caveat emptor
@netherblades:
He slips through the aisles, gloved fingers brushing past rows of painted handles and wooden displays. Splashes of bright red and yellow flit past his vision: 20% Off! Free stand with every purchase! Complimentary tantou with a full kantana set! Little Tokyo proudly caters to all hobbies, sword enthusiasts included.
Even if all the swords they sell are fakes.
He stops by the section labeled ‘Awataguchi Yoshimitsu’ and stocked full of Toushirou blades. There are three Houchous, two Akitas, and a nearly endless supply of Maedas and Hiranos. But the paint on Shinano’s hilt is too yellow, while Midare’s hamon looks more like an earthquake warning than any waves.
By the time he spots himself, it’s already in the hands of another customer. Yagen’s eyes sharpen at the weapons resting by her shoulder and waist, but only glances briefly at the strange amorphous blob that seems to shadow the girl. The longer she stares at the tantou in her hands, the more he feels compelled to speak.
‘Be careful of rip-offs.’
(And so he does.)