My First Meeting with Kazumi

Early morning.

After washing up and getting ready, Sosuke set off at an easy pace for the place where he had arranged to meet Might Duy the day before.

With the permanent breaking of the Gates of Life and Opening Gate among the Eight Inner Gates, his body still felt a little unfamiliar to him.

Even so, he was in high spirits, a bright smile never leaving his face.

As Sosuke walked along Konoha's streets, it was only natural that people took a liking to him. His tousled brown hair caught the sunlight, and the sunny smile on his face warmed everyone he met.

"Sosuke, off to train so early?" A middle-aged man who was just setting up to sell breakfast greeted him with a smile.

"That's right, Uncle Oda. You're out setting up early again, too. Make sure you take care of yourself."

"You're such a good kid. Don't worry, I'm still strong as an ox. Here, have some breakfast. You'll need the energy for training!" the man said, grinning as he offered.

"Sosuke's already an impressive Genin. We can't let him eat your shumai, Uncle Oda! Here, Sosuke, Aunt Kissan has some freshly steamed rice balls. Take a few with you. Training takes a lot of energy, so you can't go on an empty stomach!"

A woman at the neighboring stall suddenly leaned out and called to Sosuke.

Sosuke smiled and thanked them both.

"Thank you for the kind offer, Uncle Oda and Aunt Kissan. I've already eaten at home, so I won't keep you from setting up. You both take care of yourselves, too."

With that, he continued on his way at an unhurried pace.

Uncle Oda and Aunt Kissan watched him go with smiles, clicking their tongues in admiration.

"That Sosuke really is something. I heard he was one of the best graduates in this year's class at the Ninja Academy."

"You can say that again! Little Sosuke grew up right here. Don't you know him by now? In his character, the way he treats people, and his abilities, he's better than the rest. Compared to those childish brats, a remarkable kid like him is in a league of his own!"

"Ah, if my boy were even a tenth as sensible as Sosuke, I could die happy!"

"Haha! How could he compare with Sosuke? That boy's going to be a great ninja someday. Trust my judgment—Oda's judgment is never wrong!"

Sosuke never heard Uncle Oda and Aunt Kissan's praise.

He was walking quietly down the street, carefully getting used to his stronger body. He was also delighted by the tremendous increase in his chakra reserves.

He could hardly wait to test just how powerful the higher-level Kido would be!

Suddenly, a figure up ahead made him stop in his tracks.

As if by coincidence, just as Sosuke stared at the figure, she stopped too and gazed back at him in a daze.

The striking purple hair and slender, curvaceous figure naturally brought Hannya's name to mind.

His gaze lowered.

Sosuke saw a beautiful, aloof face. A beauty mark beside her rosy lips added a touch of color to her cold, proud air.

The instant he saw her, Sosuke was almost certain that this beautiful woman was Captain Hannya.

Shimura Kazumi was even more surprised to see Sosuke.

How had she run into that little brat when she'd gotten up early to enjoy a rare day off?

And more importantly, could someone explain why he seemed even stronger than before? What had happened to him? Why did she have that impression?

So many odd things about him made Shimura Kazumi stare at Sosuke, who was smiling at her, and scrutinize him with wide, suspicious eyes.

Then Sosuke suddenly spoke with a smile.

"Good morning, Captain Kazumi."

He couldn't be absolutely certain she was Captain Hannya, but he trusted his judgment. A few subtle gestures were enough to prove that she was no ordinary person.

And with that hair color, there was probably no one else in Konoha who fit the bill besides his own Captain Hannya.

With that in mind, Sosuke greeted her without thinking. At the very least, he hoped that a polite greeting would make Captain Hannya a little less cold toward him in the future.

Hearing Sosuke greet her, Shimura Kazumi knew that he had recognized her identity.

But as she looked at his bright smile, her expression remained icy, and irritation welled up inside her.

That little brat! Was he mocking her for being bad at hiding her identity? What an arrogant, obnoxious kid! And now he was smiling at her!

So—

She glared at him and said coldly,

"Sosuke! Report to Root Base tomorrow! I'll give you your second mission, and you'll complete it on your own!"

"Come at this time! Don't forget!"

"Hmph!"

With that, Shimura Kazumi strode past Sosuke on her long, slender legs, as if she couldn't bear to stay another moment. She quickly disappeared down the street.

Though Sosuke had successfully recognized his captain, his attempt at a polite greeting to win a warmer reception had only left him feeling more helpless. His smile turned awkward.

What was Captain Hannya's problem...? Why did she always act as if he'd offended her whenever she saw him? Had he offended her at some point? He didn't think so...

Sosuke seriously tried to remember whether he had recently made an enemy of anyone, but he still couldn't figure out what he had done to upset Shimura Kazumi.

With that question on his mind, Sosuke arrived at the forest where he had arranged to meet Might Duy.

Seeing the green-clad figure waiting there, he said softly,

"Sorry I'm late, Duy."

When Might Duy saw Sosuke arrive, he spoke excitedly, his voice tinged with enthusiasm.

"N-no, it's fine, Sosuke! I'm the one who came too early. Last night, I carefully thought back over our fight, and I realized that so many of your moves were incredible Taijutsu techniques!"

"I was so excited at the thought of learning such powerful techniques that I couldn't sleep last night. So I came here early this morning."

Sosuke smiled at his words.

As expected of a genius who was passionate about Taijutsu. Had he already spent last night thinking through the Hakuda techniques?

To have noticed their finer points—he could hardly wait to see what Duy would be capable of once he learned them!

At the thought, Sosuke's eyes glimmered with amusement. He spoke softly.

"Since you're so eager, Duy, let's begin now."

"I'll personally teach you all the Hakuda techniques. How much you learn will be up to you."

This was the perfect chance for him to gradually get used to his body after opening two gates. Duy, don't disappoint me—give it everything you've got and let me see how much you've grown!

Hearing Sosuke's words, Might Duy's eyes lit up.

"Yes! Let me experience the exquisite techniques of Hakuda!"