บท 18: Agency Offer!

From the side, Kaina was making her way towards the group. As she turned the corner, her eyes immediately caught sight of Itachi and Keigo, surrounded by a group of girls and a couple of guys. Yu was standing particularly close to Itachi, her face flushed with a soft blush. Kaina's heart sank for a moment, and a flash of frustration crossed her face. "Why is she so close to him?" she thought, her hands clenching slightly. She could feel a surge of jealousy rising within her, but she quickly pushed it down, trying to keep her cool.

Still, she couldn't help the flicker of anger that ignited when she noticed the look on Yu's face—her shy smile and blushing cheeks as she stood next to Itachi. The sight made Kaina's blood boil.

Taking a deep breath, she straightened her posture and called out, her voice filled with authority, "Itachi Yaoyorozu!"

The entire group turned toward her, their conversation abruptly halted as they recognized Lady Nagant standing in her hero costume. Her long hair was tied into a ponytail, held by a simple hair clip. The dark bodysuit she wore accentuated her strong figure, with two plates under her chest and knee guards, and her scouter, shaped like a lightning bolt, gave her an intimidating presence.

Itachi's expression shifted as he met her gaze, sensing the intensity in her voice. Kaina's heart raced, though she kept her exterior calm and collected, her emotions simmering just beneath the surface.

As Kaina made her way through the crowd, the students stared at her, whispering to each other.

"Who is she?" one of them muttered, looking puzzled.

Keigo, always quick to make a joke, smirked and started, "Ahh, Miss Yaoyo—" but before he could finish, he was met with a sharp punch to the gut from Itachi. He doubled over in pain, groaning dramatically as he collapsed to the ground.

"Man... that hurts..." Keigo winced, clutching his stomach.

Itachi, with a rare amused glint in his eye, looked down at him and said, "You deserved it."

Still wincing, Keigo muttered, "Okay, okay... point taken." He tried to recover, but even through the pain, he couldn't help but watch the scene unfold.

Itachi turned his attention back to Kaina, and his gaze softened, warming as he addressed her. "Hey, Kaina."

At the sound of her name from Itachi's lips, Kaina's composed expression faltered slightly, and a soft blush crept across her cheeks. Yu, standing nearby, widened her eyes, looking between Itachi and Kaina in surprise. The subtle interaction didn't go unnoticed by her, and a flicker of curiosity crossed her face.

Kaina, trying to maintain her composure, adjusted her stance, but the blush lingered. She looked around at the group, suddenly self-conscious under their watchful eyes. "I... I came to congratulate you, I-Itachi," she stammered slightly, her tone betraying her nerves.

The students continued to watch, wide-eyed and intrigued. Sensing the awkward atmosphere, Kaina added quickly, "H-How about we talk somewhere else? Away from... everyone." Her blush deepened as she tried to keep her cool.

Itachi glanced around at the onlookers, their eyes filled with shock and curiosity. He sighed, realizing this wasn't a conversation they could have in public without causing more whispers. He could already feel the questions brewing among his classmates. Great, he thought, Now I have to deal with this.

Keigo, still recovering on the ground, waved a hand dismissively and called out, "You can go, bro... I'll handle this."

Itachi raised an eyebrow at Keigo, sensing the mischievous glint in his friend's eye. I know he's planning something, he thought, but he simply sighed again and decided to take the chance anyway.

"Alright," Itachi said, turning back to Kaina with a nod. "Let's go."

As he walked toward her, the class watched in stunned silence, unsure of what had just happened. Keigo, grinning despite the lingering pain, was already planning how he'd tease Itachi about this later.

As they walked together, the buzz of the crowd faded, and it was just the two of them in the quiet corridor. Kaina glanced up at Itachi, noting how he seemed taller than the last time they'd met. She tilted her head slightly, her eyes scanning him before speaking softly, "Your height… it's increased."

Itachi smiled, his expression calm but appreciative. "Thank you," he replied. Then, with a gentle shift in the conversation, he added, "And congratulations on your agency, Kaina."

She returned his smile, though a faint blush touched her cheeks. "T-Thank you, I-Itachi." Her voice wavered slightly, but she quickly regained her composure, trying to keep things casual. There was a brief pause, a silence that lingered between them until they both tried to speak at once.

"Ah…" they said in unison, both stopping awkwardly. Itachi, with his usual grace, gestured for her to go first. "You first," he said.

Kaina hesitated for a moment, then spoke, her heart pounding a little faster. "Your performance... it was really great," she began, the excitement in her voice clear. "It was so intense, and I couldn't take my eyes off you..." She widened her eyes, realizing what she said, and quickly corrected herself. "I mean... your strategies! I was watching your strategies." She nodded quickly, trying to recover from her slip.

Itachi understood and blushed a little but he couldn't help but smile softly. "Thank you," he replied, his voice steady. His subtle smile was both warm and reassuring, a silent acknowledgment of her slip-up. Kaina, still a bit flustered, smiled back, feeling slightly more at ease.

She quickly added, "You were going to say something?"

Itachi nodded, his voice steady as he continued. "I was just saying... it's been a long time since we met."

Kaina nodded in agreement, her eyes softening as she thought back. "Yeah... it's been, what, five or six months?"

Itachi nodded again. "And now... you're already a pro hero." His smile grew a little, proud of how far she'd come. "You're doing great."

Kaina's heart swelled at his words, and she couldn't stop the smile that formed on her lips. "Thanks," she muttered, almost shyly. "My agency... it's not very big right now, not compared to the other agencies, but..." Her voice dropped into a quieter, almost vulnerable tone as she muttered, "I want you to come..."

Itachi's keen ears caught her words, though they were barely audible. He didn't say anything right away, but his knowing smile spoke volumes. His eyes were warm, understanding what she was trying to convey without needing to say it out loud.

Kaina, realizing he had heard her, blushed harder, but before she could get too lost in her embarrassment, she gathered her courage and added, "But... no matter which agency you choose, I'll support you. No matter what."

Itachi's gaze softened, and he nodded. "Thank you, Kaina," he said, his voice low but filled with genuine gratitude.

Her blush deepened, and she looked away for a moment, her thoughts swirling. He's looking more and more handsome... and as time passes, I'm thinking about him more and more... she thought, her heart racing. She stole a glance at him, wondering if he had any idea just how much he was affecting her.

After a moment, Kaina managed to regain her composure and, with a slight blush on her cheeks, looked up at Itachi. "I'm a pro hero now, so... I-I want to celebrate with you," she said, her voice carrying both excitement and nervousness.

Itachi glanced at her with his usual calm smile. "Sure," he replied, his agreement simple yet kind.

Her face lit up with a wide smile, relief and joy flooding her expression. "Thank you, Itachi," she said, almost bouncing with happiness. Then, realizing she still had other things to attend to, she added, "I think I'll leave now... I have some work to do." Blushing slightly, she waved at him, "See you soon, Itachi."

Itachi nodded, watching her walk away. "Bye," he said softly, and once she was out of sight, he allowed himself a small smile. Looking up, he exhaled slowly and thought to himself, feeling a quiet sense of satisfaction. Then, with a calm demeanor, he made his way back to where his classmates were gathered, still smiling.

As he approached, he noticed Keigo grinning from ear to ear, clearly up to something. Itachi immediately knew what was going on and sighed, realizing Keigo had likely said something to stir the group. "Keigo must have said something..." Itachi muttered, already resigned to what was coming.

Rumi, smirking mischievously, spoke up first. "You could've told us there was something between you and the newest pro hero, Lady Nagant," she teased, her tone playful.

Itachi sighed again, trying to downplay the situation. "It's nothing like that..." he replied, though his small smile hinted that he wasn't entirely annoyed by their teasing.

Ryuko chimed in, grinning. "It's okay, you don't have to explain yourself. We understand."

Keigo, still smirking, added fuel to the fire. "Yeah, I've known since our school days... there was always something."

Rumi, now fully enjoying herself, leaned in with a playful smirk. "Ah, school love. How cute."

Itachi, though surrounded by their playful banter, sighed again and shook his head. But despite his attempts to stay composed, a small, amused smile tugged at his lips, showing that even he couldn't fully escape the lighthearted teasing of his friends.

After school ended, Itachi made his way home, feeling a mixture of relief and anticipation. As he entered the house, he was greeted by the familiar warmth of his family. His mother, Yana, stood there with a wide smile, while his younger sister, Momo, rushed over excitedly. Unexpectedly, his father, Takashi, was also present, standing quietly in the background.

Yana immediately enveloped her son in a hug. "You were amazing, my baby," she said, her pride clear in her voice.

Itachi smiled softly, returning the hug. "Thank you, Mother."

Before he could say more, Momo threw her arms around him too. "Brother, you were so strong! I saw that red skeleton—what was it? It was so scary but so powerful!" Her eyes were wide with admiration as she spoke of his Susanoo.

Itachi's smile deepened. "Thank you, Momo. But in the future, you'll be even stronger than me."

Momo beamed at his words, her face lighting up as she hugged him tighter. "I'll work hard!"

Yana, watching her children, smiled with a mix of pride and affection. "My baby," she said softly, leaning in to kiss his forehead. "You always make me so proud. I'm so lucky to have you."

Itachi looked at his mother, warmth in his eyes. "I'm the lucky one... to have such a loving mother."

She patted his head, her smile bittersweet. "You've grown up so much," she whispered. Then, her expression shifted slightly as she added, "Itachi, your father... he wants to talk to you."

Itachi's smile faded as his eyes met Takashi's for the first time. His father stood behind Yana, his face shadowed by regret and sorrow. The silence between them stretched, heavy with unresolved feelings.

Takashi finally spoke, his voice low and hesitant. "You did great."

Itachi nodded slowly. "Thank you." But there was no warmth in his tone, just quiet understanding.

Takashi's guilt seemed to weigh heavily on him as he continued, struggling to find the right words. "I... I'm sorry. For what I've done to you."

Itachi's gaze remained steady, unblinking. "Why apologize now?" His voice was calm, but the tension between them was palpable.

Takashi couldn't meet his son's eyes. "I... I don't have an excuse. I understand now that you're strong... stronger than I ever imagined."

Itachi let out a breath, his eyes narrowing slightly. "So that's why?" He paused, letting the words sink in. "Because I've proven my strength?"

Takashi flinched, shame washing over him as he bowed his head. "I was wrong. And I know I've hurt you..."

Itachi stood there, unmoved for a moment, before finally replying. "I need some time to think."

Takashi nodded, his voice barely audible. "Take as much time as you need."

Yana watched the exchange, her own face reflecting the sorrow of the situation. She looked at Itachi, her heart aching for him. But Itachi just gave her a small nod, acknowledging the pain but not letting it consume him.

Changing the subject, he turned to his mother. "Mother, can we eat? I'm hungry."

Yana's expression softened again, and she smiled warmly. "Of course, dear. I made your favorite meal tonight."

Itachi's smile returned, though quieter now. "Dango?"

Yana chuckled softly. "Yes, Dango."

Itachi's mood lightened, and Momo giggled beside him. "Brother likes sweets," she teased, her bright energy lifting the room.

He smiled down at his sister, grateful for the small comforts of home, despite the storm that still lingered in the air between him and his father.

As they sat around the dining table, Yana watched her son closely. Itachi was eating in silence, his mind clearly elsewhere as he occasionally glanced at his father, still processing the earlier conversation. Noticing this, Yana gently broke the silence.

"Itachi," she called softly.

He looked up from his plate, meeting her eyes. "Yeah?"

Yana smiled, trying to lighten the mood. "Where were you after the award ceremony? We came to meet you, but you were nowhere to be found."

Itachi paused, then responded, "Ah, I was with Kaina."

At that, both Yana and Momo perked up, their curiosity instantly piqued. "Ohh!" they both exclaimed in unison.

Yana grinned knowingly. "Did she come to congratulate you?"

Itachi nodded. "Yes, she did."

Momo, with a playful smirk, leaned in. "What were you two doing?" she teased, her tone light but mischievous.

Itachi gave her a flat look. "Nothing. We were just talking, that's all."

Yana chuckled, her smile warm. "Well, you should invite her over sometime. And your other school friends too. It'd be nice to meet them."

Takashi, watching the conversation unfold, smiled softly, though the regret in his eyes hadn't fully faded. He remained quiet, observing the family's dynamic as they continued their light-hearted banter.

Itachi nodded, his expression softening. "Sure, I'll invite them sometime."

With that, he stood up from the table. "Okay, Mother. I think I'll take some rest now."

Yana nodded. "Of course, dear. Get some rest."

Itachi smiled at her, then headed toward his room. As he entered his quiet space, he touched his eyes, feeling a slight twinge of discomfort. "There's some pain... probably from using Susanoo," he muttered under his breath. He sighed softly, feeling the toll of the battle weighing on him.

"I need some rest," he whispered to himself before lying down on his bed. As his body relaxed, exhaustion quickly caught up with him, and within moments, he drifted off into a deep, much-needed sleep.

A few days later, Itachi found himself back at UA High, surrounded by his classmates. The mood was light as they discussed their excitement about the upcoming internships.

Keigo leaned back in his chair with a grin. "I heard I've been recommended by some big agencies."

Rumi nodded, smirking. "Yeah, I've heard it too. I just want to get out there, do some fieldwork, and kick some villains' butts."

Itachi let out a small sigh, ever the calm and collected one.

Yu, sitting beside Rumi, chimed in eagerly. "I feel the same way! I'm so curious about who I'll end up with. I have a feeling it's gonna be someone interesting."

Ryuko nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, I've been thinking the same. It's like the calm before the storm."

Ida, ever the energetic one, added, "I'm excited too! My brother was always thrilled about this part of hero training."

Keigo raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "You have a brother?"

Ida nodded proudly. "Yes, his name is Tenya Iida. He's eight years old now, and he looks up to me a lot."

Itachi smiled softly at this. "I also have a sister who's around the same age. She's eight too."

Rumi grinned and asked, "Your sister must be really cute."

Keigo chuckled. "Oh, she's adorable. I last saw her when we all went to the amusement park with Fuyumi."

Itachi nodded thoughtfully. "I wonder how she's doing."

Keigo nodded back. "Yeah, I hope she's doing well too."

Rumi suddenly perked up, curious. "Wait, who's Fuyumi?"

Keigo responded, his tone casual. "Fuyumi Todoroki, our friend from middle school."

Ryuko's eyes widened. "Todoroki? As in the No. 2 hero's family?"

Itachi nodded. "Yeah, she's his daughter."

Yu's jaw dropped a bit. "Wow… So, have you met him?"

Both Itachi and Keigo shook their heads. "No," Keigo replied, his face momentarily clouded with sadness. "Let's not talk about that."

The mood shifted slightly, noticing the tension, and quickly changed the subject. "I want to work under Endeavor."

Keigo nodded. "Yeah, he'd be great for fire quirk users."

Itachi added, "I heard he only takes those with fire-related quirks, though."

Just as the conversation picked up again, Aizawa entered the room, his presence immediately commanding attention. "Settle down, everyone," he said in his usual monotone voice.

The students quickly fell silent, waiting for his next instruction.

"There are numerous requests coming from heroes for your internships," Aizawa began, glancing at the papers in his hand. "I will give each of you a list of agencies. You'll need to choose where you want to intern by the end of today. You have four hours to make your decision, so choose carefully."

The class nodded in understanding, and Aizawa began handing out the papers, each one tailored to the student's quirk and potential.

As he approached Itachi, he handed him three sheets of paper. "Three pages for recommendations," Aizawa commented with a nod of approval.

Keigo received two papers, while most of the others only had one. Some students were visibly disappointed, but they all respected Aizawa's words.

"Now, go ahead and review your options. Write your chosen agency at the bottom of your sheet and turn it in when you're ready," Aizawa instructed before heading back to his desk.

Itachi glanced down at his papers, scanning the names of the agencies that had shown interest in him.

As Itachi glanced at the list of agencies, a few notable names caught his attention—Nighteye Agency, Might Tower, and Evandor's agency. He thought for a moment, My quirk doesn't relate to fire, before continuing down the list. There were other well-known ones like Fourth Kind Agency, Genius Office, and Uwabami Production, but none of them felt quite right.

When he reached the bottom of the list, his eyes stopped at a name that made him smile: Nagant Agency. Without any hesitation, Itachi picked up his pen and wrote it down. He smiled to himself, confident in his choice.

As he stood up and walked toward Aizawa, his classmates noticed how quickly he had made his decision. Keigo smirked knowingly, thinking, I know why he picked that one.

When Itachi handed the sheet to Aizawa, the teacher raised an eyebrow. "Already? Pretty quick decision." He glanced at the agency name and his expression softened in mild surprise. "Nagant Agency... Are you sure? There are plenty of other strong options here."

Itachi nodded calmly. "I know. But this is the one I want."

Aizawa studied him for a moment before sighing and accepting the sheet. "Alright. If that's what you want, then I won't stop you."

Itachi gave a respectful nod and walked back to his seat, where Keigo still had that smirk on his face. Keigo's eyes followed him, amused, clearly understanding Itachi's choice.

Two days later, Itachi stood outside his dorm, dressed in his hero costume—a long, flowing black cloak adorned with bright red clouds outlined in white, with the Uchiha symbol proudly displayed on the back. The cloak's wide sleeves allowed for free movement, and it reached down to his ankles, giving him a commanding and ominous presence. Around his neck hung a red locket, one that held personal significance to him. He touched it gently, a rare smile gracing his lips as memories filled his mind.

He began his walk toward Nagant Agency, feeling a sense of calm but also anticipation for what lay ahead. As he approached the building where Kaina had established her agency, a sense of pride swelled in him. She's come so far... he thought.

As Itachi approached the building, he noticed it was a well-maintained three-story structure, freshly painted with a sleek and modern look. The agency's name, Nagant, was displayed in bold purple letters on the sign above the entrance. Itachi couldn't help but smile at how far Kaina had come, building her own agency from the ground up.

Just as he reached for the door, it suddenly swung open, and there she stood—Kaina, in her hero costume. Her outfit emphasized her sleek, agile form, and her face lit up when she saw him. "Welcome, Itachi," she said, her voice warm but slightly flustered.

As Itachi stepped inside, Kaina took a quick glance at his outfit, her eyes lingering a moment longer than she intended. His flowing black cloak with the red clouds and Uchiha symbol gave him an imposing yet captivating presence. She couldn't help the blush that crept up her cheeks. He looks... incredible, she thought to herself, but quickly composed herself.

"I-I like your hero outfit, Itachi," she stammered, feeling her face heat up. "It really suits you. Makes you... stand out." She smiled nervously, trying to steer the conversation back to business. "Let me show you around."

Kaina led him through the agency, showing him the different rooms and explaining the layout. "It's not as big as some of the other agencies," she admitted, "but I want it to feel welcoming. Like... like our home." Realizing how her words might have sounded, she blushed even harder and quickly added, "I-I mean, make yourself at home! That's what I meant! Don't get any weird thoughts!" She fidgeted, embarrassed by her own words.

Itachi, with a small blush of his own, nodded calmly. "I understand," he replied, his tone gentle.

After the tour, Kaina took a deep breath, trying to regain her composure. "Alright, now that you've seen everything, it's time for our hero work. Are you ready?"

Itachi gave her a reassuring smile. "Always."

She nodded, her blush fading as she smiled back. "Good. Let's go." Together, they stepped out of the agency, ready for the day's mission as partners.

As Itachi and Kaina walked down the street, people couldn't help but turn their heads to look at Itachi. His dark cloak, adorned with the red clouds of the Uchiha clan, made him stand out. He carried an air of mystery and power, his presence captivating everyone around him. Kaina noticed the stares but didn't seem bothered, instead focusing on their conversation.

"How is everyone?" she asked, glancing at him.

Itachi smiled softly. "They're doing well. Everyone's fine. How about you?"

Kaina smiled back. "I'm doing fine, too. Actually, some of the agencies have recommended me for the Hero Public Safety Commission. In a few months, when I turn 18, I'll be working with them."

Itachi nodded, impressed. "That's great to hear. You'll do well."

As they continued walking, their conversation was interrupted by a tense scene up ahead. A man stood in the street, holding a knife, and in front of him was a woman with green hair, clutching a young child who shared her hair color. The man appeared to be some kind of hybrid, his skin covered in dark, scaly patches resembling that of a reptile. His elongated jaw and sharp teeth gave him a menacing, predatory look. His fingernails were claw-like, and his grin sent a shiver down the spine of anyone who saw him.

Itachi quickly assessed the situation, his eyes narrowing. A chimera, he thought, recognizing the traits.

Before he could act, Kaina moved swiftly. Her sniper ability activated from her elbow, and in an instant, she fired a precise shot that hit the man directly in the hand. He let out a pained yell, dropping the knife as he whipped around, trying to locate the source of the shot.

"Who the hell—" he began, but his words trailed off as he saw Kaina standing there, her purple skin and hero uniform making her look both powerful and intimidating. He grinned, thinking he could fight back, but his eyes immediately caught Itachi's.

In an instant, the man's world shifted. He found himself in a dark, oppressive room. Multiple versions of Itachi surrounded him, their blades drawn. Each one sliced at him bit by bit, cutting into his flesh. The man screamed in agony, thrashing as the illusion overwhelmed him.

The fear and pain were too much to bear. His mind broke under the weight of the genjutsu, and within moments, he lost consciousness, collapsing to the ground, completely knocked out.

Kaina lowered her weapon and looked at Itachi, slightly surprised but also impressed. "I didn't even see you use your Sharingan," she remarked, her tone admiring.

But then she continue don't use your quirk like this again….. this might cause troble….itachi understood and he thought….cant use quirk in public when I get my hero lience…. He sign and thought this rule is hard to understand….

Kaina smirked, then walked over to check on the woman and child. "Are you alright?" she asked, her voice calm and reassuring.

The woman, still shaken, nodded gratefully. "Yes, thank you! Thank you both so much!"

i turned toward the child, he noticed the boy's eyes shining with excitement, practically stars in his gaze. The boy beamed up at him and exclaimed, "You're from the Sports Festival, right?!"

Itachi smiled softly and nodded. "Yes, that's right."

The boy's excitement only grew as he bounced on his feet. "Your fight was so cool! You know, I became a huge fan of yours after that!"

Itachi's expression remained calm, though a faint warmth appeared in his eyes. "Thank you," he said kindly. "What's your name?"

The boy grinned from ear to ear. "I'm Izuku Midoriya!"

Kaina, standing beside Itachi, couldn't help but smile as she watched the interaction, though she felt a slight blush creeping onto her face. Izuku's energy was infectious, and it lightened the moment.

Suddenly, Izuku turned toward her, his eyes lighting up once again as recognition dawned on him. "Wait! You're Lady Nagant, right? Your quirk is Sniper!"

Kaina raised an eyebrow, surprised but amused by his enthusiasm. With a small smile, she nodded. "Yes, that's me. You know about my quirk?"

Izuku nodded vigorously, his excitement bubbling over. "I love learning about heroes! I write everything I know about them in my notebook!"

Kaina's heart softened at his innocence and passion. "That's impressive," she said warmly. "Thank you for following my work."

At that moment, Izuku's mother, her face filled with relief, approached them and bowed slightly. "Thank you for saving us... again," she said, her voice filled with gratitude.

Itachi, ever composed, nodded respectfully. "Just be careful."

She smiled and nodded, taking Izuku's hand as they made their way down the street. Izuku waved goodbye, still brimming with excitement.

As the two walked off, Kaina glanced after them, a rare softness in her expression. "It feels nice... seeing fans like that," she murmured, more to herself than to Itachi.

Itachi, quiet as ever, gave a small nod but said nothing in return. His presence was steady, a calming force beside her.

Kaina turned to him, her smile widening. "Let's get this guy turned over to the authorities," she said, motioning to the unconscious chimera villain sprawled on the ground.

After securing the unconscious chimera, Kaina and Itachi handed him over to the police. The officers quickly restrained the villain and took statements from both heroes, expressing their gratitude for the swift and efficient takedown.

"Thanks for your help. This guy has been causing trouble for a while," one of the officers said, shaking their hands.

Itachi simply nodded, his usual calm demeanor in place. "Just doing our job."

Kaina smiled at the officer. "Make sure he doesn't cause any more trouble," she added before turning back to Itachi. "Ready to finish our patrol?"

Itachi gave a small nod. "Let's continue."

They spent the rest of the day patrolling the city streets, keeping an eye out for any suspicious activity. It was mostly quiet after that encounter, and by the time evening came, they had wrapped up their patrol and returned to Kaina's agency.

The two of them walked into the building, their footsteps echoing in the quiet hallways. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm orange glow through the windows. Kaina stretched her arms and smiled. "Good work today," she said, her voice light. "You handled that villain effortlessly."

"Likewise," Itachi replied, his expression calm but appreciative.

Kaina smiled at him and walked toward the kitchen area. "Want some coffee? You deserve it after today."

Itachi nodded. "That sounds good."

She quickly made two cups of coffee and handed one to Itachi. He took it with a small smile and sipped it slowly. The rich, warm flavor of the coffee spread through him, and he looked at her. "This is good."

Kaina, who had been watching him nervously, blushed slightly at his compliment. She tried to brush it off with a laugh. "It's just coffee. Nothing special."

Itachi met her eyes, his expression genuine. "No, really. It's good," he said softly, a rare hint of warmth in his voice.

Kaina felt her heart skip a beat as her blush deepened. She averted her gaze, taking a sip of her own coffee to hide the smile that tugged at her lips. Why does he have to be so effortlessly charming? she thought to herself.

"Well, I'm glad you like it," she replied, her voice a little quieter than usual.

For a moment, there was a comfortable silence between them. The soft sound of the city outside and the warmth of the coffee created a peaceful atmosphere.

Kaina glanced at Itachi, still feeling her cheeks warm. "You know, I'm glad you chose my agency. It feels nice having you here."

Itachi looked at her, his expression as calm and composed as ever. "I feel the same. It's… comfortable here."

That simple statement, combined with his steady gaze, made Kaina's heart flutter again. She quickly looked away, pretending to focus on her coffee, but the warmth of his words lingered in the air between them.