Flash-Back: Unohana and Jushiro*
Unohana and Jushiro strolled together through the village with the intention of meeting the Hokage before returning to the soul society. They had been in the leaf village for a week acquainting themselves with it and were now on their way to inform the third hokage about their departure.
Jushiro expressed his eagerness to return home, a sentiment which Unohana agreed with. As the two captains approached the hokage tower, they were intercepted by a ninja.
"Captain Unohana and Captain Ukitake, the hokage is currently at the hospital and has sent me to inform you of his request to meet him there," the ninja conveyed.
Unohana acknowledged the young man before them. "I appreciate your message," she replied. She then turned to her white-haired comrade. "Let us proceed to the hospital, where I presume the hokage is visiting the newborns," she commented, having heard about her friend Mikoto's imminent delivery of twins.
Jushiro expressed his agreement by nodding, stating, "I do not mind seeing the babies before our departure, anyhow." He proceeded to follow Unohana towards the Leaf hospital in order to have a conversation with the Hokage.
After an additional ten minutes of walking, the captains arrived at the hospital and noticed the third Hokage outside a hospital room where Mikoto was present.
"Ah, Captain Unohana and Captain Ukitake, it is a pleasure to see you," greeted the third Hokage, turning towards them alongside Fugaku, who was engaged in conversation with him.
Unohana and Jushiro reciprocated the greeting with nods and directed their attention towards Fugaku. Unohana, with a smile, inquired, "How is Mikoto faring?" "She is doing well. We have been blessed with a boy and a girl," responded the head Uchiha with a slight smile.
Unohana looked at him curiously and questioned, "What seems to be troubling you? Shouldn't you be elated about the new arrivals?" She raised an eyebrow inquisitively. "I am," replied Fugaku.
His gaze shifting towards the room's door, from which a doctor emerged with one of the twins. Unohana followed his gaze, then returned her attention to Fugaku, who took the baby from the doctor's arms.
Unohana and Jushiro observed the sleeping newborn in her father's embrace. "May I inquire about her well-being?" Unohana asked, her gaze shifting to Fugaku whose expression appeared troubled.
The Uchiha patriarch directed his attention towards the captains and assured them, "There is nothing amiss with her." He emphasized that his daughter was perfectly healthy.
"However, I do worry about her future. Although I struggle to articulate it, I have a strong sense that she will possess great strength. I am determined to protect her from anyone who might pose a threat or influence her negatively," he confided, marveling at his daughter as she stirred and gazed up at him.
Fugaku's countenance softened as he glanced at the baby before turning towards Unohana. "Allow me to introduce Soifon Uchiha," he informed the captains.
Unohana and Jushiro acknowledged the revelation. "What do you intend to do in regard to her?" Jushiro inquired, expressing concern. "I sincerely hope you have no intention of abandoning her."
Fugaku reassured them, shaking his head. "No, I could not bear to do so, and it would not align with Mikoto's wishes either," he explained. He then proposed a possibility to Unohana. "Perhaps, you and your colleagues could consider taking her to the Soul Society with you."
Unohana and Jushiro exchanged glances before redirecting their attention to Fugaku. "Are you certain?" inquired Unohana with her piercing blue eyes fixed on Soifon, who was currently cradled in her father's arms, oblivious to the situation unfolding.
"Yes, I am certain," asserted Fugaku as he gazed at the two captains. "I believe she will be safe in the soul society under your care, and perhaps she can undergo training to become a soul reaper." Fugaku carefully observed the expressions on the captains' faces.
Unohana turned to Jushiro, who nodded in agreement. "We can take her in, but she should not be informed of her true origins or whereabouts until she reaches an appropriate age or circumstances change," stated Unohana, addressing Fugaku directly.
"I fully comprehend. Mikoto and I only want Soifon to be in a secure environment," reassured Fugaku, his attention shifting towards his daughter. "Furthermore, no one in the village, including Sasuke, will be made aware of Soifon's existence; they will only be informed that the second child did not survive," added Fugaku firmly.
Jushiro concurred, offering his opinion. "It would be prudent if Soifon possesses powers that are best kept concealed from others," he mused, prompting a nod of agreement from Fugaku.
Unohana inquired of Fugaku, 'Would Mikoto like to bid Soifon farewell before we leave?' To which Fugaku replied, shaking his head, 'She does not wish to, as it already pains her that we must part ways.' Fugaku tenderly held Soifon close, planting a gentle kiss on her forehead.
'Understandable,' Unohana conceded as she observed Fugaku's final farewell to his daughter. 'Goodbye, Soifon. Perhaps we shall meet again someday, but until then, grow strong and resilient, my little bird,' he said, handing Soifon to Unohana, who carefully cradled the baby in her arms.
Unohana gazed at the child with a soft smile as Soifon's inquisitive gray eyes opened, fixing upon the raven-haired woman. 'You will be safe in the Soul Society, my dear,' the captain whispered gently. She then looked up to witness Fugaku giving a slight nod before retreating into the hospital room to be with his wife and sons.
'I suppose this marks the end,' the third Hokage interjected, pulling the fourth captain from her reverie. 'Indeed, it does,' Jushiro replied, glancing at Unohana. 'Are you prepared to depart?'
Unohana glanced at Jushiro and expressed her agreement by nodding, while gently cradling Soifon against her chest. "Indeed, we should not prolong our stay," she responded.
Both captains acknowledged the third Hokage with a nod as Jushiro unlocked the Senkaimon, proceeding to pass through its entrance. The only audible sound was the faint whimpering of Soifon, before the gates closed, enclosing the trio within.
Back to the Present, with Itachi and the captains*
"That is the rationale behind our decision to send Soifon here," Fugaku stated as he glanced at Itachi and then at Yoruichi and the others listening to the story. "I comprehend your understanding of our actions," Itachi replied as he attentively listened to the narrative.
"Does Soifon possess knowledge of the sharingan or possess the ability to utilize it?" Itachi inquired, directing his gaze towards Unohana, who shook her head. "No, as far as I am aware, Ayame, to whom I entrusted Soifon, has not mentioned anything. Additionally, we would likely have sensed any potential energy emissions associated with the sharingan," she responded.
"However, once Soifon becomes aware of the changes in her eyes, she may no longer be able to conceal her spiritual pressure, and yet, I doubt she will disclose this information to others," Unohana pointed out.
Fugaku nodded thoughtfully and regarded them. "If she hasn't already obtained the sharingan, she is likely to acquire it soon. The randomness of its activation could be attributed to her lack of awareness regarding its existence," he speculated.
Unohana concurred. "We will ascertain the truth when Soifon eventually joins us," she stated, then turned to Itachi. "Now that you are aware of the situation."
Unohana inquired if Itachi had an interest in assuming the role of a captain. Subsequently, she mentioned that he would be subjected to a series of rigorous tests, monitored by a few existing captains. Furthermore, if he opts to accept the position, he will be designated as the Captain of squad three.
Upon careful consideration of Unohana's proposition, Itachi contemplated the potential benefits, such as establishing a closer relationship with his sister. After a brief moment of introspection, Itachi refocused his attention on Unohana.
"I am willing to join, should that be the desired course of action. I pledge to apply myself diligently and carry out any necessary tasks," Itachi conveyed, acknowledging the approval of his parents, who nodded in agreement.
Fugaku expressed his confidence in Itachi's abilities, being proud of both his daughter's achievement as a captain and the head Commander of the stealth force. He surmised that she must have endured considerable challenges, particularly in replacing the former captain who abruptly departed from the soul society.
Unohana requested that Itachi accompany them immediately in order to complete the necessary preparations for their promotion to the position of captain," Unohana said, bowing to Fugaku and Mikoto as she exited the premises.
"Excuse me, Captain Unohana, but would it be possible for you to bring Soifon here at your convenience so that we can personally meet her?" Mikoto inquired, directing her gaze towards the woman with black hair, who responded with a small smile and a nod. "I will do so once everything has been settled and once she has returned home, but only if she agrees," she replied.
Yoruichi glanced at Mikoto. "Soifon finds it difficult to trust others, especially those she is unfamiliar with," she stated. Fugaku couldn't help but look at her and ask, "And whose fault is that? I have heard stories about what you have done, so I wouldn't attribute the blame to us."
Yoruichi was about to respond with a remark, but Byakuya intervened. "Shihion, we do not have time for your remarks. Let us depart," he stated, following Unohana and Itachi out of the house. This prompted the woman to glare at Fugaku before joining them.