On the day she turned twelve, Shaolin entered the compound of the Onmitsukido. The new steward had brought her to register for the corps, and in six month's time, she knew she would face the test that would determine the entire course of her future.
"Are you ready, Shaolin-sama?" He placed both hands on the small shoulders of the girl and bent down to look her in the eye. She averted his gaze and nodded wordlessly. He pulled out a small package covered in cloth. "My wife prepared this… a farewell gift. For now. I will look after the estate until you return. I know you will return." He smiled gently and placed her hands over the package. Shaolin grasped on to it tightly.
An officious man sat at a large table, taking down details of the new recruit.
"Family name?"
"Fon".
"Ah." He looked up from his papers at the girl standing before him. "I knew your grandmother. One of our best, before she retired. She was a legend when I was a recruit just like you."
Shaolin said nothing, nodding again.
"And what is your name?"
"I am Shao… Soi. Soifon."
Just like oba-san.
A senior brought her to the barracks that would become her home until autumn. The room was bare, save for a few books, a table, and the tatami. The Onmitsukido did not believe in having recruits share rooms, as they would be pitted against one another when it came to the trial. Camaraderie was only for those who made it in, and even then, if you had the fortune to serve in the Punishment Force or the Detention Unit, you never knew when a comrade would be someone you would have to turn against.
The privacy suited Soifon fine. She tugged at the cloth package, which yielded its contents – a beautiful bento box with a bee and flower impress, with a home-made meal of rice and gindara teriyaki, as well as a letter.
It is our honour and privilege to serve you, Shaolin-sama. May all success be yours in the Onmitsukido, and may you see many glorious years ahead. May you do the Fon family proud in service, as your father and brothers did before you.
Soifon would not enjoy such a wonderful meal until many years later.