Salson donned his old blacksmith's uniform once more, though it now felt a touch snug. Five years had wrought significant changes upon him. His once shorter locks had deepened to a stark black, now cascading to the base of his neck. The rigorous training under Kan had sculpted his physique, leaving him noticeably more muscular and possessing a strength he hadn't known before.
Returning home, the moment the door creaked open, a blur launched itself at him. Jaden collided with him in a tight embrace, a sob escaping their lips. "I missed you so much!!" they cried, voice thick with emotion. "Look at you, so tall and muscular! You barely even look like yourself anymore, and your hair is so long! I missed you terribly, waah!"
Caston watched the reunion with a gentle smile, approaching Salson to ruffle his hair in a gesture of quiet pride. Soon after, Jaden pulled Salson down onto a wooden stool and, with practiced hands, trimmed his long hair until it resembled its former style.
"That sword," Caston began, his gaze fixed on the weapon at Salson's side, "did Kan give it to you?"
"Yes," Salson replied, a hint of respect in his tone. "Master Kan bestowed it upon me for successfully completing my training."
Caston examined the blade more closely. "It seems to be of good make, though it's a tad small for your current stature, and the blade has quite a wave to it."
A confident smirk touched Salson's lips. "No matter. I'll reforge it anew and make it perfectly suited for me."
The following day found Salson in the familiar heat of the forge, retrieving Mountain Cleaver. He plunged the blade into the roaring furnace, stoking the flames until the metal glowed with an almost liquid intensity. Then, selecting several molds, he carefully poured the molten Mountain Cleaver into them, shaping the hilt, the guard, and the blade. The resulting hilt was comfortably long, featuring a practical T-shaped guard, while the blade itself was lean and elongated.
With rhythmic strikes of the hammer and the steady whir of the rock grinder, Salson meticulously shaped the blade. Finally, the pieces came together, and Mountain Cleaver was reborn – a new sword for its transformed wielder. He presented his creation to Jaden and Caston, who both exclaimed that it was the finest blade he had ever crafted. Eager to test its mettle, Salson swung the sword at a nearby rock, cleaving it in two with a clean, effortless slice, as if it were mere butter. As the day drew to a close, a deep sense of satisfaction settled over Salson as he drifted off to sleep.
The next morning, his first task was a trip to the village to procure a fitting scabbard for Mountain Cleaver. Afterward, he made his way to the dojo, eager to showcase his handiwork. Even Kan, a man not easily impressed, was visibly astonished by the exceptional quality of the reforged sword. A brief, respectful greeting was exchanged before Salson turned and swiftly made his way back home.
Lunch was a warm affair shared with his family. As the meal concluded, Jaden presented Salson with a brand-new blacksmith's uniform, an exact replica of his old one, but now tailored to his broader frame.