Soifon had just finished explaining the reason for their desire to form an alliance. She stated, 'And it's entirely up to you.' Her gaze shifted towards the female Hokage, who appeared deep in thought. 'I can envision us collaborating effectively,' she began, her brown eyes locked onto Soifon's gray ones.
The captain nodded as she glanced at Tsunade, exchanging a look with Jushiro. 'However, there is one thing I would like to propose,' the blond continued, briefly making eye contact with Kakashi, who was attentively listening to the conversation.
'What is it?' Soifon inquired, able to hear Renji and Naruto whispering among themselves. 'What will happen once we establish the alliance? Will you provide assistance if we help you?' the blond asked.
Renji affirmed with a nod. 'Well, that's what an alliance entails,' he replied, causing the blond to acknowledge with a chuckle. 'True. But how powerful are you guys?' he questioned.
Soifon turned her attention back to Tsunade, who interjected, disregarding the chatter between Naruto and Renji. 'I was contemplating the possibility of having a small battle among you. It would provide insight into the strength we would be working alongside.'
"Perhaps it would be beneficial for us to observe both sides' abilities and familiarize ourselves with their skills before working alongside them," Soifon contemplated. "Maybe we can proceed with this plan, Soifon. Additionally, it will allow them to witness our capabilities," Jushiro suggested. Soifon questioned, "However, if you have been here longer, wouldn't they already be aware of our abilities?"
"I have been here, but we haven't had the opportunity to engage in combat or showcase our skills. Furthermore, not everyone is aware of our presence, especially the younger individuals," Jushiro explained while glancing at the small captain, who nodded in agreement.
Soifon acknowledged, "Indeed." She then turned her attention back to Tsunade and proposed, "If you wish, we can conduct a small test to demonstrate our abilities, and I can be the one to carry it out." Tsunade nodded and directed her gaze towards Kakashi, who also nodded.
"Alright, then Kakashi will be your opponent," Tsunade stated, looking back at Soifon, who confirmed, "I am agreeable to that."
Kakashi inquired, "When would you like to commence?" as he took a step closer to the captain. Soifon pondered the question and responded, "We can either proceed now or postpone until the morning, as it is quite late."
Kakashi considered the matter and gave his approval. 'We should begin in the morning,' he said, 'when everyone has had sufficient rest.' He then turned to Tsunade, who also agreed. 'All participants will gather at the training grounds, where the battle will commence,' she explained.
Soifon concurred with the plan. 'Then it is settled,' she said, addressing Tsunade. 'Thank you for your time. If it is acceptable, I would like to take my team and locate an inn where we can rest.'
Tsunade granted Soifon's request. 'That is acceptable. Shizune will escort you to the training grounds when the time comes.' The petite captain nodded and left the office, with Jushiro and the others following behind.
Naruto suggested getting some food. 'Would you all like to get some ramen?' he asked as he trailed after the soul reapers, with Sakura and Sai in tow. 'If Rukia and Renji are interested, they are welcome to join you. Jushiro and I need to find an inn for ourselves,' Soifon explained.
Rukia and Renji agreed with the second captain. 'We will return in a few hours,' Rukia informed.
Soifon acknowledged Rukia's presence with a nod, cautioning her and Renji not to cause any trouble while they were there. Renji assured Soifon that they could be relied upon. Soifon replied with a simple "Good."
Once the others had departed, Soifon turned her attention to Jushiro, asking if he was ready to find an inn. Jushiro confirmed his readiness.
Soon, Kakashi emerged from behind them and offered to guide them to an inn. Jushiro agreed, exchanging a glance with Soifon, who also expressed her desire not to waste time searching for a place to stay.
"Then come with me," Kakashi invited as he led the way to a popular inn. He assured them that they could ask him anything if needed.
Grateful for his assistance, Jushiro thanked Kakashi, and the two captains followed him to the inn while Renji and Rukia went to eat.
With Naruto and The others*
Naruto guided Renji and Rukia to Ichiraku Ramen, accompanied by Sakura and Sai who followed behind them. Renji inquired about the appeal of the ramen shop, walking beside the blond ninja.
Naruto responded, his eyes widening with enthusiasm, "It is renowned as the finest establishment in this village," he declared as he led Renji inside.
"You will soon understand, my friend, and crave for more." Naruto greeted the elderly man at the ramen shop, informing him, "Hey old man, I have brought two new patrons to your establishment."
The chef, Teuchi, stopped his cooking momentarily and glanced up, inquiring, "Oh, hello Naruto, and who might they be?" Teuchi's daughter, Ayame, approached the table to take their orders. Naruto gestured towards each of the soul reapers who had sat beside him, stating, "The redhead is Renji Abarai and the girl is Rukia Kuchki."
Teuchi smiled and nodded, remarking, "A friend of Naruto's is a friend of mine," as he prepared their meals.
Naruto beamed at his old acquaintance, while Rukia politely sat down and picked up a set of chopsticks to begin her meal, joining the others.
with Soifon and Jushiro*
Once Kakashi had dropped the two captains off at the inn, they found themselves sitting on a bed engaged in conversation. 'How long should we stay here for?' Soifon inquired.
Jushiro pondered the question. 'Perhaps four days would suffice, allowing us ample time to gather more information,' he suggested. 'Alternatively, if necessary, we may need to extend our stay to a week,' he added.
Soifon acknowledged his response with a nod. Concluding their discussion, she expressed her intention to take a bath. 'I shall go and get a bath,' she announced. Jushiro, feeling fatigued, replied with a casual affirmation and settled onto his bed, suppressing a yawn.
Entering the bathroom, the female captain planned not only to wash away the physical weariness but also to contemplate the mysterious figure she had encountered earlier at the dumpling shop. A sense of familiarity gnawed at her, urging her to unravel the enigma of his identity.
With a sigh, Soifon proceeded to disrobe, placing her clothes on the floor. Submerging herself into the filled bathtub, she couldn't help but reflect, 'Who was that individual? The onset of my headache coincided with his appearance,' she pondered.
Soifon leaned her back against the tub's edge, deliberately closing her eyes as she indulged in a moment of introspection. Her mind became entranced, recalling the vivid details of the dream she had experienced earlier in the day.
She nearly forgot to ponder about the identity of the man in her dream and his true intentions," she contemplated. "What if his words hold some truth?" Shaking her head, Soifon submerged herself in the water, seeking to regain control over her wandering thoughts.
After several prolonged minutes, Soifon concluded her bath and stepped out of the tub. She promptly dried herself off before attiring herself in a pair of shorts and a tank top. With a yawn escaping her lips, she returned to the room.
Seated on her bed, Soifon found herself lost in thoughts of Yoruichi. "I wonder how she is faring," she pondered, fighting back the blush that threatened to grace her cheeks at the mere thought of her former mentor.