all, I am the one who broke your precious weapon. The responsibility falls on me...

Azusa: So I should be the one to search! I'll find the perfect one, no matter how long it takes. Even if I must craft it myself!

Narmaya: Azusa...

Seeing the tears in Azusa's eyes, Narmaya gently grasps her hand.

Narmaya: Okay. I'll leave it to you then, Azusa!

Azusa: You... You will? J-just wait then!

Azusa: I'll most definitely bring back a blade worthy of you!

Azusa nods and immediately runs off, determined to accomplish her mission.

She Left It to Me: Scene 2

Still in her swimwear, Azusa goes off to find the swordsmith Kasumi, whom she once heard about from Gamshira. Confident that the man can craft the perfect blade for Narmaya, Azusa makes a request, which Kasumi promptly turns down. Azusa tells Kasumi that she is willing to do anything for him to forge a blade for her. Several days later, (Captain) and company begin to worry when Azusa still does not return to the ship.

---

Azusa: Pant... Pant...

Forgetting to change out of her swimwear, Azusa runs through the streets, thinking back to an incident in the past.

Azusa: Teacher, this blade...

Gamshira: You see it too, don't you, Azusa? The beauty of this blade.

Laruna: I'm sorry, Azusa. His bad habits never change... You don't have to keep him company like this if you don't want to.

Gamshira: Laruna... Referring to it as a "bad habit" makes it actually sound like something bad...

Azusa: It's all right, Laruna. Teacher is the one who's keeping me company.

Laruna: Ooh, you're just such a good girl, Azusa!

Laruna: Darling. Make sure you teach her properly, you hear?

Gamshira: Of course! This blade is signed with the name "Kasumi"—it's an inscribed katana with the name of its craftsman.

Gamshira: Capable of cutting through heavy fog and mist, it releases a light that can pierce the darkness... Very few blades can surmount it.

Azusa: Even an amateur like myself can tell. Not only does it possess great beauty, but also a bloodlust that sends a chill down my spine.

Gamshira: Exactly. It is a weapon made to kill, after all. But that is also part of its charm.

Gamshira: The Kasumi who forged this blade is undoubtedly a genius. He used to help me out quite a bit.

Azusa: Used to...

Laruna: I hear Kasumi doesn't forge blades anymore. He never gave a reason and keeps to himself now.

Gamshira: His katanas are of a caliber that surpasses even so-called enchanted blades. No other bladesmith I know could craft such things.

Gamshira: Such a shame...

Azusa: For this craftsman to receive such high praise from you, Teacher... I'd like to meet him someday.

Azusa: (Who thought I'd end up going to see him like this...)

Azusa finds herself at a workshop Gamshira—both her teacher and guardian—used to frequent.

After hearing Gamshira's story, Azusa had decided to look for the craftsman in hopes of asking him to craft Narmaya's new blade.

Azusa: Pardon my intrusion. Might you be the craftsman Kasumi?

Kasumi: What in the...

Kasumi: What is that getup? Can't believe there're people who won't even bother putting on proper clothes when visitin' someone.

Azusa: I... forgot to change in my haste to come find you.

Azusa: There is an urgent matter I'd like to ask you about, Kasumi. Will you listen?

Azusa steps toward the Draph and hands him the bottle she had in her hand.

Kasumi: I take back what I said earlier—looks like you do have some manners in ya. Suppose I could lend an ear to whatever you've got to say.

Kasumi: Though there's really no need to. You want me to forge a blade for ya, don'tcha? That katana looks plain awful.

Azusa: Awful? But I haven't even shown it to you.

Kasumi: To put it more tastefully... I can hear it screamin'.

Azusa: Screaming?

Kasumi: In addition to the chip in the blade, the impact caused the handle to crack.

Kasumi: It can't fit snugly into the sheath anymore. Makin' a pretty ghastly sound just hangin' at your waist.

Azusa: For you to have gauged so much in an instant... Your talent is as Teacher Gamshira said.

Kasumi: Oho, Teacher Gamshira now, is it? So he's made a name for himself. And you heard about me from him and want me to forge ya a blade.

Azusa: What I'd like you to forge is not a blade for myself.

Azusa: It's actually a blade for... a friend.

Kasumi: Aaah... Whew, that was some good stuff. Thanks for bringing that over.

Kasumi: Well, out with ya.

Azusa: Wha! Wait, please. Listen to me!

Kasumi: No can do. I heard what ya had to say. That was in return for the drink.

Azusa: No... Please, I...

Kasumi: Ask another craftsman. I'm not gonna help ya do it and I'm done listenin'.

Azusa: Another one won't do... I can't have Narmaya's blade crafted by just anyone.

Azusa: Please. Whatever you want, if it's within my power, I will do it! I'll do anything!

Kasumi: Fool. Don't make promises you can't fulfill.

Azusa: I'm serious!

Kasumi: Oho? I see. You'll do anything, hm?

Kasumi: Even give yourself up?

The Draph approaches Azusa with unsteady steps, the corners of his mouth turning upward devilishly.

Azusa: ...!

Weeks after Azusa sets out in search of a new blade...

The swordswoman has yet to return to (Captain)'s ship.

Vyrn: Hey, Butterfly Girl. I know Azusa said she was gonna go look for your new katana, but it's been a pretty long time. Think she's okay?

Narmaya: Azusa felt responsible for my katana, so I wanted to help her feel better and thought it'd be best if I respected her wishes...

Narmaya: I expected her to go to a weapons shop and come back with a new one soon after that, but it has been a while...

Narmaya: What do you think we should do, (Captain)?

1. It's Azusa. She'll be fine.
2. Let's believe in her.

Choose: It's Azusa. She'll be fine.

Vyrn: Yeah! Azusa's strong just like you, Butterfly Girl. She can take care of herself!

Vyrn: I'm sure she'll be back in no time. Let's put our trust in her and wait.

Go to "Continue 1"

Choose: Let's believe in her.

Lyria: I do worry about her... but it's important to put our trust in Azusa too.

Lyria: Why don't we wait a little while longer? If she doesn't come back soon, we can go look for her together!

Continue 1

Narmaya: Yeah... You're right. Let's do that.

(Captain) helps calm Narmaya, and together, they await Azusa's return.

But Azusa doesn't come back—not the day after, nor the day after that.

She Left It to Me: Scene 3

Kasumi tasks Azusa with going to North Vast in her swimsuit and finding rare items to forge ten blades with her own hands. The man expects Azusa to give up, as he has had many other people who approached him with requests before, but were unwilling to work for them. However, much to Kasumi's surprise, Azusa eventually returns with everything he had asked of her. The swordsmith apologizes for his harsh attitude and decides to make Azusa his new apprentice and impart all of his knowledge onto her.

---

Kasumi: Aaah!

Kasumi: How many days has it been? Ah well, doesn't matter... It's just as I thought.

Kasumi: She's probably gone too by now.

The man stands in his workshop, finishing the remainder of his bottle and reflecting on the incident a few weeks ago.

Azusa: ...!
I will give myself up, if it's for Narmaya's sake!

Kasumi: All right. No going back on your words.
Head to North Vast—in that outfit of yours.

Azusa: North Vast?

Kasumi: Go find some bewitched water—the coldest water in existence—and some magic ironsand. It's ironsand that changes shape and hardness with magic.

Kasumi: After that, forge ten blades with your own hands. You can do it by trial and error, or ask someone to teach you.

Azusa: M-me?

Kasumi: You're not goin' back on your words, are ya?

Azusa: No. I'm not.

And with that, Azusa promptly leaves the workshop for North Vast.

Kasumi: I'll be here waitin'.

Kasumi: Sigh...

Just as the man is about to lift the bottle to his mouth again, he hears something.

The door to the workshop opens, revealing a worn Azusa carrying a basket.

Azusa: Sorry I... took so long...

Kasumi: I don't believe it... You mean... you actually managed to do what I told ya to do? Dressed like that?

Kasumi: It's the dead of winter in North Vast... Your clothes barely shield you from anything.

Azusa: I told you... I don't go back on my words...

Azusa hands the man a large container of water and a bag of ironsand.

Kasumi: This bottle... It's infused with magic to prevent the water inside from freezing or warmin' up to room temperature.

Azusa: I realized from listening to you that a normal method of transport would not suffice for this type of water.

Azusa: I was able to make use of the knowledge I acquired on how to make magical tools during my search for a new hobby.

Kasumi: So you made this yourself? Incredible... You even got the ironsand...

Kasumi: I don't get it...

Kasumi: To get this stuff, you need to go to places crawling with the Odajumoki and powerful monsters... Normal skyfarers don't stand a chance.

Azusa: I had a talk with them, and we came to an understanding.

Kasumi: (Lies... Those hotheaded gangsters would never give up anything just from talkin'.)

Kasumi: (She won it from them.)

Azusa pulls out ten blades from the basket and shows the man, who is stunned into silence.

Kasumi: ...

Azusa: I didn't buy these. I—

Kasumi: I can tell just by lookin'. These blades look horrible, but they're way better than anything some shabby ol' weapons shop would sell.

Kasumi: Where did you learn how to forge these?

Azusa: I used the time it took to sail to North Vast. I read some books on bladesmithing—so I'm afraid these are products of mere knowledge...

Kasumi: You made these just from what you learned from books? You'd never be able to make anything into the shape of a blade just by that.

Azusa: Yes. That's why...

Azusa: I tried forging it into the right shape over and over again, failing hundreds of times.

Kasumi: ...

Kasumi: (It takes days to craft even one blade... I can't believe she actually did all this!)

Kasumi: Why are you willing to go this far?

Azusa: It's for... a friend.

Kasumi: A friend?

Azusa: Yes. She's... an important friend.

Azusa: That friend said she's leaving it to me. So I have to do it!

Kasumi: That's it?

Azusa: I don't need any other reason.

Kasumi: ...

Kasumi: You want a katana? Go buy one yourself.

Restless Man: It has to be one that you crafted! I want a blade with your signature on it!

Eager Man: Let me be your apprentice! I'll carry your techniques to the next generation!

Kasumi: Okay, then show me what you've got. Do everything I tell ya to, and then we'll talk.

Men: You're on! We'll do anything!

Kasumi: Heh, ran away, did they? Knew they didn't have it in 'em.

Kasumi: They're always all talk...

Kasumi: I'm sorry.

Azusa: Why are you apologizing?

Kasumi: I expected you to be the same as all those people who were all talk.

Kasumi: Those people who think they just have to bribe me with a drink and get on my good side.

Kasumi: That's why I gave you nearly impossible tasks... I thought you were gonna run away just like all the other ones.

Kasumi: It was rude of me.

Azusa: I knew what you were trying to do.

Kasumi: What?

Azusa: Besides, I was the one who was rude. From the very beginning, I never expected to receive help from you with only a gift.

Azusa: I heard from Teacher Gamshira that you don't forge blades anymore.

Azusa: Nevertheless, I decided to ask you. I had never even met you before, and here I was asking for you to craft a katana for me.

Azusa: So it would be unjust of me not to at least complete the challenges you presented me with.

Azusa: Have I sufficiently proved my resolution? Will you... craft a blade for me?

Kasumi: No.

Azusa: ...

Kasumi: The one crafting the blade will be you.

Azusa: Wha... Me?

Kasumi: These ten blades are terrible, but they're proof of the blood and sweat that went into forging them. You've got both guts and talent.

Kasumi: I've decided. You're gonna be my apprentice!

Azusa: Huh? Apprentice? You can't be serious—

Kasumi: I've made my decision—you're my apprentice starting now! And you're gonna be the one to forge that blade for your friend!

Kasumi: I'll teach ya everything I know!

Azusa: ...
I'm ready!

She Left It to Me: Scene 4

After a few more days, the crew finally receives a letter from Azusa and immediately sails to the location noted in the letter. Looking battered, Azusa hands Narmaya a blade she forged herself. When Narmaya tries swinging it, her slash slices the ocean itself into two. Touched by the superiority of the blade, Narmaya gives Azusa a hug. The two cross swords once more and enjoy their time together.

---

Days later, (Captain) and company finally decide to go on a search for Azusa.

Just as they are about to depart, they receive a letter.

It's a letter from Azusa, asking the crew to come to the beach she had gone to with (Captain) and Narmaya before.

The crew immediately sail to the specified location, where they find their friend looking ragged and leaning against the trunk of a tree.

Narmaya: Azusa!

Azusa: Oh... Narmaya. I'm sorry I took so long...

Narmaya: You look terrible... How did you become like this? Are you all right?

Azusa: Don't worry about me... Please, take this...

Narmaya: You brought back a...

Vyrn: A katana... That's an impressive lookin' one. It's practically sparklin'!

Lyria: I can't take my eyes off it...

Narmaya: This katana is more beautiful than anything I've seen in Father's collection... Where did you get this?

Azusa: You said you'd leave it to me, right?

Narmaya: You mean this blade is for... me?

Azusa: Yes, I crafted it myself with the help of my master.

Lyria: Master?
Wait, did you say you made this yourself, Azusa?

Vyrn: I always knew you could do anything you put your heart to...

Vyrn: But craftin' a sword like this is on a whole different level...

Narmaya: Azusa... You did this much, all for me...

Azusa: Give it a swing...

Narmaya: Okay.

Narmaya gives the glimmering blade a swing.

The slash makes no sound, piercing through the air with incredible force...

Before splitting the sea itself in two.

The Three: ...!

Azusa: Hehe, perfect. Narmaya's every swing mesmerizes me...

Narmaya: No... It's not me. I wouldn't have been able to do something like this so easily.

Narmaya: I only gave the katana a light swing to test it...

Vyrn: Then... how'd that happen?

Lyria: It just shows how amazing the sword Azusa crafted is, right?

Narmaya: Yes, I'm sure of it! It's my first time seeing a blade of this caliber...

Growing ecstatic, Narmaya tries channeling her power into the katana before swinging it again.

Together with her deft movements, the blade becomes a broad sword, a spear, and a lance, changing into an axe or a dagger at other times.

Narmaya: Its transformation is so fluid and natural... as if it's a part of my own body.

Azusa: That's how I pictured it to be when I crafted it. Hehe, I'm glad it turned out the way I wanted it to. I'm so happy, Narmaya.

Narmaya: Me too... I'm so happy! To think you would craft such a wonderful blade for me...

Narmaya: Thank you, Azusa... Thank you so much!

Narmaya wraps her arms around Azusa, whose brief expression of surprise soon turns into a smile as she hugs her friend back.

Narmaya: I'd really like to test out this blade as soon as possible...

Azusa: In that case... allow me the honor.

Narmaya: But Azusa, you're already worn out...

Azusa: No need to worry. It's strange—I can feel energy welling up inside at the thought of crossing blades with you.

Azusa: I fixed my own blade while I was at it, so it's ready. Hehe, I'm sure it's going to be a lot of fun.

Lyria: Umm, are you sure you don't want to rest for a while first?

Vyrn: Yeah, don't go pushin' yourself too hard. If Narmaya needs a sparring partner, she's still got (Captain) here.

1. No, it has to be Azusa.

Choose: No, it has to be Azusa.

Lyria: But...

Azusa: All right. Here I come, Narmaya.

Narmaya: Are you really okay? I'm not going to hold back, you know.

Azusa: That's exactly how I want it! It's always a serious battle for me!

Narmaya: Hehe.

Azusa: Hehe!

Laughing, the two swordswomen promptly unsheathe their katanas and begin a beautiful dance of blades.

The two swords flash, their slashes cutting through the waves and sending the clouds in the sky far into oblivion.

The joy from the bottom of their hearts turns into smiles on their faces as they continue their catastrophic battle.

Vyrn: What's up with them... Well, as long as they're havin' fun, I guess.

Lyria: Yeah. Still...

Vyrn: Whoa, whoa! Take it easy, will ya! You're changin' the geography!

Lyria: We should stop them before things get too out of hand, (Captain)!

(Captain) hurriedly runs toward the two, sword in hand.

After that, it becomes an unspoken rule that (Captain) is to stand guard whenever Azusa and Narmaya's blades clash.