Katanagatari

Katanagatari, also known as Sword Tale, is a Japanese light novel series written by Nisio Isin and illustrated by Take. The story is set in Edo-era Japan and follows Shichika Yasuri, a swordsman who fights without a sword, and Togame, an ambitious strategist. Their journey begins when Togame seeks out Shichika to assist her in collecting twelve unique swords known as the "Deviant Blades" for the shogunate. Shichika, the seventh head of the Kyotouryuu school of fighting, lives in exile with his sister, Nanami. He accepts Togame's request, driven by personal interest rather than politics. Their quest takes them across the country, facing formidable opponents who wield the legendary weapons and other forces seeking to thwart Togame's goal. As they progress, they must rely on each other and become an unbreakable team. The anime adaptation, produced by White Fox, aired in 2010 with 12 episodes, each approximately 50 minutes long, released monthly. The series is noted for its unique narrative style and pacing.