I'm putting this thread here in 'Anime' even though quotes from the novels or the manga are also acceptable.
I ran across this note I made when I first heard it while watching the fansubs:
I ran across this note I made when I first heard it while watching the fansubs:
The weight of the sword is the weight of life. That sword can mean your life, or it can mean your death. When you draw that blade, be prepared to entrust your life to it.
...it's a Kanbal saying. Although those are words spoken during a coming of age ritual where a father gives his son a sword.