Greetings Ryu! Come in, come in! I’m so glad you came to visit old Muramasa! I have something very exciting for you!

As you know, our village has been attacked by the vicious Black Spider Clan, and they appear to be in league with those awful fiends. They have even kidnapped our beloved Momiji! Horrible times, horrible times indeed! I am so glad you entrusted me with the care of the True Dragon Sword, but before we get to that, I have something I need to speak to you about.

As you know, before you rebuilt our village from the last Black Spider attack, I asked that I might have my home rebuilt on the river so that I can spend out my twilight years with the sounds of the water and the breeze through the trees as my companions. For reasons that are yours alone, you rebuilt your home on the river while I am closer to the village garbage dump. Would you, by any chance, know of any other plots near the water where I may be able to relocate? No? Most unfortunate. Well, I will make due with the home I have been so graciously given. On to more important things!

As you know, you entrusted me with your Dragon Sword so that I might return it to it’s previous glory. At least that’s what I thought when you threw it at me and said “Clean this old man, so that I can see myself in it.” Well, I have remade the Dragon Sword to make it even more lethal and to help you on your journey. Behold, Ryu Hayabusa! Behold your new Dragon Sword!

Ha-ha-ha! No my son, it is not a pencil. Technically it is a stylus, and a formidable one at that! It will serve you well as you seek our beloved Momiji. Simply draw a line upon your enemies like this and watch as they fall before you! Trust me my boy, it is just as lethal as your old sword. Now, off with you, bring back our beloved Momiji!

....

Ryu, you’re back! Come in, come in! How goes your journey? I must admit, you look as if you’ve had some fierce battles with the Black Spider Clan. Where is your other ear? No matter, no matter, the village healer can no doubt help you. What? You want your Dragon Sword back? No, no, no my son! Muramasa assures you that your new Dragon Sword stylus is more lethal than that rusty old blade ever was. Are you drawing your lines? You are? Well, perhaps you’re drawing them too quickly. Here, take these parchments, they have new drawing techniques that will help you strike your enemies down.

Now, before you head off to the healer, and then to bring Momiji back, I have some more questions for you. How many bedrooms does your home have? Four? Wonderful. And bathrooms? Two and a half? Fantastic. What a wonderful home you have built for yourself! Your father would be so proud. And is your toilet located right next to your bed as it is in my home? No? Splendid! What about air conditioning? Does your home have it, or must you make due with whatever breeze blows off of the refuse pile, as I do in my home? You have air conditioning? Truly your home is a testament to your greatness my dear boy. What? Why do I ask? Oh, no reason, no reason at all. In my old age, I’ve developed a love or architecture, and when I hear of a home as wonderful as yours, it piques my curiosity. Off with you now! Best of luck!

...

My boy, my boy, what has happened to you? Muramasa is old, and sometimes forgets, but I seem to remember you having two arms last I saw you. Eaten by a dragon you say? Well, that truly is something to tell your grandchildren about. I’m sure the healer can fashion you a new arm out of bamboo and reeds. Worry not my boy! Oh, no, no, no, your Dragon Sword is no longer available. I had some problems making my mortgage payments these days, what with the adjustable rate mortgage you talked me into when the village was rebuilt, and I fear I had to sell your Dragon Sword to make my balloon payment. Fear not though, as I have more parchments here to teach you how to draw lines on your opponents and banish them back to hell. I can assure you that the stylus works fine. Do you blame the brush when no one can read your kanji? I thought not.