Chapter 22: Lost In The Woods
Yoruichi accompanied the others as they traversed the forest, the location where they were dropped off by the Senkaimon. She observed Isane examining the map provided by Unohana, ensuring they wouldn't lose their way to the leaf village.
"May I inquire, how much farther do we have to go?" Yoruichi questioned, peering over the younger woman's shoulder to catch a glimpse of the map. "We are a few miles away," Isane replied. Yoruichi nodded, hoping they would arrive before nightfall.
Curiously, Ikkaku inquired, "So, do you reckon these ninjas are formidable?" He followed behind the two women with Yumichika by his side. "I am uncertain; we shall witness their strength soon enough," the man with purple hair responded while running his fingers through his hair.
"Ikkaku, we are not here for combat. Our purpose is to support Captain Soifon and Captain Ukitake," Isane explained to the bald-headed man, who expressed frustration at not being able to fight. "Yet, Head Captain never said we couldn't train with them, why were here."
Yumichika and Yoruichi couldn't help but chuckle at Ikkaku's expense as they followed Isane, who was leading them down the path indicated by the map.
"Will we arrive before darkness falls?" Yoruichi inquired as she caught up with the tall lieutenant, who was examining the map. "I believe we should," she replied.
Yoruichi nodded, breathing out a sigh as she strolled alongside Isane. "At least the scenery here is more enjoyable than that of the Senkaimon," she remarked.
"I wholeheartedly agree," Isane responded with a smile, coming to a stop at a fork in the road. She referred to the map to determine the correct direction. "Come now, Isane, can't you decipher a map?" Ikkaku interjected, halting behind her.
Isane glanced at Ikkaku with a stern expression, stating, 'Please be quiet, Ikkaku. I need to determine the correct direction.' She then resumed her focus on the map, carefully studying it to choose the right path.
Observing Ikkaku's eye roll and hearing his murmurs to Yumichika, Yoruichi heard Ikkaku whisper, 'I believe we might be lost.' Yumichika shook his head in response and countered, 'I don't believe we are,' while scanning their surroundings.
With a smile, Yumichika remarked, 'I'm not in a hurry to reach the village. Just look at this beautiful forest, isn't it enchanting?'
Ikkaku glared at Yumichika, retorting, 'Yeah, it reminds me of the forest in the Soul Society,' and rolling his eyes, which earned him a fierce look from Yumichika.
Yoruichi interrupted any further discussion, asserting, 'We don't have unlimited time to stroll around or admire the trees.' Yumichika seemed about to protest, but Isane cut them off, declaring, 'The correct path is this way.'
Yoruichi followed Isane towards the left path, questioning, 'Are you certain?' She examined the pointed rocks protruding from the ground, seeking confirmation.
Isane released a sigh and replied, 'Yes, I am certain.' She continued walking ahead and suggested, 'If you all doubt my words, perhaps one of you should read the map and lead the way.'
Yoruichi shook her head and chimed in, 'Thank you, but I am not capable of reading maps.' She ceased pestering Isane, who nodded in acknowledgment.
The four of them had been walking down the path for a few hours now, and with the sun beginning to set, Yoruichi couldn't help but entertain the notion that Ikkaku's claim about being lost might have some merit.
'Isane, forgive me for persisting, but could we possibly be lost?' Yoruichi asked, stopping in the same spot they had passed five times before.
Isane also stopped, causing both Ikkaku and Yumichika to pause, and before the lieutenant could respond, Ikkaku interjected, 'Just admit it, Isane. We are merely going in circles.' He crossed his arms and glared at the woman.
Observing the exchange between Isane and Ikkaku, Yoruichi and Yumichika exchanged glances. Isane clenched her hand in frustration and glared back at the bald-headed man. 'We are not lost, Ikkaku. Your perception is mistaken. This is a vast forest.'
That's just an excuse you would use. Please, hand me the map so that I can read it," Ikkaku said, extending his hand towards Isane. However, Isane promptly slapped his hand away and replied, "I will take another look at it. In the meantime, let us set up camp." She walked away from the group.
Yoruichi couldn't help but feel a little sympathy towards Isane. It was her first time away from the soul society and her first time leading a group. Yoruichi understood that it wasn't easy with Ikkaku and her pestering the lieutenant about being lost.
Yoruichi overheard Ikkaku mumbling to Yumichika, "This is why we shouldn't let a member of squad four lead us, especially if they haven't been out of the soul society for a long period of time."
"Show some faith in Isane, Ikkaku. She is just feeling disoriented, and this place is new to all of us," Yumichika said, glaring at Ikkaku. "I'm pretty sure if we had Yachiru with us, we would be even more lost than Isane."
Ikkaku nodded and observed Isane sitting down on a stump. "I suppose you are right. She must be nervous."
"Let us proceed to gather firewood," Ikkaku stated as he departed alongside Yumichika, leaving Yoruichi and Isane behind.
Yoruichi observed the men's departure and approached Isane, who was studying the map with a puzzled expression. Letting out a sigh, Yoruichi settled herself on the stump beside the younger woman.
"It is acceptable to acknowledge our state of being lost; we shall not judge," the woman with purple hair said, placing a hand on Isane's shoulder to gain her attention.
Isane looked at Yoruichi and released a sigh. "That sentiment holds true for you; you are not burdened by Ikkaku's constant presence," she replied, dropping the map onto the ground and running her hands across her face.
Yoruichi regarded Isane with a frown. "Do not allow Ikkaku's influence to affect you. Simply focus on deciphering the map and do not allow any distractions. I apologize for pushing you too hard," she stated, picking up the map.
"I merely desire to arrive at the village and ensure Soifon's well-being," Yoruichi added, handing the map back to Isane.
Isane retrieved the map from Yoruichi, ensuring that it was placed upright." Isane playfully remarked, "Perhaps if we keep the map in the correct orientation, it will be easier to read."
Yoruichi's comment made Isane laugh. "I suppose I didn't realize it was upside down." Isane said as she gazed into Yoruichi's golden eyes. "Thank you, Yoruichi, for the encouragement." Isane expressed with a smile.
"Don't mention it. Just review the map, and we will set off in the morning. Together, we can guide the two boys and demonstrate to Ikkaku that you are capable of leading us to the village," Yoruichi stated.
Isane nodded and shifted her focus to the map, reading it correctly just as she heard Ikkaku and Yumichika returning with firewood.
She heard Yoruichi approaching them, offering to help start the fire and giving Isane some space, for which Isane was grateful. "We will reach the village," Isane promised herself.
Yoruichi left Isane to study the map. "So, how much firewood did you gather?" she inquired from the two men.
Ikkaku and Yumichika placed the wood at the feet of Yoruichi, stating, 'Enough for the night.' Ikkaku proceeded to construct the fire pit while Yumichika directed his attention towards Yoruichi and inquired, 'How is Isane faring?' He ensured that his partner would not overhear the conversation.
"She will be fine now. I provided her with some encouragement. I believe her struggle was simply due to the darkness causing her to misread the map," responded Yoruichi, causing Yumichika to react with a sense of reassurance. "I have confidence in her abilities. Just because I am a member of the eleventh squad does not imply any contempt towards the fourth squad," he affirmed.
Yoruichi concurred, adding, "This is her first time leading a group outside of her own squad," observing Ikkaku as he successfully ignited the fire after arranging the logs appropriately.
"Very well, let us rest and consume our meal," declared Yoruichi as she removed the backpack from her shoulders, containing their provisions.
"Isane, come over here and nourish yourself. We can then rest and review the map in the morning," the woman with dark skin instructed.
Isane was on the verge of expressing her objection to taking a break from reading the map, but due to her growling stomach, she ended up accepting the necessity. She let out a sigh before proceeding to join the other three individuals.
The lieutenant, after placing the map in her pocket, took a seat on a log that Yumichika had arranged for them. She observed as Ikkaku and Yoruichi prepared the food.
"You alright, Isane?" Yumichika inquired with concern, fixing his gaze on his friend. Isane nodded and replied, "I will be once we arrive at the village. I feel like a failure for not successfully leading us there before tomorrow."
Yumichika regarded her as Isane continued, "Yoruichi is concerned about Captain Soifon. What if something else transpires and we fail to reach the destination on time?"
"Do not fret excessively, Isane. We will arrive in the morning, and besides, Captain Soifon is fully capable of taking care of herself," Yumichika reassured.
Isane nodded, and as Yoruichi handed her a plate of ramen and chopsticks, she acknowledged the gesture. The group proceeded to eat and retired for the night.