"I have often dueled with masters of Niten, a two-handed style using a long and a short blade. But three swords... Do you wield two, and keep the third sheathed in case you are disarmed?"

The samurai's demeanor warms a little as he speaks, as his genuine interest shows through. He continues like two chefs might talk to one another about a new recipe.

"I cannot imagine trying to grip two blades in one hand... This has been somewhat of a puzzle for me since I first heard about you."