32 Chapter 32 - Sakumo's Return

A week has passed after the incident and Mikumo's planned date with Kurenai, which happened just a few days ago. Since then, the atmosphere around the two has been more flowery than normal.

At first, their classmates were a little surprised at the development but came to accept it as everyone collectively agreed that at least Mikumo and Kurenai weren't constantly showing PDA like Obito and Rin. Asuma was a little sad at first upon seeing the new dynamic between Kurenai and Mikumo, but after a few days, he came to accept it as well and became more mellow than before. As for Kakashi, no one knew what he was thinking behind his bored look.

"Okay class, that's all for today!"

Tooru wiped the blackboard signaling the end of today's class. The class then dispersed into their own groups and started leaving the class. The core of Mikumo's group consisting of Kurenai, Kakashi, Shizune, Asuma, Obita, and Rin, left together.

As the group of kids exited the academy grounds to go find something to eat, Mikumo noticed Kakashi was quieter than usual. Mikumo slowed down her pace to come next to Kakashi who was trailing the group.

"Hey, what's wrong?"

Kakashi shrugged a bit before answering.

"Are you really planning on staying here another two years? I feel like we've already learned everything already."

Mikumo hummed while looking up to the sky, clearly pondering her answer.

"Yes, while it's true that as a shinobi there might not be much more for us to learn with how much extra work we put in, but there's not much reason for me to graduate early either."

"Why? If you graduate early with me, we can start taking missions earlier."

Mikumo chuckled and then grabbed Kakashi around the neck.

"Heh, if you want to stay with me just say so, my little Kakashi~."

Kakashi scoffed at Mikumo's statement, but he didn't refute it. Seeing Kakashi seemingly in deep contemplation about something, she didn't continue to tease him further as she let him go.

"Well, on a serious note. Kakashi, tell me, what do you think of the current state of the war?"

Kakashi thought for a bit before answering.

"Clearly it's going to start up again soon. Even I can tell that much"

Mikumo nodded affirmatively.

"Indeed. Listen, Kakashi. I know what you're thinking, and although yes, there is merit to getting active duty experience, if you graduate now you'll be stuck in the Genin Corp or thrown in a makeshift three-man squad. There is almost a one hundred percent likelihood that all of us here will see the battlefield at some point after we graduate. If we want to survive, what we need to rely on is each other."

Although Mikumo didn't speak loudly, the rest of the group ahead of them heard her words as well and had mixed expressions. Some were foolishly excited at the prospect of glory and honor in battle, while others were anxious.

Mikumo saw the group's various expressions and smiled wryly before turning back to Kakashi.

"There's no guarantee that we will all survive the war. Some of our classmates we may never see again. Although it is concerning, it is what we got to work with. So, I want to take as much time as possible to train and prepare myself. By my estimation, they'll force us to graduate within a year or two anyway at our current growth rate. Until that time, I want to enjoy this time while I can, and then graduate together with everyone so we can be on the same team as each other and watch each other's backs."

Everyone had a difficult expression as they listened to Mikumo's talk with Kakashi. Even Obito, who was previously excited before, had a worried expression on his face as he faced Rin and slowly reached for her hand. Rin smiled warmly and accepted his touch as she assuredly held his hand. Asuma and Shizune both had a somewhat pondering expression as well. As for Kurenai, she had long been informed by Mikumo regarding her concerns about the war.

Kakashi thought for a while about everything Mikumo said, and then slowly nodded.

"I got it, you have a point. Guess I'll stick around for a little longer."

Mikumo smiled and nodded happily at Kakashi's answer, before turning to face everyone else who was silently listening in on their conversation.

"So that's how it is guys. I was planning on doing this soon anyway, but starting today I'll be opening my training invitation to everyone here. If you want to train together with me, I'll show you a secret spot that I'm allowed to use in the Senju forest area. The only condition is you can't invite anyone else without my permission, as it is meant to be a secret spot just for us."

Shizune was the first to accept the invitation, followed by Asuma.

"Of course, Mikumo-chan! We'll all get stronger together!"

"Heh, sure, why not? I don't plan on dying in the war either."

Obito seemed a bit nervous to speak up but was urged by Rin.

"Y-yeah! Me too! After all, I'm gonna be Hokage one day! I refuse to die before then!"

Rin chuckled hearing Obito's nervous declaration and then affirmed herself.

"I'll be happy to train alongside everyone. Thanks for having me."

Seeing that everyone agreed, Mikumo smiled happily.

"Okay then, after lunch, meet me in front of the Senju forest in the southeast of town. Although I say we'll be training together it'll mostly be a space we can share notes and spar together as we work on our Jutsu. All of us will swear a creed to not tell anyone else each other's secrets, so you can feel free to practice and get feedback from each other. Don't worry if you want to work on something secretly though, the area I'm going to show you is pretty well hidden and has plenty of space for privacy."

"Got it."

Everyone nodded and agreed with what Mikumo proposed.

"Alright, now that that's covered, let's go get something to eat. To celebrate our training club, I'll treat you all to Akimichi BBQ today."

"Aw yeah!!!"

Obito cheered loudly. Although no one else showed such a big reaction, the happiness couldn't be clearer on their faces.

After a bit of walking, the team arrived in front of a restaurant named "Akimichi BBQ." Once the group arrived, just as Mikumo was about to walk in, she sensed someone shunshin right next to her.

Turning the face the new arrival, Mikumo's eyes widened seeing who it is.

"Sakumo-sensei!!! You're back!"

"Father!"

Kakashi ran over as well upon seeing his father's silhouette appear. Sakumo smiled warmly and patted Mikumo and Kakashi on the head.

"Haha, did you guys miss me?"

"Of course, sensei, how was the mission?"

Mikumo was quite surprised to see Sakumo back so soon. She thought it would take him at least a couple of months to finish.

"There were some minor issues but the mission was a success. Thankfully I brought extra help."

Mikumo let out a breath of relief and nodded.

"I see, I'm glad you're back, sensei!"

Sakumo had a relieved expression seeing Mikumo's bright smile.

"What about you? I tried to hurry back as soon as I could once I got the news that the village was infiltrated by Kirigakure and that you were attacked. How're your injuries?"

"Oh, that? It's okay, I'm fine now."

Mikumo scratched her cheek shyly hearing Sakumo's concern.

'I wish I could tell him the truth, but Sakumo is intensely loyal to the village. For now, although I feel bad, I'll have to leave him in the dark about it.'

Sakumo nodded slightly, not questioning more seeing Mikumo's difficult expression.

"Is that so, that's good. This time I'll be back around for a while, so you don't have to worry anymore. I'll be here for you."

Mikumo nodded meekly once more. Sakumo chuckled at her shyness and turned to look at Kakashi.

"How are you, son? Are you enjoying the academy? Are these your friends?"

Kakashi shrugged a bit before answering.

"I'm doing good. Class is going well. I guess you can call these guys my friends."

"Hehe. I see is that so? Why don't you introduce them to me?"

Mikumo and Kakashi turned to see both surprise and worship in the eyes of their classmates, after all, who in the village didn't know who the person standing in front of them was?

Seeing Kakashi being lazy, one by one Mikumo introduced her classmates. Obito in particular was very excited to meet a hero of the village.

Sakumo smiled warmly as he remembered each of their names.

"It is nice to meet you all, thanks for getting along with Kakashi and Mikumo, I know they can be a handful. Hahaha."

Kurenai chuckled, as a handful is the least that can be said about these two. One was overly social, while the other was super antisocial.

Mikumo then remembered that she had something she wanted to discuss with Sakumo, so she showed everyone into the store.

"Hey guys, I want to have a quick chat with Sakumo-sensei. Can you guys get the table for me? I'll be right there."

Kurenai nodded and then led everyone into the store. Kakashi lingered for a moment. Mikumo saw this and chuckled.

"Don't worry, it's not anything serious, I just want to discuss my training. I'll tell you about it later."

Kakashi nodded and then joined the others in the store.

Sakumo saw the scene and was a little surprised.

"Turned out while I was gone, you guys have gotten even closer than before."

"Hehe, of course, sensei, a big sister has to take care of her younger brother after all."

Sakumo smiled wryly and then nodded.

"Is that so? Well then, what did you want to talk with me about?"

"Sensei, I want you to teach me Kenjutsu. Specifically, I want to learn how to wield a Katana if possible."

Sakumo raised an eyebrow and then rubbed his chin.

"A Tōken Katana? Not a Tanto or Wakizashi? I had originally planned to teach you and Kakashi my Hatake-style Kenjutsu as well, but that style is really only suited to be used with Tanto blades."

Mikumo frowned slightly and asked again.

"Is it no good?"

Sakumo chuckled lightly and shook his head.

"Don't worry. Although I'm not personally skilled with the Tōken myself, I've practiced with Samurai from the Land of Iron and fought against swordsmen from the Land of Lightning as well. I can teach you the basics. From there you'll be on your own, however."

Mikumo lit up brightly and had an excited expression upon hearing Sakumo's assurance.

"Awesome! Thank you, sensei!"

Sakumo smiled warmly and then patted Mikumo on the head once more.

"Of course, no problem at all. I happen to have a spare Tōken on hand I got as a gift from a friend while I was in the Land of Iron. It'll be my gift to you if you do well in your training."

"Oooh! Yes! I'll practice hard, I promise!"

"Heh, alright, I won't take time away from you and your friends any longer. Go ahead. I still have to submit my report about the mission. I'll join you later."

"Okay! By the way, sensei, I have a new secret training ground inside the Senju forest area. I'll show you later, okay? I'll be waiting in front of the entrance to the forest by the southeast of town."

"Sounds good, see you then."

With that last regard, Sakumo shunshin'd away. Mikumo placed her hand over her heart and breathed another sigh of relief afterward.

'He's back, and he's okay! Thank god.'

A knot in her heart was unraveled, now replaced with renewed determination.

'And I'm going to keep it that way. Anyone who stands in my way, don't blame me for being unpolite!'

As Mikumo silently cursed that the old men hiding in the dark in this world would step on a lego piece and perish, she found renewed motivation to continue her training.

'You think you just scheme in the shadows? I'll show you who what a real Keikaku looks like!' [1]

Mikumo sneered internally, imagine how it'll feel to ruin people's schemes. After a few moments of immersing herself in her wild fantasies, she joined her friends in the restaurant.

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[1] Keikaku means plan

A/N: Timeskip next chapter.