In the Loguetown arc the Kitetsu had a named chapter:
In the named chapter we learned that :
We arrive to Wano and we have a callback to chapter 97 and and emphasis the Kitetsu :
Oda has put « Kitetsu 2 » in bold to show that it is an important plot element.
Oda even hinted at Luffy falling under curse :
Putting « cursed blade » in bold, pointing at the importance of this element.
=> with the information that was given to us in chapter 97 ( Kitetsu 3) it is legitimate to think that Luffy might be cursed which can lead to his life be threatenen.
The Kitetsu were so important at that moment that Oda use the introduction of the Nidai Kitetsu to talk again about the grade of the meito as he did in chapter 97 (another callback):
Twice after that Zoro has shown interest in the blade :
So:
-Oda twice has made an emphasis about the Kitetsu being cursed blade
-Oda twice has explained that a character using a Kitetsu blade will fall under his curse and die young
-Oda twice has used the introduction of a Kitetsu blade to talk about the grade of the meito
-The Kitetsu have a named chapter
Which show that at that point the Kitetsu was an important part of the lore which is why Oda use 2 callbacks from chapter 97 (the curse blade lore and the Meito lore) and furthermore made the proéminent swordman of the crew have a great interest in the Kitetsu 2 after he risked his arm to get the Kitetsu 3.
I don’t know if I’m petty but I do know that there was a plotline and it was dropped.