Conflict
To Xi, Xu Fan didn't understand the true value of the blade he carried. Letting such a sword fall into the hands of someone like him was a waste.
It would be better if he bought it himself and presented it to Lord Killer Bee.
After all, whether in kenjutsu or overall combat ability, few in the shinobi world could match the Eight-Tails Jinchūriki.
Xu Fan noticed the money pouch in Xi's hand and found the situation somewhat amusing.
In truth, he was far from ignorant about the blade's nature — he knew it too well.
Though the sword was referred to as a "shallow blade" with untapped potential, it had yet to become a Zanpakutō.
In the Land of Iron, blades like this were not uncommon.
And even if it were to awaken, the power of a Zanpakutō varied greatly depending on the wielder.
Besides, with his sign-in assistant continuing to issue tasks and rewards, Xu Fan had confidence that greater weapons lay ahead.
To him, the worth of an item wasn't just in its potential — it was in who wielded it.
This sword may have caught many eyes, but in Xu Fan's view, it was simply a promising weapon. Nothing more, nothing less.
And regardless of how much Xi offered, Xu Fan had no intention of selling it.
"You seem to have misunderstood," Xu Fan said with a light shake of his head. "I'm not interested in selling this sword."
"I see." Xi nodded, not entirely surprised. "Even if keeping it might get you killed?"
"Hmm?"
Xi smiled slightly and walked over to a corner of the blacksmith shop. He gestured to the blacksmith, who looked at Xu Fan for confirmation. Seeing no objection, the blacksmith handed the sword to Xi.
Holding the blade with care, Xi began explaining its value.
"Whether you're a ninja or samurai, anyone with experience can tell this blade is exceptional at a glance. Yet here you are, strutting around with it at your waist, out in the open."
She sighed. "If you hadn't run into us, you might've been ambushed and left for dead by now."
"Especially if you'd crossed paths with shinobi from Kirigakure," she added. "Pray you never do."
Xi paused, then continued in a softer voice. "So how about it? Give us the blade. You'll get enough money to live comfortably for the rest of your life."
"Or," she added, "you could come to Kumogakure."
At that moment, Yugito Nii stepped forward and spoke up, inviting Xu Fan to join their village.
Though Yugito often appeared aloof and proud in public — true to her image as the Two-Tails' Jinchūriki — she was, at heart, a kind and compassionate person.
If Xu Fan truly couldn't bear to part with the sword, Kumogakure could offer him protection.
But Xu Fan ignored the invitation and instead turned toward the blacksmith.
"How long will it take to craft a matching scabbard?" he asked. "I don't plan to stay long in the Land of Iron."
"Ah…" the blacksmith hesitated, clearly troubled. "I've never seen such a flawless blade. To make a proper scabbard — one that complements its weight and spirit — it would take time. Quality materials, craftsmanship… it's not something I can rush."
He then bowed deeply. "If you're willing to stay, I will personally cover your lodging expenses. Please."
Xu Fan appreciated the man's sincerity — but he didn't have the time to wait.
He had a meeting with the Fourth Raikage tomorrow.
"In that case, forget it." Xu Fan declined politely.
As he said it, the atmosphere seemed to freeze.
Not just the blacksmith — even the surrounding craftsmen looked visibly disappointed.
What he did next stunned them even more.
Xu Fan stepped into the shop, scanned the available scabbards, compared a few to his sword, and casually picked one out.
Returning to Xi, he reached out his hand.
Though clearly displeased, Xi — a shinobi of Kumogakure — handed the blade back without protest.
Xu Fan sheathed the sword effortlessly into the mismatched scabbard and gave it a slight test swing.
"Good enough," he said flatly.
The blacksmith, his apprentice, Xi, and Yugito all stood frozen.
To them, this was an unforgivable insult to such a fine blade.
Before Xi could reprimand him, a commotion broke out.
A group of ronin surrounded them.
These weren't just random vagabonds — they were freelance swordsmen who, in the Land of Iron, would work for anyone who could pay.
"Kid," the leader sneered, stepping up to Xu Fan. The others quickly fanned out, surrounding him.
"I knew this would happen," Xi muttered under her breath. "A weak-looking kid like you walking around with that sword — it's practically an invitation."
"What do you want?" Yugito stepped between Xu Fan and the ronin, glaring at the leader.
Even if Xu Fan wasn't from their village, that didn't mean these men had the right to rob him.
The leader sneered. "You're a ninja, aren't you?"
He'd spotted her forehead protector but wasn't fazed.
"You do realize this is the Land of Iron — a neutral country. No shinobi is allowed to engage in combat here. That's basic knowledge."
He made a gesture to his men to seize the sword from Xu Fan.
And with rumors of the Raikage and Hokage arriving soon for peace talks, he was confident they wouldn't dare start an incident.
To him, this wasn't Kumogakure's concern. Xu Fan was just some outsider.
Besides, samurai from the Land of Iron had no reason to fear shinobi. They carried their own pride and strength.
"Enough."
Yugito's patience ran out. She grabbed the wrist of the closest attacker and channeled her chakra, shattering the bones in his arm.
"AGH!"
The man screamed as Yugito delivered a forceful blow to his gut, sending him flying across the room, crashing into the shop wall.
Xi sighed and palmed her forehead. "Yugito, you've stirred up trouble again…"
Still, she drew her sword and moved to protect Xu Fan from the other side.
"Now do you understand?" Xi said, eyes scanning the ronin. "I told you — walking around with that sword would only bring you trouble."