Our poor Anima weapons.

[Morningstar1337]

This was actually shocking to some people?

Considering that the whole "Sentient weapon" thing was explored with a lot more detail in the Zodiac quests (where it feels more tacked on) I'd say yes.

With that said I see three possibilities with this.

• Bast Case Scenario: They give the Anima arc some closure that involves sentient weapons for all and a way to somehow separate the soul form the weapon so that we can trade in for 4.0. In that case I'd expect a Homunculus-type NPC or a minion (or 13 like the Yo-kai Watch event in reverse). Given the ability to get more than one Anima weapon I'd say either different designs for the Minions or making up to 13 homunculi vessels (one for each job) are likely.
• Second Best Case Scenario: They end the Arc, give it some closure but keep the soul in the weapon. They will also not cave in to the fans like last time. Meaning they will not allow the Anima weapons to be used as a shortcut to the new weapon, thus rendering this discussion moot.
• 2nd Worse Case Scenario: They end the Anima arc, keep the soul in the vessel and then allow it to be traded in for a new weapon, all while pointing out the ramifications of that decision. The option will still be there but be more heavily discouraged and possibly would cause some chastising if they go through with it
• Worse case Scenario: The above but with the WoL absolved of any consequences of effectively committing murder for a rather petty reason.

Customized NPCs might just be wishful thinking. Minions might work, though would they even consider that players might want to finish the weapon for more than 1 class and plan accordingly? Given the precedent, the possibility of just killing the soul to trade in for a powerful but unlikely to be sentient weapon is just as likely.

[maxxvoltage4]

In case of the minions idea, it probably will be 26 different ones, seeing as it would either be male or female depending on your choice before.