First Tsu?ru?gi \f?rst-(t)so?-ro?-g?\
n [Jp, U.S.
first +
tsurugi/? rapier/sword] (2005):
A sui generis weapon wielded by Cloud Strife, first seen in the 2005 film Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children. The weapon is an exaggeratedly large sword comprising of six interchangeable smaller swords, each of which may function on their own for more specialized forms of combat. In it’s full form, the First Tsurugi is approximately 173cm (68’’) in length and 23.5 cm (9.25’’) wide and is of an undisclosed weight, although it is beyond question that it’s load is exceptional.
Although no direct reference has been made within the series as to what the sword is made of, it is likely that it is the creation of an alloy steeped in the Final Fantasy mythos, such as mythril or adamantite. At the very least, we know it is of durability worthy enough to stand up and take a beating against Sephiroth’s masamune, which, in itself, is a legendary and formidable weapon.
Another source of speculation is the origin of the sword’s creation. Cloud and Co. were responsible for saving Gaia against the forces which threatened to end everything. We can only imagine the worldwide gratitude they all must have faced within the two years following the destruction of Meteor. As a result, the sword could very well of been the craft of any mechanic/engineer on the planet. (neoblacksmiths as I like to call them XD) But the detail and complexity of the construction involved lead many to speculate that it was created within one of the more industrialized centers; perhaps within Edge directly following the events formerly mentioned.
Because of the enormity of it’s mass, the sword is constructed for the unique requirements of Strife’s battle style. In it’s full form the specifications are identical to those of the Buster Sword, preventing any alterations to the familiarity of his mode of combat. However, upon being broken up into it’s smaller pieces, the weapon allows for more specialized functions such as ambidextrous fighting, shielding, lightweight combat with stronger thrust, vertical leverage, and the follow through of specialized limit breaks. One of the central and more complex additions to the overall sword is a mechanical broadsword which expands and contracts when in and out of battle mode. Another blade of note is one of two knives about half the size of the overall blade, who’s handles can rotate to multiple positions for various advantages. The First Tsurugi also features two serrated edges as well as a blade with a counterbalance side handle. With the wide variety of interchangeable parts it is clear the multifunction ability of the First Tsurugi make it a unique and valuable weapon.
In order to best use this weapon, Strife has a few tools at his disposal. A multi-sleeved holster has also been specially made for his back, able to hold the sword in it’s various pieces. His motorbike the Fenrir, also first seen in Advent Children, is also specially equipped with a three-slotted blade holder on each side of the bow of the vehicle. These placements on the bike allow for convenient storage as well as offering maximum ease of access while traveling.
Although it may never be universally celebrated or remembered within the sphere of noteworthy pulp culture arsenals (as has fallen upon many such as Tolkein’s Sting, the lightsaber, Thor’s hammer, the Star Trek phaser, Goldfinger, Indiana Jones’ whip, and Excalibur just to name a few), it may at the very least deserve a minor footnote within the realm of video game mythology simply because of it’s association with the Final Fantasy VII saga.
Other than it’s many front and center appearances in various forms in Advent Children, the First Tsurugi makes a few brief appearances in the PS2 game Final Fantasy VII: Dirge of Cerberus (2006). However, the First Tsurugi’s entire form is left behind while Strife limits it’s handle to the expanded battle form of the broadsword. As in Advent Children, in Dirge of Cerberus the sword conveys the lethality of it’s edge as it cuts through the armour and mechanics of the Deepground army, the Tsviets, and the Omega WEAPON in brief, but impressive, displays of might.
Whether anyone actually finds any of this of interest or not, you cannot deny, it is an awesome sword... Now go kick some ass Cloud! XD
First Tsurugi
Miss Lockheart:"Get over yourself, Leon!" snapped Axel. "I have a job to do. Didn't come here expecting a psyche lesson from a guy who likes fur collars..."
Image made by The_True_Keyblader
and the clip of the guy- where did he get that, I want one!!!!!
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