Nozomi Yogi
"Of course you can."
Xu Fan casually pulled out the light blade at his waist and handed it over.
To his surprise, the blacksmith received it with both hands, his expression becoming solemn with reverence. He cradled the handle carefully, his eyes drawn to the gleaming silver blade. Though his fingers twitched with the urge to touch it, he didn't dare to do so directly.
"I need a scabbard."
Xu Fan spoke plainly, revealing his intention.
But the blacksmith looked stunned.
"A... scabbard?"
He took a sharp breath, as if he had misheard. His apprentices, noticing his reaction, began to gather around.
It was the first time they had seen their master treat a weapon with such care. Even the swords worn by the most renowned samurai never earned such respect from him.
Soon, the apprentices were just as mesmerized by the blade. They all gasped and rubbed their eyes in disbelief.
It was only then that Xu Fan fully realized what was happening.
Though his Zanpakutō was still at its Shikai level, the man who forged it was no ordinary craftsman—it was Ōetsu Nimaiya of the Phoenix Palace, one of the Royal Guard and the creator of the Zanpakutō. He was revered as the God of the Sword among the Shinigami.
A blade forged by such a being naturally surpassed the craftsmanship of any human blacksmith.
Understanding this, Xu Fan felt reassured by their reactions.
"Really?" the blacksmith asked, his voice trembling with excitement. "Ah! Forgive me for not introducing myself sooner. I am Kazuma—chief blacksmith of the Land of Iron. Lord Mifune's own blade was crafted by my hands."
"Mifune…"
Xu Fan murmured the name.
He was no stranger to it. General Mifune, the leader of the Land of Iron's samurai, held a status comparable to a Kage in this neutral country. In the Fourth Great Ninja War, Mifune had even defeated Hanzo of the Salamander—proof of his strength and experience.
Still, Xu Fan hadn't expected to stumble into the workshop of the country's most prestigious blacksmith.
…On second thought, perhaps it wasn't so surprising.
The Shuangsha Summit was set for tomorrow. While Xu Fan himself wasn't well-known in the shinobi world, Sarutobi Hiruzen was one of the most prominent figures alive. Even Mifune wouldn't dare be negligent.
Naturally, their accommodations had been arranged at the finest inn in the Land of Iron—and the best blacksmith would reside nearby.
"Yes," Xu Fan continued. "I came here just to get a scabbard. It's not very convenient to walk around with it like this." He glanced around at the many blades displayed on the walls. "If there are any ready-made ones, that would be ideal."
"Off-the-shelf…?"
Kazuma followed his gaze toward the standard scabbards and scrap mounts hanging on the wall. He was momentarily speechless.
Was this man serious?
A scabbard to a blade is what clothing is to a person. It offers protection—but also reflects identity, style, and dignity.
The tattered scabbards on the wall weren't just unworthy—they would disgrace such a sword.
But soon, Kazuma understood.
From Xu Fan's attire, it was clear he wasn't from the Land of Iron—he was likely a traveler. Perhaps he didn't understand blades, but if that were true, how did he acquire one so powerful?
This was a test.
He was testing whether Kazuma was worthy of crafting a scabbard for such a blade.
"With all due respect, a common scabbard would dishonor this sword."
Kazuma was choosing his words carefully, ready to respond with all the respect he could muster—but before he could finish, another voice entered the conversation.
Xu Fan turned and saw a familiar face.
It was a ninja from Kumogakure—Nozomi Yogi—and standing beside him was someone even more noteworthy: Yugito Nii, the Two-Tails Jinchūriki.
Both were noticeably younger than he remembered, especially Yugito. Today, she lacked her usual commanding presence and instead carried a more youthful charm.
The speaker, Nozomi (commonly referred to as C or Xi), had short yellow hair and a boyish face. He was soft-spoken, but alert.
"If I recall correctly," Xu Fan thought, "Xi should still be a teenager at this point."
He had expected the Raikage to be accompanied by other elite ninja from Kumogakure, possibly ones he didn't recognize. But upon reflection, it made sense—many ninja began real missions in their teens. Kakashi was promoted to Jonin at 11. Itachi slaughtered his entire clan at 13. Gaara had already become Kazekage in his early teens.
Still, Xu Fan was surprised that Darui wasn't here. The Fourth Raikage had once declared that Xi and Darui were his right and left hands.
Perhaps Darui had stayed behind to guard the Raikage?
"You're absolutely right," Kazuma nodded at Xi's remark. "Please trust me—I'll craft a scabbard worthy of this sword!"
With that, he bowed deeply toward Xu Fan, holding his position as if begging for approval.
His apprentices followed suit, bowing in unison and pledging loudly to assist in the task.
Xu Fan watched the scene unfold. Though he didn't fully grasp their emotions, he could tell that Kazuma was sincere—and trustworthy.
"How much will it cost?" Xu Fan asked, ready to pay. It was only natural to compensate someone for their work.
But Kazuma suddenly stood up in shock, his eyes wide with disbelief.
To him, the chance to craft for such a legendary blade was a once-in-a-lifetime honor.
"No, no, no!"
He shook his head violently. "It would be my honor to create a scabbard for this sword. I wouldn't dare accept payment!"
Meanwhile, Xi gave Xu Fan a puzzled look.
To him, it was clear that Xu Fan didn't know much about swords. His behavior was odd—walking around with a priceless weapon at such a young age, without even realizing how many people might covet it.
"Young man…"
Xi stepped forward without hesitation. "Would you consider selling that sword to us?"
Xu Fan: "???"
"Name your price," Xi said, pulling out a money pouch. His tone suggested he had every intention of walking away with the blade.