Chapitre 24: First Sidekick job!
Meanwhile, in his quarters, Itachi sat on his bed, his phone in hand. He glanced at the screen, his expression softening as he sent a message to his mother, then another to Kaina. The weight of the day settled in, and he sighed, lying back on his bed. Staring up at the ceiling, he reflected on the events of his first day.
"It's only the beginning…" he thought, a small smile playing on his lips, his mind already preparing for the challenges ahead.
As Itachi lay on his bed, a notification lit up his phone. It was a message from Keigo.
Keigo: "Yo, Itachi. Got some news. I'm in the HPSC now."
Itachi raised an eyebrow and typed a reply.
Itachi: "I see. What's going on?"
Keigo: "This is a bit secret, but I'll send it privately. The HPSC actually offered you a position, but you left for America before they could announce it."
Itachi stared at the message for a moment, absorbing the news.
Itachi: "Oh… I wasn't aware. So what happens when I return?"
Keigo: "They'll probably declare your rank once you're back."
Itachi: "Understood."
After a pause, Itachi added, "Any news about Kaina?"
Keigo: "No, nothing yet. But I can tell you one thing—the director of the HPSC? There's something fishy about him."
Itachi narrowed his eyes, his fingers quickly tapping out a reply.
Itachi: "What do you mean?"
Keigo: "That guy has some serious issues. I'm pretty sure he's corrupt. Something doesn't feel right about how he operates."
Itachi remained silent for a few seconds, processing Keigo's words.
Itachi: "I see. Thanks for the heads-up. Be careful, though."
Keigo: "Don't worry, I'm looking into it more. I'll also try to dig up some info about Kaina for you."
Itachi: "I appreciate it, but make sure to watch your back."
Keigo: "Yeah, man. You too. Stay sharp."
Itachi put down his phone, his mind now occupied with thoughts of the HPSC and the mysterious corruption within it. His eyes darkened slightly as he considered the implications of Keigo's words. He was also concerned about Kaina's absence.
Closing his eyes, he let out a deep breath. The day had been long, and tomorrow would be even tougher. But as always, he would face it with unshaken resolve.
"I believe in Keigo..." Itachi muttered, sitting down. Later that night, after changing into a simple white t-shirt and black track pants, Itachi found himself back in his quarters. The room was filled with officers, including Lewis and his friends.
"Hey man, nice fight out there," Lewis greeted as he entered.
Itachi looked at them, giving a small nod. "Thank you."
Adam grinned. "Your illusions were pretty impressive... not that I saw them firsthand, but still."
Jasper chimed in, "Yeah, you had us all fooled."
Itachi allowed himself a small smile. "Thank you."
Lewis clapped him on the shoulder playfully. "Bro, you gotta smile more! You should be happy—you're working with Star! Not just that, you're her sidekick."
Itachi raised an eyebrow. "There must be other sidekicks besides me."
Jasper shook his head. "Nope, you're the only one."
Itachi looked at him, a little surprised. "Really?"
They all nodded, and Lewis added, "That's why, bro. You should be proud."
Itachi gave a small smile and nodded. They all sat down, chatting. At one point, Lewis asked, "So, Itachi, how old are you?"
"I'm 17," Itachi replied.
They all sighed dramatically. "Ah, not drinking age yet," Adam joked.
Itachi nodded, unbothered.
Then, with a teasing smirk, Lewis asked, "So, is there someone special back in Japan?"
Itachi glanced at him, smiling slightly. "Yes, there is."
Adam leaned in with a grin. "Ooh, lucky girl, huh?"
Itachi said nothing, simply smiling and letting out a soft sigh. "What about you guys?" he asked.
Lewis chuckled. "Well, I'm married."
Adam nodded. "Same here, and I've got a daughter."
Jasper shrugged. "I'm single... still waiting for my 'muse'."
Everyone laughed, and Lewis shook his head. "Bro, just say 'woman.' 'Muse' makes it sound weird."
Itachi nodded, amused by the banter. Jasper threw his hands up. "Alright, alright."
The group shared more laughter, and after about ten minutes, they all settled into their beds, slowly drifting off to sleep.
At 5 a.m., Itachi woke up, noticing that all the military officers were already up. He quickly showered and changed into his military outfit before stepping outside to join them. As he approached the group, he spotted Star, now dressed in her own military attire. Her presence commanded attention as she spoke firmly to the gathered soldiers.
"You all know the routine," she began, her voice clear and authoritative. "But we have a newcomer today." She glanced at Itachi before turning back to the others. "So I'll give him some advice. The rest of you, get to your workout. And don't forget to warm up—is that clear?"
"Yes, ma'am!" the soldiers responded in unison before dispersing to begin their exercises.
Now alone with Itachi, Star turned to him, her expression serious but not unkind. "For the next month, you'll be training with them," she said, gesturing toward a group of elite female soldiers. Itachi nodded in acknowledgment and bowed respectfully.
"These are the most elite female soldiers," Star continued. "You might be wondering why I'm placing you with them instead of the men."
Itachi remained silent, his sharp gaze focused on her.
She explained, "The men are already used to this level of workout. You're new, and it might take a toll on you if you jump straight into their routines. That's why you'll be working with the women for now. But don't misunderstand—this doesn't mean their exercises are any easier. In fact, they train just as hard, but with a little extra time to complete the tasks."
Her eyes sharpened as she delivered her final words. "If you surpass them, you'll move on to the men's workout. Is that clear?"
Itachi stood tall, his expression resolute. "Yes, ma'am," he replied.
"Louder."
"Yes, ma'am!" he repeated, his voice stronger.
Satisfied, Star gave a small nod and continued, "Your first workout is 'The Murph.' It's a one-mile run, followed by 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats, and then another one-mile run. You have 70 minutes to complete it."
Itachi's eyes flickered with determination. He glanced at the group, already preparing themselves.
"Are you ready?" Star called out to everyone.
"Yes, ma'am!" the soldiers responded again in unison.
"Then go!" Star commanded.
Itachi immediately sprinted forward with the others, his mind focused on the challenge ahead.
Itachi had completed the intense Murph workout, his body glistening with sweat as he breathed steadily. Though fatigued, his calm demeanor betrayed none of the exhaustion most would feel after such a brutal regimen. Star observed him closely from a distance, her sharp gaze assessing every movement he made.
His body is perfectly conditioned, she thought, her lips curling into a small smile. That gives him an undeniable advantage... I can tell he's been doing this kind of training since he was a small child. He knows his limits, especially in terms of physical strength, which is why he's focused on honing it.
Watching him work was fascinating for her. Unlike most recruits, Itachi moved with purpose and precision, each exercise methodical, as if he had calculated every step before taking it. He's smart, disciplined... working with him is going to be interesting.
Itachi wiped his brow, clearing the sweat from his face. He looked at the other soldiers, many of whom were also catching their breath. His muscles were strained, but he was far from spent.
"Simple enough," Itachi thought, glancing at the group. But the full-body nature of the workout adds a strain that can't be ignored. Endurance is key.
He sighed quietly, his focus unwavering.
Star approached him, noticing the determination still burning in his eyes. "You did well," she said, her smirk returning. "But we're not done yet. There's one more challenge."
Itachi, still catching his breath, turned to her, waiting for the next instruction.
"Are you tired already?" she teased, her tone light but challenging.
Itachi cleaned his face with the back of his hand and shook his head. "No, I'm not tired."
Star's smirk widened. Impressive. "Good. Then let's move on. The others have already finished, and now it's time for the Ruck March."
She gestured toward a pile of weighted rucksacks. "See that?" she said. "The rucks weigh between 70 to 90 kilograms. Your task is to carry one on your back and run two miles. This will test your endurance and stamina, so be prepared."
Itachi's gaze followed where she pointed, and he nodded, understanding the difficulty ahead. "Yes, ma'am."
Without hesitation, he bent down and lifted one of the heavy rucks. The weight settled against his back, and while it was manageable, he knew that running two miles with it would be no easy task. Carrying this will challenge my strength, but running will push my endurance to the limit.
As he straightened up, he felt the pressure of the ruck against his shoulders, but his posture remained steady. Around him, the other soldiers were picking up their own rucks, preparing for the march.
"Let's go!" Star commanded, her voice firm.
As Itachi continued running with the heavy ruck strapped to his back, the strain in his muscles became more apparent. Each step felt heavier than the last, the weight pressing down relentlessly. His breathing remained steady, but he could feel his body pushing closer to its limits. However, he didn't slow down. His pace remained strong, his determination unshakable.
The women soldiers running alongside him glanced at him occasionally. They had all heard about this newcomer, the quiet one with impressive skills, but now that they were seeing him in action, they couldn't help but be impressed. His endurance, his focus, his calm under pressure—it was unlike anything they had expected.
"How does he keep going?" one of them wondered, her own muscles burning from the effort.
Star, watching from a distance, kept her eyes on Itachi. A smirk played on her lips as she observed his pace and posture. He's holding up well, she thought. The strain's obvious, but he's not slowing down. Impressive...
She chuckled quietly to herself. He just needs to eat more. That's all. With the right diet, he'll bulk up fast... and he might just become as muscular as me. The thought amused her.
As they neared the end of the run, Star could already picture the future. Today's patrol is going to be interesting, she mused, her smirk widening. With Itachi, it's going to be a lot more fun than I thought.
After running the two miles with the heavy ruck, Itachi felt his chest heaving as he set the weight aside, his breathing ragged. He wiped the sweat from his brow, feeling the burn in his muscles. "Yes... military training is hard," he muttered, still catching his breath.
Star, standing nearby, nodded in agreement. "I know. It pushes everyone to their limits. But you're holding up well." She glanced at him briefly before adding, "Take a ten-minute cooldown, then freshen up. We'll move on after."
Itachi nodded, his hair damp with sweat. He noticed the quiet whispers of the female soldiers around him. Some murmured in tired tones, commenting on his appearance.
"He looks good," one of them said.
"Yeah," another agreed, "but remember, girls—he's only 17."
There was a collective sigh as the group began their cooldown stretches. Itachi, overhearing them, merely sighed to himself, focused on maintaining his composure. "I'll take my leave," he said softly.
Star nodded, glancing at the time. "Be ready to head out by eight. Is that clear?"
"Yes, ma'am," Itachi replied with a nod. He walked back to his quarters, letting out a deep huff as he collapsed on the bed for a moment, his body still buzzing from the workout. After a moment of rest, he made his way to the shower, feeling the hot water wash away the exhaustion.
When he emerged, refreshed, he began changing into his hero outfit, a simple yet efficient design that allowed for easy movement. As he was in the middle of dressing, the door suddenly swung open. Jasper barged in without knocking.
"Itachi, hurry up!" Jasper exclaimed, barely noticing the intrusion. "Star's waiting."
Itachi nodded as he finished getting ready. His outfit, sleek and practical, caught Jasper's attention. "Is that your hero outfit?" Jasper asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes," Itachi replied calmly. "I know what you're going to say. I like these clothes. They're easy to move in."
Jasper shrugged, unimpressed but accepting. "Whatever you say. Just come on, man."
After getting dressed, Itachi stepped out and met Star. She was in her hero costume—a high-collared, skin-tight bodysuit adorned with shoulder pads, boots, and gauntlets. The upper torso was decorated with bold stripes, her gauntlets and collar studded with metal stars. A long, striped cape resembling the U.S. flag completed her look. She glanced at Itachi with a smirk, clearly satisfied with his readiness.
"Are you ready?" she asked, her voice carrying a hint of challenge.
Itachi nodded, his expression stoic as ever. "Yes, I'm ready."
As Star began walking toward the plane, Itachi followed closely behind, glancing at the sleek aircraft. She looked back at him, her voice steady but urgent. "We have a request in San Diego, California," she said.
Itachi nodded and boarded the plane alongside her, settling into his seat. As they took off, the hum of the engines filled the cabin. After a few minutes of silence, he asked, "How long will it take to get there?"
Star leaned back, casually checking her watch. "Around ten hours. Normally, a flight like this would take twenty, but this one's much faster."
Itachi nodded again, appreciating the efficiency. "What exactly are we dealing with?"
Star's expression turned serious. "There's a villain causing chaos, and worse, killing innocent people. His name is Venombane. His quirk is called Toxic Surge."
Itachi's eyes narrowed. "By the sound of it, I assume he can create poisonous gases and venom?"
"Exactly," Star confirmed with a smirk. "He's polluting the air, and it's killing people."
"This is bad," Itachi remarked, his voice dropping into a more serious tone.
Star nodded grimly. "That's why we're headed there." She handed him a mask. "Here, wear this. It'll help you breathe in case we encounter any toxins."
He took the mask and examined it before slipping it into his bag. "Got it."
Star continued, "Recently, the toxins have lessened, but Venombane is still at large. We think..."
Itachi cut in, "He might be planning something big."
"Exactly," Star agreed, her gaze sharpening. "We can't let our guard down."
As they settled into the long flight, Itachi's phone buzzed, and when he glanced at it, a small smile crept onto his face. It was a message from Kaina. He quickly replied, his fingers moving with an unexpected softness. Star, noticing his expression, chuckled lightly.
"You can smile like that, huh?" she teased.
Itachi, suddenly aware of her eyes on him, put his phone down and said, "It's nothing."
Star gave him a playful nudge. "Come on, who is she?"
After a brief pause, Itachi responded, "My girlfriend."
Star raised an eyebrow, a grin spreading across her face. "Oh, really? Is she a hero too?"
"Yes," Itachi confirmed. "She's the No. 3 hero."
Star's eyes widened slightly. "Hero love, huh? That's cute." She leaned back, a teasing smile still on her lips. "No. 3, huh? Impressive."
Itachi smiled softly, but didn't say more. The rest of the flight passed in relative quiet until they landed in San Diego. As they stepped out of the plane, a flood of camera flashes greeted them. Reporters and media swarmed the runway, all eager for a shot of Star and her new sidekick.
Itachi sighed, feeling the weight of the attention. "This is why I don't like crowds," he muttered.
Star laughed, nudging him again. "You'll get used to it. Comes with the job."
As Star and Itachi stepped off the plane, the flashing cameras and murmur of reporters quickly turned into a barrage of questions. One particularly eager reporter rushed forward, mic in hand, asking, "Star! Star! Can you tell us about your new sidekick, Aegis?"
Star glanced at Itachi with a smirk before facing the media. "Aegis is exceptional. He's strong, disciplined, and tactical. He may be new to the scene, but I have full confidence in him. You'll see for yourselves soon enough."
The media buzzed with excitement, scribbling down notes and snapping more pictures. Another reporter stepped forward, this time addressing Itachi. "Aegis, what's it like working with a top-ranked hero like Star?"
Itachi, his expression calm, simply responded, "It's an honor. She is strong, and I've learned a lot in a short time."
The questions continued to pile up, the media intrigued by the stoic and composed demeanor of the mysterious sidekick. "Aegis, what's your strategy for taking down Venombane? Do you feel prepared for such a dangerous villain?" another asked.
Itachi met the question with the same steady calm. "Our goal is to stop Venombane and protect the people. I'm prepared, but I can't do it alone. That's why we work as a team."
The media began to get more persistent, crowding closer with their mics and cameras. "Aegis, can you tell us about your quirk? How do you plan to handle the toxic gases?"
Without missing a beat, Itachi responded, "We're here to capture the villain. Our focus is on completing that task."
His concise, straightforward answer caused the reporters to pause. Star let out a small laugh, stepping forward with a wave of her hand. "Alright, folks, that's enough for now. We've got work to do. Excuse us."
With that, she led the way through the crowd, her cape fluttering in the breeze as they moved toward their destination. The reporters were left buzzing with curiosity, their questions lingering in the air as Star and Itachi made their exit.
As they walked away from the media frenzy, Star glanced over at Itachi, still smirking. "You're pretty good at handling the press. Direct and no-nonsense. I like it."
Itachi simply nodded, his mind already focused on the mission ahead.
As Star finished her phone call, she turned to Itachi. "We've got Venombane's last known location—[xx] Road. Let's move."
Itachi nodded silently, following her as they exited the airport. Without hesitation, they broke into a run, weaving through the city streets. Their speed was unmatched, closing the distance quickly. They finally arrived at an old, abandoned building, its windows cracked and the walls covered in graffiti. The air felt stale, and there was an eerie silence hanging in the air.
Itachi scanned the area, eyes narrowing as he sensed something off. "I think he's inside," he whispered.
Star nodded, her movements calculated and quiet as she approached the door. Slowly, they entered, their footsteps almost soundless. Inside, the room was mostly empty—except for rows of discarded water bottles scattered across the floor.
Star bent down, picking up one of the bottles. "Why so many empty bottles?" she wondered aloud. "Did he drink all this?"
Itachi's eyes swept across the room, his mind piecing the situation together. "Maybe... he uses water to create venom. It could be the source of his power."
Star looked at the bottles again, considering Itachi's theory. "You might be right," she agreed.
Suddenly, static crackled through her earpiece. "Venombane spotted in the main city! He's throwing venom at civilians!"
Star's eyes widened. "Let's go!"
They sprinted towards the main city, urgency propelling them forward. As they arrived, they saw the villain—a man with a bulky metal barrel strapped to his back, spewing venomous clouds into the air.
Star narrowed her eyes. "You were right. That barrel is probably filled with water he's converting into venom."
Venombane's eyes widened in terror as he saw Star and Itachi approaching. He knew who Star was—her reputation as the strongest woman was well known. Panic set in as he flailed, desperately throwing venomous clouds in their direction. But Star, with her incredible agility, dodged every attack effortlessly, closing the distance between them with ease.
As she reached him, she extended her hand and commanded, "Touch air!" In an instant, an invisible wall of compressed air formed around Venombane, trapping him inside. The thick air barrier sealed him off, preventing any more venom from escaping.
Itachi moved swiftly through the crowd, his sharp eyes taking in the damage and the injured civilians scattered around the area. Some were collapsed on the ground, their skin corroded and burned from the villain's toxic attacks. Without hesitation, he rushed to the closest victim—a man with deep corrosive burns covering his arms and chest. The pain in the man's eyes was unbearable to witness, but Itachi remained focused. Quickly lifting him, he glanced around and spotted the nearest hospital. With speed and precision, he transported the man to safety, repeating this for five more victims, despite the growing weight of the situation.
After delivering the last of the injured to the hospital, Itachi sighed, feeling the weight of his exhaustion. Just as he was about to catch his breath, his gaze fell upon a child lying motionless in the street. The boy's mother knelt beside him, desperately shaking his small body with trembling hands, tears streaming down her face.
"Please, help him!" she cried out, her voice breaking with desperation. Itachi's eyes widened slightly as he rushed over. The sight of her corroded legs only fueled his urgency.
Kneeling down, Itachi quickly checked the boy's pulse, only to find none. A chill ran through him, but his expression remained calm. He immediately began chest compressions, his movements firm and controlled.
The mother sobbed beside him, helpless, clutching her own damaged legs while watching in fear. Itachi's focus never wavered. Each compression was measured and determined, but the boy remained unresponsive. Just then, Star arrived and saw the scene unfold. Her eyes widened in surprise when she realized what Itachi was doing.
"Itachi!" she called out, understanding the gravity of the situation. She wasted no time, lifting both the boy and the mother with ease as she rushed them to the hospital. Itachi didn't stop the chest compressions, even while moving the child onto a stretcher. His resolve was unwavering.
Minutes passed, feeling like hours, until suddenly, the child gasped for air. Itachi paused as the boy's small chest began to rise and fall. He exhaled, finally allowing himself to relax, as the room filled with the sound of relieved sobbing.
The boy's mother, overwhelmed with emotion, collapsed beside her son. She saw the rise and fall of his chest beneath the oxygen mask, and her tears fell harder. "Thank you," she sobbed, her words nearly inaudible as she turned to Itachi. Without warning, she wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug, crying into his chest. "Thank you for saving my child."
Itachi, caught off guard, stiffened at the unexpected embrace. He blinked, unsure how to react, before awkwardly placing a hand on her shoulder. "There's no need to thank me," he said softly, his voice steady.
The mother finally released him, her tears still flowing as she moved to her son's side. The boy's breathing had stabilized, and a faint color had returned to his cheeks.
Standing beside him, Star smiled warmly. "It feels good, doesn't it? Helping people like this… seeing them happy."
Itachi nodded, though his expression remained stoic. Inside, he felt a flicker of warmth, but it was a feeling he hadn't fully grasped yet.
As they turned to leave, the mother called out once more. "Excuse me," she said, her voice softer now but still filled with gratitude. Both Itachi and Star turned to face her.
She looked directly at Itachi, her tear-filled eyes full of appreciation. "What's your name?"
Itachi gave a small smile. "I'm Aegis."
The woman's lips trembled as she smiled through her tears. "Thank you again, Aegis… for saving my child."
Itachi gave her a brief nod, and with that, he and Star left the hospital, the weight of his deeds silently accompanying him.
With the situation under control, Star called in the authorities. As the police arrived, Itachi stepped forward. With a brief but focused glance, he put Venombane into a deep sleep, ensuring he wouldn't resist as the officers cuffed him and took him away.
"Mission complete," Star said with a satisfied grin, watching the police van drive off. She turned to Itachi, giving him a nod of approval. "Not bad for your first mission, Aegis."
Itachi simply nodded in return, the faintest trace of a smile crossing his lips. "This is just the beginning."
After the mission was complete, Itachi turned to Star. "So, we have to leave now?" he asked, his voice calm as usual.
Star shook her head with a smirk. "Not right now. We're staying here for the night. We'll leave tomorrow."
Itachi nodded, understanding the need to rest after the long journey and the mission. As they walked towards their hotel, Star checked her phone. "Looks like the hotel's already booked," she mentioned, leading the way inside.
They reached the hotel and checked in, both receiving separate rooms. Once inside, Itachi let out a quiet sigh, sitting down for a moment. The room was peaceful, and after the intensity of the day, he welcomed the calm. After a night he went asleep.
The next morning, Itachi woke up early, freshened up, and changed into his hero outfit. As he opened the door to his room, he saw Star standing just outside, her hand raised, about to knock.
"Ready?" she asked, with a smirk.
Itachi nodded. "Yes."
"Good. We're heading to Texas now," she informed him, her eyes scanning him briefly as if already making mental notes.
Itachi nodded again, and as they stepped out of the hotel, the familiar swarm of media was already waiting. Cameras flashed, reporters shouted questions, but they both ignored the noise. The hotel management approached them quickly, bowing slightly. "We've arranged a vehicle for you."
Star nodded in appreciation. "Thank you. Let's get going." She turned to Itachi, who merely nodded as they both hurried into the car. As they pulled away from the crowd, Itachi exhaled, glancing out of the window.
"So, more training?" he asked, his tone calm but with a hint of fatigue from the constant movement.
Star chuckled, leaning back in her seat. "Oh, you bet. But, from now on, I'm also going to set up your diet."
Itachi blinked, turning to her with a puzzled expression. "My diet?"
"Yup. You've got to bulk up a bit. Look more muscular," she said with a grin, as if the idea was already set in stone.
Itachi sighed inwardly, already predicting the conversation. "I appreciate the concern, but I don't need to be muscular."
Star gave him a questioning look. "Why not?"
He kept his gaze forward, his voice steady. "The more muscle you build, the less flexibility you have. I rely on speed and agility as much as strength." He paused briefly before continuing. "Even if you give me a strict diet plan, my body doesn't bulk up that way."
Star frowned slightly, intrigued. "What makes you say that?"
"My mother tried to get me to gain muscle mass when I was younger, but it never happened," Itachi explained, his tone casual but firm. "It's just how my body works."
Star smirked, raising an eyebrow. "So, you're challenging me?"
Itachi shook his head, his expression calm. "No. I'm simply stating a fact. I don't want to be bulky."
She let out a small sigh, leaning back into her seat. "Fine, fine. If that's what you want." Her voice carried a note of playful frustration, but she respected his decision.
Itachi glanced out of the window again, his mind already shifting back to the mission ahead. Though he appreciated Star's care, he had always known his limits and what his body needed to perform at its best.
As they continued toward the airport, the conversation faded into a comfortable silence, both of them focused on the tasks that lay ahead.
After they reached the airport and boarded the plane, Star glanced at Itachi as they settled into their seats. "You know," she said, breaking the silence, "you need to talk more. You're always so quiet."
Itachi sighed softly, leaning back into his seat. "People tell me that a lot."
She grinned teasingly. "Like a nerd."
Itachi heard the word and couldn't help but remember Erika, a small, sad smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Maybe I am," he replied softly, his mind briefly drifting to memories of her. As he looked at Star, her blonde hair and green eyes reminded him a little of Erika, causing a flicker of nostalgia.
Noticing his change in demeanor, Star raised an eyebrow. "You seem like you've got something on your mind. If you want to talk about it, you can. It's just the two of us on this flight."
Itachi sighed again but managed a faint smile. "It's nothing much."
"How about telling me about your quirk, then?" she asked, her tone more serious now, curiosity piquing her expression.
Itachi glanced at her and, after a moment of hesitation, decided to explain. "If that's what you want… My quirk is called the Sharingan. It has four stages." He paused before continuing. "The first three stages are one tomoe, two tomoe, and three tomoe. These allow me to see things in slow motion, predict movements, see quirk coils, and even perform minimal illusions or copy movements."
Star's eyes widened in surprise. "That much, just in the early stages?"
He nodded. She then asked, "What about the final stage?"
There was a brief hesitation. She noticed it and leaned in slightly. "Like I said, it's just us here. You can tell me."
After a moment, Itachi activated his Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan. His eyes shifted, the complex pattern of his Mangekyō appearing, catching Star's attention.
"The pattern changed… it's more intricate," she observed, staring at his eyes with newfound awe.
Itachi nodded. "This is the Mangekyō Sharingan."
She processed the information for a moment before recalling something. "So, that red skeleton you summoned during the sports festival… that was from this?"
"Yes," Itachi confirmed. "It also significantly improves the power of my illusions."
Star nodded thoughtfully. Then, narrowing her eyes, she studied him closely. "There's more, isn't there?" she asked, her voice soft but piercing, as if she already knew the answer.
Itachi hesitated again but eventually nodded. "There's another ability," he admitted quietly. "It's called Amaterasu."
"Sun god?" she translated, intrigued.
"Yes. It's a black flame… flames from hell, as hot as the sun itself. They burn anything they touch until it's completely consumed."
Star's eyes widened again. "That's… intense."
"That's why I avoid using it," Itachi said, his voice tinged with caution. "It's too dangerous."
She nodded slowly, understanding the weight of such a power. "I can see why you'd want to hold back. I appreciate you telling me. That's quite a quirk you've got."
Star listened intently, her curiosity piqued as she processed Itachi's words. "If I touched your Amaterasu…"
Itachi interrupted with a calm but grave tone. "No… if you touch it, not even ashes remain. It spreads incredibly fast, in the blink of an eye."
She exhaled softly, understanding the seriousness. "That's a very strong quirk," she mused, her expression thoughtful. After a pause, she asked another question, her curiosity still unsatisfied. "One more thing… how does this stage unlock? Is it tied to age? I presume that as you grow, a new stage unlocks."
Itachi looked at her, and his expression shifted to one of sadness, the weight of the truth evident. "No," he replied softly.
She frowned slightly, sensing the shift in his mood. "Then how?"
He took a breath before continuing, his voice carrying a deeper emotional note. "These eyes unlock through… emotional growth under extreme conditions."
Star's eyes narrowed with concern, seeing the sadness that flickered in Itachi's gaze. He continued, his tone quieter now, tinged with the melancholy of his past. "The Mangekyō Sharingan… it evolves through experiencing the trauma of loss."
She looked at him more closely now, her heart heavy as she saw the pain in his eyes. "Who… who did you lose?" she asked softly, almost afraid to hear the answer.
Itachi hesitated for a moment, his voice steady but filled with sorrow. "Her name was Erika… she was my caretaker. More like a sister to me. She died… a villain shot her."
Star widened her eyes in shock, realizing the depth of the tragedy he carried. "I'm… I'm so sorry for your loss," she whispered, her voice sincere.
Itachi smiled faintly, though the sadness lingered in his eyes. "No need," he said, his gaze softening as he looked down at the locket around his neck. "That's where my motivation comes from… to keep moving forward."
He gently touched the locket, his fingers tracing its surface, and a small, bittersweet smile formed on his face. Star watched him quietly, feeling a deep sense of respect for him. She offered a gentle smile in return, understanding the silent strength behind his calm demeanor.
"She must've been special," Star finally said.
"She was," Itachi replied, his voice soft but full of warmth.
As they arrived at the military base, Itachi and Star stepped out of the vehicle. The heavy steel gates opened, revealing the organized bustle of the base, with soldiers moving swiftly and equipment stationed all around. Star stretched slightly, rubbing the back of her neck.
"We've just completed a ten-hour journey," she said, sounding both impressed and exhausted. "Next day's training is going to be interesting."
Itachi glanced at her, his usual calm demeanor in place. "What's the plan for tomorrow?" he asked, always focused on the mission ahead.
Star turned to him with a smirk. "How about we take a look at that red skeleton of yours? I've been dying to see it up close since the sports festival."
Itachi raised a brow. "Are you sure?" he questioned. His tone was cautious, but there was a subtle hint of challenge beneath it.
Star grinned confidently, her hands on her hips. "Bet I am. I want to see what makes you so special."
He nodded slightly, though there was still a glimmer of concern in his eyes. "Alright then… tomorrow."
Star softened her expression and patted him on the back. "For now, take some rest. You've earned it."
L’AVIS DES CRÉATEURS 
Luck_Pass
Luck_Pass Creation is hard, cheer me up!
Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!
I tagged this book, come and support me with a thumbs up!
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone