Sanzo's Journey - Part 3 - Changing the Routine

Fall, 1138

The rain had been falling softly all day. The cool breeze that the rain brought with it was an almost refreshing feeling to one young man spending his most recent days inside his forge. He has been hammering at the same piece of metal most of the week, and it's almost finished.

His sensei, Xing Guo, is watching him carefully, not for concern of proper technique, but for concern of the student. The young man has been hard at work for nearly a week now, stopping only to eat or sleep, and not doing even enough of that. The old man clears his throat, hoping to get a response from his nephew.

Without looking away from his work, the young man replies, "Yes?"

"What is on your mind, Sanzo?"

"The only thing that can be on my mind when I'm working, uncle. My work,” Sanzo replies in a very half-hearted manner.

"Your focus is impressive, but if you keep up like you are, it won't matter." The old sensei continues, with worry in his voice. "You've been holding something back since you returned from your last trip. Tell me, what happened?"

A long moment of silence passes as the younger man struggles to find his words. "I... I lost a friend. A good friend."

"A friend? Who?" Xing Guo asks, hoping to pry the cause of Sanzo’s despondency from him.

Sanzo stops working for a moment. "Just a wave man, enjoying his freedom."

Another few moments pass before Xing Guo continues, "I see. Well, you need to get out of the shop for a while. If not, I fear your health will not last much longer.”

The young smith sighs dejectedly. “And do what?”

Both remain silent for a while. The soft sound of the light rain continues, interrupted only by the sound of a hammer striking metal.

“Have you made no other friends along your journey?" the old man asks. "Surely they too morn this man’s loss. Visit them, I bet that would help.”

The young man looks at the piece of metal before him that has taken the form of a beautiful blade, and sighs. His mind drifts to thoughts of one of his companions, a lovely woman from the Crane clan. “I suppose you’re right. If I keep up like this, I’ll only produce more flawed work anyway.” He tosses the piece of metal back into the fire. “I’ll go pack my things.”