Cherry

The market was alive with noise—traders shouting over each other, stalls stacked with gleaming blades, potion vials bubbling faintly, glowing s-orbs floating in glass cases, parchment scrolls spread wide like wings.
Kenji pushed through the crowd, scanning for Eleo, when suddenly his right eye throbbed with a searing pain.
"Ghh—!" He clutched his face, gritting his teeth as a sharp jolt cut through his vision. In his mind, he muttered: W-what the hell…? Why is my eye burning? It's like someone shot me right in the socket.
His knee buckled, forcing him to crouch.
For one terrifying moment, his vision went black in his right eye.
"My eye… I… I can't see…" he whispered. His chest tightened. Then, as suddenly as it came, the pain vanished. His sight returned.
Breathing hard, he wiped the dust from his face and muttered, "Must've been the damn sand." He forced himself back up, spine straight as steel, shaking it off.
That's when he noticed a stocky figure behind a weapon stand: a dwarf, arms crossed, thick beard braided with beads, hawk-like eyes sharp as a blade's edge.
"Hello there, blue-haired swordsman," the dwarf greeted, voice like gravel.
Kenji's gaze narrowed. "I'm not here for chatter. I need a new sword."
The dwarf grinned, showing a row of uneven teeth. "Ah, you've come to the right place then. I just so happen to sell swords. But… may I get a look at yours first?"
Kenji's hand rested on his hilts, his stare unblinking. "If you try to steal even one… that's two fingers broken. Clear?"
The dwarf chuckled. "Oh, I wouldn't dream of it. Not from you, blue-hair."
Kenji unsheathed both blades, placing them carefully on the counter, eyes sharp as a hawk tracking prey.
The dwarf picked up the first sword, examining the dark-blue sheath. "Hmm. Solid make." He slid the blade free. The edge gleamed faintly with flame patterns etched along the steel. "Ohhh. Interesting. What's this one called?"
"Marshall," Kenji answered, tone clipped. "Named after my brother."
The dwarf raised a brow. "Deep name. But… the blade isn't sharp enough."
Kenji's brow furrowed. "What do you mean not sharp enough?"
"You haven't sharpened it, silly. Basically, you haven't upgraded it." The dwarf grabbed a whetstone, scraping the edge with swift, practiced strokes. Sparks flew. In under a minute, he slid it back across the counter. "There we go. Try it now."
Kenji took Marshall back, giving it a test swing. The air hissed. His lips tugged into the faintest smirk.
"Good. Now the other."
He passed his second blade over.
The dwarf barely glanced at it. "Mm. Regular sword. Doesn't carry the same spirit. No name attached?"
Kenji shook his head. "No. Just a blade. That's why I want it replaced."
"Of course, of course," the dwarf muttered, snapping his fingers. Suddenly, a shimmer rippled through the air, and dozens of weapons materialized, hovering like a deadly bouquet.
Kenji's eyes widened slightly. "H-how the hell—"
"Magic," the dwarf interrupted smugly.
Kenji sighed and facepalmed. "Right. Of course."
He scanned the options: a glowing holy hammer, spiked chains, a double-headed blade, hooked weapons. His scowl deepened. "Mr. Dwarf. I'm a swordsman. Not a circus act. I don't need complicated junk."
The dwarf scratched his chin. "Mmm. Right, right. Then maybe… this one."
He ducked under the counter, rummaging, then emerged with a pink box. Setting it down, he pulled out a rose-patterned key, sliding it into the lock. "Inside here is a sword of legend."
Kenji raised an eyebrow. "Really. Then let's see it."
The dwarf twisted the key and opened the lid.
Inside lay a sheath—pink, covered in sakura blossoms.
Kenji's jaw tightened. "...What the hell? Are you kidding me?"
"I kid you not," the dwarf said firmly. "This sword is strong. It belonged to a legendary swordswoman—an incredible warrior. Dead now, but her power lives on."
Kenji's eyes sharpened. "How do you even know that? And how the hell did you get it?"
The dwarf's voice lowered. "I stole it. From her grave."
Kenji slammed a hand on the counter. "You what?"
The dwarf raised both hands. "Look, it was worth it."
Kenji leaned in, eyes narrowing. "You're filth. Grave robbing scum. But… I need to replace this blade." He tapped his old sword. "It has no meaning. Unlike Marshall."
The dwarf nodded eagerly. "Yes, yes. Trust me. This sword will serve you. I know the lore."
Kenji exhaled sharply. "How much?"
"One million."
Kenji's eyes snapped open wide. "WHAT?! One million? You're insane, little man."
The dwarf crossed his arms. "If it weren't legendary, I wouldn't ask one million."
Kenji growled, pointing at him. "Look—I don't want to seem racist. But I once met an evil dwarf. Left me with a bad impression. For all I know, you're lying straight out of your ass."
The dwarf only smirked. "You'll know soon enough. Go ahead. Touch it."
Kenji frowned but reached out. The moment his hand brushed the sheath, pink petals materialized out of thin air—sakura blossoms scattering into the market air.
Both men froze.
Kenji snatched his hand back. "What the hell? Where did those flowers come from?!"
The dwarf's eyes lit up. "It's the sword. It's based on the sakura flower. And it seems to have chosen you."
Kenji's grip tightened. "...I don't have a million coins lying around."
The dwarf shook his head. "No. If the sword reacted to you, then it's a sign. I can't keep it away from its rightful owner."
Kenji narrowed his eyes. "You mean to tell me you're giving a legendary blade to a stranger. For free. Just because of a few petals?"
The dwarf nodded firmly. "Yes. Dumb as it sounds, I believe it's time for the next generation to take over. I won't hold back what isn't mine. Especially not from you."
Kenji stared hard at him, searching for any crack in his words. Slowly, he reached out and took the blade. His hand tightened around the sheath. His smirk returned, faint but sharp.
As the dwarf gathered his things, Kenji called out, "Wait. What's your name?"
The dwarf looked back with a small smile. "Hummy. Hummy Jackson."
Kenji gave a short nod. "Kenji. And… I'll carry this sword. I'll honor it. You have my word."
Hummy's eyes softened. "That's enough for me, boy. Any time."
The dwarf walked off into the crowd, vanishing into the noise of the market.
Kenji stared down at the pink blade, lifting it just enough to catch the light. "Cherry. That's your name. With you… I'll protect Eleo and the others. Everyone." His voice dropped, colder. "Except Randy."
Sliding the blade into his belt, he turned, scanning the bustling market again. "Now… time to find that idiot leader of mine."