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Show less"Yubashiri." 

Looking at the katana in his hand, Masa only nodded and thought the quality was good, but compared to his "Shusui," his black blade, it was nothing. 

"Oh, right, I also have another sword." 

As he thought so, he took out a nodachi, a type of katana with a long blade. 

Raiu. 

This was the weapon of Shiryu, the former head jailer of the Impel Down, who became a criminal and was locked on Level 6. 

Naturally, Masa didn't miss this person and took him down, devouring him. He also got the Shiryu's sword, Raiu. 

Similar to Shishui and Yubashiri, Raiu was also a "Meito," an umbrella term for named blades that have earned fame as a result of having been forged by master bladesmiths or being wielded by master swordsmen. 

Frankly, was it necessary for him to collect those blades? 

After all, Masa was strong enough, and with the slight modification of Masa DxD, all of them were capable of using the "Coulomb's Sword," which was the signature magic of Masa Mahouka. 

Instead of those swords, then, wasn't it better to use magic that could break down the connection of atoms directly?

More importantly, no matter how strong the "Meito" was, it could break down and be directly destroyed after a long use, especially if one didn't master a Haki. 

Many thought so, but Masa felt that it was necessary to collect the blade since he wanted to see the composition of the metal to create those swords. Even if those swords might not be as powerful as the "Coulomb's Sword," those swords were created by the painstaking master blacksmiths of the Void Century, especially the Supreme Grade Blades, which were created during that era, yet still remained in the pristine condition till now. 

With that long-lost metallurgical technology, Masa might be able to create that legendary sword from his previous world. 

Still, compared to the creation of legendary swords, he was more interested in the formation of metal, which was used to create those words. 

If Masa gave an example, it was like a cocktail, which was a delicious drink created by mixing various alcohol and other ingredients into one. 

To create the strongest metal, it was necessary to combine one with another. 

At the same time, Masa also tried to develop the "Wapol Alloy," a special kind of alloy that was inadvertently invented by Wapol.

Still, he had devoured Wapol, so it should be easy to develop that metal, right? 

If reality worked that way, then he would have no need to wait for his unique ability to grow stronger, okay? 

Regardless, as he tried to learn the composition and methods to create the new sword that he bought, the door of his room was knocked. 

"Who?" 

"...it's me." 

"Enter." 

The door was quietly opened, and the person who knocked on the door of his room entered timidly, yet she tried to show her utmost respect since she knew well that it was rude of her to come in the middle of the night. 

"What's wrong, Tashigi?" 

Masa was about to rest in Kalifa's room, playing a bubble play, so he hoped Tashigi to finish her issue as soon as possible, but—

"Um... is that a Meito?" 

As Masa held the Yubashiri, Tashigi couldn't help but ask. 

"Yes." Masa nodded and gestured for her to come closer. "Come here." 

"Y-Yes!" 

While Tashigi was distracted by Masa's newly bought sword, she was awoken once again, especially after he told her to move closer.

All of a sudden, she started to get subconscious of him, and her cheeks started to grow red, especially when they sat side by side with just a short distance between them. 

Still, Masa was good at making a woman comfortable, and more importantly, Tashigi was a sword user, so they had a common topic for a conversation. 

Or rather, it was Tashigi's first time to be able to talk about so many things with someone, especially about a sword. Nevertheless, as she talked, she couldn't help but ask, "Um... Masa-sama, can I ask you something?" 

"What's wrong?" 

"D-Do you think that a woman can become a swordmaster?" 

Somehow, as they started to become closer and Masa didn't show discrimination toward her when Tashigi told her her dream to become the number one swordswoman in the world, she couldn't help but blurt out her doubt. 

This was the world of One Piece, so it was natural that there was no gender equality. 

Rather, gender equality only happened in the 20th century, and before that, the value of a woman had always been to take care of a house and a child. 

In other words, they were the ones who supported the man on the back, giving him power whenever they felt weak. 

Still, if Masa had to be rude, then their role would be just of a maid and reproduction, especially in this world, where the weak had no right at all. 

'Well, the modern world isn't much different, either.' 

If there was a difference, it would be the shape and method of how the ruler exploited their people. 

As time progressed, it was natural for the ruler to become even savvier at exploiting their people. 

Regardless, Masa knew that he had to answer Tashigi's doubts. "Do you want to become a number one female swordmaster?" 

"Um..." Tashigi showed a bitter expression and asked, "You think it is impossible, right?" She thought that Masa was the same as everyone, which made her quite helpless. 

Why was it impossible for a woman to become the best swordmaster? 

Naturally, it was due to the difference in strength between them. 

A man is physically stronger than a woman; this is the belief of everyone, especially those who train in the path of a sword in this world. 

"You are stupid." 

"Eh?" Tashigi was dumbfounded by Masa's straightforward answer. 

"What is important for a swordsman is talent. If you don't have a talent, then you can't do anything. One among the best is possible, but being the best is impossible. So what if you aren't stronger than a man? If your strength can't catch up, then raise your speed or hone your skill further.

"After all, a weapon is a way for everyone to become fair." 

"...fair?" 

"Yes, fair." Masa nodded. "Let's say that a physically weak man and a physically strong man fight; who will win?" 

"The stronger man, of course." 

"What if the weak man has a weapon?" 

"...er." 

"What if the weak man is smarter?" 

"...er." 

Masa smiled and tapped Tashigi's forehead gently. "So don't give up. The reason why I chose you to stay by my side was because I could see your determination to become the best at sword, so... I couldn't help but be attracted to you, Tashigi." 

"M-Masa-sama..." 

Tashigi blushed and felt her face was so hot because of such a sudden confession. 

"I am sorry... my actions and words might startle you..." 

"N-No, it's fine... I-I am happy..." 

"Really?" 

"Um." 

Masa was silent as his eyes met Tashigi, who lowered her head shyly. 

"Look at me." 

"Hmm..." 

Tashigi was embarrassed, but she slowly lifted her head to meet his gaze. 

"Can I kiss you?" 

"I..." 

The concept of romance was probably rare, and frankly, being handsome helped Masa a lot.

"Um..." 

So, there was no hesitation, and Masa also wasn't a good person, so when they kissed slowly, he kept asking her; then, in the end, Tashigi's sweet voice resounded inside the room. 

"As expected, he is amazing." 

"How long has it been?" 

"To be able to conquer her heart just like that..." 

Carina, Perona, and Kalifa sighed. 

If it was just the body, they wouldn't think too much, but Masa also conquered Tashigi's heart. 

Only Vivi, who joined, felt her face was so hot that it turned as red as a boiled lobster, and as she heard the sweet, happy voice that came from Tashigi, a question emerged in her head. 

Was it really that good?