One Piece: Heaven-Defying Talent

Shimotsuki Kozaburo placed the sword embryo onto the forging platform and began striking it with his hammer. The sword embryo trembled, and the fire phoenix essence within it seemed to calm and settle.

With each strike, Shimotsuki poured his powerful spiritual energy into the blade, infusing it with his Armament Haki. His focus was unwavering, his attention solely on the hammer in his hand and the sword embryo before him. Every strike he made came from deep within, with each blow carrying his spirit and soul, his very essence.

Kozaburo's forging style was distinct from that of Hitetsu. While Hitetsu's technique embodied a master's control, skillfully drawing out the beauty of the blade, Kozaburo's style was almost as if he were merging himself with the sword, becoming one with it.

The willpower he injected continuously seeped into the blade, while his Armament Haki began to color it with a faint black sheen. Interwoven with the essence of the fire phoenix, the blade began to take on a rare appearance: black streaked with red, with a slender outline of a fire phoenix glowing faintly along its length.

Everyone looked on, captivated by the spectacle. For a swordsman, witnessing the birth of such a blade was a once-in-a-lifetime honor.

Vista's gaze remained glued to the sword embryo, a mixture of excitement and nervousness in his eyes. "It has to succeed," he murmured.

Cavendish, equally mesmerized, thought to himself, "What a magnificent blade… so perfect, so powerful."

The sea breeze picked up, rippling through everyone's clothing as they watched in awe. Against the red of the setting sun, their faces seemed to glow with anticipation.

Shimotsuki Kozaburo continued to work, striking with a rhythm that felt almost musical, each hammer blow reverberating with energy. His mastery became evident as his Armament Haki reached a rare form known as Emission, turning the Haki a faint pink.

Joz gasped, "Senior Shimotsuki has actually mastered Emission Haki?"

Ace nodded in agreement, "This is no ordinary skill. Shimotsuki's talent is truly incredible."

Hitetsu watched with narrowed eyes, silently impressed. "That old fox Kozaburo… he's truly mastered Emission. I may not be there yet, but I'll surpass him soon enough."

Hina, too, was astonished. She could hardly believe an elderly blacksmith had reached a level she herself was striving to achieve.

With each strike, Shimotsuki's Emission Haki enveloped the entire hammer, transferring an incredible power into the blade. The sword embryo slowly began to shift from black to a vivid pinkish-red hue.

Days passed, and after more than ten days of tireless work, the sword's body had fully transformed. The blade gleamed with Shimotsuki's condensed willpower, blending black and red with a radiant fire phoenix pattern etched into it. It seemed as though the phoenix might leap off the blade at any moment.

Shimotsuki's face grew pale as he poured the last of his Haki and spiritual energy into the sword.

Finally, the crucial moment arrived. Shimotsuki called out, "Rebecca! Now, we need a drop of your blood!"

Rebecca, who had been waiting, pricked her finger and let a drop of blood fall onto the blade. The sword immediately absorbed it, igniting with a blood-red flame that began to melt the forge table itself.

"More!" Shimotsuki commanded. Gritting her teeth, Rebecca grasped the sword with her hand, allowing her blood to flow freely. The infusion caused the fire phoenix essence to surge, releasing a powerful flame that engulfed her.

The intense heat radiating from the blade caused everyone nearby to step back, shielding their faces.

Within the flames, a giant fire phoenix took shape, towering over 2,000 meters high. Its wings stretched across the sky, casting a shadow over the land and sea. The flames scorched the ground, reducing it to ash, and even the surface of the ocean began to steam.

Everyone watched in awe.

"This… this sword alone radiates power stronger than my own," someone murmured.

Ace added, "There's no doubt—this is a supreme blade. A weapon like this is rare even in the entire world."