Chapter 23: Soifon's Training Begins
Captain Soifon was up the following day, quietly getting dressed after a restful night. She felt content, unsure if it was due to Shikamaru's advice or just exhaustion, leaning towards the latter.
As she heard the sounds of others stirring, including Yoruichi, Isane, Ikkaku, and Yumichika who were expected to arrive that day, Soifon made sure to present herself as if she hadn't been through a challenging time. 'Captain, are you prepared?' came Jushiro's voice from beyond the bathroom door.
'Yes, I am ready,' Soifon responded as she completed dressing and left the bathroom. 'Any news on Lady Yoruichi and the others?' she inquired.
Renji, seated on his bed, shook his head and replied, 'Not yet, but I imagine they may have gotten lost.' Soifon nodded in agreement, adding with a chuckle, 'I wouldn't be surprised.'
Upon completing her preparations, Soifon mentioned, 'Anyway, please inform me when they arrive as I need to meet up with Kakashi and Tsunade.' She exited the hotel and delegated authority to Jushiro in her absence.
Once ensured that her team would manage without her, Soifon proceeded to meet Kakashi and Tsunade, who were awaiting her at the Hokage tower
. Utilizing flash-stepping to expedite her journey across rooftops, Soifon felt a light breeze brushing against her face. Arriving promptly at the Hokage tower, she entered the office to find Tsunade and Shizune present.
She inquired about Kakashi's whereabouts, to which Shizune playfully remarked, 'You're a bit early,' while Tsunade expressed her expectation of him being punctual for once, eliciting laughter from Shizune.
Soifon inquired, 'Are you certain that he is a high-ranking ninja?' She hesitated to express her doubts about a teacher being late, considering that there were a few captains who were frequently tardy.
Tsunade could not suppress a chuckle as she confirmed, 'I'm afraid so.' This response elicited a chuckle and a shrug from Soifon, who commented, 'I suppose we are not bound by a strict schedule, so-' before being interrupted by a voice. Kakashi appeared by the window, prompting all three women to turn their attention to the sensei.
'Quite humorous, Kakashi,' Soifon remarked with a roll of her eyes. 'You're not my type, I must inform you,' she added with a smirk directed at him.
Kakashi grunted, 'So you do have a preference? I didn't peg you for the type to have one,' he commented as he entered the office and directed his gaze at the women. 'What is it that you require of me?' he inquired.
"Firstly, you will be assisting Soifon in mastering her sharingan capabilities," Tsunade instructed, gesturing towards the young captain. Kakashi inquired about the best approach to begin the training, directing his gaze towards Soifon and Tsunade.
"Currently, you are relieved from any other missions, and your primary task is to aid Soifon in enhancing her sharingan abilities until further instructions," Tsunade stated. Kakashi acknowledged the directive with a "Yes, ma'am" and then turned to Soifon, who expressed her readiness for the training.
Tsunade advised that they could commence whenever they were prepared, to which Soifon suggested starting immediately.
Kakashi proposed taking Soifon outside the village to minimize distractions for their training session, seeking approval from Tsunade and Soifon before they all set out.
Captain Soifon raised an eyebrow, considering that they would train in the village and trusting that Kakashi was capable. Tsunade inquired, 'Are you certain, Kakashi?' while seated in her chair.
Kakashi affirmed his plan, stating, 'Yes, I am confident it will only take a day or two, I assure you.' He added, 'And we won't venture too far from the village,' to reassure. Tsunade agreed, 'Alright, but strictly for two days,' gazing into Kakashi's eyes. She cautioned, 'If you encounter any difficulties, return immediately.'
Kakashi bowed respectfully and pledged, 'We will not exceed two days, and we will proceed with caution,' before turning to Soifon, who instinctively backed away. 'So, what do you think, Soifon? Would you be interested in a brief excursion?' he inquired.
The young captain nodded, 'If you believe it is the best course of action, I am in agreement. Moreover, if the conditions become too harsh, I would rather not endanger anyone else on my account,' she stated before departing from the premises.
"However, I must inform Captain Ukitake and the others to ensure they are not left uninformed," stated Soifon. Kakashi affirmed, "I shall rendezvous with you at the village gate in one hour."
Soifon proceeded to return to the hotel where her team was accommodated to notify them of her two-day absence for training, assigning Jushiro temporary leadership in her absence.
After Soifon and Kakashi left the office, Shizune expressed her concerns to Lady Tsunade, asking, "Are you certain this is a prudent decision, Lady Tsunade?" Tsunade inquired, "About what?"
Shizune elaborated, "I mean, is it wise to allow Kakashi to escort Soifon out of the village, even temporarily?" She worried about the potential risks to Soifon's safety should the wrong parties become aware of their plans.
Tsuanade nodded as she reclined in her chair, 'I understand your perspective, Shizune, but I believe nothing significant will occur within the next two days. Additionally, Kakashi and Soifon are capable of managing any challenges that may arise, and they will not be far from the village.'
Shizune acknowledged Tsunade's point, 'Understood. However, I have a foreboding feeling,' she murmured, observing Soifon flash-stepping away from the building. Unbeknownst to them, as the two women left the office for a meal, a concealed figure in the ceiling eavesdropped on their conversation.
After ensuring he had not been detected, the figure departed, contemplating, 'Lord Danso needs to be informed.' Shortly after returning to the ANBU base, the individual entered Danso's office.
'What have you discovered, Mika?' Danso inquired, turning to face his ANBU operative. 'I overheard that the young lady you are interested in is departing the village today with Kakashi-sensei.'
'It is good to know. Can you please inform me of their departure time?' Danzo inquired, glancing at the young man who confirmed, 'In an hour,' Mika replied, observing the old man. 'So, what would you like to do now?' he inquired.
With a chuckle, Danzo added, 'Well, I have a mission for you and Eva,' as he gripped his cane. 'A mission?' Mika asked, intrigued. 'Would you like us to follow…?' he started to ask.
'Yes, I would like you to tail Kakashi and the young woman. I want you to bring her back here to me while attempting to keep Kakashi occupied,' Danzo instructed, observing Mika's nod.
'Certainly. We will leave once they depart. How would you like us to bring her here?' Mika asked with a smirk. 'You can bring her back alive but don't kill her,' Danzo stated. 'Not yet. For now, I desire to discover what she knows about this new information,' he clarified.
Mika acknowledged the plan and went to find his partner, Ava, to begin their mission of obtaining their target. This left Danzo laughing as he contemplated, 'We will soon cross paths, little captain.'
《 What will happen in the next Chapter? 》