"Wow, I didn't expect you to be able to defeat all of them," Itachi remarked, a rare hint of surprise coloring his usually composed tone. "I was planning to intervene, but it seems you had everything under control."
Erza glanced at the scattered remains of ice sculptures around them. The eerie silence that followed the aftermath of her Ice Release technique seemed surreal against the stillness of the forest. The blade, Mugenjin, glinted menacingly under the faint moonlight as she held it firmly in her grasp.
"They were nothing more than slightly above-average bandits," Erza replied, her voice calm. "It was obvious there were going to be more, considering the commotion they caused. After all, there's something strange about this blade that made them so desperate to claim it."
Itachi's eyes narrowed slightly, assessing her as if weighing whether to reveal more. "So you've noticed," he said softly, almost to himself. "That's no ordinary weapon. This is Mugenjin, a blade coated in oil and combustible materials. With even a bit of friction, it bursts into flames, allowing the wielder to burn and slash at their opponent simultaneously."
Erza's brow furrowed. "That alone doesn't make it special. There are plenty of elemental blades that can achieve the same. What makes this one different?"
Itachi nodded approvingly at her insight. "You're correct. There's more to it. The flames produced by Mugenjin are not normal; they burn with an intensity that can melt through almost anything. The blade is said to devour chakra, feeding off the energy of those it cuts. Only those with an exceptionally high resistance to fire can hope to wield it effectively... or those with the ability to counteract its flames, like you with your Ice Release."
Erza frowned, looking down at the weapon in her hand. Its malevolent aura was almost palpable, and even now, she could feel it pulling on the edges of her chakra. "So, what you're suggesting is that you want me to take this blade for myself?" She glanced at him sharply. "I have no intention of carrying around such a dangerous weapon."
Itachi's gaze softened, his expression shifting from mentor to something more akin to a concerned older brother. "This blade is too powerful to leave unguarded. If it falls into the wrong hands, it could spell disaster not just for you, but for the entire village. I'm entrusting you with Mugenjin for a reason, Erza. You're strong enough to resist its corruption. I know you can handle it."
Erza looked back at the blade skeptically. Its dark, sleek surface seemed to hum with an otherworldly energy. "And who exactly would want to get their hands on this blade? You're expecting me to bear the responsibility of wielding one of the most dangerous weapons in the village?"
Itachi's eyes flickered with a hint of sadness. "There's an evil presence lurking in the shadows, plotting against the Hidden Leaf. Right now, I'm keeping that threat at bay… but I won't be here forever. If that person were to acquire Mugenjin, they would wield a power that could devastate the village."
Erza's gaze turned steely. "You're talking about someone from the inner circles, aren't you? Someone with enough power and influence to move undetected?"
Itachi didn't answer directly. "I can't reveal more, not yet. But trust me when I say that this blade must never fall into their hands. And for now, the best way to keep it safe is with you."
Erza sighed deeply, lifting the blade to inspect it closely. Despite its dark aura, the craftsmanship was exquisite—every inch of it was refined to lethal perfection. Even to someone who wasn't attuned to weapons, it was clear this was no ordinary sword. She sheathed the blade slowly, as if making a reluctant truce with a dangerous enemy.
"Fine, I'll keep it," she relented, shooting him a sharp look. "But don't think this means I'll be using it often. It stays sealed unless absolutely necessary."
Itachi nodded. "That's all I can ask. And I'll inform the Hokage of this. With my recommendation, no one will question your possession of it."
"I hope you're right," Erza muttered before shifting the conversation. "Is this mission truly over now, or is there more to do?"
"It's over," he confirmed, a slight smile tugging at his lips. "For now."
Erza narrowed her eyes at him playfully. "You're not going to teach me any new techniques or anything like that?"
"You've already mastered everything your clan has to offer. Teaching you more would only stifle your natural talent. The only thing left is for you to hone your abilities beyond perfection."
Erza blinked, taken aback by the sincerity in his voice. She had always viewed herself as a trainee, still grasping for the elusive mastery she saw in others. To hear him say she was already at such a high level was almost surreal.
"I see," she murmured softly. "As my mentor, I'll trust your judgment then."
Itachi's smile widened just a fraction. "You've grown much stronger, Erza. But don't lose sight of who you are. Power is only a tool—it's your heart that defines you." With that, he turned and began to walk away, his figure fading into the shadows. "We'll talk more tomorrow. There's an important exam coming up that you need to prepare for."
Erza watched him go, a mixture of emotions swirling within her. It felt like a subtle farewell, yet a new beginning as well. "An exam, huh? I wonder what he's planning now…"
By the time Erza returned to the village, the sun had already set, casting long shadows across the compound of her clan's estate. She made her way quietly through the entrance, greeting a few clan members before stepping inside her home.
"Mother, I'm home," she called out softly, but before she could take another step, her mother, Hina, appeared in front of her in a blur.
"Erza, are you alright?" Hina's voice was laced with concern as she checked her daughter over for any sign of injury. Her hands moved gently but urgently, brushing over Erza's face and shoulders, inspecting every inch.
"Mother, I'm fine," Erza insisted, laughing softly. "It was an easy mission. Nothing serious happened."
Hina exhaled deeply, her shoulders relaxing. "Thank goodness… I heard from the others that you were sent out on a mission earlier. I was worried." She paused, her expression softening. "Have you eaten yet? Do you want some dinner?"
Erza shook her head. "I'm not hungry. I think I'll train for a bit before I head back in. Tell father I said hello, alright?"
Hina frowned but nodded reluctantly. "Alright, just… don't overdo it, okay?"
"I won't. Don't worry."
Erza found herself at the training grounds once more, the cool night air whispering through the trees. To her surprise, there was another figure already there—a girl with short black hair and icy blue eyes, locked in a rigorous training routine.
'Who is she…?'
Before Erza could turn away, the girl noticed her presence and waved excitedly, beckoning her over.
"Hey! You're Erza, right? I've heard a lot about you!" the girl called out, her eyes sparkling with admiration.
Caught off guard, Erza approached cautiously. "Yes, that's me. And you are…?"
"Airi Koyama," the girl introduced herself with a wide smile. "You can just call me Airi."