It seems like some of them was able to make it after all. Hajime noticed that Kaori looked…miserable, which made him shake his head a little. He knew this mission was inappropriate for students who just started but a shinobi should not fear those who are not shinobi themselves. 

“Kaori” he called out to her but received no answer. She was asleep…typical of Kaori-chan indeed.

How was one supposed to win battles while they were asleep? Then again there is a martial arts style known for its ability to fight when drunk…so perhaps Kaori know a way to fight while sleeping? Victorique came and sort of made fun of Kaori then placed traps around her. Did she mean to be Kaori in danger? Or did she do that to protect her? In any case, the traps put both the bandits and Kaori in harm’s way. After Victorique sat on the branches he said…

“I don’t think that the traps are safe, Victorique…Kaori is also in danger as well.” Hajime said then thought about something.

“Hmm…Victorique, you practice Kenjutsu am I correct? Come and show me what you have learned.”

Yoshito came in as well and when Sin’chi looked at him he seemed just as down as Kaori. 

“Hello, Yoshito. It is good to see that you are doing well. You are just in time to see some action before we begin the mission.” He turned back to Victorique. “We seem to have a bit of time left so come. This is to get you prepared to use that sword of yours. Without your warm-ups then you may be beaten. Perhaps Kaori and Yoshito should spar as well just until the others arrive. It is a good way to kill time, after all.” He said and smiled. 

After that he withdrew his katana and faced Victorique to see if she would participate.