Chapter 21: Soifon Learning The Truth About Who She Is
Soifon was currently seated upright in her hospital bed, consuming a rice ball while awaiting the arrival of Jushiro and the others to provide an explanation regarding the events that occurred at the training grounds. Sakura and Shizune had been dispatched to inform Jushiro and Tsunade about Soifon's awakening.
Upon finishing her rice ball, Soifon observed the door open and commented, 'Finally.' She observed as Jushiro and Tsunade entered the hospital room and approached her bedside.
'My apologies for the delay, Captain. We were engaged in a discussion with the head captain,' Jushiro apologized as he approached Soifon's bed, piquing her curiosity. 'Why were you conversing with the head captain?' she inquired, her gray eyes expressing intrigue.
'In addition to that, the head captain has dispatched four individuals to assist us here,' replied Jushiro, settling down on Soifon's hospital bed. 'Who have they sent?' questioned Soifon.
'The head captain is sending Isane, Ikkaku, Yumichika, and Yoruichi,' Jushiro disclosed, observing Soifon raise an eyebrow. 'Why is Lady Yoruichi joining us?'
Soifon contemplated who was currently overseeing her squad in the absence of Yoruichi, who was on her way here. 'Do you think Yoruichi would disregard the head captain's orders and come anyway if she discovers you were injured?' Jushiro pointed out, causing Soifon to nod in agreement.
The second squad captain pondered on Jushiro's remark about Yoruichi potentially acting independently and concluded that she could trust her third seat, Brooke, to oversee the squad.
"Yes, you're probably correct," the petite captain chuckled. She was well aware that her former mentor wouldn't take orders from anyone, let alone the head captain. "When can we expect their arrival?" she inquired.
Jushiro also chuckled in response. "They should be here either tonight or tomorrow morning at the latest," he confirmed, and Soifon nodded in acknowledgement.
"In any case, I need both of you to be truthful about what transpired in the training grounds," Soifon stated, looking at both Jushiro and Tsunade, who gave her a skeptical look. "I want to understand why Kakashi questioned the condition of my eyes." Soifon concluded.
Jushiro and Tsunade exchanged glances. "Are you prepared for a thorough explanation?" Tsunade inquired as she proceeded to walk further into the room.
Soifon raised an eyebrow at the blond Hokage. "Certainly, I am eager to learn the details of what transpired," she responded, adjusting her position to sit more comfortably.
Jushiro nodded, releasing a sigh, before commencing a comprehensive account of Soifon's lineage and the reasons behind her experiencing headaches, as well as relaying Kakashi's observations concerning her eyes.
Soifon attentively listened to Jushiro's narrative, and her expression turned grim. "So, both you, Unohana, and the head captain deceived me regarding my origins?" she questioned, her tone tinged with anger.
Jushiro nodded while exhaling wearily. "Please, do not hold too much animosity towards us, Soifon. It was a decision made by your parents to send you to the soul society," he explained, causing Soifon's frown to deepen.
"Your mother and father took this action to safeguard you from potential adversaries, just as they did with your siblings," Tsunade offered, observing as the young woman stood up.
Soifon heard the words of Jushiro and Tsunade and expressed her displeasure by frowning as she rose from the hospital bed. She inquired, with her eyes narrowed, 'Protect me from what?'
Tsunade responded, 'Well, firstly, there is a man who has convinced your twin brother Sasuke to join him for power. Additionally, there are still Individuals who would likely attempt to harm you.' She added, 'However, since you are now a captain, I believe they would encounter difficulties.'
Soifon nodded, allowing all of this information to process in her mind. She let out a sigh and asked, 'May I have some time to contemplate all of this?' Jushiro gave his approval by nodding and stated, 'Of course, take your time to think it over, and we can discuss further.'
Grateful for the understanding, Soifon nodded but maintained a frown. 'Did Lady Yoruichi have knowledge of all this?' she questioned. She wondered why her former mentor kept this information from her.
Jushiro replied, 'No, she did not. I am certain she feels as upset as you do.' He continued, 'The only ones who are aware are myself, Unohana, the Head Captain, Shunsui, the former squad six captain, your parents, and the Third Hokage.'
Upon hearing Jushiro's words, Soifon nodded in agreement. She found some solace in the fact that she hadn't been intentionally deceived, fearing the potential hurt that Yoruichi would feel if she were to learn the truth after all these years.
Seeking permission, Soifon turned to Tsunade and asked, 'Is it permissible for me to leave the hospital?' Tsunade nodded and replied, 'Certainly, but be cautious not to exert yourself. The sharingan has taken a toll on you. However, you will receive training to learn how to control it, even if it is Kakashi who will be teaching you.'
Soifon acknowledged Tsunade's response with a nod, 'I understand. I simply need some time to go for a walk and reflect on everything.' Deep in thought about her dream and the mysterious man's revelations, Soifon contemplated if it would be possible to encounter him again, be it in a dream or a daydream.
Leaving the hospital, the captain of the second squad began her walk, whispering to herself, 'Perhaps I should consult Suzumbachi and seek her opinion.' She believed it would be more beneficial than conversing with an unknown individual who seemed to bring troubling news. However, Soifon was determined to do whatever it took to process this newfound information.
Over the course of time, Soifon walked through the village with her hands gracefully at her sides, allowing her thoughts to meander through her mind. She disregarded the inquisitive stares of those who cast their gaze upon her.
Suddenly, a voice interjected, capturing the attention of the petite woman. Soifon turned to find a young man with jet-black hair, elegantly styled in a high, spiked ponytail, adorning a green vest reminiscent of Kakashi's attire.
Halting in her tracks, Soifon narrowed her gray eyes at the individual who had interrupted her reverie. Politely, she responded, "I am merely paying a visit to this village, and it is already known to your esteemed Hokage that I am present."
The man nodded and directed his gaze towards her, remarking, "Well, it is of no significant consequence. However, I felt compelled to intervene as you were about to collide with a nearby pole." He inclined his head towards the object of his concern, prompting Soifon to follow his indication. "Ah, I see. Thank you," she replied gratefully.
Soifon turned her attention back towards the young man, noting that he appeared to be of similar age in the realm of reality. Curiosity piqued, the male inquired, "Who are you?"
"It is Soifon, and may I inquire about your name?" Soifon politely asked as she gazed at the man who responded with a nonchalant nod. "I am Shikamaru Nara," he stated. Soifon nodded in response, surveying her surroundings before returning her attention to him.
"I am curious as to what brought you here and what preoccupied you to the extent that you almost collided with a pole," Shikamaru inquired, causing Soifon to shrug.
"I am here on a mission, although it is not of great significance since your esteemed Hokage has already agreed to form an alliance with our village," she informed him, as she believed it safe to disclose the truth given his affiliation with the leaf ninjas.
Shikamaru nodded thoughtfully. "So, may I ask where you originate from?" he inquired, displaying his curiosity as he walked alongside Soifon. She explained to him, assuming he was the type who required only one telling.
"So, you are from a different realm?" Shikamaru speculated. Soifon shrugged, admitting, "Honestly, I do not know where my companions are from. Apparently, I was born in this realm, yet I am uncertain of what to even make of it," she confessed.
Although she did not contemplate her words beforehand, she considered that discussing her situation with someone outside her usual circle of high-ranked individuals might provide some assistance.
Shikamaru gazed at her with a perplexed expression. 'So, you are not from the soul society?' he inquired the captain. Soifon nodded in affirmation. 'I suppose that's what Jushiro and Tsunade have stated, but I must confess, I am unsure of what to believe, particularly after all these years of keeping it concealed,' she admitted.
Soifon proceeded to elucidate everything she had been informed. 'So, you are an Uchiha?' Shikamaru whispered cautiously, ensuring his question remained hushed to avoid any eavesdropping ears. Soifon, being grateful for his discretion, nodded slightly.
'I suppose so, and the reason my parents sent me away was for my protection,' she confessed with a sigh. 'They warned of individuals who might try to capture me or manipulate me into betraying the village, similar to what happened with Sasuke and Itachi.'
Shikamaru nodded sympathetically. 'What are your thoughts? What do you believe?' he inquired, acknowledging the immense difficulty of the situation for Soifon, who had just discovered she had been living a falsehood.
Soifon shrugged, expressing her uncertainty. 'Honestly, I do not know. But what I do know is that I cannot abandon my home, the place where I grew up. I have formed countless friendships there,' she concluded.
"And I have subsequently assumed the role of a captain, and I do not wish to simply abandon my squad or my homeland, despite the fact that this place is essentially my place of birth," Soifon stated as she proceeded on foot.
Soifon aspired to not emulate Yoruichi's actions of leaving merely because of her origins, and she vowed to refrain from following in the footsteps of her brothers and betraying anyone. "And I cannot envision myself betraying anyone," she added.
Shikamaru nodded in understanding as he attentively listened to Soifon's reasoning. Although he couldn't help but feel upset about Tsunade and others concealing the truth, he comprehended their rationale.
"I cannot provide you with guidance on how to feel, but you should be grateful that they informed you and that your parents desired to protect you from harm," Shikamaru stated, accompanying her as they walked.
Soifon absorbed Shikamaru's words and let out a sigh. She surmised that he was correct, and she felt grateful for his advice. A smile adorned her face as they strolled through the village, engaging in conversation. Shikamaru even took the time to explain the various clans residing in the village.