As Alice remembered all these things, she became confused.
Aoba Yamashiro, Iruka Umino, Hayate Gekko, and Inoichi Yamanaka? Her mind struggled to comprehend why all these shinobi of higher ranks were assigned to her cell.
"A diverse group," Tsunade remarked, noticing Alice's expression. "Aoba's surveillance expertise, Iruka's teaching skills, Inoichi's mind techniques, and Hayate's stealth. It's a well-rounded team if you ask me."
Iruka would indeed bring his compassionate nature to the team, while Aoba's observational skills would cover more ground. Hayate's silent approach offered an unobtrusive option, and Inoichi's abilities meant strategies could reach deep into the battlefield, even if the only real risk would be avoiding a showdown with anyone looking to intervene.
"Lady Tsunade, something still seems off. Is there another reason why all these shinobi are coming along?"
The Hokage couldn't help but smile at her curiosity.
"Ah, well, all of them personally recommended you take the Jōnin exams," she honestly answered.
Alice's confusion became more apparent as she asked, "Why would they recommend me? I'm just a couple ranks below them."
"It's because you're not one of them that they've taken notice. Your exceptional skills and unique approach have left a good impression on everyone and have earned a lot of respect from the villagers. After I informed them of your mission, each of them expressed their desire to accompany you, with the exception of Aoba, who only offered to lend his assistance."
Alice sighed inwardly, not quite enjoying this unnecessary exposure. She was grateful for the trust they placed in her, but she was also aware of the potential risks that came with having such a strong team.
Tsunade leaned forward and mused, "You can thank Inoichi for that. He holds you in high regard and wished to personally see how you perform outside the village."
As soon as Tsunade mentioned Inoichi's name and that it was really his doing, Alice's thoughts drifted to Ino. Alice recalled the pain that Inoichi had endured after his daughter's passing.
"Actually, Lady Tsunade, Inoichi is still grieving over the loss of his late daughter… I know you've never seen her this time—I mean ever—but he's been trying to use me as a means of comfort, and I don't think that's healthy for either of us."
Tsunade became somber, immediately understanding. She had indeed been aware of Inoichi's struggles and knew Alice was a source of comfort for him.
"You're right in that I've never personally seen Ino Yamanaka, but I did read on her profile. And I must say, she matches you almost perfectly in both skill and appearance."
Alice was caught off guard as she processed this information. She had never thought that someone would say something like that, forgetting what clan she was from.
Without wishing to delve into the melancholic memories that Ino's passing had brought, Tsunade changed the conversation back to the mission.
"The journey to transport the corpses will likely take a whole day. Are you prepared for that?"
"Yes, I'm ready, my lady. I'll make sure that we can get the job done efficiently."
With that, she turned to leave, but Tsunade's voice stopped her: "Alice, one more thing."
Alice's curiosity was piqued, and she turned back to face the Hokage. "What is it, Lady Tsunade?"
"I would like to take you as my pupil," Tsunade said.
Alice was only a little surprised, hesitating for a brief moment. Then she remembered who she was in this world.
"Lady Tsunade, I appreciate the offer, but I don't think I'd make a good pupil for you. You're a medical Hokage, and I'm just a kunoichi from a small clan. I know that I've been training with Hiruzen and the other elders, but—"
"I think you'd be an excellent pupil," Tsunade interrupted, disagreeing strongly. "You have the drive and the potential to excel in any field, and I'm willing to take you on and teach you everything I know."
Alice considered this for a moment. She knew almost everything about Tsunade, including her skills three years from now.
Everyone knew that the current Hokage was a remarkably powerful ninja with exceptional prowess in various combat and medical abilities. Renowned for her immense strength, she can deliver devastating blows capable of tearing through the earth and even tough defenses.
Being a Senju, her lineage grants her an extraordinary life force, enabling her to sustain prolonged battles and recover from grievous injuries that would incapacitate others. Having perfected advanced medical techniques, she can also reverse severe conditions, heal allies instantly, and even resurrect herself through a unique technique that consumes her chakra, linking her health to her lifespan.
Additionally, she has expertise in sealing techniques and can summon a giant slug named Katsuyu to aid in battle and support her healing efforts.
Because of her advanced chakra control, she uses her ability to appear much younger than her actual age, which she cleverly employs to evade her gambling debts. And as the leader of the village, her reputation as the world's strongest female ninja is well-deserved, marked by both her combat capabilities and her significant contributions to medical ninjutsu and strategy.
Who wouldn't want to train under her?
"I... I appreciate your offer, my lady, but I'm not sure if I'm the right fit for you. Sakura's already training under you, and I'd hate to be a distraction."
"Need I remind you that it was you and your friends who trained Sakura Haruno first?" Tsunade remembered with a soft expression. "She speaks highly of you, too, and is more than able to remain my pupil… I can have more than one student, so, Alice, the offer still stands."
Alice hesitated, genuinely considering the opportunity. As a skilled kunoichi, the chance to learn from the great Tsunade was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
However, she couldn't shake off the feeling that she wasn't the right fit for a medical Hokage like Tsunade. With that in mind, she decided not to give a definitive answer immediately.
"I really appreciate your offer, my lady, but I'd like some more time to think about it. I hope you understand…"
Tsunade became somber again, feeling both understanding and disappointed. It was not often that someone would turn down the offer to train under a Sannin, much less a Kage like herself.
"I do, Alice… Just be sure to truly think on it."
With that, Alice departed the room, leaving Tsunade to ponder the village and how things would unfold in the next few years. As the door closed behind her, she leaned back in her chair to gaze into the distance, lost in thought.
The next morning, Alice woke early for the mission ahead.
On her weapon pouch was a note left from Jada.
'Have fun,' it read, and on the back of it was her flying raijin mark.
As Alice prepared herself, she silently replayed her conversation with Tsunade in her mind. The idea of possibly training under the Hokage still lingered, but she pushed it aside for the moment. Her focus needed to be on the task at hand—the transport mission with her assigned team.
She arrived at the village gates, and she spotted her team gathered near the carriage.
"Morning, everyone!" she called out as she approached with a calm smile.
The four shinobi turned to her with respect. Aoba, leaning casually against the carriage, nodded in acknowledgment. Iruka's warm smile showed his continued support. Hayate calmly waved before letting out a slight cough. And Inoichi's face was practically glowing with pride.
"Good morning, Alice!" Iruka greeted her.
"You're looking sharp!" Aoba added, smirking subtly.
Alice couldn't help but be drawn to their heartwarming greetings.
At the base of the carriage were three neatly stacked caskets. Each one of them had three of the deceased members from the Sound Four, all being pulled by a single horse.
"Okay, team," Alice began, keeping her tone even and humble. "As your leader on this mission, I want to clarify something. Although I'm in charge, I don't plan to give orders. This is essentially an escort mission, and I believe we should work together. If any of you have thoughts or suggestions, I'd like to hear them now before we set off."
Inoichi stepped forward, fervently shaking his head, and said, "Nonsense, Alice! Whatever you say, we'll follow your orders without question."
His sincerity lit everybody up, and Alice felt herself about to blush. For a quick moment, she felt like a proud daughter listening to a father's words.
"Y… you didn't have to say it like that," she stammered, lowering her gaze to disguise her embarrassment. "I appreciate it, but just… let's keep things casual, all right? We're all professionals here."
But Inoichi simply chuckled and said, "I couldn't be more proud of you, Alice!"
Although she felt another wave of embarrassment, she reminded herself inwardly that, despite her youthful appearance, she was mentally an adult—more than capable of handling the responsibility.
Before she could deflect the compliment further, Iruka chimed in, "You know, Naruto wanted to come along on this mission too, but he got assigned to one at the last moment with his cousin and Jiraiya. He's actually disappointed that he couldn't be here for some reason."
"It's okay," Alice replied. "Will, Jada, and I have all worked hard to ensure his safety and well-being. They'll be fine with each other, especially if he's with Jiraiya."
"That's true," Hayate added, "but I would have loved to see Naruto teaming up on this one. He's not the same Genin from the rumors I heard."
With that, Alice turned and gestured toward the carriage.
"Let's get these caskets loaded. Aoba, you could take the lead on scouting ahead of us if you'd like. Once we're on the road, I'll assume we'll have nothing but clear skies."
"Sounds good to me," Aoba responded, stretching his legs. He hopped onto the seat of the carriage, already seemingly in his element.
Alice coordinated with her team, ensuring each member contributed. They lifted the caskets into the carriage—Jirōbō's being the heaviest. Once they were secured in the back and everyone had climbed aboard, Alice asked if things were all set. The team gave her small nods of affirmation.
"Then let's get rolling!"
After a few moments on the dirt road, it was quite evident that the journey would be peaceful. There wasn't anything out of the ordinary, save the gentle backdrop against their conversations.
"I often think about the Chūnin Exams," Hayate mused as if he were recalling a distant memory. "I would have loved to see you in the finals, Alice. You would have made quite the mark."
"Really? Do you think so?"
"Absolutely," Hayate affirmed. "I remember that you were one of the ones to stop the Sand Village plotting before they had a chance to attack. You deserve a lot of recognition for that."
"I just did what any responsible shinobi would do," she said, downplaying her involvement. "Besides, it wasn't just me; we all acted as a village."
"Don't minimize it, Alice," Iruka interjected, shaking his head earnestly. "What you did was amazing. The entire village owes you."
"But the Sound Village still attacked," she said, trying to humble herself.
"Yeah, and just them," Aoba corrected from outside. "It could have been two villages that we had to deal with."
Hearing that almost made her cheeks swell due to all the compliments.
"I appreciate it, but please, let's not dwell on my past achievements. What matters now is that we raise the next generation."
Inoichi laughed, stating how Alice always tends to act like an adult in these situations. If he didn't know better, he would think that she was older than him.
As the horse carried them further along the road, the trees began to line up on either side, creating shadows over the carriage.
"This forest gives me the creeps," Hayate commented, glancing outside.
"True," Iruka said, glancing back and forth. "Glad we got you onboard, Alice, to sense things out before they appear."
As the sun began to set, the team made their way to a clearing suitable for camping.