After Sosuke and Minato arrived at Konoha's outpost.
They spent a few quiet days there.
The war between Konoha and Amegakure hadn't erupted on a large scale. The shinobi on both sides were merely carrying out assassinations and wearing each other down.
By comparison, it wasn't much to speak of.
They hadn't been at the outpost for long when a tall, slender figure arrived.
In a secluded forest.
The two stood facing each other.
"Sosuke, Lord Danzo hopes you can return to Konoha now."
The ninja with long purple hair and a tall, shapely figure spoke softly.
Her voice was icy, as if one had suddenly felt the chill of midwinter in the heat of summer.
Yet there was a softness in her tone, as if it held emotions she kept hidden.
Her face was almost expressionless, her features exquisitely beautiful and cool. Her dark eyes sparkled brightly.
She seemed a little happy to see Sosuke again.
"Oh? Is that just my teacher's request?"
Looking at the pretty woman before him, Sosuke smiled warmly, like gentle sunlight, and spoke softly.
"If that's all, I have to admit I'm a little disappointed."
After saying this, Sosuke looked elsewhere, as if admiring the scenery around them.
Hearing his words, Shimura Kazumi's heart began to beat a little faster.
Her icy face seemed to grow warmer, a blush rising on her cheeks.
Then, as if she'd suddenly thought of something, a hint of embarrassment and irritation crossed her face. Her voice was no longer so cold as she snapped,
"What do you mean by that, you jerk!?"
Sosuke chuckled and glanced at her flushed face. With a faint smile, he turned his gaze elsewhere and spoke softly.
"I don't mean anything. Come on, I'll go report in. Then we can set off."
Then