· With Sasuke And his team*
Sasuke positioned himself on a cliff, where he and his team had established a campsite for the night. With focused intensity, he observed the sun ascend above the clouds, his unwavering gaze fixed upon the celestial spectacle.
Engrossed in deep contemplation, he pondered the perplexing events that unfolded the previous night, which had hindered his ability to obtain a restful slumber. Despite the absence of any imminent danger, particularly after his successful elimination of Itachi several months prior, a profound sense of unrest persisted within him.
Seeking clarity, Sasuke allowed his mind to meander back to the nocturnal reveries that had kept him awake, recalling a disconcerting apparition involving his deceased brother. Although he rationalized the presence of Itachi in his dream as a consequence of his fratricide act, the peculiarity of the occurrence left him perplexed.
Sasuke had regarded his brother's words with forgiveness, as Itachi had divulged the events of the night the clan was eradicated. However, the purpose of Itachi's instruction to keep an open mind about the individuals he would encounter remained unclear to Sasuke.
He wondered who Itachi was referring to and when this meeting would take place. The sole information provided by Itachi was that Sasuke would soon discover the answer and that the person he would encounter would not pose as an adversary but rather, their identity would become apparent upon encountering them. This statement from Itachi left the young Uchiha perplexed. Sasuke speculated if Itachi meant to refer to a female individual, due to his use of the pronoun "her". Could Itachi's message be interpreted as a warning that this female would encounter trouble, and that Itachi wished for Sasuke to ensure her safety once they crossed paths?
Shaking his head to clear his thoughts when he heard movement from behind him letting him know his team was slowly waking up" Morning Sasuke!" Karin said in a tired voice as she yawned and stretched her arms. But he ignored the redhead's greeting, standing up and walking over toward the others " Let's get going!" he ordered hiding his uncomfortable look with a cold expression.
Jugo observed the Uchiha with a quizzical expression, seemingly anticipating his actions, yet the individual with orange hair remained silent.
"Let us proceed," Sasuke proclaimed after ascertaining that everyone was alert. "To what destination are we headed?" Karin inquired while adjusting her spectacles. Sasuke's gaze became more focused as he deliberated. Although Itachi's warning echoed in his mind, he disregarded such thoughts.
After a brief pause, Sasuke responded to the redhead's query and massaged his temple. "We shall make our way to the hidden leaf village!" he declared, effectively dismissing the perplexed expressions displayed by his companions.
The young Uchiha averted his gaze from them and gracefully bounded onto a tree, with the rest of the group swiftly pursuing him.
· With Soifon*
Soifon had arrived at her division and had already conversed with Omeada regarding the management of her squad during her absence.
She was concerned about the potential consequences of not getting things done while on her mission. She contemplated asking Lady Yoruichi to oversee matters, but doubted the feasibility before her thoughts were interrupted by a voice.
"Hey, Soifon, what are you currently occupied with?" The person she had been thinking about had approached her just as she was lost in introspection, but she dismissed her musings before facing her former mentor.
"Oh, nothing much. I am simply preparing for a mission alongside Captain Ukitake, Lieutenant Abari, and Lieutenant Kuchki!" The diminutive captain responded while gazing at the ground. "A mission? Then why does it seem like you harbor uncertainties about embarking on it?" The woman with dark complexion inquired as she walked alongside her former student.
Soifon expressed her concern about leaving Omeada alone to watch her squad, stating that she was worried about his capability.
She turned her gaze towards Yoruichi, seeking her advice. Soifon mentioned that she was considering asking Yoruichi if she had time before the mission. Yoruichi reassured Soifon that she would do anything for her, placing a hand on her shoulder. Although Soifon initially tensed up, she quickly brushed it off. Soifon then explained that she wanted Yoruichi to keep an eye on her squad while she was away, specifically ensuring that Omeada was fulfilling his responsibilities.
She even considered asking Kisuke to keep an eye on her squad, secretly believing him to be more trustworthy than her lieutenant, although she would never admit it.
Soifon observed her former mentor with a small smile. "I assure you, I will ensure that everything is in order. You can trust me, as I will remain in the Soul Society for a significant period of time," the dark-skinned woman said confidently. "Thank you, Lady Yoruichi," Soifon replied, returning the smile. She let out a grunt as the older woman chuckled. "You're welcome. And please, stop calling me that. I've asked you to simply address me as Yoruichi," Yoruichi said, slightly annoyed. "You and I both know I no longer deserve such a title." Yoruichi whispered the last part, knowing it to be true, even though Soifon didn't think so.
Soifon sighed, realizing it was time for her to leave. She checked the time and said, "Anyway, Lady… I mean Yoruichi, I must depart now. Please ensure the squad's unity, and thank you."As Soifon stood on her tiptoes, she planted a small kiss on Yoruichi's cheek before leaving, leaving the former captain of the second squad in a state of shock.
With Squad Seven*
Squad seven was dispatched on a minor mission, which was perceived as uninteresting by a member with blond hair. Their objective entailed providing assistance in the maintenance of a river within a nearby village.
Sai expressed his discontent through a sigh as he followed his team while being accompanied by Kakashi. After approximately three hours, they arrived at the designated village.
Kakashi instructed them to locate him once they completed their task of cleaning the river. Naruto and Sakura exhibited displeasure towards Kakashi's departure by giving him a resentful glare. Naruto, with a hint of frustration in his eyes, exclaimed his dissatisfaction by questioning why Kakashi never participated in cleaning activities. Sai, choosing to disregard Naruto's outburst, merely shook his head.
While walking towards the river, the group began cleaning the area. Sakura pulled out a trash bag from her backpack and Sai held it open as she grabbed a soda can and tossed it in. Sakura expressed her appreciation for the breeze with a smile, to which Sai nodded in agreement. After several hours of cleaning, they decided to take a break and sat on the riverbank to enjoy their lunch.
Naruto wondered aloud about their sensei's whereabouts and expressed his annoyance while eating a rice ball. In response, Sakura speculated that their sensei might be engrossed in one of his inappropriate books as she took a sip of her soda. Sai remained quiet and listened to their conversation.
Suddenly, a loud screech pierced through the forest, causing all three members to stand up and set aside their food. Sakura asked what the noise was, and Naruto suggested it could be some kind of monster based on the sound. They all surveyed their surroundings in search of the source.
Sai acknowledged the sound and proceeded to survey the vicinity in search of its source. His attention was drawn to a creature across the river that seemed to be approaching their location.
As the trio examined the creature more closely, they observed its serpentine body and a skull resembling that of a snake, with a cavity in its chest. Sakura, with wide eyes, inquired, 'What is that entity?' Naruto, wearing a smirk, confidently declared, 'No matter what it is, I shall vanquish it!' Sai, concurring with Naruto, nodded while reaching for his sword. Sakura, filled with concern, warned, ''Exercise caution, both of you!''Meanwhile, the creature drew nearer, emitting a mighty howl as its jaws gaped wide. Naruto and Sai exchanged glances and nodded in agreement.
Both combatants patiently awaited the creature's approach, poised to strike. As it drew nearer, Naruto swiftly performed several hand signs to execute his shadow clan jutsu, summoning clones into existence. ''Let us not delay any further!'' he declared. Sai, following suit, retrieved his scroll and summoned an ink bird using his ink paint, leaping onto it.
As the creature opened its mouth to unleash a barrage of fireballs, Naruto and Sakura skillfully evaded the attack. Naruto bravely charged towards the creature, launching a series of strikes and kicks, but unfortunately, they did not inflict much damage. Landing beside Sakura, Naruto expressed his disappointment, exclaiming, ''That did not have any effect on it!" Meanwhile, Sai carefully observed the creature, attempting to devise a strategy to defeat it.
Sai skillfully sketched a few birds and summoned them to attack the creature. However, the creature swiftly retaliated, striking the birds with its tail with enough force to cause them to explode. Roaring triumphantly, the creature proceeded to unleash another volley of fireballs at Naruto, Sakura, and Sai.
While Sai managed to dodge the fireballs from the bird he was riding, Naruto and Sakura nimbly evaded the projectiles from the ground. Frustrated and determined, Naruto growled in frustration, 'How on earth can we possibly overcome this formidable opponent?' The creature let out a chilling howl, awaiting a response from either Sai or Sakura to their friends' question.
A voice exclaimed 'Shakkaho!' The individuals turned their heads to witness a crimson fireball soar past them, striking the creature directly in its skull and instantly claiming its life. Naruto and Sakura observed the spectacle with astonishment, while Sai displayed an indifferent expression. Sai dismounted his bird and vanished without a trace.
Sakura and Naruto pivoted their gaze to ascertain the source of the voice and attack, only to find four figures positioned a short distance away from them. Upon the newcomers' approach, Naruto, Sakura, and Sai examined them more closely.
The initial figure was a relatively petite woman with gray eyes and black hair. She donned a short attire with two lengthy braids secured by white fabric, each adorned with a large golden ring. Naruto couldn't help but gulp, as she bore a resemblance to someone he knew, although her emitted energy suggested otherwise.
The second individual was a tall man with lengthy white hair, sporting the same attire as the woman. However, he appeared amiable in nature. Standing alongside the long-haired man was the third individual, also a woman, but her description remains incomplete.
The height of the second woman was slightly lesser than the other individual. However, she possessed short black hair with bangs that neatly framed her fair countenance. Furthermore, her eyes exhibited a captivating violet shade.
The last individual standing next to the shorter female was a gentleman of considerable height, possessing a voluminous ponytail of fiery red hair and complementing his appearance with a pair of brown eyes.