CHAPTER 7: WEAPONS OF MOONLIGHT

Almost immediately after his memories return, Andrew finds himself inexplicably drawn to certain weapons. Straight kunai feel awkward in his hands, but curved blades feel like extensions of his own body. During a class trip to the village marketplace, he stops transfixed before the weapons shop owned by Tenten's father, his eyes lingering on the displayed bows and curved swords.

"You've got a good eye, kid," Mr. Higurashi says, noticing Andrew's fascination. A bulky man with imposing muscles that flex beneath his simple white t-shirt and blue workman's pants, Tenten's father cuts an intimidating figure. His thick leather apron is marked with years of smithing work, and a prominent scar runs across his right cheek, disappearing into his hairline. Despite his formidable appearance, his eyes are kind as he observes Andrew's interest. "Most Academy students only care about kunai and shuriken."

"These curved blades," Andrew says, running his finger along the glass case. "They feel... right somehow. Have you ever made weapons specifically for channeling chakra?"

Mr. Higurashi raises an eyebrow, surprised by the question. "That's advanced weaponry, boy. Not something Academy students typically ask about."

"I'm interested in learning," Andrew persists. "Would you teach me? I could help around the shop in exchange."

The weaponsmith studies him for a long moment. "Sweeping floors doesn't make you a bladesmith, kid."

"I know," Andrew replies seriously. "But everyone starts somewhere. Let me prove myself."

Impressed by his determination, Mr. Higurashi offers him a trial period—two weeks of shop work after Academy hours. If Andrew shows dedication, they'll discuss further training.

Those two weeks see Andrew arriving at dawn to sweep before school and returning immediately after classes to organize inventory, polish displays, and eventually help with basic metalwork. His diligence catches the attention of Tenten Higurashi, who observes him curiously each day.

Tenten, with her chocolate brown hair always styled in two neat buns and practical training clothes reflecting her no-nonsense approach to weapons training, initially views Andrew with skepticism.

"Why are you so interested in weapons?" she asks bluntly one afternoon, watching him meticulously arranging kunai by weight and balance. "Most boys your age just want the flashiest thing they can swing around."

Andrew answers without looking up. "Because I want to understand them. A weapon is an extension of yourself. If you don't respect it, it won't respect you."

Something in his serious tone makes Tenten pause. "That's... exactly what my father always says."

Their shared philosophy becomes the foundation of a friendship. When Mr. Higurashi sees Andrew's genuine interest in craftsmanship, he begins teaching him the basics of smithing. Tenten, initially somewhat envious of her father's attention to this younger student, eventually warms to Andrew after watching him train.

"Your fighting style is unlike anything I've seen before," she comments, observing his taijutsu practice one evening. "It's all kicks and spins, almost like dancing."

Andrew demonstrates a spinning hook kick. "It leaves my hands free for weapons or jutsu."

"Smart," Tenten nods appreciatively. "Want to spar?"

Their training sessions become regular, developing into a healthy rivalry that pushes both to improve. Where Tenten has precision and variety with her weapons, Andrew has his unique style and growing skill with his preferred curved blades. Their sparring matches quickly become events that even older students come to watch, with friendly wagers on who will win each bout.

"You're getting faster," Tenten remarks one day, breathing hard after a particularly intense session where she barely managed to deflect his attacks. "But I've got a new technique that will definitely catch you off guard next time."

Andrew grins, equally winded. "Looking forward to it."

As their rivalry intensifies, so does their friendship. Tenten finds herself increasingly impressed by Andrew's dedication and the graceful yet deadly way he moves with his weapons. During one training session, she pauses mid-fight, lowering her weapons as she watches him complete a complex series of maneuvers with his practice blades.

"What?" Andrew asks, noticing her sudden stillness.

"Nothing," she says quickly, hiding the slight blush that has crept into her cheeks. "It's just... the way you move with those blades. It's like you're dancing with them—graceful but deadly at the same time."

Andrew doesn't notice her momentary flustered state, too focused on perfecting his technique. But Tenten's observation is accurate—there's something almost hypnotic about the fluid way he handles the curved blades, as if they're extensions of his own body rather than separate weapons.

Tenten finds herself watching him more closely during their training sessions, admiring not just his skill but the focused intensity in his silver eyes when he's deep in concentration. She keeps these thoughts to herself, channeling her growing admiration into more intense sparring matches—if she can't express her feelings directly, she can at least make sure he respects her as an equal.

During one training session with Mr. Higurashi, Andrew begins designing a pair of curved blades. The first prototypes don't channel chakra effectively, but they help him refine his vision. He sketches two falchion-like swords—one with an ebony black blade that seems to absorb light, complemented by a silver handle and a silver crescent moon engraved into the black blade. The second is its inverse: a brilliant silver blade with a black crescent moon engraving and a black handle. Both grips are wrapped in black leather, and the curved blades resemble fangs more than traditional swords.

"Ambitious design," Mr. Higurashi comments. "What will you call them?"

Andrew doesn't hesitate. "Moonlit: Lunatum for the silver blade, and Moonlit: Neomenia for the black one."

Mr. Higurashi's brow furrows as he considers the names. "Lunatum and Neomenia... crescent moon and new moon. Names with meaning. Good. A blade without a name is just a piece of metal."

As his training progresses, Andrew discovers that the same silver chakra technique he uses with his kicks can be channeled through his blades as well. When he swings either blade while focusing his chakra, a crescent-shaped wave of silver energy extends from the edge, slicing through targets several feet away. The first time he successfully performs this technique during a sparring match with Tenten, he calls out "Moonlit: Airslash!" as the silver arc flies toward her practice dummy, cleanly severing it in half.

Tenten's eyes widen in astonishment. "That was amazing! You didn't tell me you were developing a new technique!"

Andrew grins, slightly breathless from the chakra expenditure. "Been working on it for weeks. Still needs refinement though—uses too much chakra right now."

"Show me again," Tenten demands, her competitive spirit ignited. Not to be outdone, she immediately begins experimenting with her own weapons, trying to develop a counter or equivalent technique.

This pattern continues throughout their training—one pushes forward, the other rises to the challenge. Their rivalry becomes legendary among their peers, with some noticing Tenten's poorly concealed admiration for her training partner. Though she tries to hide it behind competitive banter and focused training, her friends occasionally tease her about her "crush on the moonlight boy," which she vehemently denies while turning various shades of red.