Kindling of Wrath
By Miss-DNL
Chapter 1: Father and Son
Oda Hasashi looked down at his son, Hanzo Hasashi, as they sat in the living room of their small old, worn, two bedroom home. Hanzo was Oda's oldest, and only, son. He was also the only other family he had at the moment. His wife had passed away when Hanzo was young, and Hanzo himself had barely survived the ordeal. Hanzo's father Oda used to be a ranking ninja in the feared, yet respected, Shirai Ryu clan. Hanzo knew this, he also knew that his mother had been killed because of his Father's job. Someone had killed his mother out of revenge, nearly killing Hanzo as well, and because of it Oda left the Shirai Ryu. Further he had forbade his son from joining the clan himself, now believe that line of work only brought misery.
Currently Oda was looking at his son's condition. He had come back yet again with bruises, cuts and scrapes. Nothing too serious but a small amount of blood was dripping from the worst cut he had on him. Hanzo was looking at the old floor paneling trying to keep himself from looking at his father's disappointed frown. He knew what he was going to say, but there was nothing he could do to stop the scolding from coming, so he waited.
"Once again you come home from a fight, Hanzo." His Father said evenly, despite the fact his voice was even Hanzo knew his Father was disappointed. When his son didn't reply Oda eyed him looking at him closely, his disapproving frown deepening, "I'm training you in martial arts to teach you restraint not so you can get in more fights."
Hanzo bit his lip when his Father pinned the blame on him, now he looked at his Father in the eyes as he sat on his knees, "I didn't start the fight Father! They attacked me! I was defending myself from them!"
Oda knew his son was referring to the other children that lived around them, though they lived a good walk away from most houses. For a good while they live peacefully with the others but then his son began to become the target of the local bullies. They picked on him for being poor mainly, mocking the fact he didn't have things they did, as well as the fact his father was a strange old man, and the fact they lived out by themselves in an old house. Then there were Hanzo's amber colored eyes, his 'wolf eyes' often conjured dog insults from his tormentors. All around Hanzo and his father were the outcasts, and because of it he got harassed. Kids could be cruel sometimes.
At first Oda told his son to ignore it, saying that it'd pass, but it didn't. Eventually his son snapped and fought back. That didn't end well for Hanzo and he ended up coming home beaten and bruised. After that day his son's temper began to turn rash so Oda decided it'd be best to teach him martial arts. To help him learn restraint, it worked. To a degree. Hanzo could defend himself yes, but his temper remained and combined with his developing skill wasn't a good combination. Oda's son was still young though, restraint would take time to develop. Still that wouldn't save him from a talking to.
"Regardless," Oda started sternly, "You let your anger get the better of you and you turned something you could have ended quickly into a real fight." He looked at his son who turned his gaze back to the floor, "Am I right?"
"Yes Father…" Hanzo admittedly bitterly, he curled his young hands into fists. He hated the kids in their neighborhood. Why did they have to bother him? Why couldn't they just leave him alone? Why did they insist in insulting him and his father? What business was it to them? He didn't understand, and he doubted he ever would.
Hanzo looked at his father, he was older than most of the Dads around. He and his Mother had him at a later age in life, but it didn't bother Hanzo he loved his father regardless. He tried his best not to trouble his father but his recklessness got the better of him more often than not. Hanzo took his training seriously and enjoyed it. Though to his disappointment his father never seemed impressed by his progress. Hanzo was doing well for his age, but his father would never admit it. He didn't want to tempt his son to join the Shirai Ryu. The young child always wondered why his father left the clan but his father never spoke about it much. Only saying that he couldn't go on doing what he did, and that it was for his mother…
Hanzo didn't understand what his mother had to do with it, and his father didn't tell him why.
Oda looked at his bruised up son and sighed, there wasn't much he could do against his son. He knew it wasn't completely his fault, but yet he knew if he didn't learn to control his anger it'd only hinder him later in life. Still he had to do something, "We will go on with your training for today. You understand I will be firmer with you because of your actions today."
"Yes Father." Hanzo answered with a bow of his head. He lifted his head when he saw his father move from where he had been standing. The young boy watched as he came over and put an old, yet firm hand on his shoulder. Kneeling a bit due to his tall frame.
"First let's get you cleaned up." Oda said, a faint gentleness to his voice. He truly did love his son, he was the only thing that he had left in this world that mattered. His heart warmed when his son smiled back to him and nodded.
"Come on then." Hanzo's father said as he got back up to his feet and led his son into the living room. After having Hanzo sit down Oda went to go and get the medical supplies to tend to his injuries.
Hanzo looked at a scrape on his arm, caused by being shoved onto a sidewalk. He frowned bitterly at it, as much as his father wanted him to not fight his bullies there didn't seem to be much choice otherwise. He had tried ignoring them, but that was the reason why his father had to start to train him. They wouldn't leave him alone. Hanzo scrunched his nose, stupid jerks thought they could just push him around because they were bigger and older than him. He showed them, first time he punched one of them he'd left him with a nice bruise. Of course, his friends hadn't taken that lying down.
The young boy poked at the scrape on his arm, recoiling slightly when the action earned a spark of pain. He sighed, he hated being hurt it made him feel weak. Sadly he got into a fight at least every other day lately. It mainly happened when he was coming from school, his bullies were too smart to try anything before school. Every school day Hanzo had to walk to and from the bus stop. He frowned, he didn't like school. He didn't like being around other people and being told to do things he didn't care for. Still he did his work, he didn't want to disappoint his father in any other way than his recklessness already did.
Dismissing his bitter thoughts about his life he patiently waited for his father to come back into the room, which only took a moment longer. He heard the sound of a door closing and then his father came back into the living room with bandages, alcohol, and rag. His father came over and wet the rag with the alcohol preparing to clean the small wounds. Hanzo tensed just before his father began cleaning, but it only slightly prepared him from the burning sting of the alcohol cleaning his wound. He bit down on his lip to keep himself from yelping, the sting only lasted a short while, and soon as he was waiting for his father to finish so they could get to his training. This sparked a question.
"What was it like?" He asked suddenly, earning a confused quirk of a brow from his dad, so he expanded on his question, "What was it like being in the Shirai Ryu?"
His question earned a frown from his father, Hanzo frowned slightly knowing he just hit a bit of a nerve. His father didn't liked being questioned about his past, but the boy was curious. How was he supposed to not be curious? He only got more curious as the years went by. Before the look would have discouraged him as quick as his father made it but not his time.
"Father please?" Hanzo begged, "I just want to know. I already promised not to join it!"
Hanzo didn't truly understand what he had promised. His father had told him what he did as a ninja, how terrible it was but as a child the magnitude of taking a life was a bit out of comprehension. He knew it was bad, but only barely grasped how bad it was. Joining a clan of ninja was equitable to joining a club to the child. Only when he got older would he truly understand just what his father had done, and that he should avoid following in his footsteps at all cost. This Ode knew, every year he made his son promise the same thing on the day of his birth to keep the promise fresh in his mind. The father knew what waited for him in the afterlife and he didn't want his son to suffer it. This was what he had promised to his late wife.
Ode sighed tiredly as he continued to clean and bandage his son's scrapes and cuts, "If only to stave off your curiosity."
His son grinned eagerly as he listened to what his father had to say, "I was born into the clan, my father before me had lived and died a ninja of the Shirai Ryu," Hanzo frowned at the grim beginning, he had always wondered why he didn't have a grandfather though. "The same can be said for my mother," He looked at his son sternly, "I tell you this because I want you to know the work I did only brings death."
Hanzo nodded somberly, Ode eyed his son a moment to let that sink in before continuing, "Having been born into the clan it was normal for me. The clan was a community cut off from the rest of the world. It almost seemed to be stuck in the past, but clans like that don't change much no matter how many years go by."
The former ninja's son looked at him taking in what his father had said to him, humming the boy furrowed a brow, "What's a community?"
Ode blinked before chuckling, "A group of people that live near each other my son."
"Ah." Hanzo said as he nodded, his mind putting the definition away to use later. He tilted his head a bit as he thought, it sounded normal to him. It was a group of people that lived together…but did bad things. He furrowed his brow looking back to his father, "Why do they kill people?"
"They do it to get money." Ode answered keeping it simple this time, he didn't want to remain on this topic for long. By now he had finished mending his son's scrapes and cuts, he'd put some ointment on his son's bruises after training.
Creasing his brows Hanzo thought about his father's answer, "For money?" He repeated as he came to a realization, Hanzo stared, eyes wide, at his father, "People give them money to kill people!?" Even as young as he was Hanzo knew that was very wrong. That isn't right! Hanzo tried wrapping his mind around the reason but the more he tried the more confused he became, "Why? Why would people want to do that!? I don't understand!"
Ode listened to his son's shocked ranting, eyes and voice even he says, "You know I killed for money as well son."
Hanzo stopped speaking staring at his father trying to understand why his dad would do such a thing. He tried to speak but he couldn't think of anything to say. For a long while he just stared at him, and his father patiently waited. His father killed for money? That was bad! But, his father wasn't bad…his father was good to him. Strict at times yes but he never hurt him...The more he thought about it the more he got confused. In the end all Hanzo could manage was, "Why?"
"Because it was the only option I had." Ode answered honestly to his still shocked son, he looked at him like he suddenly didn't recognize him. It hurt him but he knew this day would come, but it was better it happened now rather than later. Children were more forgiving than teenagers or adults. They could still hold a grudge but not to the same effect, or so he hopped that was right.
He frown changed to worry when silence fell between him and his son. This was why he didn't want to discuss this with his son, he didn't want his view of him to change. His son was always so proud to have him as his father…he didn't want that to change to anything else. Carefully to avoid startling him Ode stroked his son's head again, "Do feel ashamed of me son?"
Hanzo snapped from his shocked confusion at his father's words and answered immediately, "No!" He yelled, before more quietly saying, "No Father…You, like you said. You didn't have a choice…."
Ode looked at his son softly, he could tell he was very confused and conflicted. The father worried for a moment, maybe he had said too much. Was it too much for his son to process? He lowered his head a bit, too late to take it back now. In a gentle manner he hugged his son, still relieved to hear what he had said. Hanzo looked up at his tall father, it wasn't often his father held him like this. So he enjoyed every time it happened, he felt safe this his father no one could harm him when he was with him. He felt his confusion drift away as he returned to hug. Ode looked at his son, a faint smile on his face, "Thank you son."
Hanzo closed his eyes as his father held him. "It's okay Father."
The boy opened his eyes when his father pulled away from him, he looked up at him waiting to see what would happen next. His father stroked his head one last time before saying, "Come let us get to your training for today. Remember I won't be going easy on you because you have a few bruises."
His son grinned up at him as his father stood up, he didn't mind that. He loved to be challenged, it helped him get stronger faster! He nodded eagerly causing his father to chuckled, "I know father!" He exclaimed before rushing down the hall, towards the backward where they trained.
"Begin." Ode said as he watched his son go through his move sets, watching for any slight sign of error. Though he was no longer Shirai Ryu he still trained his son in similar manners he had been trained. That meaning he was strict; however, he was kinder than his mentor had been after all he didn't want to treat his son in the same manner. He had been trained by his father as well, but his had been a near cruel taskmaster. Ode didn't think badly of his though it was his teaching that ensured he survived long enough to have a son.
"Fix your form Hanzo, put your foot forward more, and straighten your back." Ode instructed sternly immediately his son stopped what he had been doing.
"Yes Father!" Hanzo called fixing himself, he looked to his father for approval when he nodded his son smiled slightly.
"Begin from the start," Ode instructed, his son nodded without protest and began his set over again. The father nodded approvingly and allowed his son to begin the next one. Ode was proud of his son, the sad thing was he knew he had a good fighting instinct because of the outcomes of his fights against the bullies. The more he learned the less injured he came back. The only reason Ode didn't interfere was because he worried about the backlash from the kids parents, because he would physically defend his child. However, if Hanzo got any bad injuries then he would punish the kids. So far it hadn't come to that.
By the time they finished the sun was beginning to set, Hanzo had gone through his longer session of training in stride. Though by the end of it he was sweaty and tired but held up well enough overall. Hanzo took a shower as his father instructed, which during that time Ode cooked dinner for the two of them so by the time his son was clean and dry the food was ready. As they ate it was quiet the two not really needing to talk as the company between them was enough for them. Looking up Ode could see his son was contemplating whether or not he was going to say something. The father said nothing waiting to see if his son was going to voice whatever it was he wanted to say. Only if it seemed like he decided against it would he ask what was on his mind.
"Father." Hanzo said as he looked at his father, it was clear he was going to ask something.
"Yes Hanzo?" Ode inquired casually as he continued to eat.
"When will you teach how to use the chained Kunai?" Hanzo inquired curiously as he looked to his father who was sitting across the small table from him. The chained Kunai was his families' signature weapon, they were known for using it expertly despite how difficult it was to master. The weapon was currently hanging in his father's room, the Kunai still sharp, still deadly. The weapon originally had a rope, but after repeated breaking his father had changed it to a light but fairly strong chain.
"When you're old enough Hanzo," The former ninja answered calmly, he understood the boy' eagerness to want to learn how to use the family weapon. He too had been enthusiastic to learn at his age. Despite the fact he forbad his son from becoming an assassin he would teach his son how to use the assassination weapon out of respect for tradition.
His son frowned knowing that answer meant he would have to wait a long time but continued to listen as his father went on, "For now it's too dangerous for you to learn that you need to build your skill before you can even use a training version of it. When you're ten you will be given a training version."
"Okay Father…." Hanzo answered disappointedly, he still had several birthdays to go before he turned ten. He poked at his food a bit thinking about it, giving in to his body's need for food he ate quietly.
Ode looked at his son a moment, his disappointment was not lost on him, he hummed thoughtfully for a moment, "But," Hanzo perked for a moment looking at his father hopefully, "You continue to do well in your training then you may start earlier."
"How much earlier?" His son asked hopefully, an excited grin on his face.
The boy's father stifled an amused chuckle, he wanted to keep a firm front as to not get the boy's hopes up in case he wasn't ready earlier. Keeping his voice normal he answered, "Perhaps when you're nine, or even eight but I won't teach you any sooner than that and that's if you keep doing well in your training Hanzo."
"I understand father!" The boy answered happily, his father's words served to further encourage him to practice and work even harder in his training efforts. Something that the boy would keep up with for the years to come. As was Hanzo Hasashi's nature, once he put his mind to something it was nigh impossible to discourage him. This his father knew.
"Good, now finish your food." Ode instructed, his son nodded and went back to eating. Giving his son a slight smile Ode went back to eating himself. The rest of the meal went by peacefully and quietly.
After dinner, Ode went to his room while his son went to his. Coming into the adequately sized room he looked at the chained Kunai that had been the topic of their conversation at meal time. The former assassin hadn't taken the weapon from its spot since he had left the clan. Unlike the Shirai Ryu's longtime rivals the Lin Kuei, one could leave the clan, but they'd be monitored for the rest of their lives…Ode glanced out the windows, he could sense their presence at times, and at time he could spot them in the distance, watching him and his son. He never feared his former clan mates harming Hanzo, they had more honor than that, what he worried about was them recruiting him when he was older. If they were keeping an eye on him, which he knew they were, then they'd see how his son was talented.
Ode sighed picking up the chained Kunai, holding the spear in on hand and the other holding the bundle of metal chain before sitting on his bed examining the weapon. It seemed he had sadly passed on that trait to his son. As for his son's anger, Ode admitted he had a temper when he was younger, so had his mother at times. So they both had chipped in on that respect. Ode smiled slightly, Hanzo looked a lot like he did when he was his age, and he reminded him a lot of himself really. He just hoped he wouldn't make the same mistakes he did.
Looking the Kunai at the end of the chain Ode felt a nostalgic feeling come over him, he had wielded this weapon for many years of this life. Though it was clean now the deadly point of the Kunai had tasted the blood of many people. As much as he regretted that Ode couldn't help but feel a strange fondness for the weapon. It had seen him through many years and helped support his family. It saddened him sometimes to see it hanging up on the wall, unused but he knew it was for the best. He couldn't go back to the clan now, not that they wouldn't accept him back. If he did go back he'd be made a teacher but Ode knew he wouldn't be able to stomach teaching others to kill for money, not now.
"Father." Ode looked up from the weapon to his son who was standing in the doorway to his room. Hanzo looked tired, the exercise he had been through finally effecting him, but he seemed determined to remain awake. He walked over to his father looking intently at the chained Kunai, "What are you doing with the Kunai?"
"Just thinking Hanzo." Ode said to his son as he looked over the point of the blade, he frowned slightly seeing it was sharp. Out of compulsion he had sharpened it before he stopped using it.
Hanzo pulled himself up onto the bed his father was sitting on, "Thinking about what?"
"Just thinking." The boy's father answered, he didn't want to bother his son with his rather depressing thoughts. Especially not before bed.
Figuring his father wouldn't give him a real answer Hanzo held his hand out to the Kunai, "Can I hold it?"
Ode looked at his son then to the Kunai, he was present at the moment, "Alright but only hold it. Don't swing it around, you know very well that it is not a toy."
Hanzo nodded curtly, he was too tired to think of such a thing at the moment, he just wanted to look at it. Grabbing hold of the weapon he was surprised by how heavy it was, the way his father held it made it seem lighter. Then again he wasn't even half the size his father was. He looked the Kunai over absentmindedly, the chain really made it feel more weighted than the actual Kunai was. He wondered how his father managed to toss the thing around when he was younger, but eventually he'd learn how too. The weapon didn't have much detail in it, but it didn't need to in order to serve its purpose. Handing it back to his father he yawned, "I'm going to go to bed now father."
Ode nodded to his son, "It is time for you to go to sleep. Go on, I'll be there in a moment." Hanzo nodded absently, his mind was beginning to drift off he was only responding to what he assumed his father would respond with. The older male watched as his son shifted his way out of the room, once he was gone he got up and put the chained Kunai back where it had been before. He looked at the weapon he had used for so long, it was bitterly sad to see it in such a state but that was the way it needed to be. Put safely away, out of use, so no one else would die.
By the time he reached his son's room Hanzo was already asleep, tucked away in bed. The peaceful sight made Ode smile as he silently walked over to his son. Years of assassin training hadn't nearly began to leave him, so his footsteps didn't make a sound. He adjusted the blanket over his son to ensure that he stayed warm through the night. Looking at his sleeping child, he hoped his life would be better lived than his. He was young and had much to live for in his lifetime. Ode stroked his son's head for the last time for the day.
"Learn from my mistakes my son."
This story is supposed to line up with my "Lin Kuei Beginnings" story and "Broken Chains" story, but you don't really need to read them to understand this, but I would like it if you took a peak at them :)
Admittedly it's pretty...weird writing Scorpion like this. I actually sat back and thought that several times to myself while writing this. His back story didn't give me much to work off of. His Father had left the Shirai Ryu and forbade his son from joining it. That and Scorpion didn't have enough money to provide for his family, so he was poor. That's literally it. Though it does give me some wiggle room to interpret it.
Of course Scorpion can't not have anger issues. That'd bee too weird.
Also gotta build to the level where you resurrect yourself via rage yeah still don't dig the whole being Quan Chi's servant thing. Re-birthing yourself through your own rage is cooler to me but meh.
Also this will go through him falling in love with Kana his wife so yeah romance. Kana is his cannon wife for those not aware.
Eventually I will get to the badassery though! Just hang on with me. I want to get to that just as bad as you do!
(Also first time in a long time I don't have a prologue ! O.O)
Thanks to my friend RenagadeRexSphinx for the story title~!
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