I think the higher grade swords are, to some extent, ‘alive’ in that they have personalities and can adapt to or reject certain users. Zoro has called Sandai Kitetsu a problem child and Enma sucked out Zoro’s haki of its own volition, but could be commanded to return it. Previously we were told that the Sandai Kitetsu had brought immense misfortune to all of its wielders except Zoro. So in that sense, Yoru, Shodai Kitetsu and likely Nidai as well have some degree of sentience. This ties in with Japanese Shinto beliefs where they attribute spiritual, living attributes to objects.
Seeing as inherited will is a huge theme in Op and in Ringo, swords are buried along with their wielders, it’s likely that a high grade sword can absorb some aspects of its wielder’s personality as well, especially those that became black blades after prolonged use. Zoro inheriting Wado from Kuina symbolised him taking up her part of the journey, him turning it into a black blade will symbolise that it has well and truly become his own imo.
Seeing as inherited will is a huge theme in Op and in Ringo, swords are buried along with their wielders, it’s likely that a high grade sword can absorb some aspects of its wielder’s personality as well, especially those that became black blades after prolonged use. Zoro inheriting Wado from Kuina symbolised him taking up her part of the journey, him turning it into a black blade will symbolise that it has well and truly become his own imo.