In the weeks following, after his return, Ay was much more active in improving relations with Konoha. He organized joint training exercises, hosted diplomatic dinners, and initiated exchanges of resources, all while carefully concealing his true intentions and presenting himself as a true diplomatic leader.

In a one of his schemes, he presented an appealing proposal to Fugaku via a letter.

The letter said

"Hey Fugaku, I've been thinking about the safety of our villages. Our ninjas are strong, but our families also need protection too. I propose the idea of a training camp for the Kunoichi of all Villages who have now become dedicated housewives, especially those from prominent clans like yours. We can train them so they can defend their homes and families when needed. And I want you to convince Mikoto for the same because I know she wouldn’t listen. I see great potential as a Kunoichi in her. I will personally oversee their training so don’t you worry about your wife. I’ll take good care of her"

Fugaku saw wisdom in the plan. "That sounds like a good idea. It's important for everyone to be prepared."

When Fugaku told about this to Mikoto, she felt something was suspicious, but she couldn’t prove it, and the plan looked solid on surface anyway, "I think it's a great idea. We should always be ready to protect our loved ones."

Fugaku tried to convince Mikoto “You should totally go Mikoto, I’ll take care of everything here, you shouldn’t miss opportunities like this… and who knows you’ll make some good friends there”

Mikoto thought about it, and is it really safe considering what Ay tried to pull on her a few days ago, but the thought that there will be other Kunoichi there calmed her down a bit and she agreed “Okay Fugaku, if you say so… I’ll go”

The camp was held just outside the Land of Lightning, surrounded by quiet woods and the hum of natural hot springs. It ran for only three days, but each one was packed - early starts, structured drills, and practical scenarios tailored for real-world emergencies.

Mikoto wasn’t sure what to expect. When she saw Raikage leading it himself, she assumed it would be a show. Maybe even a little posturing. She also wouldn’t have been surprised if he tried to flirt - not outright, but enough to make his presence felt.

But he didn’t.

Throughout the camp, Ay was a dedicated instructor, pushing the women to their limits while also being supportive.

From the first morning, Ay was all business. He explained the exercises clearly, gave sharp demonstrations, and moved on. No jokes, no lingering eyes. Just instruction and observation.

Still, Mikoto kept her guard up. She wasn’t one to assume respect - especially not from someone like him.

But over time, she noticed things. He adjusted their drills to match their actual needs - not to prove a point, but to give them something real to take home. When someone froze during a pressure scenario, he didn’t bark. Just reset the moment and walked them through it again.

When Mikoto made clean moves - a silent disarm, a precise throw - he’d nod, say “Good,” and move on. No extra praise. But the look in his eyes told her he meant it.

By the end of the second day, her wariness had shifted. He wasn’t interested in flattery. He was just paying attention.

On the final night, after the last training session wrapped and dinner was cleared away, someone half-jokingly suggested the onsen. The idea caught quickly - sore muscles, tired feet, the kind earned only after real work.

Within minutes, the women were laughing, gathering towels and robes, and heading down the worn stone path toward the spring.

The night air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of pine and smoke from distant lanterns. Their chatter mixed with the rhythmic crunch of sandals on gravel until the trees opened to reveal the steaming pool, glowing faintly beneath the stars.

Laughter echoed as they slipped into the hot water, steam curling around them like soft clouds. The first touch of heat drew sighs from weary throats, shoulders were loosening, fatigue was melting away.

There was teasing, talk of old missions, and a few quiet jokes about who would be sore in the morning. The mood was lighter than it had been all week - the tension of training replaced by the rare ease of shared rest.

They stayed like that for a while, soaking and talking beneath the wide, silver sky. The surface of the water shimmered, lanternlight flickering over their faces as the wind rustled gently through the trees.

Eventually, one woman stood with a stretch and sighed. “If I stay any longer, I’ll fall asleep right here.”

Her words drew a round of soft laughter from the others. One of them splashed a little water her way, grinning. “You always say that and still end up being the last to leave.”

“Not tonight,” the first replied with a sleepy smile, wringing water from her hair. “My legs feel like lead.”

That earned a few murmured agreements. One by one, the women began to stir - towels gathered, robes pulled tight against the cool night air. The sound of quiet chatter and sloshing water filled the onsen as they eased out, their movements were unhurried but heavy with fatigue.

Soft goodnights passed between them as they made their way toward the path, lanterns bobbing faintly in the darkness as their voices grew distant.

Just before leaving, one of them glanced back toward the water. “Mikoto, are you coming?”

She shook her head gently, her voice calm. “In a bit. I like the peaceful feeling here, and my muscles are still aching. I think I’ll stay and enjoy it a little longer.”

“Mmkay, if you say so” said the kunoichi as she left.

Mikoto sank a little deeper, her arms resting on the rocks behind her. The water was quiet now. The air felt cool against her face. For once, no duties waited - just some peace and relaxation.

Several quiet minutes passed before the soft echo of footsteps reached her through the mist. Mikoto’s eyes opened, her tranquil expression shifting to mild surprise as a tall figure emerged through the steam. It was the Raikage, fully naked, glistening with sweat.